As we saw last week, there’s penty to do if you’re holidaying in Nerja. However, there are many more places worth seeing a bit further than the beautiful whitewashed village of Frigiliana or the breath-taking Nerja Caves. If you drive west, you can visit the region’s capital city, Malaga or celebrity favorites Marbella and Puerto Banus. If you decide to head east, you can find the spectacular Granada with its world famous Alhambra Palace.
Let’s take a look at those amazing places:
MALAGA
Distance: 50 km – 1 hour drive
Being a bigger city, Malaga has much more to offer than the coastal pueblos of the region. Nevertheless, we decided to stay in Nerja instead because it’s much quieter and therefore relaxing which is what we were aiming for. Still, we couldn’t go back to Madrid without visiting Malaga. As we had an amazing beach in Nerja, we swapped the bathing suit for our walking shoes and decided to do some sightseeing.
Malaga’s old town is charming. I recommend visiting the main shopping street, Larios, and historical buildings like the city hall, the cathedral or the colorful episcopal palace. Also, the Alcazaba is a palace that is similar to Alhambra but not as spectacular. It used to be the palace fortress of the city’s Muslim rulers. Last but not least, a walk along the port’s promenade when the temps go down is also a delight.
WHERE TO STAY:
If you decide that one day in Malaga is not enough, you can spend the night in one of these dreamy hotels.
WHAT TO EAT:
If you go to Malaga, you need to try the most famous dish: espetos. Pescaito frito (fried fish) is popular all around Andalusia but espetos are typical from Malaga. You may be wondering what that odd word means. Espeto is a traditional way of cooking freshly-caught sea fish, most often sardines. The verb espetar means to skewer. The fish is skewered, seasoned with a bit of olive oil and sea salt and cooked over a pit of coals which are usually in a little boat on the sand as you can see below. You can find this finger food all around Malaga, specially in beach restaurants.
A great place to try Andalusian food is Mercado de Atarazanas. This is Malaga’s biggest market where apart from buying produce, meat and fish, you can eat seafood and delicious tapas as well.
BENALMADENA
Distance: 86km – 1 hour and 10 minute drive
In Benalmadena you can take a lovely walk along the marina which offers great shopping and dining. There’s also a Sea Life Center where you can see a wide variety of marine wildlife.
MARBELLA
Distance: 128 km – 1 hour 30 minute drive
Marbella has been a favorite destination among celebrities for years. All the glamour has overshadowed the true charm of the city which lies in the lovely old town. Because of that, this hidden gem is often missed by visitors. The maze of narrow cobbled streets full of cute restaurants and bougainvillea hanging from white walls will remind you of whitewashed villages.
PUERTO BANUS
Distance: 9 km from Marbella
If you go to Marbella, Puerto Banus is a must-see. This luxury marina is filled with the biggest yachts and the most expensive sports cars in Europe. The stores and restaurants you can find here are pretty expensive as you can imagine. The place is full of life specially around the evening and at night.
GRANADA
Distance: 1 hour 15 minute drive heading east.
Ah, Granada, the crown jewel. This is the most popular day trip from Nerja. Granada is home to The Alhambra, the most spectacular Moorish palace in the world. To visit the Alhambra you need to reserve tickets well in advance since there is a restriction in the number of visitors per day.
Even though the Alhambra is the main attraction, Granada has much more to offer like the Albayzin -the traditional Muslim quarter- with its hilly and narrow streets or Sacromonte, the gypsy quarter with its flamenco venues.
SEPTEMBER TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Long time I've been to Malaga and Puerto Banus but I have great memories from there 😉 Beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing and happy Monday xx
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Such a stunning place! Wow
What a gorgeous spot, the food looks unreal too! So yummy
Wow that architecture is crazy beautiful!
Gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/09/our-newest-family-member.html
These are GORGEOUS locations!! Love all of the architecture!
The first image looks so familiar and then I read it's Malaga. Of course it is, that's why it's familiar. I've been to Malaga once on a cruise ship and returning again in a few months.
Worth a Thousand Words
Funny outfit dear!!
Have agreat day! xx
La ilusión de Nina – http://lailusiondenina.blogspot.com/
These look like fabulous options! It looks like Nerja is a great base xx
What a lot to see and do in and around Malaga. Those curtains on the outside of the windows are fab! really enjoyed this post, will be even better if I get to go there myself sometime soon!
Wren x
Lovely shots! Malaga and Granada are sure-fire favourites.
Never been, but it sure does look beautiful and delicious!
I have never heard of Nerja, but all of these day trips look beautiful! I have always wanted to visit the Alhambra in Granada!
NERJA is a great place. I will visit there soon.
Wow the architecture and colors are just gorgeous! The scenery on the water is beautiful and looks so serene!
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The architecture is beautiful. A lot of history embedded in them. Palacio Miramar is stunning! I bet it's such a treat to stay there.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I need to get to spain! I've been to many surrounding countries, but not Spain yet. Happy #TravelTuesday
What a gorgeous place! Their architecture is amazing. Your photos are really lovely too dear, thanks for sharing!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank you for the linkup!
I know, right! 🙂
Oh, I wish I could show you how amazing it tastes too!
It's worth visiting!
Those places are amazing, right? Thanks for stopping by!
I fell in love with the architecture too!
Oh, I'd love to stay in Palacio Miramar, so luxurious!
Thanks!
It is! There's a lot to see and do around 🙂
I really hope you get to go there because it's even more amazing in real life!
Thanks so much!
Malaga is so beautiful, right? I hope you enjoy your visit in a few months, if you need recommendations let me know.
Thanks, Kim! I'm in love with the architecture too!
It's a great place to visit! Thanks for stopping by, Ruth
Thanks so much for your kind words, Jessica!
You should totally come!
It's even better in real life, Margie 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Melanie! I hope you get to visit the Alhambra soon, it's worth it.
That's great! I hope you like it