Nerja Cheap Holidays
How to Travel Smart to the Costa del Sol
Looking for a sunny getaway in southern Spain without breaking the bank? Nerja is one of the best-kept secrets on the Costa del Sol — a charming coastal town with crystal-clear beaches, whitewashed streets, affordable food, and incredible nature. Whether you’re planning a quick escape or a longer stay, cheap holidays in Nerja are absolutely possible with the right planning.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to travel to Nerja on a budget: cheap flight options, how to get there from the airport, train or bus connections from other cities, and tips to enjoy Nerja without overspending.
🌴 Why Choose Nerja for a Budget Holiday?
- Beautiful beaches like Burriana, Calahonda, and El Playazo
- A lively historic center with affordable tapas bars and local shops
- Nature all around: hike the Río Chíllar or visit nearby Frigiliana
- Budget-friendly accommodation from €30–40 per night (low season)
- Warm weather, laid-back vibe, and local charm — without the crowds of bigger resorts
✈️ Cheap Flights to Málaga (Closest Airport)
The closest airport to Nerja is Málaga – Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), located just 65 km away. Several low-cost airlines fly into Málaga daily, including:
- Ryanair
- easyJet
- Vueling
- Transavia
Return flights from major cities like Madrid, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, or Dublin can often be found for under €100.
🔍 Tip: Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kiwi.com to find the cheapest deals and set price alerts.
🚌 How to Get from Málaga Airport to Nerja
Once you land in Málaga, there are several affordable ways to reach Nerja:
1. Direct Bus from Málaga to Nerja
- Company: ALSA
- Price: From €5
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Pick up the ALSA bus from Málaga Bus Station. You can get there from the airport via:
- Bus line A (Airport Express)
- Cercanías C1 train (to María Zambrano station)
2. Shared Shuttle Transfers
- Companies: SunTransfers, Shuttle Direct, etc.
- Price: From €15 per person, depending on season and availability
- Great option if you have luggage or arrive late
3. Car Rental
- From €20/day if booked in advance
- Ideal if you’re planning to explore nearby areas
🚄 Train + Bus Option from Madrid
If you’re coming from Madrid, here’s how to do it cheaply:
- AVE high-speed train to Málaga
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Prices: From €25–40 (book early via Renfe)
- Bus to Nerja from Málaga station (ALSA)
- Price: From €5
- Duration: 1.5 hours
📝 Tip: Some booking platforms offer combined train + bus tickets.
🚌 Bus to Nerja from Other Cities in Andalusia
There are regular and affordable buses to Nerja from major Andalusian cities:
| Origin | Duration | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|
| Granada | 2h | €7–€10 |
| Sevilla | 4h | €14–€17 |
| Córdoba | 3.5h | €12–€15 |
| Almería | 3h 30m | €10–€14 |
Provider: ALSA
You can check times and book tickets at alsa.es.
🏡 Budget Accommodation in Nerja
Nerja has a wide range of affordable places to stay:
- Studios & apartments on Airbnb from €30/night
- Budget hotels and hostels on Booking.com
- Expedia offers great deals, especially for flight + hotel packages
- Direct booking with owners often means better prices (no platform fees!)
Nerja is small and walkable, so even budget stays are usually close to the beach and town center.
🎒 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Nerja
- Walk around the iconic Balcón de Europa
- Spend the day at Burriana Beach or El Playazo
- Hike the Río Chíllar (free and refreshing!)
- Visit the stunning village of Frigiliana (bus from Nerja: €1.20)
- Try local tapas from €2–€3 per dish
- Browse the local Tuesday market for souvenirs and fresh produce
💡 Tips for a Cheap Holiday in Nerja
✔️ Travel in shoulder season (April–May or October)
✔️ Book flights and accommodation early
✔️ Share apartments if traveling with friends
✔️ Eat where the locals go — avoid overpriced tourist restaurants
✔️ Buy groceries from local supermarkets and cook at home when possible
✅ Conclusion
Nerja cheap holidays are a reality! With low-cost flights, easy public transport, affordable stays, and free nature experiences, this town offers everything you need for a perfect sunny escape — without overspending.
Want help finding the best rental apartments?
📩 Send us a message via email or WhatsApp at:
👉 NerjaHolidays.com/contact-us
We’ll personally recommend the best direct-from-owner rentals to suit your needs and budget.