Robbie, Author at Nerja Holiday Rentals - Holidays in Nerja Spain

Nerja Caves are a must-see attraction when visiting Nerja

What are the Nerja Caves

As a regular visitor to Nerja, I have been to the caves on many occasions. I can tell you, it is well worth a visit. Along with the Balcòn de Europa, El Salvador Church and Burriana Beach, the caves make Nerja one of the most visited places on the Costa del Sol

The Caves of Nerja are a series of caverns close to the town of Nerja in the Province of Málaga, Spain. Stretching for almost 5 kilometres, the caverns are one of Spain’s major tourist attractions. Concerts are regularly held in one of the chambers, which forms a natural amphitheatre. Wikipedia

Nerja Caves in the News

The Sur in English, a free newspaper for the south of Spain is a great source of information. If there is anything happening, you bet you will hear about it in the Sur. This week’s edition has an article about the Nerja Caves.

World Tourist Day recognition for the Caves and its four discoverers

The site has received some 18.5 million people since opening to the public over 60 years ago

The most visited natural monument in Malaga province, the Nerja Cave, has received more than 18.5 million people since it opened to the public 62 years ago. To acknowledge its importance for the area, on Tuesday Nerja town hall named the caves ‘Tourist Ambassador 2022’, as part of its programme of events to mark World Tourism Day. See more.

Getting to the Caves

From the Nerja Beach Holidays accommodation, you can easily catch a bus, taxi or even walk to the caves. The walk is just about 3 kilometers and is quite pleasant. By car it takes a couple of minutes.

If you have never been to Nerja, then a visit to this natural tourist attraction really is a must. There are a lot of steps inside the caves, so, you need a good set of legs.

There is a great website that has all the information you will need. Nerja Tourismo.

Nerja Self-Catering Villas and Townhouses – Los Arcos 4

Self-Catering Holiday Rental in Nerja – Townhouse Pueblo Los Arcos 4

Nerja Self-Catering Holiday Rentals 2023? Yes! We will be at the beginning of December before you know it, the New Year will be upon us. Now is the time to be thinking about your vacations for 2023.

I sound like a one-trick pony but it is really never too early to book your townhouse, villa or apartment in Nerja.

European holidays are very popular, with countries such as France attracting vast numbers. The Costa del Sol is and has always been, a great attraction to tourists looking for Spanish sunshine. Nerja is the jewel of the Costa del Sol and is also very popular all year round.

Nerja Beach Holidays has a fantastic catalogue of Nerja villas, townhouses and apartments for self-catering holidays 2023. Check out the main website and see what is available to you.

One property we would like to highlight is this lovely townhouse in Nerja, Pueblo Los Arcos 4

Self-Catering townhouse Los Arcos in Nerja Spain — Self-Catering townhouse Los Arcos in Nerja. A great place to stay on the Costa del Sol

From 435€ per week

Sleeps 4

Free WiFi

Use of facilities and pool

Amazing views

Terrace furniture

Air conditioning

Self-catering

VFT/MA/03289

Pueblo Los Arcos 4 Nerja is a pretty townhouse with a private garden and a communal pool with a relaxing atmosphere.

The townhouse is located in small gated urbanization that is perfectly safe for both families and couples. It is a ten-minute walk down to the Burriana beach, and a fifteen-minute walk down to the centre of Nerja.

You can take advantage of what the two nearby hotels have to offer: A gourmet tapas restaurant, an Andalucian-style café bar, a garden bar, and entertainment some nights of the week.

The townhouse is accessed through the communal security gate. There is a fully fitted kitchen on the ground floor.

Also on the ground floor, you will find a living/dining room with air-conditioning and direct access to the private garden and a toilet. You can do outdoor dining on the garden terrace while watching the sun go down behind the mountains. The TV in the living room has a lot of UK channels through IPTV.

On the first floor, you will find the master bedroom and a second bedroom, both with air-condition and Juliette balconies, as well as the bathroom with a bath, shower head over the bath, toilet, bidet and sink.

If you have a car, there is a private car parking area at the entrance of the urbanization. There are two supermarkets nearby for convenient shopping.

You can see a lot more photographs and details from the main Nerja Beach Holidays website.

If you need any help or have questions, please contact us and we will be delighted to help.

