NERJA
Area: Spain


Location:
On the E side of the Costa del Sol. Malaga 32 miles W, airport 39 miles.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Position:
Below the main coastal road from Malaga to Almeria.

Description:
Its three main industries are tourism, agriculture and fishing. Built on a cliff edge, the focal point of the town is the "Balcony of Europe" (Balcon de Europa). A view-point jutting out to sea in front of the town centre. The inner streets of the town show Moorish influence. Two miles from the town is a gigantic underground cave system, now a popular visiting spot.

Suitability:
Nerja is best suited to middlemarket couples as opposed to the young or families as it offers very little in the way of nightlife, and is more of a quiet resort.

Accommodation:
Very few apartments, nearly all hotels, the majority of which are the small and friendly type. A couple of newer larger hotels.

Shopping:
The majority of shops are among the narrow central streets, selling the usual souvenirs, leather handbags, moccasin slippers and local ceramics, a bargain may be found on the Tuesday morning market.

Beach:
On the whole are poor with gritty sand. There are seven in all, the best being "Burriana" also "La Caletilla", "La Torrecilla" and "Playazo". There are good "chiringuitos" (small restaurant-coffee bars) right on the beach with excellent fish dishes and popular "paella". On some beaches you can witness the fishermen taking in their early morning catch.

Entertainments:
Daytime: caves of Nerja, Balcon de Europa or inland to the pretty village of Frigiliana. Nightlife: very limited.

Eating:
Plenty of restaurants specialising in fish, meats and local cuisine.

Public-transport:
A regular bus service links with Malaga and the towns in between.

Local-excursions:
Granada _ full day, Gibraltar _ half day, Malaga city visit. Wine route (visiting local inland villages).