Situated on the Balcon de Europa on the Costa del Sol the town of Nerja has retained its small town charm and is a relaxing place to take a break for a few days. It is a also total contrast to most of rest of the Costa del Sol.
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View from the Balcon de Europa
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The setting is quite spectacular, steep cliffs falling away down to small beaches and looking out over the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean Sea. The town is a warren of small streets, whitewashed houses, restaurants, bars and very expensive shopping. There are a number of small plazas with the requisite church still showing a good turnout as after mass there was an abundance of happy families.
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Favourite spots: |
Favourite spots for me was definitely the Paseo Balcon de Europa that our hotel overlooked. It was the centre of the action, ringed by restaurants and terraces to sip and eat while watching people take the old world horse and carriage rides or the various entertainers such a Tango dancers, the human statues or to the kids delight the balloon animal shapers. Having a drink sitting down looking out over the Mediterranean from one of the Cafes perched on its rim or from the terrace of the Irish pub. Now that stupendous view is something that I would never tire of.
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What's really great: |
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Looking down on Playa Calahonda from Cafe Albi.
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The true joy of Nerja is wandering the streets, taking in the view, chilling out down on it’s pretty horse-shoe shaped beach, Playa Calahonda and slipping in for a Café con Leche at the café right on the sand.
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Sights: |
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Church on Paseo de Balcon de Europa
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There are caves not far from town but the main sights here apart from it’s pretty little churches is to relax and watch the world go by.
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Accommodations: |
We lucked in at the pretty Hostal Marissal. It was an absolute bargain for the price. Clean, really comfortable , timber furnishings, high quality linen and soft furnishings. The bathroom was huge, gray and blue tiled with a bath, shower and bidet.
The shower head was one of the best we found in our trip. With its double glazed windows, in room safe, strict security access it all added to a really comfortable stay. Some of the rooms would have spectacular views of the sea but I loved overlooking the square so I could see all the action and was still able to see a glimpse of sea. If you have a car the hotel is in a restricted access zone and therefore does not offer parking. It can be a quite a problem. You may be lucky enough to park in one of the side streets otherwise you will need to park in a public parking garage. The area is a rabbit warren of one way streets. We opted to park and walk as it was just impossible to find otherwise. Priced at 40 - 60 euro per night.
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Hangouts: |
The Café Albi was a great spot for lunch, right on the cliff and looking down on the beach. Cramped but great coffee, sandwiches and scrummy cakes.
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Restaurants: |
The Cafeteria Marissal restaurant under our hotel was open all day so we opted for a standard breakfast amongst other meals there. Service was quick and prices were not cheap but in line with everyone else around.
The Coach and Horses is an English style pub run by a friendly Pommie and his chatty wife. (Nerja seems to be a big draw card for the English). The pub is cosy and typically English and I have no doubt davidx would have hated it but the homemade Steak Pie and mashed potato was to die for!! At 9 euro no doubt the owners will be able to retire soon too.
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Other recommendations: |
You will pay more here for accommodation but generally receive more value for your money. But the cost does add up. There is walkway along the cliff so you can walk right around the rim and along the many other beaches. There was also another walkway down at beach level but this closed due to a rock fall. Parking - Make sure you check the whole way up and down the street before leaving your car. Where we parked in what the sign nearest said was a parking zone turned out to be a loading zone, we couldn’t see the sign and yes we were towed so 37 for a fine and 65 for a tow was a bit of a sting. Ouch. No amount of persuasion would budge the very rude policeman. This is not the place to come to immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture but if you are looking at having some down time ready for the next round of sightseeing it is the perfect place.
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Published on Wednesday July 5th, 2006
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Publish on Facebook
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Wed, Aug 09 2006 - 03:08 AM
by gloriajames
Thu, Jul 20 2006 - 02:06 AM
by magsalex
This was such a lovely place to stay. Great report |
Fri, Jul 14 2006 - 03:28 AM
by marianne
Kerrie,
It is very difficult to write about an ordinary place, but you did in an interesting and informative way.
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Sat, Jul 08 2006 - 08:00 AM
by jorgesanchez
Magnífico report Kerrie! Muy bien, has comprendido España! |
Thu, Jul 06 2006 - 10:35 PM
by bhairavee
Excellent report Kerrie,very very simple and yet powerful with amazing pictures.
BR |
Thu, Jul 06 2006 - 08:58 AM
by isaacmolina
All your reports are of the first class in Globo. Thanks for visiting my country and describe it so well. |
Thu, Jul 06 2006 - 06:45 AM
by st.vincent
Another good read but you spoiled us with your excellent Toledo report so I can only give 4* for this one. Proof that there's always an English pub wherever you go in Europe. |
Thu, Jul 06 2006 - 02:02 AM
by davidx
Really good personal report [but I still won't add Nerja to my wish list!]
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