Rental Apartments Capistrano Playa Nerja Spain

Rental Apartments in Nerja on the Costa del Sol – Apartment With Fantastic Views

One of the great benefits of renting Capistrano Playa villas and apartments is the location. You are right on top of Burriana Beach. The views are lovely.

There is a walkway down to Burriana Beach. The down is in itself a pleasure as there are fountains and ponds. Carp fish and turtles sunbathe on rocks in the water. You can feed the fish.

If it is a beach holiday you want; they don’t come much better than Burriana Beach.

Capistrano Playa 106

Situated on the sought-after Capistrano Playa complex, this spacious and modern two-bedroom and two-bathroom apartment overlook the Mediterranean Sea and the complex.

As you enter the property you will find the living room set with a TV, sofa and 2 armchairs. There is international TV in this property and free WiFi is provided. The living room leads to a modern open-plan kitchen with a dining area. The kitchen is fully equipped with a fridge freezer, hob, oven, microwave, washing machine, dryer and all the usual appliances needed for your self-catering holiday.

The apartment has two bedrooms – one master bedroom and one twin room.

The master bedroom has a double bed with TV and patio doors opening out onto the covered terrace. The master bedroom also has an ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet.

The twin bedroom has two single beds, and also leads onto the terrace.

Both of the bedrooms and the lounge area benefit from air conditioning / heating units.

The property has two bathrooms. The main bathroom has a bath with overhead shower, a washbasin and a toilet, the other ensuite bathroom has a walk-in shower cubicle and toilet.

The Capistrano Playa complex does have a lift / elevator but due to the location of this apartment it is not suitable for those with walking disabilities or those using wheelchairs as access to the property is via stairs.

The complex has 2 communal swimming pools (one for adults and one for children) with grass and shaded areas and also a drinks café (open in the summer months). See more from the Nerja Beach Holidays website Capistrano Playa 106.

There are plenty more rental apartments, villas and townhouses to choose from.

Does Nerja on the Costa del Sol have Sandy Beaches?

Nerja has many Sandy beaches

Nerja is a resort town along southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. Its seafront promenade, Balcón de Europa, tops a promontory with views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains.

Below it lies sandy beaches and cliffside coves. Cueva de Nerja, a nearby cavern with unusual stalactites and stalagmites, hosts popular summertime concerts. It’s also known for its palaeolithic paintings, viewable by guided tour. ― Google

Nerja has many beautiful beaches.

Burriana Beach
El Salón Beach
Calahonda Beach
Chorrillo Beach
Caletilla Beach
Torrecilla Beach
Chucho Beach
Playazo Beach
Carabeillo Beach
Carabeo Beach

There are more beaches either side of Nerja. I found this great website with a lot of information on all the beaches around Nerja. A visit to this gentleman’s Blog will provide you with a lot of accurate information. Nerja is a must for beach lovers.

Burriana Beach, Nerja

I suppose after the Balcòn de Europa and the Nerja Caves, Burriana beach is the most well-known feature of Nerja; and, for good reason. The beach, with its dark sand, is about 800m long and 40m wide.

There is lots of parking just yards from the beach and the promenade. Although, it has to be said, that parking during the summer months can be hard to come by. Often, it is better to park elsewhere and stroll down the hill to Burriana.

Shops, bars, restaurants, cafes as well as diving schools and other types of business line the opposite side of the beach.

Ayo’s Chiringuito and La Barca are two of the best restaurants in Nerja and they sit right on the beach.

Nerja Beach Holidays

If a beach holiday in Nerja is what you are looking for, then check out the main Nerja Beach Holidays website. Here you will find self-catering apartments and villas that almost sit right on the beach. Check out the speacial offers for September.

There are 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available. Special offers are also available for September in some of the great self-catering apartments. Hurry! they won’t stay vacant too long.

Self-Catering Autumn and Winter Breaks in Nerja

Self-Catering Autumn and Winter Breaks in Nerja on the Costa del Sol

Autumn and Winter Breaks

Sadly summer is nearing its end in 2022 and we welcome autumn. But hey! Cheer up; Nerja and the Costa del Sol are fantastic in the autumn months. You will still get temperatures in the mid to high twenties and not too much rain. There is always plenty of sunshine as well.

Prices are often lower in the autumn and winter months and flights more affordable. So, why not come and join us in a self-catering holiday apartment or villa in Nerja?

Nerja Beach Holidays are open all year round. You can book your accommodation at any time and, for any time you like. We have a great range of apartments and villas as well as an odd townhouse or two.

