White arches balcony with ocean and mountain view, brick flooring, black railing.

Costa del Sol · Spain

Nerja

Nerja is a picturesque municipality on the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga, part of the comarca of La Axarquía. Located on the country's southern Mediterranean coast about 50 kilometers east of Málaga, it offers a blend of traditional Andalusian charm and modern amenities. With a population of approximately 22,132 residents, Nerja provides a vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle ideal for both retirees and families.

22.132
Population
3934
Sunshine hours/year
700m
Elevation
27
AQI (Fair)
4
Blue Flag Beaches

Living & Lifestyle

Daily life in Nerja is characterized by its inviting atmosphere and strong community feel. The town supports a population of 22,132 (INE, 2025) with a robust infrastructure including 1 healthcare center, 9 pharmacies, and 5 dental clinics. Residents enjoy a variety of dining options with 122 restaurants and 29 cafes scattered throughout the municipality.

The economy is diverse, hosting 1,355 businesses which provide ample local employment and services. The real estate market is active, with 501 housing transactions recorded recently, indicating a healthy interest from both nationals and international buyers. Essential services are readily available, including 13 banks and a wide range of retail shops to meet daily needs.

Oceanfront room with stunning sea and mountain view, featuring a private balcony.

Climate & Weather

Nerja boasts a privileged Mediterranean climate with an impressive 3,937 hours of sunshine annually and only 59 rainy days per year. The average annual temperature is approximately 19.2°C. Summers are warm and dry, with July and August seeing average temperatures of 28°C and almost zero rainfall, while winters remain mild with January averages around 12.7°C.

Rainfall is sporadic, totaling about 575mm annually, with the wettest months being November and December. This climate allows for year-round outdoor activities and is one of the primary reasons the area is so popular with tourists and expatriates seeking a sunny, healthy environment.

Month °C gem. °C max°C min Rainfall mm Sun hours
January 9.2° 13.0°5.8° 44 mm 260h
February 10.3° 13.9°6.8° 41 mm 273h
March 11.6° 15.2°7.9° 132 mm 302h
April 13.6° 16.9°10.1° 60 mm 336h
May 17.4° 20.7°13.5° 34 mm 392h
June 22.0° 25.3°18.0° 14 mm 407h
July 25.3° 28.7°21.4° 0 mm 413h
August 25.3° 28.6°21.6° 5 mm 392h
September 21.4° 24.7°17.9° 27 mm 339h
October 17.7° 21.0°14.3° 59 mm 299h
November 12.8° 16.4°9.6° 72 mm 264h
December 10.5° 14.0°7.3° 72 mm 257h
Oceanfront room with stunning blue sea and mountain views, featuring a balcony and modern amenities.

Getting Around

Transport links in Nerja are anchored by the nearby Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), located 63.1 kilometers away, which is the primary gateway for international travel. The Gibraltar airport is further afield at 155.2 kilometers. Within the region, the public transport system is managed by the CTAN consortium, operating 6 bus lines with 23 stops connecting Nerja to neighboring towns and attractions.

The municipality covers an area of 85 square kilometers, leading to a somewhat spread-out geography that favors private car usage. However, the town center is pedestrian-friendly, and EV charging points are available for electric vehicle owners. The A-7 motorway provides efficient road access west to Málaga and east to the rest of the Costa del Sol.

Palm-lined terrace with ocean view, featuring arches and a blue-tiled building.

Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)

63.1 km

Gibraltar (GIB)

155.2 km

Alicante-Elche (ALC)

331.1 km

Lines

6

Stops

23

Cycling: very_steep (gradient 17.0%)

EV Charging Points

  • ChargePoint (8.0 km)

Nature & Beaches

Nerja is famous for its stunning coastline and high-quality beaches. In 2025, the municipality was awarded 4 Blue Flags, a prestigious certification recognizing water quality, environmental management, and safety. The awarded beaches include Playa Burriana, Playa de Maro, Playazo-Chucho, and Torrecilla.

Notable natural spots include the Cala del Pino and the scenic Mirador Tajo de los Bueyes viewpoint. The Nerja Caves, though not explicitly detailed in the provided dataset, are a major geological attraction in the area. Nearby, the Marina del Este offers nautical activities. The area enjoys good air quality with an AQI of 44 (Moderate) and low UV levels, making it pleasant for outdoor exploration.

Blue Flag Beaches (2025)

Viewpoints

Marinas

Sports & Recreation

Nerja offers extensive facilities for sports and recreation, hosting a total of 125 sports facilities containing 177 distinct spaces. Aquatic activities are well-supported with 110 swimming pools available across the urbanization. For racket sports enthusiasts, there are 12 tennis courts and 2 padel courts, alongside 9 fully equipped gyms.

