Self catering in Nerja

Our website is tailored to self catering holidays rentals Nerja and we pride ourselves on offering one of the largest selections of rental apartments and villas all selected with the purpose of providing vacation accommodation.
Nearly all our holiday lettings are privately owned and in most cases you deal with the owners direct or their appointed managing agent.
You can start your search today using our selfcatering accommodation search form below which scans the availability on the majority of our rental properties.
If you are looking for something more specific, for example Pet Friendly rentals or houses that cater for the less mobile you can contact us via our seeker service and we will try and find that perfect home that best suits your needs. Our team have the resources and are only too pleased to take the time and guide you through our selection of properties.
Our site details everything you need to learn about each property including images, rates, list of amenities, view, location to the center, terms, vicinity to the beach and popular areas of town. So if you are new to this area of the Costas renting from us be it apartment rentals in Nerja or house / villa we can assure you that we will do our utmost to find the right place for you and your family.
You will see from our dropdown menu we have listed One, Two, Three and Four Bedroom properties should you wish to browse our portfolio.
Payment for your holiday can be made securely online via credit card ensuring your own protection and privacy.

Introducing the New Nerja Date Range Search

What if you are in a position of total flexibility and not fixed to any given dates then ideally you would want to see what is available between a range of dates right! Well now we have the solution with our unique Date Range Search. You make a search with some basic criteria, Type of Property, Number of Bedrooms even Location i.e Carabeo, Burriana etc or even by a Complex Name - Tuhillo, Rocamar etc and you will see a full calendar with all properties which you can scroll through month on month to see the gaps in availability - Give it a try! GO TO DATE RANGE SEARCH

Let us help you to spend some relaxing days, enjoying your summer vacations in the town of Nerja, Maro, Frigiliana or Torrox Costa, view our properties and select which one suits your dates and budget.

Getting to Nerja

The bus transfer from Málaga airport to Nerja is by far the cheapest way to get to your destination and comfortable as they use air conditioned coaches and it is very cheap! Currently around 6 Euros!

From the airport to Málaga the train is both quicker and cheaper. The station is clearly marked from the arrivals area. You need to travel to Málaga Ciry Maria Zambrano station which is right next to the autobus station in the city centre. The train takes approx 8 minutes to reach the station.

Or to take the bus to the main bus station, at the airport outside arrivala stroll across the plaza to the autobus stop. Take the line marked A to Málaga city, this will take you into Málaga central autobus Estation and stops in right next to stand 38 from which the Nerja buses leave. The bus takes approx 25 minutes to reach Málaga.

Once at Málaga go to the terminal building toward the right hand end and look for the "Alsa" cubicles and keep an eye out for numbers 4-6, from which the tickets for the Nerja bus are on sale. There is also a ticket machine by the cubicle with an English option for the instructions. The time of the next bus will be printed on your ticket. Direct buses take around an hour, stopping only at the coastal town of Velez Málaga and Torrox Costa on route. Buses that stop take about 1 hour 45 minutes

Nerja bus station is not like a station as such; it is merely a pull in on the main road large enough for about three buses on either side of the road. The most noticeable thing is that this is where almost everyone will disembark! Look for Café Bar 7 to the right of the bus stop and you are in the right place.

It is worth noting for the rest of your stay that it is at this location that you can catch the bus up to Frigiliana or the Nerja Caves.

Getting around in Nerja

There are a number of ways to get around the town mainly Taxi, Bus or Tourist train. The later goes around parts of the town and makes its way upo to the caves of Nerja. You can catch the train in a number of locations, Plaza Espana which is next to the Balcon de Europa which you will undoubtedly discover during your stay or by Plaza Congrejo which is at Torrecilla beach. As for local taxis expect to pay around 7 euros for a trip across town. Please note that taxis in general will only take a maximum of 4 passengers.

Bike hire is also possible around various places in town. Prices vary from 25-65 euros a day depending on the type of bike you prefer. The town hall is always improving the cycling routes available to cyclists making it a safer environment.

The beaches of Nerja

One of the leading attractions in Nerja is of course its beautiful beaches and stunning backdrop of the Sierra Almijara mountain range. There are many beaches in the local municipality but just a handful which can easily be accessed during your stay. The most popular and largest is Burriana beach or Playa Burriana in Spanish. The beach which is located on the East of town has everything you need if you want to park yourself there for the day. You will find public toilets, beach showers and changing rooms in various locations along the beach. When it comes to parking we can only say its not great. Unless you get to the beach by 9.30am parking just gets harder and harder, even stressful so if it can be avoided then we would recommend that. There are a number of parking areas away from the beach but in the summer particularly at weekends when more Spanish visit it gets tricky to park.

