What to do While on Vacation in Nerja Spain
Monday, November 30th, 2009
Nerja may be one of the smaller and lesser known towns on the Costa del Sol in Spain, but it definitely has much to offer. Indeed, there are plenty of exciting activities you can try out if you spend your holidays in Nerja while staying at a great Nerja apartment. Here are some to get you started.
Spelunking at the Caves of Nerja
The approximately five-million year-old cave complex of Nerja is a must-see attraction for tourists on holidays in Nerja since it offers natural wonders such as the largest calcite column in the world and various remarkable stalactite and stalagmite formations. It also has a show gallery with exhibits of the skeletal remains that were unearthed inside the caves, although most of them are displayed at the museum outside, as well as prehistoric wall paintings, many of which can be seen by joining special tours. There is also a concert hall, where a summer music festival and various concerts and ballet performances are held each year.
Hit the Water at Playa Burriana
Sunbathing is one of the most popular things to do in Nerja, especially on Playa Burriana, the town’s largest beach which is covered with fine sand. If this is what you intend to do for most of your stay, renting one of the seaside apartments in Nerja is recommended. If you’re looking for more excitement, though, you can also rent a jetski and make a splash, try surfing or even get introductory courses in scuba diving. After all, Nerja is considered the scuba diving center of the Costa del Sol.
Look out from the Balcony of Europe
For the most breathtaking views of the town and the ocean, go to the Balcon de Europa or the Balcony of Europe, a wide promenade on the site of a 9th century castle so named by King Alfonso XII after being captivated by the scenery, or so goes the popular belief. From here, you can see the surrounding mountains or even catch a glimpse of the African coast. You can also enjoy a fine meal at one of the restaurants here or hire a horse-drawn carriage so you can have a relaxing ride through the town.
Visit the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary
Donkeys are known for being stubborn but they can also be loving, as you will see when you visit the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary, one of the things to do in Nerja. You will also see some mules and horses here, and even some dogs and goats. For a truly unique and rewarding experience, lend a hand at feeding, grooming and even walking the animals. You can even adopt one of the donkeys for a year by making a contribution to help out.
Nerja Nightlife
The nightlife in Nerja may not be as dynamic as that of other Spanish towns, but it is still something to enjoy during your holidays in Nerja. If you’re staying at a Nerja apartment near the Balcon de Europa, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a good bar or pub where you can drink, dance or simply interact with the locals, although you will eventually have to head out to Tutti Frutti Plaza or Antonio Millon. If you’re staying in Playa Capistrano, though, you will need to go to Burriano Beach or make your way to the town centre, where you’ll have a better chance of catching a flamenco show.
Take a Spanish Class at Nerja Language Centers
If you want to have more fun or get to know the locals better during your holidays in Nerja, you should definitely enroll in a Spanish class at one of the language centers in town. There are several for you to choose from, most of which offer both beginner courses for those who want to learn enough basic Spanish to get by and advanced courses for those who plan to stay in Spain long or become regular visitors. Many of them even offer excursions around the town or to nearby cities, like Malaga and Granada, so you can practice your Spanish while seeing some amazing sights.