Where to stay in Nerja
The best areas to stay in Nerja are the following:
- Center of Nerja.
- Torrecilla Beach.
- Burriana Beach.
- Residential village El Capistrano.
- Maro.
- Punta Lara.
1. Nerja Old Town
We’ll start in the heart of Nerja, a charming town in the eastern part of Málaga province, right on the border with Granada. Known for its whitewashed houses and the fresh scent of the sea, Nerja has always been deeply connected to the Mediterranean. Before tourism took off, the sea was the town’s main source of livelihood.
Staying in the Nerja’s Old Town means will give you access to some of the most charming and iconic hotels. If you enjoy being in the middle of the action, experiencing local life, and having everything within walking distance, then this is the perfect area for you.
Plus, you’ll be just steps away from some of Nerja’s must-see places, like the El Salvador Church, the Chanquete Boat, and, of course, the famous Balcón de Europa.
Recommended hotels in the center of Nerja
In this area, you can consider the following hotels:
- $$: Hotel Puerta del Mar. A lovely hotel offering a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere with sea views. The spacious, elegant, and well-maintained rooms make for a comfortable stay. Just 100 meters from the beach, it’s perfect for a quick walk down to the shore. Afterward, you can relax with a swim in the rooftop pool and enjoy the terrace. The hotel’s breakfast is rated as good.
- $$: Toboso Apar-Turis. Located right on the Balcón de Europa, this welcoming complex is ideal for a relaxing stay. It sits directly on the beach and features two outdoor pools. The spacious rooms come with kitchen facilities, and the property also has a restaurant, a bar, and a highly rated breakfast—everything you need to unwind by the sea.
- $$$: Hotel Balcón de Europa. One of Nerja’s most iconic hotels, situated just to the right of the Balcón de Europa, with a beach right at its doorstep. The hotel features spacious rooms with classic décor and stunning sea-view terraces. Guests can enjoy amenities like parking, a gym, a restaurant, a bar, and a well-rated breakfast.
2. La Torrecilla Beach, next to Nerja Old Town
La Torrecilla Beach and Plaza de los Cangrejos Park are very good options to stay in Nerja. It is next to the center, on the left side of the Balcón de Europa, but it is no longer the old town (which in Nerja is almost all pedestrian and cannot be traveled by car).
This is an area frequented by grown ups, retirees, and people on vacation without children, so if this is your style of travel, go ahead. There are plenty of bars and restaurants around, so it is a lively atmosphere.
Recommended hotels in La Torrecilla Beach
These are some of the best hotels to stay in Nerja located in this area:
- $$: MB Boutique Hotel. A stylish 3-star hotel perfect for a relaxing stay in Nerja. It offers thoughtful extras like a pillow menu and free ironing service. The rooftop terrace features Balinese beds and two hot tubs—an ideal spot to unwind at sunset. Guests can also enjoy private parking and a generous breakfast.
- $$$: Riu Monica. This 4-star adults-only hotel is perfect for a peaceful getaway. Located right on the beach, it offers spacious, well-equipped rooms with stunning sea views. The hotel features large pools, a restaurant, and an excellent breakfast, making it a great choice for those who want everything in one place.
3. Burriana Beach, great place to stay in Nerja
Now we move on to one of my favorite spots in Nerja, Burriana Beach. It’s a long, sandy beach with turquoise waters, perfect for sunbathing, walking along the shore, or trying out some water sports.
For me, this place is special. I love nature and diving, and this is where I first learned to dive. It’s also where I come back whenever I need to disconnect and recharge. The promenade is lined with great restaurants and bars, and if you feel like heading into town, it’s just a 20-minute walk away.
Recommended hotels in Burriana Beach
These hotels located in the area are great options:
- $$: Hotel Paraiso del Mar. This nice 2-star hotel will be perfect if you are on a tight budget but want to enjoy a nice stay with good ocean views. It is a very comfortable hotel, with complete rooms and an outdoor pool to cool off after the beach. It has parking, a bar, and a fabulous breakfast.
