A Guide To El Salvador Church, Nerja

Things to do/highlights

Dominating the town center, Nerja’s El Salvador Church is a much sought-after wedding spot, but this baroque-style church has many features that will capture your imagination and leave visitors awestruck! This white church is off the Balcon de Europa and it is easy to locate as it lies in the town’s center. It’s also one of the few spots in the world to have representations of all three archangels! Moreover, Nerja’s patron saint Michael is celebrated during the Nerja feria in October. Here are some things that the church is famed for.

Three naved cross

The Spanish church has been constructed as a three-naved cross and its central area is covered with woodwork, adding to the atmosphere. El Salvador Church also has half-barrel vaults in the center area. There is also a bronze statue of Jesus.

Wooden ceiling

The church has a huge vaulted ceiling that is fashioned from wood. The windows of the church are huge and airy, and they lend a serene feel as the light filters in during the day. It also has painted ceilings and rounded archways that visitors will marvel at.

Get mesmerized by the ornate altar

The church has a serene atmosphere and it is quite ornate. Make sure you light a candle when here.

Marvel at the intricate ceramic tile plaques

The church’s front boasts two massive ceramic tile plaques. One of these details its history, whereas the second depicts a religious scene.

Captivating 18th-century frescoes

The church has lovely 18th-century frescoes that adorn the Evangeline nave, as well as a mural by the famed Spanish artist, Francisco Hernandez.

Lifelike replica of Jesus

As visitors exit the church, to their left, they can spot a lifelike replica of Christ post-crucifixion. The statue is covered, in part, by the shroud and one can espy the wounds!

Norfolk Island pine tree and bell tower

Outside the church’s main entrance, visitors can see the massive Norfolk Island pine tree. This tree was brought in the early 20th century to the town from Latin America, and it is a prominent feature of the church. You will also see the stunning four-sided bell tower, which dates back to 1724 but has been reformed.

What to eat

Nerja offers excellent restaurants with the right ambiance for romantic outings. Mediterranean food made from local produce is the choice of most visitors. Here’s a look at some things to try out when in town.

Try local Moscatel wines

Head to Los Bilbainos - a tapas bar - which is close to Plaza Cantarero, and sample some delicious Moscatel wines!

Eat some Pasas

Make sure you try some pasas, or sundried raisins, which are delicious!

Dig into Tortas

If you have a sweet tooth and love cakes then head to Pasteleria Ortiz to try some local delicacies, especially their tortas!

Fried sardines

The region is famous for its seafood so how can you not have the local delicacy of fried sardines when in Nerja!

Try some Pochero

Make sure you eat some Pochero, which is a traditional Spanish stew served with tortillas.

Travelers tips

What kind of weather to expect

Nerja’s unique geographical location - it is surrounded by the Sierra Almijara Mountain range - makes its weather ideal during both summer and winter. The high summer temperatures do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius, and the worst winters don’t go below 10 degrees Celsius.

Plan ahead for Nerja feria

If you want to see the image of Archangel Michael being paraded through the town, one of the few places in the world, then make sure you plan a visit in late September or early October as that’s when the run-up to the Nerja feria happens!

Plan for the blessing

If you want to get a blessing done at the church, check ahead for the timings and bookings. Non-Catholics can have an Anglican blessing.

Avoid weekends

Avoid going to the church over the weekend as most weddings take place on Saturday or Sunday. The wedding crowd would mean less ease to explore and more restrictions.

Parking payments

If you are ready for a five-minute walk from the far end of the city center, then you can park your car for free in the open area visible from the N-340. Or you can park in the two municipal car parks that are full during summer. For an hour, peak rates during heavy summer rush will cost you 2.06 USD (1.8 EUR) and for 12 to 24 hours, it is 30 USD (18.3 EUR).

Locate the ATMs

In summer, due to heavy rush, many ATMs may run out of money. Hence knowing some ATM locations may come in handy. Balcon de Europa and Plaza Ermita are the two areas with many ATMs. Near Burriana Beach, one ATM is at the eastern end of the beach street.

Pre-book taxis

It is advisable to pre-book taxis, rather than jumping into a parked one, to save on costs and stay safe.

How to get there

Nerja is accessible by all means of transport from anywhere in the world. The El Salvador Church is located at the heart of the town and once you get to Nerja, locating the church is quite easy. It is by Balcón de Europa and close to the erstwhile Guards Tower. There are multiple ways to get to Nerja town and these are listed below.

By water

If you come by a cruise ship, the Malaga Port has ample facilities to anchor it. From there, it is only 67.7km (42 miles) to Nerja. There are a lot of taxis and blue buses to take you there.

By air

The Malaga Airport is also of the same distance as that from the port to Nerja.

By train

From any European city, it is easy to reach the Malaga Railway Station courtesy of the excellent European train services. There is also an underground train that connects the Malaga Airport to Maria Train Station. From the Malaga Maria Zambrano Train Station, there are plenty of buses and taxis to Nerja, which is 67km (41.6 miles) away, and it is approximately an hour-long journey.

By bus

Reaching Nerja from the airport or port is only from the Malaga Bus Station. From the airport, you can come to the bus station via the underground train. The bus journey takes an hour to one and a half hours to reach Nerja and it costs around 5.69 USD.

There is one bus every 30 minutes from 6:30 in the morning to evening, from terminal 3 of the airport, reaching Malaga bus station within 15 minutes. You can board and alight this bus at the Avenida Pescia, where there is a small ticket office on the northern side.

By car

A car ride from any European city is the best mode of transport to reach Nerja. With high competition, the rates are low and you can also enjoy the European landscape throughout the journey. However, be prepared to pay the high parking fee.

El Salvador Church, Nerja, information

Address: Balcon de Europa, Nerja Spains

Official website: El Salvador Church, Nerja

Department of tourism: Spain Tourism

Opening hours: Worship hours (Mon - Fri)

Entry fee: Free