Getting from Málaga airport to Nerja is simple once you know your options: hire a car at the airport, book a private transfer ahead of time, or use a local taxi once you are in town. Below is how we do it ourselves, which car hire companies we use and the small tips that make arrival day calmer.
Nerja sits on the eastern Costa del Sol, so the drive from the airport takes you along the coast past Málaga. Most of our guests arrive by plane, and the first decision is always the same: car or no car.
If you want to explore beyond the town, a car is the most flexible way to travel from Málaga airport to Nerja and back. It makes day trips to Frigiliana, Maro, Torrox or further inland much easier, and it means you can do a big supermarket shop on your first afternoon.
This is our preferred choice for stays of a week or longer. Collection is arranged from the bus-stop area outside the terminal, about a 4 to 5 minute walk, so it is not a desk in the arrivals hall. It is worth knowing that in advance so you don't spend ten minutes looking for it.
Goldcar is the easiest if you want to be on the road quickly, as it is one floor below the baggage belts. They offer Key'n Go, where you take full-coverage insurance and collect your key from a vending machine rather than queuing at a desk.
Wiber is another one worth comparing on price. It is a little further away and uses a shuttle from the airport bus-stop area, so allow some extra time on arrival.
The roads around Nerja climb into the mountains quickly, and the drive up to the white villages has some steep, winding stretches. We always recommend choosing a car one class above the very cheapest. A little more power makes the hills much more comfortable, especially with luggage and a full car.
If you would rather not drive, a private transfer is the most relaxed way to arrive. Someone meets you, takes your bags and you watch the coast go by. The transfer we recommend is Paco Noguera. Book in advance via WhatsApp so your ride is arranged before you fly.
At the time of writing, prices started at around €68 for a sedan, with larger cars costing more and a supplement of about 10% for night journeys between 22:00 and 06:00. Please check current prices when you book, as they can change.
A transfer works especially well if you are planning a slow, beach-focused stay. Nerja is very walkable, and you can always hire a car for a day or two later on if you decide you want to explore.
Once you are here, Radio Taxis Nerja is the local taxi service we use for getting around town. It is handy for evenings out, for getting home after a long lunch, or simply for avoiding the uphill walk back after a stroll along the beach into the centre. If you are planning a night at the bars, a taxi home is the obvious choice.
For more on walking routes, parking and bikes, see our guide to getting around Nerja and parking in town.
Check-in at Casa Joya is from 15:00, so if your flight lands in the morning, there is time to ease into the day. A few ideas:
If you do find yourself in Málaga with time to spare on your departure day, Plaza Mayor shopping centre is close to the airport and easy to reach by car, which can be a nice way to fill the last few hours before a flight.
For most guests staying a week or more, we would suggest hiring a car. It gives you the freedom to see the coast and the villages, and the drive from Málaga airport to Nerja is straightforward. For a short break, or if you mainly want beaches, restaurants and the Balcón de Europa, a pre-booked transfer plus the odd taxi is often all you need.
Our house is in Ladera del Mar, just outside the centre of Nerja, with free public street parking nearby, so arriving by car is easy. If you are still planning your trip, you can check availability at Casa Joya and we will be happy to help with any questions about getting here.
The easiest options are hiring a car at the airport or booking a private transfer in advance. We use MalagaCar or Goldcar for car hire and recommend Paco Noguera for transfers, booked ahead via WhatsApp.
Not for the town itself, which is walkable and has local taxis. A car is very useful for day trips to Frigiliana, Maro and the beaches further along the coast, and for a big supermarket shop.
At the time of writing, the transfer we recommend started at around €68 for a sedan, with about 10% extra at night. Please check current prices when you book.