My husband would like to wrap up our trip with the last two nights at the beach. We fly out of Malaga on a 8 am flight. Would you suggest Marbella or Nerja? Or another beach? Or should we stay in Malaga the night before our flight?

We have stayed in both Nerja and Marbella. Nerja is further away but much less expensive than Marbella. You can also consider Benalmadena and Fuengirola-- they are also beach towns between Nerja and Malaga.

I would personally stay in Malaga the night before since your flight is so early...

I would suggest you stay at Malaga. Malaga airport is undergoing massive renovations/rebuilding and is a bit of a mess. Whether directly related to this or not - but we have flown out of Malaga twice in the last month and both times have waited in line for an hour or more to check in - and we arrived over 2 hours before the flight. It is a very busy airport. Given you would need to get to the airport at 6am at the latest, it makes for a very early start.

There are two good new hotels right by the airport, with budget prices. Look for Ibis and Novotel.

We've spent many summers in the past in Nerja, and its very convenient to Malaga Airport, I would prefer Nerja to Marbella.

Sorry, lucielou, but I have to insist on spending the night in a hotel near the airport if taking an early flight. I think it is too long a distance, with daily jams into Malaga (though from about 7:00).

We go to Nerja every year and we always go to the airport from there even if it is a very early flight. For us it is no more difficult to get up at 4AM than it is 6AM for an early morning flight.

Sorry. we go to Spain every year and fly in and out of Malaga Airport. There is a lot of construction going on right now. So, I would join Josele and Eliza in recommending that you stay near the airport. Nerja and Marbella are far enough away that if something happens en route, you will miss the flight. If you want to enjoy a leisurely dinner stay in Torremolinos at the Fenix, Melia Costa del Sol or some such and go out for a nice meal. Torremolinos is very close to the airport.

I suppose its a personal thing, I'd much prefer to spend the night in Nerja than Torremolinos, but as there is now a lot of construction going on, them maybe not take a chance, and just stay close to the airport.

We've decided to stay in Malaga the last night, also bc we need to return our rental car before our 8 am flight. Staying at Molino Lario Hotel, which got good tripadvisor reviews. I'll let everyone know how the Malaga airport scene was when I get back.

Stotz, I think you made the right decision as you need to return a car.

Malaga was getting spruced up when we were there in November. It is not a bad place to spend a day or two. I'm glad you didn't choose Torremolinos.

You will have to return to Spain and spend time in Nerja, a really lovely town.

Is it possible that you can return the car at the Malaga airport?? There are certainly a lot of car rental places at the airport entrance.

I wonder sometimes at the comments directed at Torrremolinos. I wasn't suggesting that they spend weeks there, just one night because it is convenient, even more convenient than Malaga itself and there are some quite nice hotels and restaurants there. The new Fenix is absolutely gorgeous and the Melia is a fine hotel. I frankly do not understand this condemnation of Torremolinos as there are sections of this town that are really quite nice. For instance, the Bajondillo area with its many beachfront seafood restaurants is quite nice. While Nerja is nice, it too has grown and is no longer exactly quaint.

Raydotman

I hope my comment about it being a personal choice, preferring Nerja to Torremolinos, didnt offend you, as that was never my intention, as I said we all have our likes and dislikes, and I dont personally care for Torremolinos, and I totally take on board that Nerja is perhaps not as quaint as it once was. Each to their own

Oh, Lucielou, thanks for the nice words. I am not really offended but must admit I lived in Torremolinos for a long time and we go back every year. I guess I was only trying to say that it is very near the Malaga airport and there are some nice hotels and restaurants in town. I just feel Nerja is a bit far for a very early flight especially when there is construction and security can be a lengthy process.
Anyway, believe me when I say I know parts of Torremolinos are tacky and it is certainly not everyone's cup of tea. It just happens to be mine.
Helen

Helen, I agree with Lucielou's last post and admit that I have never overnighted in Torremolinos so should have no opinion. I would like to apologize as well. I have visited places that others may not like and have found good things about them.

I do know Nerja and love it so that is why I recommend it.

Judi, thank you as well. I should also say that I do like Nerja. My first visit was when there was not much more to the town than the Balcony of Europe and some small hotels. Oh, yes, and the Parador was there. I had a really memorable meal there of fresh fish and a marvelous souffle au Grand Marnier for dessert. The caves were spectacular.
However, if we ever have the occasion to meet up in Spain, I will take you and Lucielou to some of my favorite places in Torremolinos!!

Helen, and Judi

We will all meet up there when we are 3 old dears and paint the town red

That sounds like a plan, Lucielou! Let's not wait too long as I am almost an old dear already!

Ouch, I am already old (but still partying). I just don't know about the "dear".

My first trip to Nerja. Staying with friends in a condo. Where is a good restaurant that serves paella? And perhaps a place to see Flamenco dancing. Many thanks