Nerja is a beautiful, genuinely-Spanish small town on the Costa del Sol in the south of Spain. The town is located 50 kilometres east of Malaga, which has an international airport. Nerja is built on a ledge, affording a splendid view of the varied surroundings so typical of the area. Thanks to its special light and clear air, many artists have travelled here to find inspiration.

Nerja is very easy to like, especially due to its welcoming atmosphere. The climate is said to be the best on the whole Costa del Sol, thanks to the mighty mountains that surround and protect the city. Due to its planned slow development, the city has kept its genuinely Spanish character, with beautiful white buildings, smallalleys, and cobblestoned streets. You are not allowed to build houses higher than 3 levels, and the area around the city is reserved for agricultural use. Nerja and its surroundings are always marvellously green, due to numerous springs and wells. During the Moorish Era, Nerja was called Narixa ('rich with water'). Exotic fruits, such as chirimoya, kiwi and avocado are grown here. If you prefer a night on the town, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from.

Nerja also provides lots of shopping opportunities, and each Tuesday a local market is held. Tennis, squash, and golf (for beginners or intermediate players) are all within easy reach. You can go for a quiet hike in the nearby mountains and, here and there, you will find an Andalucian village with astounding views and tranquil peace. Frigliana is such a village 15 minutes drive into the mountains from Nerja a beautiful little village with cobbled streets and beautifuly maintained white houses.

Market day at Frigliana is one not to be missed. From Nerja, such fascinating destinations as Granada Cordoba, Ronda , Seville, and Africa are within a day's travel. Should you feel a sudden urge for skiing, the Sierra Nevada's fine resorts are less than two hours away. Nerja's history goes a long way back. In the Maro caves, objects have been found that date from Early Stone Age to Bronze Age, and human remains from Cro-Magnon. In recent history, Nerja is mentioned for the first time during Arabic rule.In the east, Nerja was a site well recognized by Arabic travellers and historians. It was given over to agriculture, with rich gardens, and was known for its silk trade in faraway Damascus.

Roman coins have been found within the present county borders. During the Roman reign, a factory or Roman village was most likely placed in Maro, a neighbouring village to Nerja. An Arabic fortification was at once located at the "Balcón de Europa" plaza. Nothing remains of it today, but in 1660 reconstruction began on"La Torre de Los Guardias" which would later become the "Balcón de Europa" plaza. In 1810, English allies began to dis-assemble the fortification, with its gun batteries, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the French. King Alfonso XII visited Nerja after the severe earthquake of January 20, 1885. Admiring the view from "paeso de la Bateria", he uttered the words: "Pero si estos es el balcon de Europa!", and the place had a new name.

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