Looking for sunset drinks in Nerja? These are the terraces we go to when the heat of the day eases and the light turns golden: a cocktail on the Balcón de Europa, a glass of wine on a sea-view terrace, or a slow evening on a beach bed. Some are right in the centre, others a short ride along the coast, so you can pick whatever suits the evening.
If we had to choose one spot for an aperitif in Nerja, it would be Lamalaka. It is one of the newer places in town and the location is hard to beat: right on the Balcón de Europa, with the atmosphere of the square and the sea in front of you. It feels stylish without being formal. We especially like it for an early evening drink before dinner, a cocktail or a glass of wine while Nerja goes by. Our guide to the Balcón de Europa has more on what to see around it.
Don't be put off by the hotel setting. The large terrace at Hotel Mena Plaza is right in the centre and works for almost anything: coffee, cocktails, snacks or tapas. We often stop here during the day for a coffee, but it is just as nice in the evening when you want a comfortable seat and a drink without hunting for a table.
A lovely little spot in the heart of Nerja for an afternoon or early evening drink. Our favourite order is a glass of red wine with one of their sharing platters, but don't leave without trying a mojito or another cocktail, they make them really well. There is a small terrace outside that is perfect for sitting back and people-watching.
For something a little different, Teteria Zadin is a colourful stop for a cocktail, a pot of tea or a slice of cake. It has a patio and several seating areas spread over different levels, so it feels a bit like finding your own corner. A nice option if not everyone in your group wants alcohol.
Close to our house, El Mirador de Guilche has a large terrace overlooking the sea. It is a restaurant first (we love the fish skewer with salad and fries, followed by chocolate cake), but it is also a relaxed place to settle in with a drink and watch the evening come in over the water.
Mesonera de Nerja is one of our favourite choices for a summer evening. The sea view, the friendly service and the relaxed atmosphere make it special. Come for a drink, but be warned: it is hard not to order the gambas pil pil, our must-order here, and they are also known for paella. It sits along the walk from Casa Joya into town, so it is easy to stop on the way.
Bossa Playa is a stylish beach spot for drinks, snacks, wine and cocktails, with Bali beds, hammocks and comfortable corners. It is more about the whole beach experience than a quick meal, so give yourself time. If you love spending the day by the water, our post on beach restaurants and chiringuitos in Nerja has more places to eat with your feet in the sand.
Not sure what to order? A tinto de verano or a glass of local wine is never a bad start. Our guide to Spanish drinks to try in Nerja has a few more ideas.
We will admit that some of our favourite sunset drinks have been at home. At Casa Joya, the private terrace off the master bedroom is made for exactly this: two lounge chairs, a small table for tapas and drinks, and the sea in front of you. If that sounds like your kind of evening, have a look at our holiday home in Nerja.
Our favourite is Lamalaka, right on the Balcón de Europa. It is a lovely spot for an aperitif or a cocktail in the early evening before dinner.
We like El Mirador de Guilche, which has a large terrace overlooking the sea, and Mesonera de Nerja, one of our favourites for a summer evening. Bossa Playa is the choice for a chic beach setting.
Evenings start late in Spain. An early evening drink followed by dinner later on is the usual rhythm, so there is no rush to eat early.