Why not treat yourself? Book in advance and make sure you get the accommodation of your choice.

Apartment Capistrano Playa 114

Self-Catering Autumn Winter Breaks Nerja on the Costa del Sol - Capistrano playa apartment 114 — There are great views from the Capistrano Playa apartments – Enjoy Self-catering autumn and winter breaks in Nerja on the Costa del Sol.

This spacious 1 bedroom apartment is situated on the sought-after Capistrano Playa complex, built in traditional Andalucian style and overlooking Burriana Beach. It benefits from a large south-facing terrace which offers beautiful views of the gardens and the Mediterranean sea.

The living/dining room is furnished with a sofa and seating area as well as a dinner table, There is a flat-screen Internet TV with Google Chromecast (controlled with your own mobile or tablet). Free WIFI is provided in the apartment. The patio doors open onto the terrace which is complete with a table, chairs and a barbecue.

The kitchen is equipped with a ceramic hob, oven, microwave, fridge, washing machine, and all other amenities you could require for a self-catering holiday.

In the bedroom, there is a queen size bed. You will wake up with amazing sea views through the patio doors to the terrace. There is also a large wardrobe with a safe as well as an Air conditioning unit.

See more of this fantastic 1 bedroom holiday apartment from the main Nerja Beach Holidays main website.

Nerja Rain is needed after riverbed clean-up annouced

The second phase of the plan is to clean and clear the riverbeds of the Río Seco and the Barranco del Puerto ravine.

Nerja rain? That’s not something the tourist would hope for! However; the Nerja Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) people will be hoping for plenty this autumn; why?

This short article from our friends in the Sur in English will explain.

Nerja rain will be most welcome

In the hope that the arrival of autumn will bring rain to the Axarquía, Nerja town hall has announced that it will carry out the second phase of a plan to clean and clear the riverbeds of the Río Seco and the Barranco del Puerto ravine.

“In addition to the cleaning, pruning and repair work recently carried out in a section of the Río Seco, we are going to carry out a new action in the rest of the riverbed up to the border with Frigiliana, as well as in the Barranco del Puerto ravine”, explained Javier Rodríguez, councillor for the environment.

See more of this report from Sur in English

Malaga Weather on average

The area of Malaga has a warm Mediterranean climate, which characteristically means long, hot, dry summers and very mild, sometimes rainy winters. Malaga enjoys about 3000 sunshine hours per year.

I’ve lived in the Malaga province for almost 21 years. You can take it from me, the weather in the autumn and winter can be very unpredictable. I have seen bitterly cold winters that are dry and, warm winters that are soaking wet.

My own location is to the north of Nerja and, a bit higher up, so, we get slightly different weather. Our rural location depends on getting “the right weather”. To us, this means rain in October and November is welcome. Rain in December and January not so much. This is due to the olive harvest.

Rain is either a friend or an enemy, sometimes both. But, for the people working on the Nerja clean-up project, the rain will be a godsend.

Fear not though; if you are on vacation during the autumn in Nerja, you still get beautiful days of sunshine. You can check this out from this weather website.

Apartments for rent in Plaza de España Nerja Town Center

Apartments Gran Plaza – Right in the heart of Nerja and close to the Balcòn de Europa and Tutti-Frutti Square

Gran Plaza Nerja — Gran Plaza; The place to be when there is a fiesta to be had

The location is excellent; the apartment is next to the entrance to the Plaza, at the car park entrance end. This is great as you have the car parking underground and the entrance is a great place to catch a taxi if you are off out and about in Nerja.

Apartment Gran Plaza

The front of the apartments are white and grey painted with traditional rejas (ornamental bars on the windows) and Juliet balconies. Modern built but still retaining traditional Spanish features.

The apartment itself is ultra-modern. In the kitchen area, there is a black granite kitchen top and white fixtures and fittings. A fridge /freezer, coffee machine and microwave along with the necessary pots, pans, dishes and cutlery complete the kitchen. There is a small dining table as well.

The bathroom, like the rest of the apartment, is very modern. There is a WC, wash-basin and shower with a glass screen. Also, a hair dryer is provided. A large window allows for natural daylight.

The lounge area has a large sofa/bed a coffee table and an excellent TV with many great channels. Again, the coffee table and TV stand/drawers are white and modern. There is an Internet connection which was good.

