Parking in Nerja is easier than many visitors expect, as long as you know where to go and when. In this guide we share where we park in the centre, our favourite walk into town along the beach, and how to avoid the summer parking stress at Burriana and Maro.
Nerja is a compact town, and much of the best of it, the old streets, the Balcón de Europa and the tapas bars, is best explored on foot. A car is mainly useful for beaches further out, day trips and shopping.
One of our favourite things about staying in Ladera del Mar is the walk into the centre. From the house, head towards the beach at the second roundabout on the left, take the path with stairs down, and then simply follow the coast. You will naturally arrive in central Nerja.
Allow around 35 minutes at a gentle pace. There are good places to stop along the way, including Paraiso, Mesonera de Nerja and La Bottega, so it easily turns into a walk with a drink or lunch in the middle. If you want ideas for that stop, our beach restaurants in Nerja post covers a few of our favourites.
If you drive into the centre, we recommend Parking Carabeo. It is relatively central and affordable, which makes it a good base for an afternoon in the old town or an evening of tapas. From there it is a short stroll to the Balcón de Europa and the main squares.
Street parking in the centre can be hard to find at busy times, so heading straight to a car park usually saves time and frustration, especially in the evening and in high season.
At Casa Joya there is free public street parking, so you don't need to worry about where to leave the car when you come home. It is one of the reasons arriving by car feels so easy here.
The beaches are where parking in Nerja gets more challenging, especially in summer.
Burriana is around 10 minutes by car and has parking, but in summer it can be difficult to find a space. Go early, or choose a quieter time of day. Once you are there, the beach has everything you need for a full day.
Maro is about 15 minutes by car and is one of the most beautiful spots on this stretch of coast, but parking is limited and can be difficult. This is the beach where going early really pays off, and early mornings are often the best time for kayaking there anyway.
If you want an easy beach day, Playa Vilches is about a minute away by car and has free parking. Playa Guilche is just as close. For a full overview, see our guide to the best beaches in Nerja.
There are two bicycles at the house that guests are welcome to use. They are a nice way to get to the nearby beaches or to explore the area around Ladera del Mar at your own pace. Just keep in mind that the area is hilly, so plan routes with that in mind.
For evenings out and the trip home uphill, we use Radio Taxis Nerja, the local taxi service. It is the simple answer when you have had a long dinner or a night at the bars and don't want to think about driving or parking. Our evening in Nerja post has some ideas for a night out where a taxi home makes sense.
It depends on your plans. If you mainly want beaches, restaurants and the old town, you can manage well with walking, the bikes and the occasional taxi. If you want to see Frigiliana, Maro, Torrox and further afield, a car makes life much easier. Our guide to getting from Málaga airport to Nerja covers the car hire companies we use.
Our house sits in Ladera del Mar, just outside the centre of Nerja, close enough to walk into town along the sea and quiet enough to come home to. If that sounds like the right balance for you, have a look at our holiday home in Nerja.
For the centre we recommend Parking Carabeo, which is relatively central and affordable and a short walk from the Balcón de Europa and the old town.
In summer, yes. Both beaches have parking, but it fills up, and Maro in particular can be difficult. Go early in the day.
Yes. Following the beach path takes around 35 minutes. The way back is uphill, so many people take a taxi home.