- $$$: Parador de Nerja. This 4-star hotel is an exceptional place, above all, for its location and the atmosphere that surrounds it. If you want a resort-style vacation but in peace and quiet, this is your best choice. It has large swimming pools and a spectacular lawn area in front of the sea. It also has parking, a restaurant, and a fantastic breakfast. It takes about 10 minutes walking to the village.
4. El Capistrano residential village
El Capistrano isn’t a traditional village; it was built as a residential area and has grown into a community over the years, mainly made up of people from other countries looking for a sunny, peaceful retreat.
It’s a really quiet area, so if you’re looking to relax, it’s a great option. It’s also ideal for longer stays since it feels more like having your own home. Most of the accommodations here are apartments, either in complexes or privately owned.
One thing to keep in mind is that the beach and restaurants are quite a walk away, so having a car makes things easier. But if you’re planning to take day trips, the main roads are easy to access.
Recommended hotels in El Capistrano
These are the best hotels :
- $: Nerja Villas-Capistrano. These 2-star apartments are a great choice for a simple, comfortable, and laid-back stay. The complex has free parking, two outdoor pools to relax in, and even a restaurant. If needed, they also offer airport transfers.
- $$: Las Rosas de Capistrano Apartments. Cozy and fully equipped apartments with everything you need for a great stay. The complex features an outdoor pool, airport transfer service, and kitchens in all apartments. It’s a great option for families or anyone planning a longer getaway.
5. Maro, where to stay in Nerja for nature lovers
If I have to choose any area in the world to spend a few days in calm, without a doubt, Maro would be on my list. It is one of the best options to stay in Nerja if you are looking for nature and disconnection. Also, if you are thinking of starting to dive, it is a key area because the water is warm, and you have a lot to see at shallow depths.
In Maro there are no big hotels because it is a protected and privileged nature reserve, and, personally, I love it that way. Its cliffs are a fantasy, and being able to walk down to the beach will make you appreciate the experience even more.
Recommended hotels in Maro
Here are some apartments that I have discovered in the small town of Maro:
- $$: Maro VG Apartments. These comfortable apartments have everything you need for a relaxing stay. Some even come with balconies so you can enjoy the beautiful views.
- $$: La Casa del Barrio Apartments. Another great option with excellent reviews from past guests. These apartments are well-equipped for a comfortable stay, offering a quiet and cozy atmosphere, and air conditioning for those warmer months.
- $$$: Villa Pura Vida. While not exactly in Maro, but a bit further up near the Nerja Caves, this villa is too lovely not to mention. It’s a charming villa for two, beautifully decorated with great attention to detail. You’ll have your own pool and parking, making it the perfect place to rest and unwind.
6. Punta Lara, coastal area outside of Nerja
We finish our tour of where to stay in Nerja in a nice place, Punta Lara. It is within walking distance of the center of Nerja, so it is also a very good hotel choice (on the way to Malaga along the coast).
Nearby you have the Playazo de Rio Seco Beach, which is fantastic, and the Gülche Beach. It is a fairly quiet area so you can disconnect from all the outside noise and enjoy the calm in a natural environment.
If your plan is to visit other towns and even go to Malaga capital, Punta Lara is highly recommended because in no time, you are already on the highway but without giving up nature and tranquility.
Recommended hotels in Punta Lara
These are some of the best hotels in this area:
- $$: Hostal Avalon. This is the closest hotel to Punta Lara (the others nearby are apartments). Just 100 meters from the beach, it sits on a higher spot offering stunning views. It’s a small, family-run hotel with lovely gardens and six rooms, each with its own private terrace and spectacular panoramic views. The hotel also offers free parking, a restaurant, a terrace, a bar, and an exceptional breakfast.
- $$: Welcome Inn Nerja Guest House Luxury Bed & Breakfast. I absolutely love this option. It’s a fantastic bed and breakfast with a cozy common area featuring a fireplace for winter. The gardens are beautiful, and the breakfast is homemade every morning, adding a personal touch to your stay.
Map of where to stay in Nerja
So much for our tour of where to stay in Nerja. I know I have given you a lot of information, and you will want to see where each area and hotel is so you can locate yourself better. In this map, everything is located. I hope this information is useful, and you can organize your getaway to Nerja more easily.
If you have any suggestions or want to let us know how your trip went, we look forward to hearing from you in the comments section.
