Day trips around Nerja

 After a few days at the Balcón de Europa, I sometimes head into the mountains. It's not that I'm bored of Nerja, but a bit of variety is nice. Especially when the sun's high in the sky and the beaches are packed, that's when I look for peace. Luckily, you can jump on a bus or in the car here, and be somewhere completely different within an hour. I've got a few spots I like to go to when I want to get out of town for a bit. ### Malaga From Nerja, you're in Málaga in about 45 minutes. The bus connection's great, so you don't necessarily need a car. That's handy, 'cause parking in Málaga city center is, like in any big city, a hassle. I usually take the bus and get dropped off at the station, then I just walk into the center. Once you step into Málaga, you immediately see the mix of old and new. The Mercado Central de Atarazanas, for example, is one of those places. The building itself is already impressive, with that old Moorish gate and 19th-century steel. Inside it's a paradise for anyone who loves food. Fresh fish, meat, cheese, vegetables – it's all beautifully displayed there. You can also grab a good tapa, right at one of the stalls, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. I often have octopus with a cold caña there. Perfect for lunch – especially around one o'clock, then it's busy but not too crazy.  Another must-see is the Alcazaba, that old Moorish fortress. You wander around in an oasis of calm, with gardens, fountains, and amazing views over the city and harbor everywhere. Especially on a hot day, this is a relief because of the shady courtyards. The Torre de la Vela at the top gives you a great photo op. Nearby is the Castillo de Gibralfaro. The climb up there is tough, especially in summer, but the panoramic view is worth it. You look out over the entire bay from there. I'd recommend doing this in the morning, before the biggest heat hits. ### The Lighthouse of Torrox Costa If you want to take a short drive, the lighthouse of Torrox Costa is a good option. You're there in about fifteen minutes from Nerja. It's not just a lighthouse, the Faro de Torrox, but there's also a fair bit of history attached to it. This lighthouse from 1864 stands on top of the remains of the Roman city Caviclum. I always find that fascinating, how the past and present stack up here. You'll find old Roman mosaics and remains of a salt factory and a necropolis. It's not much more than some ruins, but it does give you an idea of what used to happen here. There's also a museum that tells you more about the Roman history of the place. It's not a full-day activity, but nice for stretching your legs and getting some culture. And you've got a nice sea view there, which is always a bonus.  ### White villages The white villages in the area are always a hit. I've mentioned Frigiliana before, as you might know. It's only a fifteen or twenty-minute drive from Nerja, and the road itself is already beautiful, with constant views of the Mediterranean. It's best to park in the underground car park below the village, otherwise, you'll be searching in the narrow streets. Frigiliana wasn't declared one of Spain's most beautiful villages for nothing. Those whitewashed houses, the flowerpots everywhere, the narrow, winding streets – it's exactly what you expect from Andalusia. Stroll through it calmly, get a bit lost. There are plenty of terrazas for a drink and tapas. And there's a small honey shop, left turn by the church, where they have the best honey I've tasted here. Just ask what's in it, and the woman behind the counter will explain it to you. If you want to go further into the mountains, Cómpeta is also a great recommendation. I've written about this before. It's a bit longer to drive, but the views get more and more spectacular. Cómpeta is known for its wines. Besides hiking, you can also do a local wine tasting here. It's a quieter village than Frigiliana, more focused on agricultural life. A great place for anyone looking for that typical Spanish atmosphere, without too many tourists.  Want to see more villages like these without driving yourself? There's a local guide, Cipriano, who organizes semi-private tours. Max eight people, in Spanish, English, or German. He knows the area inside out and can show you the most beautiful spots. Good option if you want to avoid the stress of navigating yourself. ### The Nerja Caves The Cueva de Nerja isn't technically a 'day trip' if you're staying in Nerja, 'cause it's only 5 kilometers away. But it is a different kind of outing. This impressive cave system is gigantic. The stalactites and stalagmites are out of this world. There are also prehistoric rock paintings to see, which makes it even more special. For me, this is one of those places you've just got to see here. It's best to book tickets in advance, especially in July and August. Otherwise, you'll be in a long queue, or worse, tickets will be sold out. The website's easy to find, just Google 'Cueva de Nerja' and you'll get to the official site (`https://www.cuevadenerja.es/`). Entry prices depend on the tour you choose, so check that beforehand. Mind you, it can be damp inside, but a lot cooler than outside. In summer, that's a welcome change when the mercury shoots above 30 degrees. Outside [the caves](/en/blog/caves-nerja-s-beginnings), by the entrance, there's also a restaurant and a car park. There's also a tourist train from Nerja center to the caves, if you'd rather not drive. It's not an adventurous journey, but fine for a change of scenery. ### Mountain drives by car If you've got a rental car, there are plenty of beautiful routes to drive around Nerja. Heading [to Frigiliana](/en/blog/day-trip-to-frigiliana-from) is already a good start, but you can go further into the Sierra de Almijara. From Nerja, you're in the mountains in no time. The roads are winding, so you've got to like driving. The views over the coastline and the interior are fantastic, though. I sometimes just drive on a whim, see where the road takes me. There are countless small mountain villages where you can have a coffee and observe local life. A twenty-kilometer drive into the mountains already feels like a world of difference. Do keep in mind that the siesta is observed more strictly here. Between two and five in the afternoon, much is closed in the smaller villages. Planning these day trips isn't difficult. The bus to and from Málaga runs regularly, and the white villages and caves are easy to reach with a rental car. In high season, especially July with the Virgen del Carmen procession on July 16th, it's busier everywhere. Booking in advance is key then, especially for popular attractions. Just go for it.