Info About Nerja

Nerja is the Costa del Sol's most easterly resort, 50 km from Malaga airport. Originally a sleepy fishing village it is now a thriving resort but has retained its undoubted character and charm. It is still at heart a Spanish village and the old part of the town has narrow, winding streets with whitewashed houses where  you can find shops selling local art and craftwork, typical jewellery and local products.

Built on the site of a 9th Century Moorish fortress the Balcon de Europa, in the heart of Nerja, overlooking the sea with spectacular views of cliffs all along the coastline and of the pretty coves and small beaches below. From here you can also see the spectacular mountains of the Sierra de Almijara. The avenue leading to it is lined with palm trees and benches and provides a shady respite from the hot sun.  You will often see locals sitting around and chatting. From here you can take a tour of the sites of Nerja which include the 17th Century El Salvador Church, the gardens of Capistrano Playa and the 16th Century Nuestra Señora de las Angustias Hermitage.

Given that many visitors come to the Costa del Sol for the beaches Nerja is a perfect choice with 1.5 km of sandy beaches the best of which is thought to be Burriana beach at the far east of the town which has been awarded the Blue flag of the European Union on various occasions but there are many small, beautiful beaches for those looking for something more quaint.  There is a walkway which runs along from Burrianna in the east to 'Chaparil' in the west. As in most of the resorts on the Costa del Sol there is a full range of water sports available in Nerja including water skiing, scuba diving and canoeing.

Nerja is probably most famous for its caves which lie some 6km inland. Discovered in 1959 by some boys chasing bats they discovered the entrance to a huge system of limestone caverns. The caves are protected and have been well preserved with many parts still closed to the public including areas with prehistoric paintings of animals & humans figures. It is estimated that the caves were inhabited between 20,000 BC and 1,800 BC. Visitors are treated to a series of well lit chambers & displays of archeological finds. Of interest are the Hall of Bethlehem which is full of stalactites and stalagmites. The Hall of the Waterfall, which is the scene for the Festival of the Caves held in July. And the Hall of the Cataclysm, whose fallen rocks indicate an earthquake long ago, the centre piece in the Hall of Cataclysm is the central column, formed when a stalactite and stalagmite met and joined after thousands of years of growth.  It is the tallest of its kind in the world at some 32 metres.

The countryside around Nerja offers those not wanting to spend all their time on the beach a range of other activities. You can go walking in the Axarquia where there are plenty of trails for walkers of varying levels.  You can also go cycling or mountain biking, horse riding, paragliding or take a jeep safari.

For those looking for nightlife you should go to Tuti Fruti Square where the disco pubs are located. Many are run by English speaking people so it should be no problem to order what you want.

Nerja has much to offer for food lovers such as a wide range of fish restaurants all the way along Burriana beach where you can sample local specialities such as pescaito frito (Fried fish) and paella, many traditional tapas bars situated in the old part of the town which give a free tapa with every drink.

Many of the traditional festivals are still celebrated in Nerja some of which include the town Feria between 8th October and 12th October, Holy week and the festival of San Isidro celebrated on May 15th with a parade starting at the Balcon de Europa and ending at the caves with a big country style party.

Situated between the Sierra de Almijara mountains and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Nerja enjoys one of the best climates in Europe with around 320 days of sunshine each year. The summer temperatures tend to be around 30ºC whilst in winter they are around 20ºC.  These mild winter temperatures allow residents and visitors alike to enjoy an outdoor quality of life all year round.

Only 7 km north of Nerja you can find the pretty white village of Frigiliana in the mountains. Several buses run daily from Nerja and it is well worth a visit if only to sample some of the local wine.  In June they run Bulls through the narrow streets. 

Info about Tenerife

Originally the Canaries were only a winter sun destination, but the combination of warm sunshine and fantastic modern holiday development, has put the islands on the map 12 months of the year.

Tenerife is dominated by the giant snow capped volcano Mount Teide, which at 3,700m high is Spain's highest peak. This will be the first sight you see when flying in, and it never ceases to take your breath away!

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and it has some fantastic lava landscapes in places. There are 2 climates on the Island, separated Mount Teide. In the north, it is cool and lush and in the south, the sun beams down and it is almost desert like. This cultural island has many things to do and see.

The main resorts are in the South – Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, where you can lounge on the beach by day and at night either enjoy a quiet meal or visit a bar or disco. You can also catch a boat trip to see whales and dolphins or go on a jeep safari tour of the inner Island.

Nextdoor, is the much quieter Costa Adeje, which is great for families, with shops, restaurants and good quality hotels to choose from. Also great for Golfers, is the Costa Adeje golf course, with fabulous sea views – the 2003 Spanish Open was held here.

Playa de Santiago is a traditional fishing port with a small, black beach (yes, the beaches are black or shingle here, being a volcanic Island), backed by huge cliffs.

La Caleta is a tropical paradise – a cove surrounded by banana plantations. It has a tranquil, shingle beach.

Opened in 2003, Tenerife is now home to the spectacular ‘Auditorio de Tenerife’ in Santa Cruz – the Islands Capital. The Concert Hall was designed by Santiago Calatrava and houses the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra. They also hold Opera, pop, jazz, rock and ballet concerts. Santa Cruz is also full of history and heritage.

Things to do on the include vsiiting Las Canadas National Park, excellent watersports, golf, hiking, cycling, caving, a boat trip to see the whales and Dolphins, La Gomera Island or Los Gigantes cliffs, Spa’s, Casino’s, and a visit to the town of Orotava, where wines are produced. Loro Park in Peurto de la Cruz is definitely worth a visit – a lovely wildlife park.
Flights to Tenerife from the UK just over 4 hours, landing at the Reina Sofia International airport in the south of the island, or Los Rodeos airport in the north.  Tenerife Businesses find them in TenerifeDirectory.info

Info about Menorca

Son Bou, San Jaime and Torres on the South coast - a 30 minute drive from Mahon airport. These three neighbouring resorts all overlook the beach of Son Bou - the longest beach on Menorca. It has almost 2 miles of golden sand and beautiful turquoise waters. The beach bars serve anything from a light snack to a three course meal. It is a holidaymaker's paradise and its facilities include windsurfing, water ski-ing, horse riding, golf, fishing, walking, relaxing by the beach and great nightlife.

A small attractive array of small shops, bars, restaurants and a popular disco are close by. A little further along is the popular Club San Jaime with its pool and water slides and labyrinth-type maze. There is entertainment most evenings and a further small selection of shops. Picturesque, white-washed villas nestle into the hillside almost along the whole length of the beach.

Menorca is the 2nd largest of the Balearics and has a charm all of its own. The coastline is totally unspoilt and it is perfect for a quiet holiday getaway in natural surroundings, with quaint fishing villages, whitewashed houses and pretty towns. Fish restaurants serve a fantastic array of dishes and the King of Spain (to whom invented the Tapas), King Juan Carlos regularly visits the Island for its cuisine.

Menorca’s Capital is Mahon, which has one of the World’s best ports. Among the good looking buildings you will find distinct English Architecture, such as the Georgian Merchant house’s – these were built when the Island was occupied by the British in the 18th Century. A lovely place to walk around, the Churches of Santa Maria and San Francisco are worth a visit. The harbour has lovely café and tapas bars to sit and enjoy the scenery, people and pretty yachts.

Son Bou, in one of the most unspoilt parts of the Island, is surrounded by rolling hills and countryside. You can enjoy beaches, restaurants and lively bars here. Cuitadella is the former capital. It is typically Spanish, with cobbled streets and is full of history. Mount Toro is the highest peak on the Island and the views from the top are unbelievable!