Things to do in Nerja with children: 10 ideas

Nerja It is one of the most family-friendly destinations on the Malaga coast: beaches with gentle slopes, a cave open to visitors, a pedestrianised old town, and everything within easy reach.

Here you have ten plans what you really need to know: what’s open, what requires a shuttle service, and what’s been closed for three years, because there is information circulating that is no longer valid.

First things first: two tips that’ll save you the trip

1. The River Chillar is closed. It’s the most popular walk in Nerja — you walk along the riverbed, with the water up to your ankles — and it’s recommended all over the internet as a family outing. But the The City Council and the Regional Government blocked access for safety reasons and due to the risk of fire, and is still closed. It is currently awaiting the award of a contract to a company to run it with limited capacity and an admission charge. Don’t plan your visit on the assumption that she’ll be there without first checking whether it has reopened.

2. The best coves need a shuttle service in the summer. Access by car to El Cañuelo and to the Maro Beach is restricted during the high season. There is a shuttle bus which leads down to the beach, open all day from 10.00 to 20.30 and a few €3 per person, return. The alternative is a steep, 30-minute walk along a footpath, and Not suitable for pushchairs or people with reduced mobility.

1. Beaches: which one, depending on age

• Burriana It’s the safe bet: the widest beach, with sand, calm waters, beach bars, toilets and sun lounger hire. If you’re going with young children and want to keep things simple, this is the one.
• Calahonda and Carabeo, in the centre, are small, sheltered coves, just a stone’s throw from the Balcón de Europa. Ideal for a quick dip without having to take the car.
• El Cañuelo and Maro they’re the prettiest, but They need a shuttle service in the summer and you can’t use a pushchair on the walk down. It’s best for children who can already walk well.

You can find the details at the best beaches in Nerja.

2. The Nerja Caves

The plan that works best with children, for practical reasons: The route follows signposted footbridges, it takes less than an hour to make and there’s a stable temperature all year round, so it’s a great way to spend a hot or rainy afternoon.

It is known as «the Cathedral of Prehistory» and its central column features in the Guinness World Record as the world’s largest.

Bear two things in mind: there are sections with changes in level and steps, so the trolley stays outside; and it’s best to book in advance during the high season. Details of opening hours, prices and free admission can be found at The guide to Nerja Cave.

3. The Balcón de Europa

The viewpoint overlooking the sea and the city’s landmark. It is a pedestrian zone, so children can run about freely without having to worry about the traffic, and there are usually musicians and artists there.

It is built on the remains of an ancient defensive battery, and from there the viewpoint. From here, it’s an easy walk down to the coves in the centre, so it’s a great place to start the day.

4. The Verano Azul Park and the Chanquete boat

Nerja was the setting for Blue Summer, and the park named after him is the best free things to do in the city with children: swings, slides, play areas and shaded areas, with over 10,000 reviews.

Next to it is a replica of La Dorada, the Chanquete’s ship, with images of the characters on deck and posters displayed throughout the venue.

A note for those feeling nostalgic: the The statue of Chanquete isn’t in the park, but at the tourist information office in the town centre. Lots of people look for it there but can’t find it.

5. The Old Town

Nerja is in Al-Andalus origins —its name comes from Arabic Narixa— and the old town still retains that layout of narrow streets, most of which are now pedestrianised. That’s what makes it so child-friendly: you can walk around without any cars.

Which way: the streets Graffiti y Admiral Ferrándiz, with shops and ice-cream parlours, and the Plaza de España.

And if it matches: on Nerja street market are fitted Tuesdays from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm on Mirto Street, except on public holidays. The one on Frigiliana are the Thursday.

6. Kayaking and snorkelling off the Maro Cliffs

For older children, this is the most comprehensive activity in the area: guided kayak tours that take in coves with crystal-clear water, caves accessible only from the sea and the Maro Waterfall, which leads straight down to the beach.

Before booking, check the minimum age: Each company sets its own, and it is usually between 5 and 8 years, depending on the route. Almost all of them depart from Burriana, include equipment and a life jacket, and offer short routes for beginners.

7. Aquavelis

The local water park, in Torre del Mar (in the municipality of Vélez-Málaga), about 20 minutes from Nerja. Water slides of varying speeds, a wave pool and a shallow children’s area.

