Nerja with Kids: The Best Family Activities and Days Out

Nerja has everything a family needs for a perfect holiday: beaches with calm waters, activities for all ages, playgrounds, and a dining scene where children are welcome. Here are the best plans.

Family-friendly beaches

Not all beaches in Nerja are equally suitable for children. These are the most recommended:

• Burriana — The best for families: sand, calm waters, lifeguard, beach bars with shade, toilets, and sunbed hire. There is also a small playground nearby.
• El Salón — Small and central, perfect if you are staying in the old town. Very little surf and easy access.
• Torrecilla — Spacious, with a promenade, ideal for walking with a pushchair.

Avoid taking young children to the coves along the acantilados de Maro (difficult access) and Alberquillas (rocky, no facilities).

Las Cuevas de Nerja

The Cuevas de Nerja will fascinate children: giant stalactites, the world's largest natural column, and a route that feels like an underground adventure. The temperature inside is a constant 19°C, so bring a light jacket. Children under 4 enter free.

Water activities

From age 6, children can enjoy:

• Guided snorkelling in Maro or Burriana — crystal-clear waters with colourful fish.
• Family kayaking — the Nerja-Maro route has shorter versions suitable for children.
• Boat trip — no physical effort required, perfect for younger children.

Playgrounds

Nerja has several playgrounds, ideal for afternoons when the children need to burn off some energy away from the beach:

• Parque Verano Azul — with a play area and the replica of Chanquete's boat; there is a paid car park next to it.
• Plaza de los Cangrejos — in the centre, one of the best rated by families.
• Plaza de la Marina — a meeting point right in the town centre.
• Nerja Cave playground — next to the cave, perfect to combine with your visit.

Family day trips

• Frigiliana — Just 6 km from Nerja, this whitewashed village is perfect for a morning stroll. There are artisan ice cream shops that the children will love.
• Acueducto del Águila — An impressive feat of 19th-century engineering, a quick and free visit.
• Río Chillár — The river route is great fun with children: you walk through the water, jump between rocks, and there are pools to cool off in. Only suitable for children aged 5–6 and above.

Where to eat with children

Nerja is very family-friendly. Most restaurants have high chairs and children's menus. Some favourites:

• Chiringuito de Ayo — Giant paella served outdoors, the children will have a wonderful time.
• Ice cream shops in the centre — There are several along the Balcón de Europa promenade, with artisan flavours.

Getting around with kids

You don't need the car for everything. The local bus costs €1 per trip (cash to the driver) and its Line 1 stops at Burriana beach. To get to Frigiliana there is a bus for €1.30, about a 20-minute ride.

In summer, from mid-June to mid-September, car access to Maro beach is restricted: the town runs a shuttle every 20 minutes (€3 return). And if you drive to the Caves, parking costs €2 a day, paid with €1 coins.

Looking for more ideas? See our guide to things to do in Nerja and pick the ones that best suit your children's ages.

Practical tips

• Bring water shoes for the rocky coves.
• SPF50+ sunscreen and a hat, always.
• The local bus connects the main beaches if you would rather not move the car.
• You can find on-duty pharmacies in our pharmacy guide.