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SPAIN'S BEST-KEPT SECRET

Nerja, Torrox & Spain's Eastern Costa del Sol

Sunshine, sea and mountains, with a warm welcome waiting: friendly expat communities on one side, unspoilt Spanish life on the other.

Ask most people to picture a life in southern Spain and they'll say Marbella, the Costa del Sol or Alicante. They're lovely places, but just along the coast to the east of Málaga lies an area that is so often overlooked, and one we think is rather special.

Around Nerja and Torrox you'll find the best of both worlds: welcoming seaside enclaves with a thriving, sociable expat community, and, only minutes away, wonderfully untouched corners of true Spain, from whitewashed mountain villages to quiet country lanes and family-run tapas bars. Whether you dream of a sea-view apartment a stroll from the beach or a village home in the hills, you'll find both here.

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≈ 45 min

from Málaga airport by motorway

300+

days of sunshine a year

9 km

of Nerja's sandy beaches and coves

Sea & hills

the Mediterranean and Sierra Almijara side by side

Where is it? Closer than you think Straight off the plane at Málaga, the A-7 motorway whisks you along the coast to Nerja and Torrox in under an hour. Easy for visits from the UK, and easy for family and friends to come and stay.

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Simplified map, not to scale. Distances are approximate driving distances.

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A closer look, with coast and hills only minutes apart.

Getting here, at a glance

Journey

Approx. driving distance & time

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Málaga Airport to Nerja≈ 69 km · 45 min

Málaga Airport to Torrox Costa≈ 60 km · 40 min

Málaga Airport to Frigiliana≈ 75 km · 55 min

Málaga Airport to Cómpeta≈ 70 km · 1 hr

Marbella to Nerja≈ 111 km · 1 hr 20

Marbella to Málaga Airport≈ 55 km · 40 min

Approximate driving distances and times by road in normal traffic. Your journey may vary. Nerja and Torrox are reached by the free A-7 motorway.

Discover the towns and villages

 

Each place has its own personality, so there's a corner of this coast to suit almost every idea of the good life.

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SOCIABLE & LIVELY

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Nerja

The area's crown jewel: a graceful white town with a 14th-century old quarter, the famous Balcón de Europa viewpoint and secluded coves along around 9 km of sandy coastline. It has a long-established, friendly expat community, plenty of restaurants and a genuine year-round buzz. The spectacular Nerja Caves are on your doorstep.

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RELAXED SEASIDE

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Torrox Costa

Easy, breezy beach living. Think a wide seafront promenade, chiringuitos serving fresh fish and a flatter, walkable layout that suits long, lazy mornings. It's a favourite with those who want the sea on their doorstep at a friendly price, and only a short drive from Nerja.

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AUTHENTICALLY SPANISH

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Torrox Pueblo

Just a few minutes inland from the coast, the old town of Torrox is where everyday Spanish life carries on at its own pace: local markets, family bars and quiet, characterful streets. A wonderful choice if you'd like to live like a local and still be near the beach.

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WHITE-VILLAGE CHARM

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Frigiliana

Often counted among Andalucía's prettiest white villages, with flower-filled lanes, Moorish-era streets and glorious views down to the sea. It's perched in the hills above Nerja, so you get postcard scenery and the coast within a short drive.

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MOUNTAIN ESCAPE

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Cómpeta

Higher in the mountains, this welcoming village is known for its sweet Moscatel wines, its walking trails and a delightfully unhurried way of life. Cooler in summer and full of character, it's popular with those who want space, views and peace.

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HIDDEN GEM

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Maro & the quiet coves

Tiny Maro, just east of Nerja, has a small, beautiful beach in a sheltered cove that's perfect for snorkelling. Along this stretch of coast you'll find quiet corners that feel a world away from the busier resorts.

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Sea views or mountain views? Why not both

One of the joys of this area is choice. Whether you picture yourself by the water or among the hills, the two are never far apart.

Life by the coast

Wake up to the Mediterranean and let the sea set the rhythm of your day.

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  • Apartments and townhouses close to the beach and promenade

  • Villas and urbanisations with sea views

  • Friendly communities, social clubs and plenty going on

  • Shops, restaurants and services close by

 

Life in the hills & villages

Slow down, breathe in and enjoy the real Andalucía, with the coast still just a short drive away.

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  • Traditional village townhouses full of character

  • Country homes and fincas with land, space and views

  • Quieter surroundings and a more local way of life

  • Generally more space for your money than on the seafront

 

What everyday life feels like

A happy, healthy, outdoorsy lifestyle, with everything you need close to hand.

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  • Sunshine & mild winters. Over 300 days of sunshine a year and gentle winters, made for long lunches outdoors and a much-reduced heating bill.

  • Beaches & the outdoors. Sandy beaches and coves, scenic river-gorge walks such as the Río Chillar, plus cycling, kayaking and hiking in the mountains behind.

  • Food & local flavour. Fresh seafood by the sea, hearty village cooking in the hills, and sweet local wines to round off a lovely evening.

  • A warm community. Active expat and Spanish communities mix happily here, with clubs, language exchanges, festivals and plenty of ways to make friends.

  • Healthcare & everyday services. Local health centres and supermarkets in the towns, and the Hospital Comarcal in Vélez-Málaga around 25 minutes from Nerja.

  • Easy to get to, easy to get around. Málaga airport is about 45 minutes away and there are bus links along the coast. A car is handy for exploring the villages.

 

Come and see for yourself

 

Whether you're dreaming of a sunny retirement, a second home or simply a place to stay awhile, we'd love to help you find your corner of Nerja, Torrox and the surrounding hills.

 

Browse our properties | Talk to us

 

Distances and journey times are approximate and given as a guide only.

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