Nerja Favorites

Favorite thing: Our first visit to Nerja started out from Torremolinos as per this terrain map. After we made the short drive east from there to Malaga's airport to drop Sue's sister off, we were on our own with no planned accommodations. We decided to keep heading east along the coast until we almost reached the spot where the red Nerja 'arrow' comes ashore. It was there that we took a short loop up into the coastal mountains to check out the 'white villages' of Sayalonga and Cómpeta. By the time we finished with them and completed our loop back to the coast, we emerged at Nerja and decided we might as well give it a try. It took some doing, but we finally stumbled upon Hostal Marazol right on the Mediterranean shores, which we were delighted with. Since the internet weather forecasts showed rain for the next few days just about everywhere along these coasts, I said to Sue that if it is going to rain everywhere, let's at least go to where we want to be - namely the Atlantic coast that we had not yet touched. Off we went first thing in the morning - all the way to Tarifa.

Fondest memory: We got lucky, because the sun came out for us on the Atlantic coast and we spent 3 days exploring there. As our trip was coming to a close, we had to get back up the Mediterranean coast, so we returned to Torremolinos for New Year's Eve. In the morning, we headed along the coast toward Nerja once more, but this time we veered off into the mountains sooner than last time, as we wanted to visit the inland gorge town of Alhama de Granada - well worth it! Not wanting to backtrack from there, we continued onward almost to Granada itself before turning straight down toward the coast again. Once there, we failed to find any available accommodations in either Lanjarón or Salobreña to the the east of Nerja. That was when we decided to head west the short distance to Nerja, where we hoped Hostal Marazul would put up with us once again. We were very relieved when they did at about 6 PM!

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Favorite thing: The heart of Nerja is its spectacular BALCON DE EUROPA or Balcony of Europe, which is a magnificent promenade along the edge of a towering cliff, with sweeping panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, the small coves and beaches below and the dramatic mountain range - Sierra Almijara.
The Balcon area was originally known as La Bateria in reference to the gun battery which existed there in a fortified tower. It was built in 1487 on the site of a 9th century Moorish Fortress.
The Promenade is lined with palm trees and benches - a real "people" place. On the afternoon we were there, we were treated to a parachutist who was trying to land at the end of the Balcon (Photo 3) . He didn't have much luck as it was quite windy that day. It was still quite fun watching him maneuver his parachute over the cliffs and through the air.

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Favorite thing: The OLD QUARTER if Nerja is still unchanged with narrow, winding streets and whitewashed houses. As you stroll through town, you can't help but feel the excitement of this bustling town. Wonderful tapas bars, brimming with people, mostly standing room only. Wonderful shops! I had no idea Nerja was such a tourist favourite. The last time we were here ( in 2001 ) we did not even visit the town as we visited the Nerja Caves. I'm so glad Hans and I had the opportunity to come here and to top it off, we were with our very special friends. Who could ask for more!!!

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Favorite thing: Completed in 1697 the CHURCH OF EL SALVADOR has three naves with square supports and round vaults. The exterior features a four sided bell tower built in 1724.
The interior features a contemporary mural by Francisco Hernandez Dias, which depicts the "Annunciation" set on one of Nerja's beaches.

Favorite thing: Well, this beach (I am pretty sure this is called 'Carabeo Beach' ) is just a climb down from the Acapulco Apartments. and never crowded in late May.

There is a friendly little bar half way up/down for refreshment and further along, the beach restaurants of Burriana beach.

Lovely!

The climb back up (steps) is a little hard for in the heat if you are not a good walker.

Fondest memory: Never had to hurry.
Lazy days, good food and late nights.

Favorite thing: I simply must tell you about this bar that although being purpose built as a bar near the coach station, never opened and is still empty today.
Perhaps it's the name of the bar. "Boni", or BONY, if you like. You see, it's location is close to the CEMETARY !, which means that, unwittingly, the Spanish have a sense of humour here, or so it would seem.

The bar is located on a quiet back street and probably has very little chance of being opened. At least until the train station is built at Nerja. Then, with increased number of people arriving, it may become a desireable place to open as also may the closed bar called the 'Bus Stop'.

Fondest memory: I have a large section on the bars of Nerja on my Nightlife (Link) section.

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/902ad/3f722/5/?o=1&i=0

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Favorite thing: When on the Costa del Sol, you may like to tune into a Spanish radio station that broadcasts in English for the English comunity who are visiting or live there. the radio station is Coastline Radio. it is on 97.6 FM. They also have a web site
www.coastlinefm.net
Phone nr. 952 534 177

Favorite thing: The General Post office, or Correos, is located on Calle Almirante Ferrandiz; which is better known by the English ex Pat. locals AS Post Office Street for that very reason.

Its location is just up from the Balcon de Europa (right hand fork).

Be prepared to wait in a queue if you need to use the counter services.