Team sports are catered for with 3 football fields and 4 basketball courts. The natural geography also encourages outdoor pursuits, with athletic tracks available for runners. The coastline itself serves as a major recreational hub, offering water sports and beach activities, while the surrounding Sierra de Tejeda mountains provide a backdrop for hiking and nature walks.

Swimming Pools

110

Gyms

9

Basketball Courts

4

Tennis Courts

12

Padel Courts

2

Football Fields

3

Athletics

2

Amenities

Restaurant

122

School

4

Pharmacy

9

Bank

13

Cafe

29

Dentist

5

Official Statistics

Health Centres

1

Businesses

1.355

Housing transactions/year

501

Hotel Beds

2.409

Air Quality

PM2.5

3.8

µg/m³

PM10

6.3

µg/m³

NO²

2.4

µg/m³

Ozone

68.0

µg/m³

UV Index

0.0

Education

Families in Nerja have access to a solid educational structure within the municipality. Public education is well-represented with 7 primary schools and 2 secondary schools serving the local community. For families requiring an international curriculum, there are several renowned international schools located within a short driving distance in the wider Málaga province, offering British and International Baccalaureate systems.

Primary Schools

7

Secondary Schools

2

Economy & Income

The local economy is robust, with a net income per person averaging €12,950 and a household median income of €16,450. The economic landscape is diverse, driven by 1,355 registered businesses ranging from small local shops to larger enterprises. Tourism plays a significant role, supported by 22 hotels offering a total of 2,409 beds, which fuel the service sector and hospitality industry throughout the year.

Net income/person

€12.950

2023

Net/household

€33.868

Median income

€16.450

Gross/person

€15.602

Local Holidays (34)

2026-01-01

Año Nuevo

2026-01-06

Día de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor

2026-02-28

Día de Andalucía

2026-03-01

Dia de les Illes Balears

2026-04-02

Jueves Santo

2026-04-03

Viernes Santo

At a Glance

  • Population of 22,132 (2025) located in La Axarquía comarca
  • 3,937 sunshine hours and only 59 rain days per year
  • 4 Blue Flag beaches: Burriana, Maro, Playazo-Chucho, and Torrecilla
  • 125 sports facilities including 110 swimming pools and 12 tennis courts
  • 22 hotels and 2,409 beds supporting a strong tourism sector
  • Average property price of €690,841; 60 homes currently on the market
  • 63 km to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
Sunset view from a balcony overlooking the ocean.

Neighbourhoods

Browse by Property Type

Available Properties

The real estate market in Nerja currently offers 60 properties, with prices ranging from €50,000 to €2,095,000 and an average price of €690,841. The market is diverse, with Detached Villas being the most common listing type (26 available), followed by Townhouses (8) and Semi-Detached Houses (5). This variety caters to different budgets and lifestyle preferences, from luxury villas to more modest apartments.

The housing stock includes a mix of resale properties and new developments. With 501 transactions recorded recently, the market is active. Popular property types include Ground Floor Apartments and Penthouses, often favored for their views and climate. The market data indicates a strong demand for residential housing, particularly properties with outdoor spaces suitable for the sunny climate.

New Build (26) Apartments (12) Villas (31) Penthouses (1) Townhouses (9) New Build (2) Country Houses (1) Land & Plots (4) Commercial (2)
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Nerja from Málaga Airport?
Nerja is located 63.1 kilometers east of Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). The drive typically takes around 50 minutes via the A-7 motorway.
What is the climate like in Nerja?
Nerja enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate with 3,937 hours of sunshine per year. The average temperature is 19.2°C, with hot, dry summers (around 28°C in August) and mild winters (around 13°C in January).
Which beaches in Nerja have Blue Flag status?
As of 2025, Nerja boasts four Blue Flag beaches: Playa Burriana, Playa de Maro, Playazo-Chucho, and Playa Torrecilla.
What sports facilities are available?
There are 125 sports facilities in town, including 110 swimming pools, 12 tennis courts, 9 gyms, 3 football fields, and 4 basketball courts.
What is the average price of real estate in Nerja?
The current average property price is approximately €690,841. The market offers a range from apartments at €50,000 to luxury villas priced over €2 million.
Are there international schools nearby?
While Nerja has local primary and secondary schools, there are international schools offering British and IB curriculums located within a short commute in the broader Málaga region.
How large is Nerja?
The municipality covers an area of 85 square kilometers and has a population of just over 22,000 residents.