When the sea that bathes the land is the Mediterranean and the mountain chain that protects the territory is the majestic Almijara, the result could hardly be any other than the spectacular landscape that predominates in Nerja. As the most easterly town, Nerja has rightly been called 'the pearl of the Costa del Sol'. Unlike many of the towns on the western side of Malaga, Nerja has developed slowly and avoided dense high-rise development, preserving the genuine Spanish character of the old town.

Here you will find quaint winding streets, houses and churches dating back to the 15th century, small individual shops and traditional bars. However, this friendly town welcomes tourists and provides modern amenities such as central car parking, supermarkets, a range of sports facilities and a variety of nightlife. The many beaches are cleaned daily and furnished with shaded sun beds.

The town enjoys a favoured climate with hot summers and mild winters. The special light and clear air coupled with its picturesque setting between the mountains and the sea has lured artists here for decades

The land around Nerja is reserved for agriculture and the town and its surroundings are kept marvellously green thanks to the abundance of natural springs and wells. Indeed the name Nerja is derived from the Moorish word Narixa, meaning 'rich in water'.

The fields are filled with exotic fruits such as chirimoya, avocado, kiwi fruit, figs and bananas and the range of local vegatables is superb.

There are lots of things to do and see in the town. You can while away a few hours just meandering around the streets and browsing in the many shops, or visiting one of the five beaches, or just sitting outside one of the many lovely cafe-bars and watching the world go by.

The focus of the old town is the Balcon de Europa, a palm fringed pedestrian peninsula that juts out into the sea. From here you can get a good view of the surrounding coast and mountains and spend a relaxing interlude just sitting and 'people-watching'. The Balcon area is the heart of the old town and is the venue for concerts and other events throughout the year as well as being home to a variety of street performers and artists.

Each Tuesday, the town hosts a traditional market with stalls selling virtually everything - fresh foodstuffs, all types of clothing for adults and children, watches and jewellery, soft furnishings, pictures, music, kitchenware, cosmetics and general household items.

Tennis, volleyball, squash and golf are available in the town or within comfortable reach. There are excellent walking opportunities in the mountains, as well as horse-riding and 4x4 excursions.

If you don't have a car, you may like to book one of the many tours that are available, including Gibralta, Morocco (2/3 days), Granada and the Alhambra palace. A regular bus service is provided to Frigiliana - a beautiful Andalucian 'white' village just 7 kms out of town and to the famous Nerja caves (3 kms) which are some of the finest in Europe.

From November to Easter time, the fine ski resorts of the Sierra Nevada are within a two hour drive and offer excellent facilities for intermediate skiers at very reasonable prices.