The bedroom is a good size with a very comfortable double bed. Bedside lamps and an open wardrobe stand complete the bedroom. The doors to the bedroom and the bathroom are the hidden sliding doors type.

The apartment is very clean, comfortable and well situated. There is the added bonus of a roof-top pool and seating area.

Plaza de España Apartments

Plaza de España is a large square or ‘plaza’ surrounded by shops, offices, hotels and apartments. The Plaza is situated just off the Balcòn de Europa and close to the church of El Salvador next to Tutti Frutti square. There is an entrance via the Town Hall arch and the other end via the underground parking entrance.

During the festive holidays, such as Christmas and New Year there are bouncy castles, Santa cabins and other festive paraphernalia dotted around Plaza de España. The bars/cafes and restaurants are busy and very lively.

Your stay could include takeaway Indian and Chinese meals as well as a fantastic breakfast just outside the plaza. Taxis to the restaurants are quick and easy to catch and, in general, your break should be hassle-free and happy.

If you don’t want to pay for parking, there is a free car park before the last bridge at the entrance to Nerja. This is a short walk away from Plaza de España.

You can book Apartmentos Gran Plaza and many other villas, apartments and townhouses from the Nerja Beach Holidays website.

Check out this and other great 1 bedroom Nerja apartments from the Nerja Beach Holidays website.

Winter Holidays 2022/23 in Nerja Costa del Sol Spain

BOOK NOW! WINTER HOLIDAYS IN NERJA 2022/23 – it’s never too early to book

Winter Holidays 2022/23. It is never too early to book your winter holidays. OK, it’s coming to the end of August, you may have already had your summer holidays, you may even be waiting to go on your break. Nonetheless; planning your next break is a great way to banish those end-of-summer blues.

Nerja is a very popular location all year round. Often, if you leave your plans too late, you may not get the apartment, villa or location you really want.

Nerja Holiday Villas and Apartments 2022/23

Nerja Beach Holidays are focused on providing bespoke self-catering Holiday rentals and property management services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction in Nerja, Spain (Costa del Sol).

We offer a selection of exceptional holiday apartments, villas and townhouses available to let in Nerja at the best possible prices, backed by a level of service and attention to detail.

Our aim is to provide you with stress-free holiday rentals. Nerja Beach Holidays are open 365 days a year. We speak Spanish, English and French. We can help you choose the perfect accommodation that suits your needs.

Nerja Beach Holidays offers a virtual tour experience so that you can visit your future holiday accommodation yourself in 360 degrees. Your winter Holidays 2022/23 with us are guaranteed to be happy ones.

Nerja on the Costa del Sol

Nerja is a resort town along southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. Its seafront promenade, Balcón de Europa, tops a promontory with views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains.

Below it lies sandy beaches and cliffside coves. Cueva de Nerja, a nearby cavern with unusual stalactites and stalagmites, hosts popular summertime concerts. This popular tourist attraction is also known for its palaeolithic paintings, viewable by guided tour. More

There is so much to see and do in and around Nerja, you will have a fantastic holiday. Book now and get yourself one of our wonderful apartments, townhouses or villas.

We look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Please check out the main Nerja Beach Holidays website. If you need any help or have any questions, we are always happy to help. Have a great New Year, wherever you are.

Marbella on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain – Purto Banus is close by

Use your time in Nerja to visit other locations along the Costa del Sol – Marbella and Puerto Banus are a must

Where is Marbella?

Marbella is a city and resort area in southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, part of the Andalusia region. The Sierra Blanca Mountains are the backdrop to 27 km of sandy Mediterranean beaches, villas, hotels, and golf courses.

West of Marbella town, the Golden Mile of prestigious nightclubs and coastal estates leads to Puerto Banús marina, filled with luxury yachts, and surrounded by upmarket boutiques and bars. Wikipedia

What is so special about ‘Marbs’?
The weather is a major factor. The Costa del Sol enjoys 320 days of sunlight throughout the year and an average temperature of 19°C.

This is due to its micro-weather, given that Marbella is surrounded by the warm Mediterranean and the Sierra Blanca mountains, which protects it from harsher meteorological conditions. Winters in Marbella are very mild and bright, while summers are warm and dry. January will get an average of 16.4ºC and December 19.5ºC

Sun Sea and Sand

Another great reason for living, working or having a vacation in Marbella is the three ‘S’s: Sun, Sea and Sand. Marbella has more than 27 Km of golden sandy beaches. These beautiful beaches stretch from San Pedro de Alcántara (west) to Calahonda (east).

