Nerja Things to Do Tips by smilenerja

From The Front Cover of Smile Nerja:) Issue 1

Nerja, a beautiful Andalucian town with stacks of charm and character and no shortage of things to fill your holiday. But, if you’re looking for something a little different then the Rio Chillar Waterfall in Nerja is something not to be missed. And the best bit is you don’t need to be a rucksack wearing stick carrying member of ‘ramblers anonymous’ to get to it. Unless of course you want to.

The waterfall, which feeds some of Nerja’s water supplies (hence the fence and prohibition of swimming) is set amongst pine trees and the sight, sound & smell of this experience will be one of the highlights you’ll be guaranteed to tell your friends about when you get back. But don’t forget your camera or they might not believe you.

Directions: From the Sunday market site near Almijara II & III walk up Calle Mirto for about 100m. Just after Calle Jara the road bears right, here you take the smaller uphill road to the left or you can use the small staircase. At this point the road is still tarmac but after about 20m it becomes a track and splits two ways, take the track which leads down past the power station and under the Motorway bridge. About 300m after the bridge you will come to two large white water cylinders on your right and just about 30m further on your right you will come across a smaller track which inclines, if you stop to catch your breath here you can hear the sound of the waterfall through the pine trees. Take this track and follow your ears. Total distance from Market: 1.2km. Time on foot: 10-15mins. If you can’t handle the walk after 20 laps of the market, the track is easily passable by car, no 4x4 necessary. Enjoy :)

Update: 02/01/07 Just been up to the waterfall and was pleased to see it open to the public... or at least opened BY the public, someone's removed a couple of fence panels so you can have a swim, althought at this time of year, as beautiful as it was... bit too chilly for me thanks!

Still THE ONE not to miss if you come to Nerja!

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Address: Nerja, Rio Chillar
Directions: See description
Website: www.smilenerja.com

From The Front Cover of Smile Nerja:) Issue 2

The Maro watch tower was built in the 16th Century as part of a complex system set up to defend the Spanish coastline against pirates (the ones with wooden legs and eyepatches, not the latter day CD & DVD vendors). The pirates found sheltered bays such as Maro favourable spots to come ashore for fresh water and provisions and to capture prisoners to sell as slaves. This posed not only a personal threat to local farmers and fishermen, but also played a part in destabilising an already troubled economy.

The towers offered an early warning system to the areas they protected by sending smoke signals during the day and by lighting fires at night. The signals would be relayed along the coast from tower to tower at the first sign of danger and it is even said that a message could pass between Alexandria & Ceuta overnight (500 years later and you would at least think the Spanish postal system could match this level of service by now!). Access to the 11 metre high tower was by ladder through the elevated front door, in times of danger the ladder would be retracted and the tower defended from above.

Directions: This one’s really easy, on foot or by car go through Maro and join the N340 towards La Herradura, approximately 500 metres out of Maro take the KM297 exit signed for Torre del Maro (which is a track). If you don’t have a 4x4 you can park here and walk the 650 metres to the start of the path to the Tower or drive it and park closer. Then, from the opening follow the footpath up for approximately 100 metres and enjoy the spectacular views of Maro & Nerja, and of course the tower itself!

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Address: Just outside Nerja
Directions: See Description
Website: www.smilenerja.com

From The Front Cover of Smile Nerja:) Issue 3

The Frigiliana Castle, or what?s left of it which isn?t much, is quite possibly (and you are invited to challenge me on this) the best spot ever for a picnic! At one of the highest accessible spots in the area it offers the most spectacular panoramic views out over Frigiliana and down to Nerja and the big blue Mediterranean Sea. In fact, the only advice we can offer you which may improve the experience of your visit is that once you have laid out your spread, just beware of the two resident, very cheeky donkeys!

Directions: Dead simple either on foot or by car. Follow the main road out of Frigiliana and stay left heading for the hills. This is the Frigiliana - Torrox road but before you get anywhere near Torrox, barely out of Frigiliana infact, a little after restaurante Santo Cristo and just after the information sign that tells you that you are entering the natural park, to your right is a road, easily spotted as some thoughtful tourist ( and it wasn?t me honest!) has sprayed a bright orange arrow onto the rock wall.) Follow this up, up and up some more and you will arrive at your destination. Told you it was dead simple.

