Nerja

1. Annual climate in Nerja

Summer average temperatures are 25º C (77 F)with a maximum temperature of 33º C (91.4 F) and a minimum of 17º C (62.6 F).
Winter average temperature is 15º C (59 F) maximum 19º C -66.2 F- and minimum 11º C (51.8F)
The average sea temperature is 24º C (75.2 F) in August and 14º C (57.2 F) in February.

2. Data and description of Nerja

Nerja, leaning on to the sea thanks to its location and traditional economy, is nowadays a real tourist resort without loosing its personality. It is a fishing village with an splendid sea promenade ending at the famous circle over the cliffs known as Balcón de Europa, where the old town narrow, whitewashed and clean streets meet. This old part of the town built as from 1487, melting with the giant of the new town with modern buildings, broad streets and tree lined avenues, keeps its identity with difficulty and distrust. The features of the landscape of this region facing the Mediterranean are the high peaks of the mountain range and the rough mountainsides. These lands, inhabited for a long time by the Arabs, have traditionally been devoted to the production of silks, sugar, molasses and different produce such as sweet wine and raisins.

Nerja is the town of the Costa del Sol which best combines the natural charm and tranquillity of an Andalusian village and the modern services needed by a first class tourist resort.

3. History of Nerja

According to recent archaeological discoveries at the Nerja Caves, the first settlers date back from Paleolithic to Bronze period, going through the Epipaleolithic and Neolithic, with important human remains belonging to Cro-Magnon.

Puente del Águila. Nerja

The first historical records on the Naricha (o Narija) hamlet date back to the Arab dominion. Like other towns in the area in some way Nerja should have depended on Vélez-Málaga, although this does not mean that the town did not have its own entity. In fact Nerja had its own fortress located in the area known today as Pago del Castillo Alto, where this Arab settlement established. Some of these remains are still to be noticed at the angle of the cross of camino de Frigiliana and camino de la Cantera.

In the 10th century a tower was erected on the coastline, similar to the ones existing in other places along the coast.

When the Muslims of Vélez finally surrrendered in 1487 to Ferdinand, the Catholic Monarch, they were followed by the inhabitants of most part of the Axarquía region in this action. In the Christian chronicles this action is reported and Narija, the current Nerja is mentioned in such chronicles.

Balcón de Europa. Typical picture

Once the uprising of the moriscos finished back in the 16th century, a new fortress was erected in the place occupied by the coastal tower of Balcón de Europa, which was later on demolished by the French during the 18th century. After abandoning this former settlement, the people reunited around this fortress.

The Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias was built during the 16th century, a shrine devoted to the Patroness saint of the town. The Granada style dome of this temple is painted with frescoes.

Back in 1655 the population reached the figure of 400 inhabitants and the following streets and squares formed an urban centre: calle del Carmen, Iglesia, El Tajillo, Puerta del Mar, Plaza de Cavana, calle del Corralón, nowadays known as calle Gómez, and calle Granada is started to be laid out.

In 1660 and under the Mayor Mr. Antonio de Villavicencio, the king orders the construction of the Torre de los Guardas, nowadays known as Balcón de Europa. In 1697 the first phase of the El Salvador Parish is finished.

There was an enormous earthquake on 25th December 1884 and due to this unfortunate event His Majesty the King Alphons XII came to visit the affected areas. After admiring the paseo de la "batería" he officially named it as "Balcón de Europa". The Council was also honoured with the title "Most Excellent".

During the first two decades of the 20th century the road to Frigiliana was built and the Promenade Balcón de Europa is planned. The Balcón de Europa is finally finished in 1930, as well as the Cruz and Granada streets. The Municipal Market is opened in 1950.

The discovery of the Nerja Caves in 1956 is the symbol of the new boost and later on came the big tourist boom involving both progress and prosperity, changing the social face of Nerja.

4. Balcón de Europa

The very well known Balcón de Europa, splendid vantage point to the Mediterranean, located right in the middle of the town, was built in 1487 on a former castle dating back to the 9th century, and it is nowadays an imposing vantage point above the sea.

Balcón de Europa. Nerja

5. Nerja Caves

One of the must-see sites in Nerja are the famous Caves (one of them is not open to the public), also known as the Cathedral of Prehistory. Apart from their magnificence, the Caves have 22 paintings probably dating back to the auriñaciense (high paelaeolithic) period and have been declared “Monumento Histórico-Artístico Nacional” (Spanish Heritage Monument). For further information please visit our section devoted to the Nerja caves.

6. Gastronomy in Nerja

Cod fritters

Nerja has a typically Mediterranean cuisine and fresh fish from the area is a real highlight, cod fritters with molasses or fried breadcrumbs.

Nerja offers tapas bars, restaurants, and high quality seafood restaurants where to enjoy delicious meats, seafood and local fresh fish.

Nerja also offers a wide variety of international cuisine bars and restaurants (Italian, Mexican, Indian, and so on).

7. Fiestas tradicionales en Nerja

There are many festivities along the calendar in Nerja, but the most important ones are the Festivities of San Antón in Maro: held on 16th & 17th January, the pilgrimage of San Isidro (14th & 15th May) and the fair, held from 8th to 12th October.

More festivities: Carnival in February, Easter Week, the Cruces de Mayo (3rd May), San Juan (23rd & 24th June), the Nerja Caves Festival (July), El Carmen (16th July) and the fair of the Maravillas in Maro (from 7th to 9th September).

8. Nerja Beaches

For a better description please visit the Nerja beaches page.