NATURAL RESOURCES
Nature has turned Nerja in a privileged place, with the Cave of Nerja as the main exponent. It is a cave discovered in 1959 by five young and intrepid neighbours and has more than 100,000 cubic meters of history inside. Declared as the Property of Cultural Interest, researchers strive to certify that the Cave of Nerja keeps inside the first work of art known from the history of mankind. It is related with a set of paintings that could have been made by Neanderthals.
The Natural Park of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama form a mountain range that gives Nerja a significant environmental value due to the diversification of its fauna and flora. The landscape of these mountains is the perfect counterpoint to the Natural Spot Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo, one of the biggest tourist attractions of the city. Both enclaves receive rigorous environmental protection and conservation such as protected areas.
The beaches of Nerja receive every summer, the most prestigious nominations for its quality and services. The most famous of these is Burriana, though, if you have enough time, it is worth visiting the beaches of Calahonda, Playazo, Chucho, El Chorrillo, La Torrecilla, Carabeo, El Salon, Carabeillo or Caletilla.
In addition to the water sports that can be performed on its beaches, Nerja hosts one of the most important spots of active tourism in the province of Malaga: Chillar River. With an average gradient of 7.3%, this river run every year thousands of hikers who trace their route in any season. Its layout, with an upward slope, allows travel in its initial phase by anyone, including children and adults. Only the bravest will be able to reach its origin at 1,200 meters above sea level in the Sierra de Almijara.
Nerja is a privileged place to enjoy the two routes through the province of Malaga enclave, because it is end (Torrox – Nerja) and start (Nerja-Frigiliana) of two routes of the Great Path, indoor track, and at the same time, it is the starting point of two sections of the coastal path that runs along the coast: the Paseo de los Carabineros and route of Playa Caletilla–Salon Beach.
POPULAR FESTIVALS
The calendar of events in Nerja starts in January with the festival of San Anton in Maro, and continues in February with Carnival.
In March and April the procession of Palms and Olives marks the beginning of Holy Week, characterized by the penitential processions.
In May streets of Nerja are filled with colour with Cruces de Mayo, an ideal date to taste local products. During this month, the day of San Isidro is also celebrated, where the carts are directed in pilgrimage to the shrine of La Mina, near the Cueva de Nerja.
The night of San Juan in the early hours of 23 to 24 June, is another special festivities in this town. Burriana Beach hosts a great Moraga, after the burning of the “”júas (rag dolls), the younger ones jump on the fires and bathe in the sea. Another date linked to the seafaring vocation is that of July 16 to mark the day of the Virgen del Carmen.
Throughout the summer, the International Festival of Music and Dance is celebrated, which is being celebrated since 1960. Throughout yoir journey, you will receive orchestras, singers and most important ballets in the world.
Also in September, there is celebration in Nerja, since the fair of theVirgen of the Maravillas in Maro is held. In October, the celebrations take place in honour of San Miguel Arcangel and Our Lady of Sorrows in Nerja.
CUISINE
The subtropical climate of Nerja provides to its cuisine, an orchard with fruits such as avocado and mango, ideal for juicy and healthy salads at the same time. In addition, its pleasant temperature throughout the year, makes it possible that any time is good to taste soups and creams such as ajoblanco (cold garlic cream and almonds that is usually accompanied by grapes), the emblanco fish (light soup of whitefish), noodle casserole or snails of this region.
Other local products of mandatory tasting are loquats, molasses and arropía, a candy made from such honey.
Fish lovers will find in Nerja, one of its greatest treasures. The variety of species (anchovies, salmonetillos, squid, flounder) and ways to prepare it (fried in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, on the spit or grilled) satisfy the requirements of the most epicurean palates.
If you want to know a little better about the cuisine of Nerja, we invite you to know it through this tapas route.