Activities to do in Nerja

There are many Nerja activities in and around the town to suit the many visitors to the area. The town is situated on the coast in the region of the Costa del Sol and has a backdrop of the beautiful Sierra Almijara Mountains.

If you like walking, there are many walks in and around Nerja: around the town, the beaches, the mountains and the forests. Guides are available and there is also a good selection of walking holidays available for travellers. Push-bikes can be hired in Nerja if you want to move around the place that little bit faster.

In the town center you can ride in a horse and carriage to take you around the town and down to its older cobbled streets for a spot of sightseeing. If you are interested in the history of old unspoiled Spanish towns then this is ideal for you.

Jeep safaris with guides are available to take you to the surrounding national parks of Sierras de Tejeda, and Alijara y Alhama. In the summer months, the national parks are closed due to fire risk but in the colder months you can be shown around the park and check out the wildlife.

If you are more adventurous, you could try out horse riding, suitable for all the family, or you could try rock climbing in the El Chorro range, where the climbing is set up with routes for all abilities. Whether you are expert or just a beginner you will find a route that will suit your abilities. You can also go abseiling or canyoning: it all depends on how adventurous you want to be. Another popular pastime is mountain biking, and quad biking is also available over the rougher terrain around the area. All you have to do is get in contact with the local outdoor activity centre in Nerja and book whatever activities take your fancy.

Water based activities are numerous including scuba diving as there is a PADI dive centre based in Nerja. You could learn to scuba dive, or if you are qualified to dive already you can go out with a dive guide who will show you the best dive sites. With 12 great beaches around the town you won't be short of diving sites. If you don’t want to dive you could take a ride in a powerboat, or go windsurfing or even parascending. There is the opportunity to go sea kayaking, a great adventure with a guide, exploring all the coves and secluded beaches along the way.

There is good shopping in Nerja and the local markets sell tropical fruit, sweet Spanish wine and locally made olive oil. If you are self-catering, then this is the ideal opportunity to try some local recipes with local fresh produce. Perhaps not one of the more common Nerja activities, but one that is sure to provide delicious results!

If you are around at the right time for some of the local festivals you won’t be disappointed with the street parties and fairground rides. On the 16th of July the Virgin del Carmen festival takes place, where the locals carry a statue of the Virgin Mary through the streets and take it out to sea on a local fishing boat. Another festival which would be worth booking in advance in July is the Festival of Dance that takes place in the Nerja Caves, a very popular tourist attraction.

In fact, of all the Nerja activities available to tourists to this area, the Nerja caves are probably the most attractive, and the reason for most people visiting the town. In fact, they are third most popular of Spain's tourist attractions and were populated from 25,000 years until the Bronze Age and there are still skeletal remains on show.

Another Nerja activity which will be attractive to the more artistic visitor to the town is the art classes. One of the local artists in the area gives art classes to visitors and takes them to the best spots to get the best views for the paintings that the visitors create themselves. Water-colour is a popular medium for painting in Nerja, and the views around the area are ideal for painting.

Most of the Nerja activities available to tourists can be booked online or by telephone. Alternatively, just turn up at the right place and book, and you might also be able to book through your holiday company or through your hotel. Whichever of the activities you choose, it is certain to add to the excitement of your vacation. Surrounded by glorious views, warmth and sunshine, your activities will make your vacation worth remembering for a long time to come.