The Costa del Sol or Sun Coast in Spain is known for its clement weather, picturesque beaches and spectacular scenery – all of which you can enjoy if you spend your holidays in Nerja, one of its towns. You can sample many exciting activities, too, especially if you book a Nerja apartment and stay for a few days.
Spelunking at the Caves of Nerja
The approximately five-million year-old cave complex of Nerja is a must-see attraction for tourists on holidays in Nerja since it offers natural wonders such as the largest calcite column in the world and various remarkable stalactite and stalagmite formations. It also has a show gallery with exhibits of the skeletal remains that were unearthed inside the caves, although most of them are displayed at the museum outside, as well as prehistoric wall paintings, many of which can be seen by joining special tours. There is also a concert hall, where a summer music festival and various concerts and ballet performances are held each year.
Watersports at Burriana Beach
It goes without saying that one of the things to do in Nerja is to relax or have a splash at its idyllic beaches. In fact, many tourists rent apartments in Nerja just for this purpose. The most popular beach is Burriana Beach, which is also the largest in town, as well as the most commercialized. This means that you can easily find sun beds, palm umbrellas, shower facilities and restaurants on this beach or take advantage of its watersports centre and go surfing, jetskiing or scuba diving.
Look out from the Balcony of Europe
For the most breathtaking views of the town and the ocean, go to the Balcon de Europa or the Balcony of Europe, a wide promenade on the site of a 9th century castle so named by King Alfonso XII after being captivated by the scenery, or so goes the popular belief. From here, you can see the surrounding mountains or even catch a glimpse of the African coast. You can also enjoy a fine meal at one of the restaurants here or hire a horse-drawn carriage so you can have a relaxing ride through the town.
Volunteer at the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary
The Nerja Donkey Sanctuary is dedicated to caring for rescue and retired donkeys, although you will also find horses, mules, goats, pigs, dogs and other animals in the sanctuary when you visit. This is one of the most rewarding things to do in Nerja since you can get a chance to help out by feeding, grooming and walking the animals, particularly the donkeys and dogs, aside from simply petting them. If you want to help out further, you can even adopt a donkey for a year. Don’t worry, you won’t have to bring the donkey home. You just have to make a donation.
A Night on the Town
Nerja may not be known for its nightlife but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any clubs or bars. In fact, you will find several as you go around the city during your holidays in Nerja. Most of them can be found around the Plaza Tutti Frutti and Antonio Millon, where there are occasional flamenco shows and parties that run until four in the morning, so no matter where your Nerja apartment is, make your way here for a taste of Nerja at night.
Take a Spanish Class at Nerja Language Centers
If you want to have more fun or get to know the locals better during your holidays in Nerja, you should definitely enroll in a Spanish class at one of the language centers in town. There are several for you to choose from, most of which offer both beginner courses for those who want to learn enough basic Spanish to get by and advanced courses for those who plan to stay in Spain long or become regular visitors. Many of them even offer excursions around the town or to nearby cities, like Malaga and Granada, so you can practice your Spanish while seeing some amazing sights.