For the energetic, the area around Nerja provides the ideal location to do some serious walking in the stunning countryside that borders the town. But be warned that very little of it is flat, since Nerja lies at the foot of the Sierra Almijara, providing a backdrop of high mountains very close to the sea. This creates spectacular walking opportunities – for the very fit. However there are also river walks, which tend, by definition, to be somewhat flatter.

The best time to walk in Andalucia is in the late spring or early summer, although the generally sunny climate of Nerja makes walking attractive even in the winter months. Guided walks can be undertaken, with qualified, professional walking guides. You can choose between 5-7 hour hikes, tackling some of the peaks around the area or exploring the local villages, or less demanding routes in and around the local area. There are also many other walks that can be undertaken on your own. For further details see our companion NerjaWalking website.

Equally marvellous walking opportunities exist in the area covered by our RuralGranadaVillas website, and indeed also in the coastal area around Estepona, where we also offer accommodation. And if walking is your activity of choice then you cannot do better than to undertake one of the African walking safaris that we offer through our sister company AfricaAway.

Nerja is also an ideal location for horse riding as you can go either into the mountains and beautiful countryside around Nerja or down to the beaches. There are several riding stables in or near Nerja and they cater for all ages and levels of experience. For children, a visit to Nerja's 'Donkey Sanctuary' used to be an equal attraction, although, sadly, it has now closed down, with little likelihood of reopening.

Then, remarkably for a location noted for its leisurely beach-based activities, a short drive away – in the general direction of Granada – lies the opportunity to do some serious skiing, in the area known as the Sierra Nevada. The Sierra Nevada may not be as famous as the Alpine Ski resorts, but it is the largest, highest and best ski resort in Spain, boasting over 100km of pistes, and with the seemingly endless 6 km long 'Aguila' it is also home to the longest piste on the Iberian peninsula. As the most southerly in Europe, it offers you, on a clear day, the most incredible views across the Mediterranean Sea to Africa.

In addition to actual physical activities such as these, there is also the opportunity to visit such attraction as the famous Caves of Nerja - the third most visited attraction in the whole of Spain – the famous White Villages, or Pueblos Blancos, such as Frigiliana or Competa, Benalmadena’s Tivoli World and Sea-life Aquarium, the Selwo Animal Adventure Park, and much more besides.

For further details visit SpainAway.com.