Some of the very best of these beaches are;

Playa del Alicante.
Playa de Artola.
Bounty Beach.
Playa Nagüeles.
Playa de Puerto Banus.
Cabopino Beach.
Playa de la Fontanilla.
Playa Hermosa.
Playa de Artola.
Check out this great blog and find out more about the Marbella and Costa del Sol coastline. 25 reasons…

Marbella Old Town

According to our friends at Google: The quaint Old Town is home to Renaissance-era whitewashed buildings, flower-draped balconies, and narrow, winding streets.

Plaza de Los Naranjos draws visitors with its orange trees, 15th-century Ermita de Santiago church, and restaurants with terraces, serving traditional dishes like gazpacho and meatballs.

Avenida del Mar is a long, narrow plaza dotted with palm trees and bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí.

Puerto Banùs

Puerto José Banús, more commonly known simply as Puerto Banús, is a marina located in the area of Nueva Andalucía, to the southwest of Marbella, Spain on the Costa del Sol.

It was built in May 1970 by José Banús, a local property developer, as a luxury marina and shopping complex. Purto Banùs is famous for its great nightlife. Along with Marbella and Torremolinosos, Puerto Banùs is a magnate for the part people.

Marbella has a fantastic Marinas

A playground for the rich and famous would not be complete without having a fantastic place to “park your boat”. If it’s celebrity spotting you like, or, you enjoy looking at expensive seacraft, then these marinas are for you.

Marbella has to be amongst the liveliest coastal stretches anywhere in the world with its two major marinas, Puerto Banus and Puerto Marbella catering for everyone from the nautical novice to the super-rich and famous.

What else is there in Marbella?

There are beautiful parks and places to sit and people-watch. The shopping is world famous and, of course, it is the in-place for the VIP. Soccer stars, actors, politicians, oil magnates and every other type of well-heeled and super-famous person to be seen. It is the des-res, the in-place or Shangri-la of the southern coast of Spain.

There are many more reasons why Marbella and the surrounding areas are great places to live, work or take a holiday. Here is a link to a great blog that lists the 25 reasons to visit Marbella. Some I have already covered but, there are others that may be of great interest to you.

Check out our Nerja apartments while you are here.

Best Things To Do In Nerja Spain – Nerja Holiday Ideas

What are the best things to do in Nerja? It all rather depends on how many times you have visited this fantastic coastal town.

Burriana Beach. It is a fantastic day out for the family or just the two of us. Burriana Beach has it all; sun, sea, sand and plenty of great places to eat and great shops as well. Nerja has many beaches, all of which are lovely in their own particular way.

Nerja also has a magnificent church of El Salvador, just off the Balcon de Europa. El Salvador church is beautiful inside and out and I would strongly suggest you have your camera handy, the statues, paintings and other ornaments are beautiful.

The Balcon de Europa (Balcony of Europe) is another favourite Nerja stop-off for us. I do enjoy sitting outside the hotel restaurants, ice cream and a drink and watching people walking up and down this outcrop of rock, enjoying just being there.

Best things to do Nerja according to…

TripAdvisor.com. We think everyone has read at least one review o the TripAdvisor website.

As far as we are aware, most people won’t book a vacation until they have read up on the reviews that are posted on TripAdvisor. It is a great source of information, both good and bad.

There is a posting on this site for ‘Best things to do in Nerja’ The page lists things to do or see in and around the town of Nerja and along the Costa del Sol.

Some are standard selections; Balcon de Europa, Nerja Caves, Church of El Salvador and so on. Others such as Nerja Diving gets rave reviews as does X-Bike Nerja. Check out the TripAdvisor website for more ideas.

Our advice to anyone coming to stay in Nerja with Nerja Beach Holidays is this; do your homework and research Nerja before you arrive.

Self-Catering Villas and Apartments

Having a self-catering villa, townhouse or apartment in the town allows you the freedom of movement that you don’t get with hotels or resorts. There is no itinerary to tie you down to mealtimes and so on.

Explore Nerja and the many great towns, villages and tourist attractions further afield. Some places leap to mind in an instance, such as the Alhambra Palace and Ski slopes of Granada ad the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Malaga City, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella and other great places are along the coast. Historically famous towns and cities such as Antequera, Ronda and Cordoba are within comfortable driving distance.

