Looking to plan a Spanish weekend getaway with beaches, charming streets, and cultural experiences? Definitely add Nerja and Frigiliana to your Spain travel bucket list. Both cities are nestled along the stunning Costa del Sol, and let me tell you, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure – Nerja, with its crystal-clear waters and beautiful coastal cliffs and Frigiliana, with it’s cobblestone streets, vibrant flowers, and postcard-worthy views.
Here is everything you need to know to have the perfect weekend in Nerja and Frigiliana!
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Traveling between Frigiliana and Nerja
Frigiliana and Nerja are only about a 15 minute drive from one another, so if you’re already in the midst of an Andalusia road trip, you’re all set. If you don’t have a car, you can easily take a bus that regularly stops between the two villages (Nerja main bus station and Frigiliana main square of three cultures). The bus makes stops every hour or so during the day from Monday to Saturday and has a more limited hours on Sundays and holidays. A roundtrip ticket costs about €2.40. If you decide to travel in the evening, your best bet is to take a taxi.
Where to Stay
We opted to stay in Nerja at MB Boutique Hotel, an adults recommended hotel, which was affordable and fit our needs. Here are some other alternative accommodation I have found for places to stay which would suit any comfort level and budget:
Budget: Charming Nerja Hostel in Nerja is ideally located on the beachfront within a 5 minute walk to Balcon de Europa, the city center promenade with shops and restaurants. They offer both private rooms with private bathrooms as well as dormitories with a shared bathroom. There is a terrace and a shared kitchen as well.
Mid-Level: Hotel Villa Frigiliana is located in the heart of Frigiliana and offers an outdoors swimming pool and restaurant. The rooms have balconies and Andalusian mountain views. It sits on the edge of Sierra de Tejeda Nature Reserve, so is ideal for hiking. The beaches in Nerja can easily be reached 15 minutes by car or bus.
Luxury: You won’t find any 5 star international hotels here in Nerja and Frigiliana, but Parador de Nerja is a great alternative. This hotel offer direct elevator access to Burriana Beach and has an outdoor pool and tennis courts. Each room has views of the sea and the town and the hotel is mere 5 minute walk to the city center.
Here are other accommodation options in Nerja and Frigiliana.
Best Things to Do in Nerja
(1) Lounge and Swim at Burriana Beach
During the day, for about 15-20 euros, we got two beach chairs and an umbrella and spent the entire day at Burriana beach. We relaxed, read our books, took dips in the Mediterranean, got massages, and had the best paella of our entire trip at La Barca (Los Chiringuitos).
(2) Visit the Nerja Caves
Nerja is also know for their Cuevas de Nerja, a series of caves and rock formations that you can explore and tour. Book your tickets here, which also get you entrance to their cave museum.
(3) Marvel at Balcon de Europa
Take in the panoramic views of the Mediterranean from Balcon de Europa, a scenic promenade in the heart of Nerja. In the evening, the promenade is buzzing with music and the chatter and laughter from those dining alfresco. Enjoy a drink or a meal at one of the many restaurants and bars and appreciate the Spanish sunset.
(4) Go kayaking or paddle boarding
Take a kayak tour or a SUP (paddle board) tour from Burriana Beach along the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo to the Maro waterfall and the Acantilado caves. Go for a swim or snorkel in the crystal blue waters.
Best Things to Do in Frigiliana
(1) Wander the Charming White Washed Village
Stroll the narrow streets and white washed homes with their colorful doors and secret roof gardens. There are shops and restaurants along the way so enjoy a drink with a view.
(2) Visit Iglesia de San Antonio
Take a look at San Antonio Church which dates back to the 17th century. The church architecture is unique in that it takes on both Spanish and Muslim designs.
(3) Go for a Hike
Frigiliana is a great place for hiking. One popular trail is El Fuerte which is one of the easier and more accessible hikes in the area and starts in Frigiliana. It will take you between 2 and 2.5 hours to reach the peak of El Fuerte where you will be rewarded by panoramic views of the mountains, sea, and towns along the coast.
It was an unforgettable couple of days along the coast of Spain and worth the stop!
