🌞 Why Nerja is the Perfect Winter Escape in Southern Spain

A Mediterranean gem for long stays, remote work, and slow travel

📍 Where Is Nerja?

Nestled along Spain’s Costa del Sol, about 50 minutes east of Málaga, Nerja is a charming coastal town that has preserved its Andalusian soul. Unlike other overdeveloped beach resorts, Nerja maintains a unique mix of authentic Spanish character, relaxed lifestyle, and stunning natural surroundings.

With its mild climate, peaceful atmosphere, and increasing popularity among long-stay travelers, solo adventurers, and digital nomads, Nerja has become a top choice for off-season escapes — especially during winter months like December, January, and February.

🌤️ Why Choose Nerja for a Winter Stay?

☀️ Enjoy 300+ Days of Sunshine

Even in the middle of winter, Nerja offers bright blue skies, sunshine, and daytime temperatures around 16–20°C (60–68°F). While much of Europe is wrapped in fog or snow, this Andalusian town lets you enjoy coffee on a terrace, walks on the beach, and sunsets over the Mediterranean almost every day.

😌 Relaxed, Safe, and Friendly

Nerja has a calm and welcoming vibe. The streets are clean, safe, and pedestrian-friendly. It’s the kind of place where you can leave stress behind, find your rhythm, and embrace a slower, more mindful lifestyle — whether for a week, a month, or even longer.

👥 Ideal for Solo Travelers or Couples

Many people who choose Nerja for long stays come alone or as a couple, seeking quiet surroundings, independence, and simplicity. Everything is walkable, and the town offers just the right balance between comfort and authenticity.

✈️🚄 How to Get to Nerja

Reaching Nerja is simple and affordable, thanks to excellent transport connections.

✈️ By Plane

Fly into Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), which is well-connected with most major European and Spanish cities. Once there, you can get to Nerja by:

• Uber or taxi (approx. €60–€70, 50 mins)
• Rental car (available at the airport)
• Bus (ALSA) from Málaga Airport or city center

🚄 By Train

From cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or Sevilla, you can take a high-speed AVE train to Málaga María Zambrano station:

• Madrid – Málaga: 2h 45m
• Barcelona – Málaga: 5h 45m
• Valencia – Málaga: 5h 15m
• Sevilla – Málaga: 2h

Then connect via bus, taxi, or Uber to Nerja.

🚗 By Car

If you’re traveling by car, Nerja is well connected by the A-7 coastal highway. It’s a smooth and scenic drive:

• Málaga – Nerja: 50 mins
• Granada – Nerja: 1h 15m
• Almería – Nerja: 1h 30m
• Madrid – Nerja: 5h
• Sevilla – Nerja: 3h

There’s usually plenty of free or affordable parking around Nerja, especially in winter.

🏖️ What to Do in Nerja: Top Activities & Attractions

Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a few months, there’s always something to see or experience in and around Nerja.

🏞️ 1. Explore the Famous Nerja Caves (Cuevas de Nerja)

Discovered in 1959, these spectacular caves feature giant stalactites, underground chambers, and prehistoric cave paintings. A guided tour reveals a magical world hidden beneath the hills.

🌅 2. Walk the Balcón de Europa

One of Nerja’s most iconic spots, the Balcón de Europa is a seaside promenade with breathtaking views of the coastline. Ideal for morning walks, evening drinks, or people-watching under the palm trees.

🥾 3. Hike the Río Chíllar Trail

Perfect for nature lovers, this river hike takes you through a narrow canyon, walking in shallow water surrounded by limestone cliffs and greenery. It’s best enjoyed in spring or autumn, but sunny winter days work too.

🏖️ 4. Relax on the Beach

Even in winter, many days are warm enough for sunbathing. Try:

• Burriana Beach – the most popular, with restaurants and beach bars
• Carabeo & Calahonda – quieter and more scenic
• El Playazo – great for long seaside walks

🍽️ 5. Enjoy Tapas and Local Cuisine

Nerja is filled with small, family-run restaurants offering traditional Andalusian dishes. Don’t miss:

• Espetos (grilled sardines on skewers)
• Fresh seafood paella
• Local wines and cheeses
• Tapas bars with warm service and great prices

🧘 6. Join a Yoga or Language Class

Nerja has a growing community of expats, retirees, and digital nomads, so you’ll find yoga studios, dance classes, Spanish lessons, and even language exchanges to meet new people.

🚗 Nearby Day Trips from Nerja

Take advantage of Nerja’s location to explore some of Andalusia’s best-kept secrets.

🌿 Frigiliana

Just 10 minutes from Nerja, this whitewashed mountain village is often named one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Its cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and hillside views are picture-perfect.

🌄 Maro

A tiny farming village next to the Nerja Caves, known for its avocado groves and quiet charm. Ideal for a peaceful afternoon.

🏰 Granada & The Alhambra

Only 90 minutes away, Granada is home to the stunning Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In winter, you can even go skiing in Sierra Nevada and return to the beach the same day.

🌊 La Herradura & Almuñécar

Coastal towns west of Nerja, with hidden beaches, snorkeling spots, and excellent seafood restaurants.

💻 Is Nerja Good for Remote Work or Long Stays?

Absolutely. Nerja is increasingly popular among freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and retirees looking for:

• Reliable high-speed internet
• Affordable accommodation
• Safe and peaceful surroundings
• Great weather for outdoor living
• Inspiring scenery to boost creativity

You’ll find coworking spaces, quiet cafés, and even monthly rentals with dedicated work areas or terraces with sea views.

🏠 Where to Stay in Nerja for 1–3 Months?

Winter is the perfect time to rent a furnished apartment at much more affordable prices than in summer. For long stays, look for:

• Apartments with terrace or balcony
• Fully equipped kitchen & washing machine
• Central location (near the Balcón or beach)
• Heating or AC (for cooler nights)
• Stable WiFi if you plan to work

🔑 Recommended Stay: Apartamentos Centurión

If you’re looking for a clean, quiet, and central place to stay in Nerja for a couple of months, Apartamentos Centurión are highly recommended.

Why choose Centurión Apartments?

• Located right in the heart of Nerja
• Designed for 1 or 2 guests
• Private terrace for sunbathing or working outdoors
• Fast internet & work-friendly environment
• Walking distance to beaches, restaurants, supermarkets, and bus stops
• Ideal for stays of 2–3 months during winter

These apartments offer a home-like atmosphere with modern comforts, making them perfect for remote workers, retirees, or anyone escaping cold northern winters.

💬 Real Experiences: Why Visitors Return

Many people who try Nerja once during the off-season end up coming back year after year.

• 🇬🇧 British expats and retirees say it’s one of the sunniest, most peaceful towns on the Costa del Sol.
• 🇸🇪 Swedish and Dutch travelers love the walkability, cleanliness, and local feel.
• 🇫🇷 French couples come here to escape winter and enjoy nature without crowds.
• 🇪🇸 Even Spaniards from cities like Madrid, Zaragoza, or Valencia choose Nerja for long weekends or working holidays thanks to its quiet charm.

📌 Final Tips for Planning Your Winter Stay

• Book early: December through March is popular for long-term visitors.
• Check for heating or AC – nights can be chilly.
• Look for apartments with south-facing terraces to enjoy winter sun.
• Don’t overload your schedule. Nerja is made for slow travel and relaxed living.
• Use public transport or rent a car in Malaga.