There are Water Parks, zoos, Galleries, golf courses and much more besides. For many people the favourites are the Alhambra Palace in Granada. Antequera for its great monuments and Ronda for its history and place in modern culture. After all, the place was a backdrop for Hemingway’s novel ‘For whom the bell tolls.

For Whom the Bell Tolls is a novel by Ernest Hemingway published in 1940. It tells the story of Robert Jordan, a young American in the International Brigades attached to a republican guerrilla unit during the Spanish Civil War.

The famous actor and writer, Orson Welles was another who fell in love with Ronda. And, like Hemingway, he is honoured with a plaque and a street named after him. The ashes of Orson Wells are buried beneath a Linden tree in Ronda on a bullfighting ranch owned by his close friend, Antonio Dornez.

Hire a Car to get the best out of your Nerja holiday

If you are hiring a vehicle, you are in for a great holiday in Andalucia. There is so much to see and do. Two weeks was never enough time. Then again, there are people who like to just chill out.

In which case, a villa, townhouse or apartment from Nerja Beach Holidays will fit the bill to perfection.
I would be interested to hear what you enjoyed most about Nerja, the Costa del Sol or Andalucia, on your visit.

What is a Rallador de Ceramica or Spanish Grating Plate?

Sometimes life grates on you

I’ve been looking for a rallador de Ceramica for some time now; actually, for a long time. As ridiculous as it may seem, even after two decades of living in the Malaga area of Andalucia, I never got to buy one. Honestly!

What is a Rallador de Ceramica?

The rallador is a fantastic device that Spaniards use to grate garlic, tomatoes, ginger, cucumber and just about anything else.

A traditional Andalucian breakfast is a Mollette con Tomate, a powdered bread bun, toasted and then spread with tomato, garlic or olive oil. There are some people, like me, for instance, that have all three.

The rallador is a ceramic plate or bowl that has a serrated centre on which you rub or grate garlic, tomatoes, ginger et al.

It is a simple but practical device that also looks good in the kitchen.

Searching for the ceramic grater

You really do have to take my word that I have tried for years to get hold of a ceramic grater. Even my trips into the Malaga mountains. I tried in such out-of-the-way places as Soportújar and Pampaneira.

Other places nearer to home, such as Vinuela and Velez Malaga were also fruitless.

These two villages had plenty of artisan craft and pottery but not one had the grater. Nerja was another place that proved to be a non-starter. I was very surprised as Nerja is a great place for tourists and you would have thought this particular item would be a great seller. But, no!

I was not alone – there were other grater-less Brits

Rummaging around on the social media platforms, such as Facebook opened my eyes to the fact that I was not alone in my search. There were other people who were also searching for this wonderful bit of pottery but, to no avail. It was cold comfort. Everyone was asking the same questions and, we all got the same answer.

Success! I actually found some Ralladors de Ceramicas!

The great thing about living in and around the Malaga area of Andalucia is that there is plenty to see and do. We decided to leave our base in the campo (countryside) close to the Andalucia white village or “Pueblo Blanco” of Villanueva del Trabuco and headed to the coast.

We had decided on a day out at Plaza Mayor, a sizable open-air shopping spot with a wide selection of apparel stores, including global brands, restaurants, shops, bars and a cinema. We wanted to watch BELFAST, a new film recently released. Also, we wanted to have a nice meal beforehand.

The meal and the film, I will save for another post.

To cut a long story short: between the meal and the film, we had some time to kill. We decided to do a bit of shopping and so headed towards o0ne of the many malls at Plaza Mayor.

Sat in the middle of the walkway outside the Mercadona store was a ceramics stall. My eyes popped when I saw, not just a few, but, hundreds of ralladors, all different shapes and sizes.

They ranged in price, from quite cheap to a major purchase. However; if you bought more than one item, you got a discount on both. Happily, I purchased a plate and a bowl. For 15€ (this was after a 2€ discount) I had, at last, got what I had been searching for.

This may seem like a paltry purchase, after all, there was all manner of shops I had been in, at the Plaza Mayor, including one that sold Japanese Sushi knives at 500€ a pop (yes! I’m a bit of a foodie) but, after so many years, its practical and emotional value was priceless.

Speaking to the lady who sold me these items, she told me they have a shop in Malaga city, close to the Hard Rock Cafe.

So, if you are looking for a rallador or two, you know where to go.

