Tourist information - Nerja
Located in the historical region of La Axarquía, Nerja is vivid town around the Málaga coast which has a beautiful sea front formed by beaches, coves along with cliffs.
Its historic quarter has great examples of popular architecture, along with great strolls and emblematic areas which includes the Balcón de Europa, a splendid viewpoint on the sea.
The area has been populated since the prehistoric era, as the cave paintings located in the well-known caves of Nerja, referred to as the “prehistoric cathedral”, reveal.
Its busy calendar of festivals, and also the flavourful dishes which make up the local cuisine, boost interesting attractions of Nerja complete.
Nerja, located on the western end of the Costa del Sol, offers all the ingredients to impress any visitor. Its annual average temperature, around twenty degrees Celsius, the beautiful mountain landscape of Málaga's La Axarquía region, as well as a rugged coastline of beaches and cliffs, are just some of its attractions.
The beach of Burriana is among the most important throughout the town. Backed by housing developments, it is an extensive stretch of sand several 700 metres long equipped with an array of facilities and services. Around a cliff overlooking the beach stands the Parador de Turismo.
La Torrecilla, El Salón or Calahonda, this latter one located under the Balcón de Europa, are also beaches in town. On them, the visitor will see everything is to hand: from housing developments, modern hotels and restaurants to shops and areas to employ sports gear. The lively Paseo de los Carabineros promenade provides quick access to the majority of of them.
Emerging coming from amongst picturesque cliffs are usually tranquil coves associated with excellent natural beauty, including La Caleta, la Cala Barranco de Maro or las Calas del Pino. On all of them, as well as being able to delight in a rejuvenating dip, it is possible to accomplish all kinds of aquatic events, through windsurfing to sailing.
The cave of Nerja
The cave of Nerja, discovered in 1959, is among the most town's main tourist attractions. Proclaimed to be a Historic-Artistic Monument, it possess almost two kilometres of underground galleries which are available to the public. Here you are able to experience the astonishing geological formations sculpted from the slow passing of the centuries. High vaults and spacious halls decorated with columns, stalactites and stalagmites have caused it to be known as the “Prehistoric Cathedral”. The Hall of the Waterfall, so-called because of the peculiar shapes formed by its groups of stalagmites, is the remarkable setting for the Cave of Nerja Festival, which, for over three decades, has gathered together the most prestigious figures from the world of music, dance and also the performing arts.
The cave is also of archaeological interest, since it houses a collection of cave paintings attributed to the Palaeolithic period, although remains from other periods, such as Epipalaeolithic or even Neolithic have been found. In the Entrance Hall there's an captivating collection of ceramic pieces, tools and paintings discovered on the site.
The old town
Nerja features great examples of the typical local architecture. Among its sites, it's possible to mention the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, patron of the town. Integrated the 16th century, on the inside are outstanding frescoes which decorate its dome.
Standing around the remains of a historic coastal bastion is among the most town's most emblematic destinations: the Balcón de Europa, nowadays reconstructed as a lively promenade which ends at the outstanding viewpoint overlooking the sea.
Striking one of several coastal architecture are definitely the great many watchtowers which stand in the shore. The Torre de Maro, a fine example of this kind of construction, provides some of the best views of the surrounding area.
In the area of Barranco de la Coladilla stands the Águila Aqueduct. This breathtaking feat of 19th century engineering, still in perfect working order, has four rows of arches along with one another and, in the highest section, an entrance niche and another central niche.
Gastronomy, festivals and also surrounding area
Nerja features a wealth of gastronomic tradition, with delightful dishes like "ajoblanco con uvas" (cold soup with almonds, oil, garlic and also grapes), imagora salad or noodle casserole. From the sea come dishes which include Burriana sea bream on the grill or even fish along with clams with paprika. The raisins from La Axarquía or "torta sanjuanera" (made out of flour, sugar, oil, eggs and aniseed) will round off a tasty meal, always associated with Designation of Origin Málaga wines.
Outstanding among the many local festivals is definitely the Nerja Fair (from 8 to 12 October), in honour of the town's patrons, the Virgen de las Angustias and San Miguel Arcángel. On 15 May, the San Isidro Pilgrimage is held. On the other hand, on the Day of the Virgen del Carmen, on 16 July, an image of the Virgin is carried in procession within the coastal area.
Nerja and its surrounding area, La Axarquía, have numerous surprises in store for the visitor. Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the nearby Maro-Cerro Gordo Beauty Spot, an outstanding headland with cliffs and crowned by a tower. On the north of Nerja is Frigiliana, which has a prehistoric necropolis.
Tourist towns appear over the coast, which includes Torre del Mar or Rincón de la Victoria. A trip inland takes you to Vélez-Málaga, dominated by the castle which gives the city its name. From the capital of the region, you could find villages which have a clear Arab legacy, just like Árchez, Comares, Alcaucín or Viñuela.
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