If you want more from your holiday than sitting on the beach or by the pool, there are lots of places to visit in the Málaga area to interest the whole family. Below is a selection of the attractions available in the area, in order of approximate distance from Nerja, starting with the closest.
EL AGUILA AQUEDUCT
A beautiful piece of 19th century engineering work, this aqueduct was built to transport water from a spring in Maro to the San Joaquín de Maro sugar factory. It can easily be seen from the N-340 from Nerja to Maro, before arriving at the autovía, close to the Nerja caves. Stopping to view it and photograph it is more difficult, as this involves going down a track off the main road to find a safe viewpoint.
NERJA CAVES (CUEVA DE NERJA)
These caves are some of the best in Europe and are the third most visited attraction in the whole of Spain - and they are only a few kilometres from the centre of Nerja. Take the main road (N340) towards Maro and the caves are signposted from there. The caves were discovered in 1959 by some boys chasing bats who discovered the entrance to a huge system of limestone caverns. The caves are protected and have been well preserved with many parts still closed to the public, including areas with prehistoric paintings of animals &humans figures. It is estimated that the caves were inhabited between 20,000 BC and 1,800 BC.
During the last two weeks of July, there is a festival of music and dance held inside the caves.
Open all year except January 1st and May 15th, the caves close at ‘siesta time’, except during July and August. Please check their website for opening hours and times of guided visits. The entrance fee is 9€ for adults (13+) and 5€ for children aged 6-12 (under 6s go free). Tickets can be bought online in advance or on arrival. Allow around 45 minutes for the visit.
AQUAVELIS
Not the largest water park on the Costa del Sol, but the nearest to Nerja (only a 20 minute drive along the motorway). Open in the summer only, opening times vary. There is a discount on the daily price if you arrive mid-afternoon. More information at www.aquavelis.com
AQUALAND
This one claims to be the biggest water park on the Costa del Sol. Located in Torremolinos, it has a wide selection of slides, rapids etc, as well as an area for younger children to enjoy. Open in the summer only, more information at www.aqualand.es/torremolinos
CROCODILE PARK
Torremolinos, (exit 227 from the motorway). In Crocodile Park you will find yourself in front of prehistoric monsters which have miraculously survived 200 million years of evolution. You can observe giant crocodiles of different species only 2 metres away from you. Open all year, times vary. More information at www.crocodile-park.com
SELWO MARINA
A unique marine park set in the heart of the Costa del Sol. Located in Benalmádena, (exit 222 from the motorway, Selwo Marina boasts the only Dolphinarium and Penguinarium on ice in Andalucia. It is open every day from 10:00. More information at www.selwomarina.com
SEA-LIFE AQUARIUM
Located in Benalmádena, (exit 222 from the motorway), this large aquarium complete with Pirate mini-golf has sharks, rays and the Amazon! Open daily from 10am. More information at www.sealife.es
TIVOLI WORLD
A theme park in Benalmádena with both amusements and shows, (exit 222 from the motorway). A range of rides, bars and theme restaurants as well as dance and theatre shows. Opening hours vary by season but in July and August they are open every evening from 18:00 to 02:00. More information at www.tivolicostadelsol.com
TELEFÉRICO
Benalmádena, (exit 222 from motorway). Get a bird's eye view of the Costa del Sol with this cable car ride, which as well as the views offers a donkey ride, falconry and horse riding expeditions as well as hiking. It is open most of the year from 10am. More information on www.telefericobenalmadena.com
FUENGIROLA ZOO
In the centre of Fuengirola (exit 208 from the motorway). The zoo has been designed to replicate the different habitats of the tropical forests. During the summer season, Fuengirola Zoo is open at night, offering you a unique opportunity to stroll by moonlight through the jungles of Africa and Asia, taking in the startling array of animals which live there. There is also a large children's play area. Open every day from 10am, more information on www.zoofuengirola.com
LOBO PARK (WOLF PARK)
Antequera, about 1 ½ hours from Nerja, inland. A unique nature, experience and study park in the heart of Andalucia. Four large enclosures with European wolves, Iberian Wolves, Timber wolves and the rare white Alaska - Tundra wolves (polar wolves). You can also experience horse riding on purebred Andalusian horses. Open every day from 10:00, more information on www.lobopark.com
SELWO AVENTURA
Estepona, (exit 162,5 from the motorway). This is an adventure park with a difference. You can enjoy the natural surroundings and also experience a safari both on foot and in a 4X4, visiting the different areas within the park and seeing some of the 2,000 animals from 200 different species that live there in semi-freedom. There is also the possibility to spend the night in one of the two lodges, consisting of African style huts set in the heart of the park. Opening hours vary by season. More information at www.selwo.es
We hope that this guide will help you get the most from your stay in Nerja. We don't have first-hand experience of all these places, so if you visit any of them, please let us know what you think and whether you recommend them to others.
Disclaimer: While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, The Away Company will not be held responsible for any loss, damage, or inconvenience whatsoever caused as a result of any inaccuracy or error within this website.