Nerja"The Jewel of the Costa del Sol"

The Costa Del Sol is the acknowledged playground of Europe. Nerja is a typical Spanish resort, second to none with its own special atmosphere and culture. Nerjas backdrop to the mountains with the Mediterranean to the front basks in almost constant sunshine - no wonder Nerja is popular not only during the main seasons but all year round.

Nerja lies on the eastern most tip of the Costa del Sol, where the mountains meet the sea. Some 50 kilometres from Malaga it is around 45 minutes drive on the N340 highway.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Nerja has retained its Andalucian character, particularly in the old quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. The tradition is set to remain thanks to enforced restrictions on development of the town.

At the heart of the town is the Balcon de Europa, one of the main attractions (which was constructed around 1487 and named by King Alfonso XII on a visit in 1885), which offers a palm lined promenade leading to a Former 9th Century Castle, which is now a spectacular viewpoint carved out of the rocky headland above the sea. Here you can relax in one of the bars that surround the square or wander down to one of the coved beaches that lie below the headland.

To the side of the Balcón, you will find the 17th Century El Salvador Church, constructed in baroque-mudejar style, where you may witness one of the many Spanish weddings that take place here over the course of the summer.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, many retaining their typical Andalucian charm, plus of course a great variety of international cuisine on offer.

The restaurants on Burriana Beach, notably Ayo's, provide the spectacle of Paella being cooked in huge pans over open log fires, catering for up to 100 people at a time. Spanish families flock here on Sunday lunchtimes.

Shopping is plentiful and there is a local market every Tuesday.

All major watersports are catered for. Nerja golf course is under planned construction and golf is currently available nearby as are many other sports. Walks are endless, guided if you prefer and even the Sierra Nevada ski resort is only 1½ hours away!

Nerja's most spectacular attraction has to be its caves. The Cueva De Nerja is regarded as one of the most historic monuments of the world, with archeological remains dating back to the Paleolithic Age (about 20,000 years ago). One of the enormous natural caverns has been transformed into a concert hall where many performances are staged.

Frigiliana, the most picturesque whitewashed Andalucian mountain village is just 6km away and is well worth a visit. If you have not hired a car there are frequent buses or arranged trips. Also within driving distance or by arranged trips are Granada, Seville, Ronda and Gibraltar.