Nerja, Costa del Sol - Spain
Once a small fishing village Nerja is now the biggest resort to the east of Malaga, it has managed to avoid the worst effects of unrestrained expansion and high rise hotels.
There are still plenty of bars and nightclubs for those wanting to party the night away, however the old centre of the town has retained some of its original charm with its narrow streets and courtyards, and its white washed flat-roofed houses.
Its most dramatic spot is the Balcón de Europa, a cliff that juts out to sea and is enclosed by two sheltered beaches. This palm-shaded promenade is a favourite spot of many visitors with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean. The walkway was built in 1895 in honour of a visit from the Spanish king Alfonso XIII, the phrase “Balcon de Europa” is said to be coined by the king himself during this visit.
Caves of Nerja
Nerja is probably most famous for its caves which lie in the hills near Maro. Discovered in 1959 by some boys chasing bats they discovered the entrance to a huge system of limestone caverns. The caves are protected and have been well preserved with many parts still closed to the public including areas with prehistoric paintings of animals & humans figures. It is estimated that the caves were inhabited between 20,000 BC and 1,800 BC.
Visitors are treated to a series of well lit chambers and displays of archaeological finds. Of interest are theHall of Bethlehem which is full of stalactites and stalagmites. The Hall of the Waterfall, which is the scene for the Festival of the Caves held in July. And the Hall of the Cataclysm, whose fallen rocks indicate an earthquake long ago, the centre piece in the Hall of Cataclysm is the central column, formed when a stalactite and stalagmite met and joined after thousands of years of growth. It is the tallest of its kind in the world at some 32 metres. Some of these galleries have ceilings to a height of 60 metres.
Nerja is probably most famous for its caves which lie in the hills near Maro. Discovered in 1959 by some boys chasing bats they discovered the entrance to a huge system of limestone caverns. The caves are protected and have been well preserved with many parts still closed to the public including areas with prehistoric paintings of animals & humans figures. It is estimated that the caves were inhabited between 20,000 BC and 1,800 BC.
Visitors are treated to a series of well lit chambers and displays of archaeological finds. Of interest are theHall of Bethlehem which is full of stalactites and stalagmites. The Hall of the Waterfall, which is the scene for the Festival of the Caves held in July. And the Hall of the Cataclysm, whose fallen rocks indicate an earthquake long ago, the centre piece in the Hall of Cataclysm is the central column, formed when a stalactite and stalagmite met and joined after thousands of years of growth. It is the tallest of its kind in the world at some 32 metres. Some of these galleries have ceilings to a height of 60 metres.
The beaches that surround the town are some of the more picturesque and unique on the coast. The most popular beaches are the Playa Burriana to the east and the Playa Torrecilla to the west. The accommodation here is well designed with buildings located either in the attractive town centre or in white washed villas in the hills behind.
Climate
Located at the feet of the Sierra de Almijara which protects the town from the cold winds coming from the north in the winter and the heat of the inner land in summer, Nerja retains mild temperatures in both winter and summer.
To find properties for sale in Nerja Costa del Sol and surrounding areas: Villas and apartments for sale in Nerja.
If you want to buy a property in Costa del Sol please follow this link: Properties for sale in Costa del Sol, South Spain.