Like many places along the coast you will see a fair amount of street sellers clearly selling fake goods, handbags, watches etc. If its not for you then just a polite no thanks will see them off. Water sports are readily available and include Stand up paddle and Kayaks. During the summer months you will find para gliding, jet ski hire and Pedalos. There is also a dive center so if you like to Scuba dive or want to take a course in diving it is all available. Kayaking or stand up paddle is a great way to explore the stunning coastline for yourself. You can stop of at other beaches less busy, visit waterfalls and even if you are fortunate see the odd dolfin!

For the kids there are a number of play areas along the beach offering slides and climbing frames. Some of them are placed directly opposite some of the restaurants along the beach so you can enjoy a drink and meal whilst looking over the children.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the beach front catering for all tastes from traditional Spanish, Nepalese, Thai, Pizza, burgers joints and steakhouses. We recommend you try the following.

• Merendero Ayo - Famous for its paella cooked in front of your eye on a huge bonfire its quite a spectacle to see. For sure its not the greatest paella you would have experienced but it does offer good value for money and just the general ambiance and buzz of Ayos is well worth the visit. They do of course offer plenty of other choices - their chicken and chips is quite a treat.
• Wai Wai Wok - Great little place and cheap for some Thai food. Get a box of noodles or rice and sit on the beach with a bottle of wine and watch the sun go down. Another part of this restaurant is Yuu Taley which is more up market and sit down restaurant and very nice.
• Tapas Plaza - Stangely as the name suggests its not actually a tapas place at all, it is infact an amazing place serving some of the best Thai and Balanese food we have ever tasted. Johan the owner and head chef has spent many year in Thailand and bring that experience right to your plate - its amazing!
• Bruxelles - A great restaurant with some fantastic dishes all reasonably priced
• Pahuna Nepalese- This is an amazing place for a curry and the menu has some great dishes - thoroughly recommended
• The Steakhouse - Run by Vicky and Nicki as seen on A New Life in The Sun this restaurant offers a great range of steaks and amazing burgers.
• Bakers Bar - Again a great little restaurant with some lovely dishes. We would recommend the Ribs, Fish and Chips or even the Liver and Onions. Tony the owner and head chef never disappoints. They also do a great breakfast
• Paradise Bar - Again a great little restaurant and cocktail bar. A good range of affordable dishes as well as a good breakfast menu.If you are a footie fan then this is a good bar to watch your favorite match.

When it comes to bars on the beach there are plenty to choose from and of course most of the restaurants will just serve you drinks anyway. Here are a few recommendation:

• Rincon del Sol - Situated at the very furthest point of the beach at the Eastern end this bar often referred to as "The Chill bar" has sofas and cool music and is ideal to watch the sun go down. It also has a restaurant.
• Tropy Sol - Situated at the beginning of the beach at the Western end this Cafe bar is a great place to people watch, grab a coffee and you always get a mini ice cream with it!
• Playa y Sol - Situated along the beach front it has some good outside seating and does some great cocktails. The restaurant itself is superb, the menu is more expensive than most but the food is excellent.
• El Fuego - If you are looking to meet people, watch any of the sports then this bar is the place to be. Dutch run, Antonio and Deborah will always make you welcome. Its very popular with the locals and full of friendly characters so a must visit during your stay,

Calahonda beach is to the left of the Balcon de Europa again a really nice beach but no bars or restaurants currently to hand although there are plans in the near future for that to change. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and there is no access to cars or bikes so you are guaranteed a certain amount of peace however you will always hear the hustle and bustle of the Balcon. The nearest parking which is not free is below Plaza Espana just behind the Town Hall which you will find next to the Church on the Balcon de Europa.

Salon beach just to the right of the Balcon de Europa as you are looking out to sea is a lovely beach accessed by a small path from near the church on the Balcon. There are no bars or restaurants on this beach. The sand on this beach is a lot nicer than many of the others. Its a little finer less gritty. The lack of restaurant or bars on the actual beach is not an issue as it is located right at the heart of Nerja next to the Balcon de Europa where you will find a large amount of places to grab a bit to eat or drink.