The practical side:

• Open from 11.00 to 19.00 during the summer season.
• There’s a bus from Nerja, so you don't need a car.
• You are allowed to bring your own food, which isn’t allowed in all parks and is much appreciated when you’ve got children.
• Sun loungers are charged for separately, about €5, and there’s a shaded grassy area if you’d prefer to bring a towel.
• There are online booking discount.

8. Easy walks

With the River Chillar closed, there are some gentle alternatives:

• The walk from Maro to the cliff, short and with views.
• The Águila Aqueduct, a 19th-century Mudejar building with four storeys of arches overlooking a ravine, which impresses the children and can be seen from the road.
• The signposted trails in the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs Nature Reserve, choosing short sections.

Go out first thing in the morning, take some water with you and adjust the distance according to their age: in summer, any long walk with children ends badly.

9. Festivals and events

If your trip coincides, they’re free and work really well for families: the summer festivalsthe Three Kings’ Parade and neighbourhood festivals with parades.

And ten minutes later, the Frigiliana Festival of the Three Cultures, in August, with a market, music and activities in the town’s streets.

It’s worth checking the council’s calendar before finalising any dates.

10. Nerja and Frigiliana in a day

We are a local tour operator based in Málaga with over 50 years’ experience organising trips around Andalusia. If you’re coming from Málaga or the Costa del Sol, the day trip takes care of the transport, which is the biggest hassle when travelling with children.

Combine Frigiliana, the white village in the Axarquía, along with the town centre of Nerja, and includes a tour guide and free time in both places. There is also the option to add the entrance to the cave, which, when you have children, is usually the most rewarding.

How to get there and get around

Nerja is about 50 km east of Málaga, in the Axarquía.

• By car: less than an hour on the A-7. There is park-and-ride facilities at the entrance from the town centre, which is advisable as the centre is a pedestrian zone.
• By bus: There are direct services from Málaga station several times a day. It’s a real option if you’re travelling without a car.
• Inside: You can easily walk to the town centre. To get to the coves at Maro, take the shuttle bus.

More about the destination, at the Nerja guide and in what to see in Nerja.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to do the Chillar River trail with children?

Not at the moment, because access to the riverbed is closed. Nerja Town Council and the Andalusian Regional Government closed the area for safety reasons and due to the risk of fire, and it has not yet reopened. A contract is pending to be awarded to a company to manage access with limited capacity and an admission charge. It is advisable to check the situation before making plans to visit, as many guidebooks still recommend it.

Which is the best beach in Nerja to visit with children?

Burriana, as it is the largest, has calm waters and a full range of facilities: beach bars, toilets and sun lounger hire right on the sand. The coves in the centre – Calahonda and Carabeo – are ideal for a quick dip with young children. El Cañuelo and Maro are more picturesque but require a shuttle bus in summer and involve a walk downhill that isn’t suitable for pushchairs.

How do you get to Cañuelo or Maro beach in the summer?

Take the shuttle bus run by the access control service, as private cars are restricted from entering during the high season. It runs continuously from approximately 10.00 to 20.30, with a fare of around 3 euros per person for a return journey. The alternative is to walk down a steep path, which takes about 30 minutes and is not suitable for pushchairs or people with reduced mobility.

Is it possible to visit the Nerja Caves with children?

Yes, and it’s one of the best-organised tours: the route follows signposted walkways, takes less than an hour and the temperature inside remains stable all year round. Bear in mind that there are sections with slopes and steps, so pushchairs aren’t allowed, and it’s advisable to book your ticket in advance during peak season.

Is there a water park near Nerja?

Yes, Aquavelis, in Torre del Mar, about 20 minutes away. It’s open from 11.00 to 19.00 during the summer season and has water slides of varying difficulty, a wave pool and a shallow children’s area. Two practical tips: there’s a bus from Nerja, so you don’t need a car, and you’re allowed to bring your own food, although sun loungers cost extra.

Where is the statue of Chanquete?

At the tourist office in the centre of Nerja, not in Verano Azul Park, where many people go looking for it. The park does, however, feature a replica of La Dorada, the ship from the series, with images of the characters on deck, as well as swings and play areas. Entry to the park is free and it’s one of the best places to take children in the town.