Ayo Chiringuito of Burriana Beach Nerja Recieves Food award

Nerja Extraordinary Food of Spain award

‘Chiringuito’ beach restaurants have been awarded the Extraordinary Food of Spain award 2021 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and Food, recognizing the variety of these establishments and their commitment to traditional cuisine.

The panel of judges decided to present the award to the Ayo chiringuito in Nerja, which in the 54 years since it opened has become a benchmark in Andalucía, Spain, and Europe.

“The owner, Francisco Ortega Olalla is, at the age of 83, an example of dedication and commitment to his environment, both in employing people of different nationalities and also sourcing emblematic products from the coast and making one of the most famous and characteristic dishes that Spanish gastronomy has to offer, paella,” said a statement from the Ministry. Read more from Pilar Martìnez of the Sur in English.

What is a Chiringuito?

A Chiringuito is a small enterprise, usually a bar, selling mainly drinks and tapas, and sometimes meals, in a more or less provisional building, often on a beach or loose surface where a more permanent structure may be inviable. Wikipedia.

These days though, the name ‘chiringuito’ or ‘chiringo’ can be attached to a large building situated on or near the beach. Such sites can hold many clients and be very busy during the high season. The floor is sand or other loose material.

Burriana Beach in Nerja has the famous Ayo’s and La Barca chiringuitos. Both are excellent. Ayo’s is world famous, mainly because of the number of times it is featured on TV travel programs. You cannot make any sort of travel or food video about Nerja without mentioning the Bacon de Europa or Ayo Paella.

La Barca Merendero and Ayo Chiringuito are very different in what they offer. La Barca is itself well known for the ‘fresh-from-the-sea’ Espeto sardines and other fish. Ayo, as I mentioned, is the top Paella place. Although both have a varied and interesting menu.

My own favorite from the La Barca menu would be the BBQ Lubina (Bass) or Dorada(Guilt Head Bream) fish.

Merendero?

La Barca Burriana Beach — La Barca is well known for cooking Espeto style. Espeto is a traditional way of cooking freshly-caught sea fish, most often sardines.

A picnic table is a table with benches, designed for impromptu outdoor dining. The term is often specifically associated with rectangular tables having an A-frame structure. Such tables may be referred to as “picnic tables” even when used exclusively indoors. Wikipedia

Don’t worry too much about this description; a ‘merendero’ is a chiringuito by another name.

When you come and stay with us at Nerja Beach Holidays, you really must visit both of these restaurants. They are really very good.

If you want to see a lot more photographs and comments on Ayo’s (not everyone is of the same opinion as the Ministery of Food and Fishing) then check out these Facebook pages.

Nerja Lovers

Nerja Info

Nerja Water Sports Activities – Burriana Beach has plenty of Water Sports

Water Sports and Other Activities in Nerja

Burriana Beach is a great place for water sports and other types of holiday activities

As you would expect from a town located on the coast, Nerja offers a wide range of water sports. Of particular interest to many of our visitors is the Kayak tour of the Nerja coastline. From Burriana Beach and Maro Beach, you head off east along the coast, in crystal clear waters to discover some of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the Mediterranean. On your own or with a guide, it is your choice.

Scuba Diving in the Mediterranean Sea

Scuba diving schools are also very popular with visitors and locals in Nerja. There are five-star PADI dive centres in Nerja Just in front of Burriana Beach. These diving schools also offer PADI courses from beginners to professional levels, Discover Scuba and Discover Scuba Diving programs, snorkelling, and boat trips

Jet Skiing, Banana Rides and more

Here is a great short video taken off Burriana Beach in Nerja – Paddle Surf and Kayak

Other water sports include Jet Skiing, Banana Rides (getting pulled along by a speedboat whilst sitting on a giant inflated Banana!). For the braver among us, there is Parasailing. Strapped into a parachute and pulled through the air by a speedboat. I can think of nothing more thrilling than seeing Nerja from a speeding parachute.

If all you want to do is lay in the shade on the beach and watch the world go by, you can do that. Burriana Beach has plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes as well as shops to keep you entertained. It’s your holiday, you can do as you please.

We look forward to hearing your tales of great times while staying with Nerja Beach Holidays.

Please check out our main website. There you will find a wide range of Nerja apartments, villas and townhouses available for holiday, long and short-term rentals.