Caletilla beach immediately the right of the Balcon de Europa as you are looking out to sea is a lovely beach accessed by a small path from near the church on the Balcon. There are no bars or restaurants on this beach as it is at the far end of Salon beach. You might get the impression that the beach is private and belongs to the Hotel Balcon de Europa but this is not the case and can be used by anyone. The sunbeds however do belong to the hotel.

Carabeillo beach at the far western end of Burriana beach this is a very popular beach accessed from the Carabeo area via steps. There are no amenities here but you can stroll further down the beach towards Burriana where there is plenty to do.

Carabeo beach this lovely beach accessed via Calle Carabeo the street that hugs the coast. The beach is wonderful good for snorkeling but has no amenities. There is no parking close by other than in the paid car park which is just across the street from the walk way down to the beach.

Torrecilla beach is at the west side of the Balcon de Europa and very popular. There are a number of beach side restaurants and amenities. Notably is Plaza Congrejo which has many great restaurants. There is no parking other than what is available in the nearby streets of the town. On Plaza Congrejo that are some kids play areas plus a nice promenade with amazing views back to the Balcon de Europa.

Chucho beach This is a stretch of beach on the western side of Nerja situated between Torrecilla beach and Playazo.

Playazo beach is at the most westerly point of Nerja and the most rustic. There are amenities and some traditional chiringuitos serving food and drink. At the very far end of the beach past the Marinas de Nerja hotel is a little known bar/restaurant - we call it paradise beach and it really is something quite special - good snorkeling to be had here.

Maro beach is to the far east of Nerja and despite this beach not being easily accessible from the town it is definitely worth a visit. From here you can either swim out to or kayak to the Maro waterfall. You can hire kayaks at the beach. There is a small bar at the beach normally only open during the summer months.

What is there to see in Nerja?

Here a some of our top recommendations of place to visit during your stay, some of them you will simply stumble across by default.

• The Balcon de Europa - This is the main focal point of Nerja and a place you will have seen on many a photo. The views are simply stunning not only of the glistening Mediterranean but also the wonderful vista of the surrounding mountain ranges. For here you can really appreciate what a wonderful place Nerja is as in contrast to much of the Costa del Sol it has very few higher rise buildings. If you are fortunate enough to be here when there is one of many precession going on them most likely they will either start or finish right on the Balcon. As you can imagine there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in this area as well as ice cream stands. There is a car park not free sadly just off the balcon behind the town hall.
• Tourist information office - Not a place to see as such but worth dropping in here to pick up any leaflets and find out more about the local area, The office is situated below the Town Hall next to the Church on the Balcon.
• El Salvador Church - Popular for weddings and unmissable this lovely church is well worth a little visit.
• Plaza Espana - This is a relatively new Plaza and still yet to grow to its full potential but year on year new bars and restaurants are starting to populate the square and now it is a lively bustling place with plenty of room for kids to run around.
• Museum of Nerja tucked in the corner of Plaza Espana is the museum. You can learn more about the Nerja Caves (see below) and also close to here you can catch the caves train.
• Nerja Caves The famous Caves are found in the outskirts of the village Maro. They were discovered in 1959 by some young local kids whilst out playing. The caves have appeared in the Guinness book of records for having the largest formations in the world. The Caves are open most of the year They are closed on the 1st of January to celebrate the new year and also on the 15th of May to celebrate San Isidro.

What's on in Nerja?

Here is a list of local festivals - the dates may vary year on year due to Easter variation etc.

