A review of activities from windsurfing and snorkeling to mountain biking. Find out what's on offer for something more than a beach holiday on the coast of Southern Spain
Nerja has one of the best climates in Andalucia, Southern Spain, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Whilst this is great for lazing on the beach, and there are 6 of those, for people who want a little more adventure there are now organisations with English and Spanish speakers offering activity holidays that cater for beginners to experts.
.Diving
Along Burriana beach there is a PADI diving company hiring out equipment and offering snorkeling and scuba diving trips. Snorkeling does not involve any special skill, apart from being able to swim and is a fun family activity. Children snorkel for $37 and adults $45. For diving experts they offer shore or boat dives and even night dives starting at $100. Call +34 952 528 610.
Sailing
Take sailing lessons on a catamaran, join the crew on a racing yacht, or simply enjoy cruising along the Costa del Sol. Sometimes sailors have the added bonus of seeing turtles, flying fish and dolphins, but be aware that nobody can guarantee sightings. 3 hour cruises cost $45 for adults and children go for half price. Call 650 193 777.
Kayaking
Hire a double-seated kayak and see a different view of some of the beautiful coastline of Nerja. This will cost $21 for half a day. Call +34 677 894 002
Windsurfing
This is a great activity for families. Beginners soon learn to master the sport and the conditions along the Costa del Sol are excellent for windsurfing, particularly La Herradura, a ten minute drive from Nerja. A 5 hour lesson will cost $135, while experts can hire a windsurfer for $22 a hour. Call +34 958 640 143
Horse Riding
There is a choice of riding schools and their people will take you for an hour’s ride for about $25 along a river bed or for experienced riders there are full day excursions or seven day mountain treks. Call +34 630 286 239 or +34 664 552 658.
Jeep Safari
Although the main roads around Nerja and the Costa de Sol are excellent, to see some of the dramatic landscape, you really have to get onto the dirt roads. Seeing the countryside through the windows of an air-conditioned jeep is a good compromise for those who would like to explore but want some comfort. Full day excursions cost $86 for adults and $63 for children. Call +34 677 894 002.
Biking
Although hiring a quad bike can be one way to explore some of the dirt tracks, they are not environmentally freindly. The same goes for off road dirt bikes.
Mountain bicycles can be hired for $22 a day in Nerja and provide another way of seeing the diverse countryside along dirt tracks. Call +34 95 252 4654
Hiking in the Mountains Above Nerja
Southern Spain is one of the finest walking areas in Europe and the Sierra de Almijara ranges above Nerja are spectacular mountains. For people new to the area it is sensible to take the first couple of walks with a guide. Several people offer guided walks lasting from 2 hours to overnight treks. Different times of the year offer specific attractions, for example, the hillsides are covered in pink and white almond blossom in February and March whereas olives trees are full of fruit in October and November. Call the Nerja Tourist Office for recommended guides +34 952 521 531
Walking poles, inflatable dinghies, rucksacks and picnic sets can all be hired locally. Telephone +34 952520471
The copyright of the article Activity Holidays in Nerja, Spain in Spain Travel is owned by Elaine Walker. Permission to republish Activity Holidays in Nerja, Spain in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.