If you only plan one evening in Nerja, make it this one. We walk into town along the beach, stop for an aperitif on the Balcón de Europa, sit down for a long dinner, have one last drink and take a taxi home. It is simple, it never gets old, and it shows off the best of the town. Here is how we do it, step by step.
One of our favourite walks into the centre starts close to Casa Joya. Head towards the beach at the second roundabout on the left, take the path with stairs down to the sea, then simply follow the beach all the way. You will naturally arrive in central Nerja. Allow around 35 minutes at an easy pace.
This walk is best in the late afternoon or early evening, when the heat has gone out of the day. In spring and autumn it is perfect. In the height of summer, go a little later, wear something light and take water.
The walk passes a few places that are worth a pause, either for a drink or, if you get hungry early, for dinner:
It is completely fine to make one of these your dinner and skip the rest of the plan. Some evenings that is exactly what we do.
Once you reach the centre, make your way to the Balcón de Europa, Nerja's iconic viewpoint, built on the site of a former fortress. This is the moment for an aperitif. Our favourite spot is Lamalaka, right on the Balcón, a stylish but relaxed place for a cocktail or a glass of wine while you take in the square and the sea. We like it most for an early evening drink before dinner.
After your drink, take a short stroll through the old town streets around the Balcón. There are ice-cream shops for later, too. Our guide to the Balcón de Europa has more on the area, and our post on sunset drinks in Nerja lists other terraces if Lamalaka is full.
Dinner in Spain is late, so there is no need to rush. These are three of our favourite places for an evening in Nerja, each with a different feel.
Our trendy sharing favourite. A small menu, a great wine selection, and the kind of place where you order several dishes and share them tapas-style. Best for couples or friends who enjoy wine and smaller plates.
Burgers, tapas and a good atmosphere. We love the beef burgers, the pork brioche, and we think their gambas pil pil is one of the best in town. If you are coming as a larger family, book ahead.
A Nerja classic and a must for fish and seafood lovers. It can be busy in high season, but don't let that put you off. Simple setting, very Spanish atmosphere and good food.
Want more choice? Our full list of the best restaurants in Nerja covers everything from breakfast spots to special dinners.
If the night is still young, there are two directions to go. For something calm, a glass of wine at a cosy bar is hard to beat, see our guide to wine bars in Nerja. For something livelier, Plaza Tutti Frutti is the main nightlife square, lined with bars, and it fills up late. Our post on Nerja nightlife explains how it works.
The walk into Nerja is downhill and along the sea. The walk back is uphill, and after dinner and a few drinks it is not something we would wish on anyone. Take a taxi home. Radio Taxis Nerja is the local company we use, so save their number before you set off.
This whole evening starts at our front door. Casa Joya is in Ladera del Mar, just outside the centre of Nerja, close enough to walk in along the beach and quiet enough to come home to a peaceful terrace. If you would like to try it for yourself, check availability at Casa Joya.
From Casa Joya it takes around 35 minutes, following a path with stairs down to the beach and then walking along the coast into the centre.
Our favourite is Lamalaka, right on the Balcón de Europa. It is a stylish but relaxed spot for a cocktail or glass of wine before dinner.
In high season it helps. Botonic recommends booking ahead for larger families, and popular places like El Pulguilla can get busy.