• Festival San Anton 16/17th Jan - This is a lovely fiesta which takes place in the small village of Maro which is just up the coast from Nerja some 3km away. With plenty of music, fireworks, bonfires and even blessing of pets and animals it really is fun. San Anton is the patron saint of animals hence the blessings. A great fiesta to kick the year off following New Years eve.
• Nerja Carnival 20th Feb - The carnival precession that works its way across town is simply amazing. You will marvel at the work and dedication the town folk have put into their outfits which they must have been working on all year. It is never the same with new ideas and themes.
• Andalucia Day/Dia del Pedal 28th Feb - Basically independence day for the Andalicia region and in particular Nerja celebrates with the Dia del Pedal - Anyone can join in and get a free t-shirt for the day. Bring your bike and joing over 2000 other cyclists from mums, dads young children and they cycle a route from the Balcon de Europa around the town and end up back where they started. Nothing strenuous and plenty of fun on the way with lots of stops as the roads are closed off and plenty of music on the way.
• Semana Santa (Easter) March/April - The Easter celebrations obviously vat slightly every year dates ranging from late March in to April or all in April. There are plenty of events going on during this period and well worth being here to witness the atmosphere.
• Day of the Cross May 3rd(May Day) - Dotted across town you will soon discover beautifully displayed crosses adorned in flowers often surrounded by small localised parties
• San Isidro 15th May - Usually around the 15th May but could vary by a day or so depending how it falls. This is one of our favorite fiestas one that the whole town shuts down and enjoys. A procession of horses, carts, tractors and well most of the town makes its way from the town center up to the caves of Nerja to take part is a huge open air party with live music and food. San Isidro is the patron saint of farmers and his figurine resides in a small chapel in the grounds of the caves. For this one day he is taken back into town and then taken back to the caves usually on a cart pulled by oxen near the front of the parade. This is an all day party with most bars setting up on the road side and locals alike setting up seating along the route bedded in for the day with food and drink. Its an unmissable event.
• San Juan 23rd June - Another unmissable fiesta the on ans only time of the year when you can legally camp on the beach and BBQ at will. Expect lots of load music, bonfires, fireworks on the beach and partying until late. Tradition is to jump in the sea at midnight to pure yourself as did Saint John the Baptist. Certain beaches are crazily busy in particular Burriana beach which has live music and burning pits of sardines. El Playazo beach very popular with the young Spanish is a mass of tents and bonfires all through the night. Its party time!
• Virgin del Carmen 16th July - The patron saint of fishermen celebrated across town ending in a wonderful procession to the Balcon de Europa and a boat sent out to sea at Calahonda beach.
• Tres Cultures festival Frigiliana 22-25th August - Although dates may slightly vary this is a truly unmissable fiesta based in Frigiliana just 6km inland from Nerja. The festival celebrates the three cultures of the moors, christians and jews which have all had an impact on the village over the centuries. The fiesta is wonderful with live music, mediaeval stalls and crafts together with loads of food stalls. You can take part is a tapas trail across town with usually over 20 bars setting out stools on the street selling one type of tapas. There is a tapas guide with the route marked with all the bars and if you get them stamped on route once you have 10 stamped you can get a free T-Shirt. For a bit of fun many locals have a competition to see who can win the T-shirt the quickest completing all the bars in the quickest time. Extra buses are deployed over the period running regularly from Nerja to Frigiliana and back all day and all night. Buses can be caught at the Nerja bus station.
• Nerja Feria - 9-13th Oct - Dates may vary slightly for this event depending how the weekend falls. Historically most towns have a Feria which traditionally has brought in neighboring villages and country folk. This is a big party with fireworks, fun fares, live music and plenty of events going on during the days. Nerja pretty much shuts down for the period with the exception of bars and restaurants. You will find many areas with things going on. The main open air car park on Carabeo is where the fun fare resides with have plenty of stalls and rides. Plaza Espana traditionally has lost of live music as does Plaza Tutti Frutti.
• New Years Eve - Well this is certainly one way to see the new year in with a bang. Book a restaurant for the evening (pre-booking definitely advised) then wind your way to the Balcon de Europa and enjoy the live music and fireworks at midnight. You will never have seen the Balcon so busy. Typically people will take a bottle of cava with them together with 12 grapes which most restaurants will provide you with but you can buy them in the supermarkets tinned. The plan is to eat a grape on the chime leading up to midnight - its actually not easy but fun!

What sports can you do Nerja?

Here is a list of sports that you can take part in during your stay, thats if you want to peel your self away from the beach