Why There Is a Shortage of Ice in Spain – Sweating Like the Duke of York

There is little or no ice to be had anywhere in Spain; Why?

Ice, Ice Baby!

There is little or no ice in most of the regular outlets in Spain. Here, in the Malaga province of Andalucia, the ice has dried up (no pun intended). Ice is a hot commodity (groan!). If you can get your hands on some frozen water, buy it!

Places such as garages which normally have lots of bags of ice, now, have none! Supermarkets are the same; they are all out of ice.

Why no Ice?

Certain factors come into play here; the long, very hot weather and the very expensive utilities. Because it has been very hot (40ºC+) for such a long period, people want cold drinks. Ice makes drinks nice and cold.

The trouble with the cold cubes is that you need to make them using electricity. This, in turn, makes the product very expensive.

Spain has one of the most expensive electricity markets in Europe. So, it would make the production of Spanish ice cubes expensive. No?

Why is Spanish electricity so expensive? I could explain but, it would be technical and boring. So, instead, I’ll let those nice people at Endesa, the electricity suppliers bore you to death (I mean, explain)

Another factor for the lack of ice apart from the electricity price and the hot weather is the influx of tourists. There are a lot more tourists, now that the pandemic has been brought under control. So, production is having a hard time matching demand.

What about my cocktails?

Ice is important when making cocktails - Mint Julep — Ice is important when making cocktails – Mint Juleps need lots of ice

I love cocktails! I drink cocktails all the time but, a nice Old Fashioned or Mint Julep needs lots of ice to make it nice and cold. Usually, I would buy a bag of frozen H2O from the garage or the supermarket. In emergencies, I would scrounge ice from the local bars.

Now, I have to make my own.

OK, it’s not hard and, there are many ways to do it. However; if you have never had to do this for yourself, ice making at home is as follows:

Get a container: Ice cube-making trays can be bought everywhere. The rubber ones are the easiest to use.
Fill the container with water.
Put the tray, containing the water, into the coldest part of your freezer.
Wait until the water goes very hard and cold.
Pop out the cubes from the rubber ice tray into a large freezer bag.
Repeat this process until you have enough ice.
Viola! End of an ice emergency. You can now make your cocktails cool down your drinks or do whatever you need ice for.

Forgive me, if you already know how to do this but, there are people out there that don’t know (really…)

So, when visiting Nerja Beach Holidays on the Costa del Sol, you may find ice is rationed.

Sweating like the Duke of York?

It has been a very hot summer and, it seems to want to continue. So, why not spend your time fruitfully? It is too hot to work! even going for a walk will get you wilting.

So, why not sit inside with a nice, cold drink or sit on your balcony or in your garden of the villa or apartment you have rented from Nerja Beach Holidays? Enjoy!

Ryanair Strikes in Spain – Ryanair Workers to Strike

Ryanair strikes in Spain: these are the 61 flights affected this Tuesday, 9 August

The Irish low-cost airline operates Spanish bases in Madrid, Barcelona, Girona, Malaga, Seville, Valencia, Alicante, Santiago de Compostela, Palma and Ibiza

Why is it industrial action always affects those who least need it? If it isn’t the French Air Traffic Controllers, it’s the Baggage Handlers in London, the cabin crew in Greece or whatever.

People work hard all year and their two weeks in the sun are the highlight of the year. So, why should they suffer? I’m not a political animal and, I don’t want to be expressing such views on a holiday blog but; come on!

When are Ryanair Strikes?

According to our friends at the Sur in English, that fine publication for the south of Spain, the strikes are as follows:

The industrial action, announced by the Unión Sindical Obrera (USO), will continue for five months – until 7 January 2023 – every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

This is going to cause people travelling to and from Spain problems, never mind causing Ryanair a problem.

Can I claim compensation from Ryanair?

Ryanair Strike Cancelled Flight Compensation

If your flight was cancelled due to a Ryanair cabin crew strike, you qualify for additional monetary claims if you find out less than 14 days prior to your flight departure and Ryanair failed to provide you with an alternative flight or fully refund your ticket

There is more information relating to your consumer rights on this website Airadvisor.com

As always, you will need to check the news updates. Strike action can often be cancelled, just as fast as it started. You could try Ryanair Flight Updates. Simply add your flight details and you should know right away if your flight has been cancelled or not.

Hopefully, these disruptions will soon come to an end and we will all get our summer holidays. We look forward to seeing you at Nerja Beach Holidays.