You are close to countless excursion destinations. If you are in Malaga during Christmas time, you can experience the lighting of the lights on Calle Marqués de Larios. There are also many nice parks and botanical gardens, the Picasso Museum, …

East of Nerja are Almunecar and Salobrena. A small road north from Almunecar leads up a valley towards Otivar with a favorable tropical growing climate. The road winds further up into the mountains with nice viewpoints. Up to Granada and the Alhambra (should be on your bucket list) you take the highway for 1,5 hour drive from Nerja should be on your checklist.

Nerja’s nearest neighbour Frigiliana has been awarded the title of the most beautiful village in Spain. If you continue a little further, you can reach the “forgotten village” Acebuchal. A lunch in the village’s only restaurant is not to be missed. Alternatively, you can continue on to Torrox Pueblo. Competa is also within easy reach.

Further west, past Malaga heading west you have Ronda. Close to it is Setenil de las Bodegas built into the mountain. On the way there you pass magnificent olive groves. The way home can be taken via Marbella on a winding mountain road.

A dizzying excursion is the one to Caminito del Rey. You should book entry in advance and a good option is to book it including bus travel and guide directly from Nerja.

In general, it is best to avoid weekends for your excursions. It is often crowded and more complicated. Reservations are sometimes required in advance, for example the Alhambra.