I post this report reluctantly and only for my fellow Fodorites...don't tell anyone else! One of the charms of Nerja (pronounced Near-ha or Near-kuh) is that very few North Americans go there. Nerja is a pretty white village situated on a cliff overlooking the Mediterrnean with mountains in the background. Watching the sunrise over the sea is a breathtaking sight! It is located about an hour east of Malaga. From Nerja you can take day trips to Granada and Ronda. <BR>The weather was perfect (mid seventies F.) the first two weeks of November. It rained about fifteen minutes one day so we went to the caves. The bus to the caves costs 100 pesetas and they are definitely worth seeing. <BR>There were few tourists at the time we were there. The flip side of off season is that several restaurants were closed for holiday. The town has many restaurants so it wasn't a problem. <BR>If you are planning a trip to Nerja I will be happy to send you my recommendations/opinions on hotels and restaurants. We rented a villa last year and an apartment this year which is the thing to do if you plan to be there for a week or more. I can recommend a very reliable person who found perfect accommodations for us and will find you what you want. <BR>Nerja is a beautiful, inexpensive vacation spot. It is not at all like the rest of the Costa del Sol. <BR>I would like to thank Zoe for her suggestions to me before we left.

Judi---- my best friend is taking her daughter to Spain as a graduation present. This kid is my godchild and I am helping on planning the vacation. How are the beaches in Nerja? You think it'll be crowded in early July? How far from Granada? Ay recommendations for a comfortable apartment for four?

My wife and I spent Easter Sunday in Nerja this past spring and loved it. <BR>The Easter pageant by the locals was one <BR>of the most amazing experiences of our <BR>many trips to Europe--you should see my <BR>slides. We stayed at the Hotel Balcon de <BR>Europa in the best location in town. The <BR>Parador is also very nice and on the beach. Granada is a 2 hour drive.

I e-mailed Maira directly but perhaps others may be interested in the beaches in Nerja.There are seven or eight different beaches, some small and secluded and others with chair/umbrella rentals and restaurants. The smaller ones tend to be sandy while Burriana, the largest beach is made up of small smooth rocks. By the way, there are many topless sunbathers. <BR>Bob, I would love to see a pageant in Nerja! I have seen pictures and the costumes are beautiful. I agree that the Balcon and the Parador are the prime hotels, along with the Hotel Carabeo, a small B&B type hotel, and the Monica (on the west side).

I too am planning a high school gift grad "gift trip" with my daughter. She wants to go at the end of February 2000 - what is the weather like in Nerja at that time? and the price of these wonderful hotels?? <BR> <BR>thanks <BR> <BR>bob

Bob, what a wonderful graduation gift for your daughter! <BR>As we didn't stay in hotels, I have no first hand information. Bob the Navigator could give you an idea, but I think the best ones are less than $150. <BR>Nerja is protected by the mountains and has mild winters. I read that February temperaturs average 63 F. <BR>I am e-mailing you directly a list of hotels with phone numbers. Also I will send you restaurant suggestions. <BR> <BR>

Judi, The Balcon was about $120 in April <BR>and the Parador is probably a bit more. <BR>If you are over 60 there are 35% senior <BR>discounts at some Paradors during off <BR>season times, making them a bargain.

Thanks, Bob the Nav. <BR>Hotel Carabeo, which would probably be my first choice, has rates in high season between $67 and $119, depending on street side or sea side. In low season rates drop to between $49 and $98. This includes a continental breakfast, but not VAT at 7%. This hotel is attached to "34" which is one of the best restaurants in Nerja. It has three suites and three doubles.

To the top for Mary who needs info on renting a villa in Nerja in August. <BR> <BR>Mary, Spain coastal towns are extremely crowded in August. All of Europe seems to pour in for their holidays. Book early and expect higher prices.

For Mary and interested others: <BR>E-mail me and I will give you the name of the very reputable company that we used. <BR>I'm leaving for Europe tomorrow so e-mail me today or please wait until after April 14. <BR>

<BR>Hi Judy <BR> <BR>My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon to Spain for early September. I was so glad when I happened upon your message about Nerja. We are going on a 10-day honeymoon that will include stays in Seville, Costa del Sol, and Granada. I had been very excited about a few days of sun in Costa del Sol until I read numerous reports of pullution and traffic jams in the tourist-packed region. Then I came across a few positive mentions of Nerja. We were planning on booking a couple nights in Hotel Balcon de Europa and we'd also like to see the caves. Do you have any other suggestions? We'll probably be there for three days and won't have a car (since it's been said that public transportation is the way to go). Are the beaches good? Some say they are sandy and others say they are pebbly. <BR>Thanks for your help! <BR>Best, <BR>Chryso

I'd love any information about Nerja, am also looking for information on train travel to there. We are traveling to Spain November 19-26,2000. Thanks.

Joy, please email me and I will send you my recommendation/opinions for hotels and restaurants. <BR>We are returning to Nerja the end of April for ten days. This will be our first spring trip. <BR>Sorry, I can't help you with train information. <BR>Happy travels!

Joy...I found some information on trains in www.renfe.es. I'm not sure if it will help, but take a look! Good luck with your planning. <BR> <BR>Regards, <BR>Jackie <BR>