Spain remains one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits and travellers from all around the world. Last year, the Mediterranean country welcomed a whopping 94 million tourists, up around 10% from 2023.
While the country has many attractions, perhaps the favourite destinations among Brits remain the Canary and Balearic Islands. Yet there is another seaside destination that is increasingly a hit among Spaniards and foreign travellers alike. Located in Andalusia, Nerja is known as “The Jewel of Axarquia” and looks like a Caribbean paradise with its crystal clear waters and golden sand.
It is easy too get to from the UK, and is just around a 50-minute drive from Malaga – itself a three-hour flight from most UK airports. The resort has much to offer its visitors – from its beautiful beaches to its historic old town and stunning natural scenery.
Its Balcón de Europa, a scenic viewpoint, is a must-see, as are the Nerja Caves, a fascinating underground world.
Nerja is home to several historic churches and next to the Balcón de Europa is the impressive El Salvador Church, first erected in 1505 but rebuilt in 1697. On either side of the Balcón are sandy beaches and numerous coves in the cliffs.
One of the resort’s best beaches is the Playa la Caletilla, which is accessed by a steep downward hill. The beach is home to what were fishermen’s huts, now renovated into summer accommodation.
Nerja has been undergoing a full-blown boom in recent months, with foreigners (especially from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, and the UK) not only visiting the town, but even snapping up homes and settling in as residents.
That influx has supercharged the local economy, slashing unemployment to historic lows. The resort is a big hit with visitors, scoring highly with travelling Brits.
One wrote on Tripadvisor: “Nerja is Magic, pure Magic! It is beautiful scenery, fab beaches, nightlife, day life, lovely hotels (The Monica and the Flamenca are WELL worth a visit). It is unspoilt and Sooooo Spanish. Wonderful!
“If you go there, don’t you dare spoil it for others! Best thing about Nerja? Simple! The Spanish people themselves. They are pure Spanish and wonderful.”
