Nerja is one of those places that is close enough to visit easily and more often during your stay at Villa Bugambilla. You do not necessarily have to make a full day trip. It is just as nice to go for a morning visit to spend a few hours of shopping, or enjoy the Tuesday market or drive there in the evening for dinner.
We like Nerja because it has a different atmosphere from Almuñécar. Nerja is more touristy, with a lively holiday feeling, small shops, restaurants, terraces and sandy beaches. Almuñécar feels more local and less touristy. This is exactly what makes it a pleasant place to stay.
It is not the quietest place on the coast, but sometimes we like that too. When we feel we need a little more energy around us, Nerja gives us that real holiday vibe for a few hours.
Only 20 minutes from Almuñécar
One of the nice things about Nerja is how close it is. From Villa Bugambilla in Cotobro (Almuñécar), you can reach Nerja in about 20 minutes by car if you take the main road.
However if you are not in a hurry, there is a much more scenic option. After La Herradura, at the big roundabout where you would normally turn towards the motorway, continue straight ahead towards Maro on the N-340. This is the old coastal road from before the motorway existed, and it is a beautiful route with views of the sea, cliffs and coastline.
The N-340 runs on both sides of Almuñécar, and if you enjoy driving and exploring, it is one of those roads you should try at least once during your stay. It seems to go on forever, and every now and then it takes you to surprisingly lovely places along the coast.
So Nerja can be a quick 20-minute visit, but the drive itself can also become part of the experience.
Parking in Nerja
If you visit Nerja by car, it is worth thinking about parking before you arrive, especially in the busy season or if you are going for dinner in the evening.
For the centre, we often use Aparcamiento Carabeo, a large paid public car park near the old town. Our tip is to drive all the way to the back of the car park. From there, you can walk through a small passage and you are almost immediately in one of the shopping streets.
There is also a covered parking garage called Parking Balcón de Europa, which can be a pleasant option in summer because your car stays out of the sun.
The Balcón de Europa
The Balcón de Europa is probably the best-known spot in Nerja, and for good reason. From this viewpoint you have beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline on both sides.
The area around the Balcón is also a pleasant place to wander. You will find terraces, shops, small streets and restaurants nearby. It is not a place where you need a strict plan. You can simply walk around and enjoy the view. Stop for a coffee or a drink, and see where the streets take you.
A different kind of beach
One of the differences between Nerja and many beaches in Almuñécar is the sand. Almuñécar’s beaches include pebbles or a mix of sand and stones. Nerja, however, is known for sandy beaches.
Burriana Beach is one of the best-known beaches in Nerja, with plenty of restaurants and facilities nearby. In our experience, it is a good idea to reserve sunbeds in advance here, especially in the busier months. If you plan to visit Nerja more than once, it can help to pass by Burriana Beach. Choose a nice spot and reserve sunbeds for another day.
Around the centre of Nerja, you will find smaller beaches and coves. Some offer beautiful views of the surrounding cliffs and coastline.
Tuesday market in Nerja
If you enjoy local markets, Nerja has a real good weekly market on Tuesdays from 09:00 to 14:00. It is called Mercadillo de Nerja and it is located outside the old centre. It is best to check the location before you go (just use google maps and look for Mercadillo Nerja).
There is usually parking on the streets near the market. It can be busy in peak season. In the off-season, spaces are plentiful. The market can be a nice reason to visit Nerja in the morning and combine it with a lunch, shopping or a walk through the centre afterwards. Keep in mind that most shops are closed during siësta.
Markets are always a good way to see a slightly different side of a town. You will usually find a mix of clothing, bags, accessories, local products and holiday-style browsing. We especially like the colourful Spanish ceramics and tableware you often see at markets like this. If you want to take something home, they usually wrap it carefully for you so it can travel in your suitcase.
It is not something you need to plan your whole day around, but it can be a fun start to a relaxed visit.
Shopping and dinner in the evening
Nerja is also a lovely place to visit later in the day. The town has many small shops, and in the evening the centre feels lively and relaxed. It is a nice option if you want to go out for dinner somewhere different without driving too far.
Around the high season, restaurants in the centre can be quite busy. If you have seen a restaurant you really like, we recommend making a reservation. You can call them, send an email or check whether they offer online booking. That way, you can enjoy the evening without having to walk from restaurant to restaurant hoping to find a table.
One of our own favourite restaurants in Nerja is Pacomari. It has a Spanish patio tucked away behind a wall on the street in the middle of town. We are really in love with this place.
Although it may not be the highest-rated restaurant in Nerja, we have honestly never been disappointed. We have eaten here several times. The menu has photos of the tapas, which makes it easy and fun to choose several small dishes together.
It is one of those places where the setting, the food and the atmosphere all work really well together. If you would like to eat here during the high season, we recommend making a reservation through their website in advance.
For us, this is one of the nicest ways to enjoy Nerja: arrive later in the afternoon, walk through the streets, do a little shopping and then enjoy dinner. It gives you that real holiday vibe, but without needing a long excursion.
Back to the calm of Almuñécar
Nerja is lively, pretty and fun to visit, but we also appreciate coming back to Almuñécar afterwards. That contrast is actually one of the nice things about this part of the Costa Tropical. You can enjoy a more touristy town when you feel like it, but return to a place that feels more local, relaxed and real.
From Villa Bugambilla in Cotobro, Nerja is close enough for a short visit, a market morning, a shopping afternoon, a beach day or an evening out. And when you come back, the private pool, terraces and peaceful garden are waiting for you again.