Should I go to Nerja or Marbella?

Marbella is all about being the most luxurious town on the Costa del Sol, and let’s face it, in all of Spain. It’s got that classic whitewashed Old Town vibe, but it’s also got some high-end shopping, the ever flashy Puerto Banus, and gorgeous sandy beaches.

Now, Nerja, on the other hand, is another gem of a coastal town. It’s all about nature’s beauty. The Cueva de Nerja has this mysterious vibe, and the view of the sea from the Balcón de Europa? Absolutely stunning.

Short answer

• If you’re looking for a luxury destination, choose Marbella.
• If you prefer a laid back setting close to nature, choose Nerja.

Long answer

If you’ve got about 5 days to spare, it’s worth visiting both. They’re just about 1 hour and 20 minutes apart by car. And if you’re hopping between Marbella, Nerja, and Malaga, any of them go well with a visit to Malaga. However, Nerja’s countryside charm offers more of a contrast than busy, cosmopolitan Marbella.

• Go to Nerja for idyllic coves, views, unique landscape, magnificient caves and Andalusian culture. Best for families.
• Go to Marbella for sunny beaches, buzzing nightlife, incredible restaurants, world-class hotels and thrilling watersports. Best for couples.

Nerja vs Marbella – Summary

Nerja

• A charmingly Spanish town with a walkway along the shore
• Cliffside location
• Incredible views for the Balcón de Europa
• Plenty of appartment rentals and some cute boutique hotels.
• Crystal clear waters, great for snorkelling but a but pebbly.
• 45 min. by car from Málaga.
• More family-oriented than Marbella
• A couple of attractions just for kids, as long as you can drive there.
• Many tours, day trips and lots of nature & adventure activities.
• The Cueva de Nerja are beautiful deep caverns and they are easy to visit.

Marbella

• Beautiful old town with a more modern and upscale vibe
• At the foot of the dramatic La Concha mountain
• Some phenomenal luxury hotels.
• Golden, sandy beaches, 9 of which boast the Blue Flag award.
• 45 min. by car from Málaga. (You can also get there by bus in the same time.)
• Many boat tours leaving from Puerto Banus.
• Family-friendly, though there are limited kid-oriented activities.
• The nightlife here is lively, with beach parties, clubs, and live music.
• The spectacular Caminito del Rey is only one hour away.
• Despite its reputation for being costly, Marbella has lots of budget-friendly dining options and accommodations.

Nerja vs Marbella

• Marbella is truly beautiful, but Nerja grabs all the attention when it comes to raw natural beauty. If you love nature adventures, Nerja is the clear winner.
• For a luxurious honeymoon or romantic trip, Marbella is the perfect pick. The city is ready to spoil you. You just have to come.
• Nerja boasts the magnificent Cueva de Nerja. Stretching for almost 5 kilometers, you can’t miss it; it’s a real natural wonder and even declared a Spanish Historical Heritage site. Marbella doesn’t quite have something like that, but I have to admit the view of the mountain behind the city is pretty dreamy too, and going up La Concha gives you a different kind of thrill.
• It’s easier to take day trips out of Marbella simply because of its central location on the Costa del Sol. My favorite day trip from Marbella has to be going to Málaga, simply because there is so much to do in the city. But if you’re looking for a little more adventure, you can go canyoning in the Guadalmina canyon. On the other hand, the best day trip from Nerja has got to be to Frigiliana. I can’t think of anywhere nearly as quaint as this little inland town.
• The closest airport to both Marbella and Nerja is Málaga Airport. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport offers direct flights connecting it to Madrid and multiple destinations across Europe.
• Málaga Airport (AGP) has direct flights from the US, only via Newark Airport. Visitors from other locations will typically need to make a layover to catch a connecting flight to the Costa del Sol.
• It’s entirely possible to visit either city in the winter. While some places do close during winter in Marbella and Nerja, many places will still be open. However, there’s no guarantee that there won’t be any rain.
• Both cities are just a 45-minute car ride from Málaga. Right now, there’s no train connecting them, but you can hop on a regional bus instead. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Marbella and an hour and 15 minutes to reach Nerja.

The weather in Nerja and Marbella

Although there’s not much difference in climate between Marbella and Nerja, Marbella usually gets a bit of an edge thanks to the mountains nearby giving it a microclimate. While Marbella is a few degrees hotter in the summer months, it does tend to get a touch more rain in the fall.

The best weather for both cities is from late May to early October.

Since both Marbella and Nerja are major resort towns and the weather on the Costa del Sol rarely dips below 10°C, spring and fall visits still have a lot to offer. The peak season on the Costa del Sol is during the months around July and August: May, June, September, and October.

Visiting Both Nerja and Marbella

Visiting both Nerja and Marbella is totally doable if you’re in the area for a few days, especially if you’re already in Malaga.

They’re just 1 hour and 20 minutes apart by car, so getting between them should be a breeze. Most people opt to drive, but you can also take the bus with a connection in Malaga, though it’ll take about 2 hours each way.

Day Trip to Nerja or Marbella

Unlike Seville and Granada, Nerja and Marbella are towns you can easily check out in just a few hours. There are plenty of day tours you can take to explore these spots. Nerja usually pairs up with the charming Frigiliana, while Marbella often comes with Puerto Banus and Pueblo Mijas.

Group Tours :

• From Málaga: Caves of Nerja, Nerja and Frigiliana Day Tour
• From Málaga: Marbella, Mijas y Puerto Banús Guided Tour