Where To Stay In Nerja, Spain: 10 Best Spots In Costa Del Sol - Updated 2024

where to stay in nerja
Anne
Anne 
Updated
| 6 min read

Nerja is a charming and typical Andalusian white village, located on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. The town is a mix of the original old town and more modern urbanizations and apartment complexes. Nerja also has gorgeous, sandy beaches, backed by rocky cliffs, and many other attractions.

To know where to stay in Nerja, Spain, we’ve outlined some of the best locations along with recommended accommodations in each area.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on January 31, 2024.

1. La Caletilla Beach area

This small, but lovely beach is located directly in front of, and below the Balcón de Europa in Nerja. The beach is only 50 metres (164 ft) in length, with a width varying from 15 to 30 metres (49 to 98.4 ft). There is only one restaurant, Bar y Restaurant El Náutico, part of the Hotel Balcón de Europa, which is located on the beach. While the prices are a little high, the food is excellent and the terrace offers beautiful views across the beach and sea. This beach is a little more difficult to access, as you have to head there from the neighbouring Calahonda Beach or from the hotel itself.

The following accommodation options come highly recommended by previous visitors to Nerja and are within a short distance of La Caletilla Beach.

Hotel Puerta del Mar

Address: Carmen, 4, 29780 Nerja, Spain (see map)

Stayed at this property?

2. Burriana Beach area

Hotel Casa Mercedes - view from balcony
Source: Booking.com

Playa de Burriana is one of the most popular beaches in Nerja. The beach stretches for 800 meters (0.5 mi) and is 40 meters (131 ft) wide, with fine golden sand. The beach is located at the end of Calle Filipinas, which is known for its steepness. However, the journey down (and up again) is well worth it. The beach is a favourite with visitors, offering excellent services and a pleasant promenade with a selection of restaurants, bars and shops. Here you will find sun beds, showers and toilets and play areas for the kids, along with all the popular beach sports, like volleyball, parasailing, pedalos, kayaks and jet skis. There is even a diving centre for those who feel more adventurous. The beach also offers some of the best chiringuitos (beach bars and restaurants) in Nerja, serving the freshest catch of the day, seafood and delicious paellas.

The following guest-recommended accommodation options are convenient for Burriana Beach, giving the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy your holiday.

Hostal Casa Mercedes

Address: María de Waard, 18, 29780 Nerja, Spain (see map)

Stayed at this property?

3. Carabeo Beach area (from USD 53)

One of the smaller but equally mesmerizing cove beaches in Nerja is Carabeo Beach. The shore is only 120 meters (393 feet) but it still attracts a lot of visitors due to its pristine beauty and calmer waves. Getting to the beach isn’t exactly easy, especially to those who have trouble with mobility, as you’ll have to get through some pretty steep walkways and steps. Since the beach cannot accommodate as many visitors as the other Nerja beaches, facilities and convenient services aren’t readily available. Carabeo Beach is ideal for those who just wish to enjoy nature as it is.

Stayed at this property?

CARABEO 72 MENYBER

Wifi Available

Address: Calle Hernando de Carabeo # 72
3.01 km (1.9 mi) from Fundación Cueva de Nerja

24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Internet services Safety deposit box Canoeing Hiking Tour desk

4. El Capistrano, Nerja

El Capistrano Villages is an attractive urbanization and holiday resort full of lovely villas and apartments, all surrounded by green and pretty gardens and trees. Built in the form of a typical Andalusian white village itself, El Capistrano is located in a quiet area on the outskirts of town. Because it is so close to the Mediterranean Sea, the resort enjoys an excellent micro-climate, meaning that the temperatures are hot (but not excessively so) in the summer months, but mild in winter with almost continuous sunshine.

You don’t need to leave El Capistrano, as it is a village all of itself, with a restaurant, bar, mini-market and laundry available to residents. There are also several swimming pools dotted around the village including children’s pools. However, for those wanting to explore, it is only a five-minute drive, or 20-minute walk, into the centre of town and Burriana Beach. For those who prefer not to rent a car during their holiday, there is a regular bus service available to Nerja town centre and back.

The following Nerja apartments and accommodations come highly recommended. Both options offer a range of lovely villas and apartments to suit all family or group sizes.

Nerja Villas-Capistrano

Address: El Capistrano Village, 29780 Nerja, Spain (see map)

Stayed at this property?

5. Torrecilla Beach area

Second only to Burriana Beach among Nerja’s sun and sand spots, Torrecilla Beach is located at the western end of the town. The beach is of Blue Flag rating and runs along the coastline, close to the remains of an old Moorish watchtower. Torrecilla Beach is easy to access and has a pleasant promenade with two restaurants serving snacks and meals at affordable prices. In the summer months, various refreshment kiosks pop up along the beach. There are a number of other restaurants and bars within easy walking distance. The beach has coarse sand with fine pebbles, and runs for around 300 metres (~0.2 mi) with a width of 40 metres (131 ft). Sun beds and parasols are available for hire. When swimming or snorkeling close to the watchtower, please take care as there are dangerous currents. The beach does, however, have lifeguards during the summer months.

The following are a couple of guest-recommended accommodation options close to Torrecilla Beach, which is one of the highly recommended Nerja places to stay.

Apartamento Torrecilla Mar

Address: Calle Torrecilla 2, Edificio Torresol, Apartamento 6, 29780 Nerja, Spain (see map)

Stayed at this property?