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Phone: 664 016 293
Address: Frigiliana
Directions: See description or visit http://www.smilenerja.com/smile_nerja_activities_frigiliana_castle_nerja.htm

have fun!
Website: www.smilenerja.com
Other Contact: alex@smilenerja.com

From The Front Cover of Smile Nerja:) Issue 4

Playa Burriana, is arguably the best beach in Nerja. It certainly boasts the best facilities: shops, bars, restaurants, sunbed & umbrella hire, outdoor activities and pedaloes! What more could you want? History? Why not watch the fishermen going about their business using traditional boats and equipment.

The beach itself a mix of small stones and sand which makes for great sand castles ;) but does make digging the inevitable giant hole to bury your dad in, a bit tricky. (Kids, here’s a tip... get dad to dig it himself).

During the summer months a life guard will keep you all safe in the water, and year round the parking vigilados in their orange jackets will keep your car safe... as long as you cough up the 80cents. The parking fee is optional but bear in mind it goes towards building a new nightclub for the elderly to swing their sticks at. No really it’s a care home for the elderly so it’s for a good cause.

So there you have it. Playa Burriana, something for everyone, go enjoy it!

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Address: Nerja
Directions: See Description
Website: www.smilenerja.com

From The Front Cover of Smile Nerja:) Issue 5

No visit to Nerja would be complete without a wander on the promenade at the Balcón de Europa (The Balcony of Europe).

Built in 1487 on the site of a 9th Century Moorish fortress, the Balcón de Europa, in the heart of Nerja, is a beautiful viewing point overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and down to Calahonda & El Salon beaches.

El Paseo, the promenade leading to the Balcón, is lined with palm trees and benches where you can sit in the shade and take in the scenery and the atmosphere.

During the day you can take a Horse and Carriage tour from here and enjoy some of the other sites Nerja has to offer. At night you can expect to be entertained by street performers or have your portrait or caricature painted.

Come fiesta time the Balcón is definitely the place to be as almost all pass through here.

Enjoy yourselves!

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Address: Nerja
Directions: See Description
Website: www.smilenerja.com

From The Front Cover of Smile Nerja:) Issue 6

The Nerja Caves (Cuevas de Nerja) were re-discovered on 12th January 1959 by 5 Maro boys (pic2) out hunting for bats. They were, from left to right: Miguel Muñoz Zorrilla, José Torres Cárdenas, Francisco Navas Montesinos, José Luís Barbero de Miguel and Manuel Muñoz Zorrilla. Picture 1 is a monument to them situated at the caves.

I say ‘re-discovered’ as evidence of previous inhabitants of the 5 million year old cave system has been found in the form of paintings dating back nearly 20,000 years.

But there’s more than just the caves themselves to keep you entertained! The mature gardens are nice for an afternoon stroll, there’s a restaurant, tourist shop and museum to which entry is free. There’s also a big kid’s play park (That’s a big park for little kids, not a park for big kids!) and a large picnic area.

Picture 3 is the Ermita de San Isidro or Hermitage to Saint Isidro, the Patron Saint of farmers. Built in the mid-19th century and visited annually by just about everyone in Nerja for the Fiesta de San Isidro in May which is a procession starting from the El Salvador church at the Balcón de Europa where San Isidro is carried to his awaiting colourful float and begins his trip to the caves... followed by everyone else and their floats of course, (the ladies in Flamenco dress and the gents as farmers or caballeros) plus of course music, dancing... and a few drinks:)

This is easily the most colourful and enjoyable event in Nerja’s fiesta calendar and everyone can join in... so long as you can handle the walking! Smile:) will be there for the third year running, and we recommend you don’t miss it either! See you there!

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Address: Nerja... well actually Maro!
Website: www.smilenerja.com

From The Front Cover of Smile Nerja:) Issue 7

Some of you may have heard of the Spanish television series from the early 80’s, ‘Verano Azul’ or ‘Blue Summer’. It was a series about seven kids who spent the summer in Nerja getting into various adventures. The show covered a number of previously untouched subjects such as relationships and death. It won several awards including Best Actor, by Antonio Ferrandis and Best National Series. What you may not be aware of are the number of references to the programme that there are to be found around Nerja.

