Nerja is the main holiday resort on the eastern section of the Costa del Sol and now this former fishing port is arguably one of the most attractive holiday towns, with pleasant roads of whitewashed villas. Unlike many of the towns west of Malaga, Nerja has avoided the tower style developments that are seen elsewhere. Nerja inhabits a valley, with picturesque coves surrounded by low cliffs. Its name originates from the old Arabic "naricha" that literally means "rich in water".

A favourite tourism attraction within Nerja is the Balcon de Europa where there are superb vistas along the beautiful coast. It was named by the King Alfonso, who toured Nerja in 1884 after it was hit by a strong earthquake and now is an splendid esplanade that extends on to a rocky cape. Nearby is the old church of El Salvador, built during the early 17th century and is notable for the bell tower plus the interior which is adorned by early frescoes.

One of the largest attractions locally is the Nerja Caves, just 2.5 miles east of the resort which were found by pure chance by a group of boys 50 years ago, they consist of a long series of vast limestone chambers that were formed about five million years ago. The 100 foot high column in the so called, Catalcysm Hall is the biggest of its kind in the world, with illustrations of goats, deer and horses that are thought to date to around 20,000 bc, alas they cannot be seend by vistors.

Nerja makes a good base for exploring further inland to places like Frigiliana, one of the quaintest villages in this relatively region of La Axarquia, well known for its beautiful countryside. Further east of Nerja is the small village of Maro that clings to a cliff over looking an attractive cove.

In Nerja there are plenty of holiday activities to participate in, such as angling, sub aqua, canoeing, horse riding, trail biking, jeep trips and quad riding. Visitors should ask at the local Tourist Office in calle Puerta del Mar near to the Balcon de Europa for more information.

Nerja fiestas are held at various times throughout the year, like the Fiesta de San Anton in January that is marked by firework displays and carnival processions in Maro village, while the locals of Nerja dance round crosses adorned with flowers during the Cruces de May festival. Also in May is the very colourful Romeria San Isidro, that features processions of fantastic horses. One of the most interesting events in the calendar is the Festival Cueva Nerja, that consists of a series of classical and flamenco displays actually in one of the giant chambers of the Nerja Caves.

Nerja is roughly 30 miles east of Malaga and Alsina Graells runs a good coach service between there and Nerja. There is also regular buses service from Nerja to Frigiliana and the nearby towns of Velez and Torre del Mar.

For lots more vacation advice and tourist information about Nerja, Spain please visit Nerja