6. Parador area (from USD 142)

Sitting atop a cliff along the beautiful coast of Málaga, the Parador area is one of the prime locations in Nerja when talking places to stay. Burriana Beach is minutes away from the district. It’s a central point in Nerja, and getting to the town center and main beaches will not be a challenge. Consider staying at Parador de Nerja, in which rooms have a balcony that boasts majestic views of Costa del Sol. Nearby restaurants with old Andalusian charm serve some of the best Mediterranean dishes you’ll ever have.

Stayed at this property?

Parador de Nerja

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Almuñecar, 8
2.68 km (1.7 mi) from Fundación Cueva de Nerja

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Garden

7. Balcón de Europa area (from USD 151)

Balcón de Europa is one of the most prominent areas in Nerja. Literally translating to “balcony of Europe”, it has one the best views of the Mediterranean Sea. After all, it wouldn’t be named the Balcony of Europe for no reason! Staying in the area is a front-row seat to the vibrant local scene in Nerja. Artists, musicians, and other talented locals showcase their work to entertain spectators. If you wish to see more of the area, consider staying at Hotel Balcón de Europa.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Balcón de Europa

Wifi Available

Address: Paseo Balcón de Europa, 1
3.38 km (2.1 mi) from Fundación Cueva de Nerja

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre

8. Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo area (from USD 84)

Nerja is a destination where you won’t find any dull areas. For such a small municipality, Nerja offers so many amazing places to see and things to do. Adding to the best spots in town is the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo. This seaside gem is perfect for peaceful walks with your loved ones. Nearby mountains and coves fill the vista that we’d bet you wouldn’t want to forget. It is also one of the quieter areas in Nerja, so if a peaceful retreat is what you’re looking for, book a stay in the area!

Stayed at this property?

Cortijo la Venta

Wifi Available

Address: Diseminados
5.41 km (3.4 mi) from Fundación Cueva de Nerja

Parking Pets allowed Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Internet services

9. Nerja City Center (from USD 48)

If you’re in Nerja mainly for the shenanigans downtown, then you should definitely book your accommodation in the city center. Our recommendation for this area is Hotel Tres Soles, which is right in the middle of Old Town. Still, staying at the city center doesn’t steer you away from the serene beaches of Nerja, such as Calahonda, Burriana, and Carabeo. Some of the other attractions nearby are El Salvador Church and Balcón de Europa. Start your trip to Nerja this instant!

Stayed at this property?

Hostal Tres Soles

Wifi Available

Address: Hernando de Carabeo, 40
3.12 km (2.0 mi) from Fundación Cueva de Nerja

Garden Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Family rooms Internet services Tour desk Heating Luggage storage

10. Frigiliana (near Nerja)

If wishing to stay near — but not in — Nerja, Frigiliana is a quaint and very beautiful Andalucian white village, located 16 km (~10 mi) from town. Frigiliana is quieter than Nerja and an excellent choice for a relaxing holiday. The town has winding, cobbled streets, with beautifully maintained white houses with colourful red slate roofs and flowers blooming on the balconies. As you stroll the streets, you get tantalizing glimpses of the surrounding countryside, right over to the sea. The town has been voted the “prettiest village in Andalusia,” and for very good reason. The village is in two distinct halves, with the newer section and the older, historic Morisco-Mudéjar part of the town.

The older part of town is the recommended place to be, with its winding streets and historic monuments and buildings. However, bear in mind that Frigiliana is built on a mountainside, around 300 metres (~984 ft) above sea level, and the streets are steep. The quality of the restaurants and bars in the old section of town make those steep streets totally worthwhile, with delicious dishes and terraces overlooking amazing views. The area also offers great fresh air options, with hiking in the Sierra de Tejeda Almijara Natural Park, or picnics on the Rio Higueron and Rio Chillar. There is also a natural swimming pool available, which is always fun on a hot summer’s day.

Getting to and from Frigiliana to Nerja is relatively easy, with a drive of 16 km (~10 mi) by car, or you can use the regular buses running between the two towns, which take approximately 15 minutes.

The following are some recommended accommodation options for your stay in Frigiliana, both of which are recommended by previous guests.

La Perla de Frigiliana Bed & Breakfast Deluxe

Address: Loma La Casilla, 29788 Frigiliana, Spain (see map)

Stayed at this property?

Enjoy your visit to Nerja!

Make your trip worth remembering by booking the best places to stay in Nerja. Once you know where you’re staying, check out the best things to do and places to visit such as the famous El Salvador Church. All in all, Nerja offers one of the best options for a holiday on the Costa del Sol. Endless sun, sand and beautiful surroundings make the perfect destination.

Stayed at this property?

Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Nerja, Spain

1. Which hotels in Nerja are good for families?

Nerja is a destination that is suitable for all kinds of tourists, even families with children. For hotels that are good for families, check out Nerja Villas Capistrano in El Capistrano and Cortijo la Venta in the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo.

2. Which hotels in Nerja have nice views?

For a municipality along the beautiful southern Mediterranean coast, Nerja guarantees its visitors plenty of hotels with great views, most notably Hotel Puerta del Mar and Parador de Nerja. Book your stay now!

3. Which hotels in Nerja are good for couples?

Nerja is a great destination for romantic getaways and honeymoons. If you’re looking forward to a trip with your significant other, book a stay at Hotel Balcón de Europa. Soak in the hot tub and have the most romantic night with your loved one!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Anne Sewell was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Africa - Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and now resides on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain. She loves writing...Read more

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