Nerja, the jewel of Spain’s Costa del Sol

Day 1:

Our journey to Nerja started, as usual, at the airport lounge in Vienna. From there, we caught a flight to Malaga, ready for an exciting Spanish adventure.

Upon arrival in Malaga, we took the metro to Maria Zambrano station, which was both convenient and affordable. From there, we walked just 500 meters to the bus station. Tickets for the bus to Nerja could be purchased either at the desk or through the ticket machine. The bus, departing from platform 38, cost us only 5.35 EUR per person.

Unfortunately, we were traveling in the evening, so we didn’t get to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. After an hour and a half, we arrived in Nerja and found our accommodation at (1) Apartamento Tres Soles. We were pretty exhausted, so we decided to call it a night and recharge for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Running and Coastal Discoveries

We kicked off our first full day in Nerja with a refreshing run along the coast. Covering 7.5 km, we enjoyed breathtaking sea views, making every step of the run feel effortless.On the end of Playa Playazo Rio Seco (2), Mirador de la Torrecilla (3) and Playa la Caletilla (4)

After our run, we walked back and grabbed breakfast from a local shop just 50 meters from our apartment. Fueled up, we set out to explore Nerja’s gems.

Our first discovery was (5) Calle Hernando de Carabeo, a charming street just 200 meters from our stay, offering picturesque views and an authentic Andalusian atmosphere.

Next, we arrived at (6) Balcón de Europa, Nerja’s famous viewpoint, offering stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean. This iconic spot, once a fortress to fend off pirates, is now a place for tourists and locals alike to enjoy the sea breeze and take unforgettable pictures.

We then made our way to (7) Mirador de Chanquete, another stunning viewpoint where we took a moment to soak in the beauty of the coast before heading back to our apartment for some well-earned rest.

Day 3: Running Trails and Historic Landmarks

Our third day began with another morning run, but this time we took on a more rugged trail heading towards the hills and the aqueduct.

On the way, we stumbled upon (8) Calle Almuñécar, which turned out to be the best photo spot in Nerja. With the combination of whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, and blooming flowers, it was a picture-perfect location.

The terrain to the bridge became increasingly rugged as we ran towards (9) the aqueduct.

The (10) Águila Aqueduct, also known as the "Eagle Aqueduct," is a remarkable 19th-century structure that once transported water to a local sugar mill. It stands as a symbol of the region’s history and engineering brilliance.

From there, we ran back through (11) Calle Casablanca, 

making our way to the (12) Playa Burriana. There, we finished our run by dipping our feet in the refreshingly cold sea—a perfect way to cool down!

After a quick shower back at our place, we grabbed some delicious local food and enjoyed it at a scenic sea-view spot near the laundromat. Multitasking at its best—we got our clothes cleaned while indulging in some tasty Spanish delicacies. (13) A true travel hack!

With clean (but still damp) clothes, we made a quick stop at (14) a Chinese “we-have-it-all” shop, where we picked up a laundry rope, clothes pegs, and, of course, a bottle of wine. Improvisation at its finest, we set up our own drying station in the room.

Day 4: Discovering More of Nerja

Our last day was all about soaking in the town’s charm. We wandered through the streets, uncovering hidden spots, and breathtaking views. From scenic coastal pathways to traditional Andalusian plazas, Nerja proved to be a true gem on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

(15) Playa de la Calahonda

(16) Take a photo in Chanquete’s boat from the Verano Azul TV series

(17) Enjoy sunset on Pasarela del Boina

(18) Go inside El Salvador Church 

(19) Enjoy evening atmosphere of Nerja

(20) Playa de la Calahonda 

With unforgettable memories, countless steps walked (and run), and a camera full of stunning pictures, we wrapped up our adventure in Nerja. Until next time, Spain! 🇪🇸☀️