NERJA

Nerja is on the seashore some 50 kilometres from Málaga, and marks the eastern tip of Málaga's Costa del Sol. Once a sleepy fishing village, the town now has a population of over 22,000.

Nerja boasts 16 kilometres of beaches. All major water sports are available here, including water skiing, scuba diving and sailing.

The heart of Nerja is its Balcón de Europa, a promenade along the edge of a towering cliff with sweeping panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the coves and beaches below.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes here to choose from. The town's monuments include the 17th century Church of El Salvador and the Gardens of Capistrano Playa, which descend to Burriana Beach.

However, Nerja's most spectacular attraction is its caves, located just three kilometres from the centre of town. They include archaeological treasures such as paintings over 20,000 years old and other pre-historic remains.