There is the most obvious - the Verano Azul Park, which houses the famous boat from the series ‘La Dorada 1’. In the park you will also find a number of plaques depicting the characters of the youngsters who appeared in the series, including that of ‘Tito’ played by Miguel Joven who was the only one to actually come from Nerja.

There are many streetnames, including ‘Antonio Ferrandis’ which is also known as ‘Chanquete’, these being the character and the actor’s names of the father-figure in the series. If you’ve ever wondered, whilst walking along the Paseo at Burriana beach, what the green metal chair depicts; this is a replica of the chair used by the Verano Azul director, Antonio Mercero.

There were also a number of businesses that sprang up at the time, using the name of ‘Verano Azul’ to enhance their business and evidence of these can still be seen around town today on the sides of their blue buses and on apartment buildings.

Why not go ‘Verano Azul Spotting’ yourselves and let us know if you find any more references around town!

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Phone: 664 016 293
Address: All Around Nerja!
Website: www.smilenerja.com

From The Front Cover of Smile Nerja:) Issue 8

El Pinarillo is about 5km’s in land from the Nerja Caves. The track starts on the left of the entrance to the caves’ parking and winds up to a great picnic/BBQ area (Pic.B). Don’t be put off by the map (Pic.A). This marks a popular walking route into the mountains. The red route takes you to the good stuff!

Anyway, given the time of year, what we’re interested in is entertainment value and so, from experince, dad can get the BBQ going whilst the rest of the family can go off exploring. Forget the Nerja Caves, go find some of your own! There are plenty! Some previously inhabited and others still inhabited...but not by people! (Pic.C). A little further on brings you to the natural spring of the Fuente Del Esparto (Pic.D).

This time of year you can expect to find the air thick with butterflies (as pictured on the front cover). Lizards and snakes will be sunning themselves in the early morning sun and you may be lucky enough to see the Andalucian mountain goat (Ibex).

The route up to El Pinarillo is a little rough but quite easily passable without a 4x4. It takes about 15 minutes and on the way you can look out over views of Nerja & Maro.

On a scale of 1-10, El Pinarillo easily scores a "get your butt off the beach" 9!

So go do it!

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Website: www.smilenerja.com

From The Front Cover of Smile:) Nerja Issue 9

On your arrival in Nerja along the N340 Coast Road you are greeted with "El Rapto De Europa", a monument erected by the town on 26th January 1986 to celebrate Spain’s entry into the European Union.

Created by the Andalusian artist, Aurelio Teno Teno. It, apparently, represents the god Zeus in the form of a bull sent to abduct Europe, but who is fought off by a woman, representing Spain and therefore saving Europe and the free world as we know it!

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Website: www.smilenerja.com

From the front cover of Smile:) Nerja Issue 10.

This month’s activity takes us inland along the riverbed of the Rio Chillar in Nerja. We’re only covering about half the route as we’re not serious ramblers and we were just exploring, and looking for a way to cool off. The going is relatively easy but be prepared, most of the route is along the river in the water and so flip-flops are a no-no.

Access to this route is via Calle Picasso (near Urb. Almijara 1, see map spot 6G at www.smilenerja.com/smile_nerja_public_info.htm), or via the Waterfall route featured in Issue 1. If you’re a keen walker, you can start here but if like us you just fancy some different scenery and a bit of a swim we recommend you follow the river bed by car past the waterfall and cement quarry until you come to La Tercera Fabrica (The Third Fatory), identifiable as a steep man made (concrete) slope going up. Here, you can leave your car and begin your walk which will take about 1 ½ hours at an easy pace.

As you make your way along the river bed keep your eyes open for wildlife, (see pages 10 & 11 of issue 10) and enjoy the cool air and scenery. As you progress further inland the greenery fades away and the banks steepen until you find yourself in a narrow pass where you can almost touch both sides if you stretch your arms out, and a series of small dams make the going a little bit tricky but help to make what’s just round the corner a bit more worthwhile. As the pass opens you know you have arrived at the Vado de los Patos, an area where the river has been dammed with rocks and fallen trees to create a natural swimming pool.

The route on from here is so far unexplored by Smile:) however a map and further details are available at the Nerja Town Hall website. www.nerja.org ... Have Fun!

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Website: www.smilenerja.com