• Sea swimming- seems an obvious mention but the local beaches and bays beyond offer some great sea swimming. Yes it gets very busy during the summer months and there are buoys in place some 200m out at sea to prevent any motorised boats or jetskis from getting too close to bathers. If you are in to swimming for fitness reasons then early in the morning particularly 8.30ish id actually a great time to swim as the water is often calm and you can swim across the bay without any interruption from pedalo's or paddle boards.
• Swimming indoor or outdoor- Nerja offers inside and outside sports pools for the serious swimmers. The pools are laned and there is always a lifeguard on duty. The indoor pool closes in the summer months and the outdoor pool opens. The indoor pool is situated at the sports center at the Eastern end of Nerja near the Carrefour supermarket and Hotel Nerja Club. The outdoor pool is located near the Nerja health center again east of town opposite the Verano Azul complex.
• Kayaks- On Burriana beach you can hire Kayaks and enjoy a paddle out for a few hours and discover the wonders of the coastline here. There are caves to drift into and waterfalls to swoop under not to mention stopping of at the odd beach during your trip. If you prefer you can take advantage of a guides trip. All options can be found at the beach and some places have completely clear Kayaks so you can see right through the water.
• Diving and snorkelling- On Burriana beach there is a professional scuba dive center where you can either start from afresh or join in a boat trip and be taken to some of the best protected waters along the coast for some great diving. Snorkelling is also a possibility.
• Stand up paddle- more and more stand up paddle is becoming popular. As with the Kayaks you can hire a board and go exploring. Boards come complete with life jackets.
• Volley ball- On Burriana beach there are a number of beach Volley nets pegged out. if they are not in use grab a ball and make use of them.
• Bike Hire- There are a growing number of biker hire shops around town which can hire standard bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes. If you really want to explore then a mountain bike is a good option.
• Running- There are plenty of runs around town and on the outskirts of town is you just fancy a little 5 or 10k jaunt. Further afield in the surrounding mountain are a great number of trail runs all accessible without the need of a car. Typical routes are around 10k but can be up to 25k.
• Fitness Gyms- There are a number of gyms you can have temporary membership dotted around town so if you want to keep in trim during your stay fear not.
• Walking and trekking- There are some great walks around Nerja some of which are great to do during the summer months. There are lots of walking groups that can find on Facebook so you can enjoy some company. One of the walks takes you to Frigiliana through the shallow river bed others that take you to views points.

Here is a list of some local walks that you might enjoy.

• San Juan Sugar Mill
• Nerja - Frigiliana walk
• Burriana beach coastal path
• El Pinarillo
• Playa Caleta Maro
• Rio Chillar walk
• Nerja Tuesday Market
• Tennis and Padel- Tennis courts can be found near the Carrefour at the eastern end of Nerja at Club Raquetta. You can hire all you need but most likely you would want to pre-book courts. Padel which is probably the most popular sport in Spain can be played again at Club Raquetta or the Municipal sports center close also to Carrefour and also at the Parador Hotel. Pre-booking is always recommended due to its popularity.
• Boules/Petangue- There are a number of places to play Boules. Either by the Carrefour on the eastern side of town or at Parque Verano Azul on the western side. There are also sand pits at Plaza Congrejo next to Torrecilla beach.
• Skate boarding- Little known about but there is a skate board park close to the Carrefour at the eastern end of Nerja.
• Rock climbing- Look for the Adventure center on Burriana beach and you can find out more about rock climbing adventures.

Things to do during your stay

Here is a list of some things you might like to try whilst on holiday. If you need a break from the sunbed them there are other options.

• Jeep Tours- Take a jeep tour and explore the local mountains with an experienced guide. Check out Life Adventure on Calle El Barrio for the best experience.
• Golf- Although there is currently no Golf facilities in Nerja just 20mins away is a Golf course in Velez Malaga called Baviera Golf.
• Visit the white washed village of Frigiliana- Your holiday would not be the same without a day trip to the beautiful mountain village of Frigiliana. Only 6km away it is easy to get to by bus for just a few euros and you can get the bus at the Nerja bus station.
• Tapas trails- Back in the day we would call this a pub crawl but here we call it a tapas trail - drink but with food thrown in! This is a subject in its own right but there are a great deal of tapas bars in Nerja where you get a free tapa with any beer or wine you buy. Its a great way to spend the evening and although tapa are generally small you will surprised how full you end up, that may of course be related to the drink that went with the tapa! In most bars especially in the old town tapa will be offered to you but don't be afraid to ask. If you see a raciones that is more than a tapa and likely to be charged.
• Cuevas de Nerja- As mentioned earlier on this page the caves are a must visit if you have not seen them before, They really are something special. Enjoy the views at the snack bar on site or take a walk around the grounds. There is a children's play area as well. You can take the cave train from town or even if you drive there is plenty of parking. Or you could walk there taking the old coastal road which is a treat in its own right.
• Buggy Tours- Take a Buggy tour and explore the local mountains with an experienced guide. Again Check out Life Adventure on Calle El Barrio for the best experience.
• Tuesday market- located just North of town is the Tuesday market. A large outside market with many many stools selling all manner of clothes and local produce. On Sundays there is a Rastro market (boot sale) which is more second hand goods but worth a look if you like that sort of thing. East to find just follow the crowds. Buses are laid on to take you to the market.