The supermarkets in Nerja cover everything you need for a self-catering stay, from a big first shop to fresh bread in the morning. Here is where we shop ourselves: Lidl for the first big shop, Mercadona for fresh food, a mini market for the little things, and our favourite bakery for something sweet.
Having your own kitchen is one of the best parts of a holiday home. A slow breakfast on the terrace, a simple lunch between the beach and a siesta, or tapas at home with a bottle of local wine. Knowing where to shop makes that easy.
A large Lidl is about a 6-minute drive from the house, and it is where we recommend doing your first substantial shop. It has plenty of everyday essentials, a good range of Spanish products and a decent wine selection, so it is easy to stock the fridge for the first few days in one go.
Mercadona is the Spanish supermarket chain most locals use, and it has a good fresh-food selection. There are two locations in Nerja; for a fuller shop we suggest the larger one. It is a good place for fruit, vegetables, fish and the kind of Spanish basics you want for a home-cooked dinner.
About 15 minutes on foot, Mini Market Verano Azul is handy for milk, fresh bread and small everyday items. It is perfect for the morning you realise there is no milk for the coffee, or when you just need a few things and don't want to take the car.
This is a personal favourite in the centre for bread and cakes. Try the brownie or the carrot cake, or simply pick up a good loaf for breakfast. If you are walking through the old town, it is an easy stop to bring something home for the terrace.
If you prefer to have breakfast out, our guide to breakfast in Nerja lists the cafés we love, including a Scandinavian bakery with excellent sourdough.
There are pharmacies across town; one option is on Calle Antonio Ferrandis Chanquete in Nerja. Opening hours vary and many close in the middle of the day and on Sundays, so please check current hours before you go.
Sometimes you want more than groceries: clothes, homeware, something for the kids, or simply a few hours out of the sun. There are two shopping centres within reach.
About 20 minutes by car, El Ingenio has a wide range of fashion, beauty, sports, electronics and home shops, as well as restaurants and a Cinesur cinema. It is especially handy on a less sunny day or when travelling with children.
For a full shopping day, Plaza Mayor near Málaga airport has a large choice of shops, restaurants and cafés, plus a Yelmo cinema. It is easy to reach by car and works well combined with your arrival or departure day. Our guide to getting from Málaga airport to Nerja has more on the drive.
Both shopping centres are good fallbacks for grey weather; see our post on things to do in Nerja when it rains for more ideas.
Our kitchen has an induction hob, a combi oven and microwave, a dishwasher and a fridge freezer, so it is easy to cook proper meals, and the terrace is made for eating outside. If you would like to stay somewhere with room to cook, eat and relax like a local, check availability at Casa Joya.
The main ones we use are Lidl, about a 6-minute drive from the house, and Mercadona, which has two locations in Nerja and a good fresh-food selection. Small mini markets cover everyday items.
We like Mercadona for fresh food, especially the larger of its two locations in town. Lidl is great for a first big shop with Spanish products and wine.
Hours can differ on Sundays and holidays, and some shops and pharmacies close, so we recommend checking current opening hours and planning your bigger shop for a weekday.