Malaga Airport To Nerja Transfer: What Are The Modes Of Transport And The Things To See In Nerja
While Barcelona fights hard to overcome the banes of overtourism, Spanish locations such as Nerja grab the limelight as tourist destinations.
Nerja is home to Burriana Beach and the famous Nerja Caves. Discovered in 1959, these caves are like gold mines for someone interested in human history and evolution. The caves have many prehistoric sculptures and paintings.
Furthermore, with many bars, Nerja promises a vibrant nightlife. So, it is a melting pot of coastal beauty, historic significance, and urban fun.
What makes Nerja more popular among tourists is its accessibility. The Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) or Malaga Airport is less than 70 km away from Nerja.
Here, I will talk about the different modes of Malaga Airport to Nerja transfer, including taking a taxi from Malaga Airport to Nerja and taking a bus.
What Is The Malaga Airport To Nerja Distance?
The distance between Malaga Airport and Nerja is around 69.6 km. The travel time depends on the mode of transportation you choose.
For example, if you take a private transfer or book a taxi, it will take around 50-56 minutes. On the other hand, if you take a bus or a shared ride from Malaga Airport to Nerja, it will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
So, the fastest and most comfortable Malaga Airport to Nerja transfer option is taking a taxi. If you do not know any local tour operators, you can even book an Uber.
An Uber ride from Malaga Airport to Nerja will cost you around €73 to €121.
Malaga Airport To Nerja Transfer: Know The Modes Of Transport
Here are more details about the transfer from Malaga Airport to Nerja by taxi, private car, or bus.
1. How To Travel From Malaga Airport To Nerja By Taxi Or Private Car?
You can get a taxi from the airport rank or book a taxi online in advance for a fast and smooth Malaga Airport to Nerja transfer.
The travel time in a private car or taxi will be less than an hour. Furthermore, based on your budget and the number of travelers in your group, you can choose a four-seater car, a minivan, or a minibus.
A four-seater car will cost you around 80€, while a minivan and minibus will cost you around 120€ and 160€, respectively.
2. How To Travel From Malaga Airport To Nerja By Bus?
The Bus Company ALSA runs only one direct bus from Malaga Airport to Nerja every day. It starts between 1 PM and 5 PM. On its way, the first stops at Malaga City, Malaga port, and Torre del Mar.
The ticket price for the bus is around 7-9€. You can buy the ticket from the airport ticket booth or online from the ALSA website.
The bus departs from the airport at 2:30 PM and reaches Nerja at 4:15 PM. So, the travel time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The ticket price is 5.48€. However, you can book a pass for three rides. This pass costs 9.40€.
What Are The Places To Visit In Nerja? The Caves And Beyond
I was reading an article called “35,000 years of recurrent visits inside Nerja cave (Andalusia, Spain) based on charcoals and soot micro-layers analyses” on nature.com.
The report suggested that Cueva de Nerja, or the Nerja Caves, are the most prehistoric caves in Europe to host human visits. Today, tourists can explore these caves as a public gallery on a 45-minute guided tour.
You will see wonderful formations of stalagmites, stalactites, and other mineral deposits inside the caves.
So far, 589 prehistoric paintings have been found in these caves. However, for conservation reasons, the tourists cannot visit them. Also, researchers say that people used to see these caves thousands of years ago for spiritual reasons.
So, of course, the Nerja caves are the main attractions of Nerja. However, there are many other places to visit here. Check out the brief details about the other attractions.
1. Iglesia El Salvador
Iglesia El Salvador is the main church of Nerja. This 17th-century church is whitewashed and stands out for its unique Baroque-style architecture.
The interior of the church is minimalistic, and that is what makes it ideal for catching a moment of introspection. It is ideal for slow travelers and a personal favorite.
2. Burriana Beach
Burriana Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Nerja. It offers a host of beach activities, and it has a public parking area at the entrance of the beach.
Furthermore, this beach is well-maintained and safe, and it is a Blue Flag beach. The beach is around 800 meters in length and 40 meters in width. It looks stunning with its dark sand.
Moreover, due to gentle waves, the beach is ideal for a family-friendly vacation. Also, if you are an adventure lover, you can try activities such as jet skiing and banana boat rides.
3. Rio Verde
Rio Verde is popular for the kayaking thrills. It is just one hour away from Nerja, and it is popular as a day trip destination. It has water holes, ravines, and waterfalls.
You can also hike up this impressive Spanish river and jump from the cliffs and rappel down waterfalls as the best adventure activities.
4. Pico Del Cielo
Pico del Cielo, looking over the coast, is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Nerja. The train starts just behind the Nerja Caves, and the hiking route is famous for the open landscape and lush greenery.
Most of the hiking route is moderately difficult. However, the last few kilometers, starting from the viewpoint below the peak to the peak, are very difficult. You have to hike through steep hills and sliding gravel.
The round trek route is around 20 km, and it will take around 7 hours to complete the hike. Moreover, it is suitable for a winter trek, and you must not attempt this in summer.
Why Is Nerja Special? Through The Lens Of A Woman, Who Happens To Be A Travel Writer
See, I was in Nerja many years ago. Still, the moments inside the caves or at the church, especially, are very prominent and almost tangible for me. So, Nerja is special.
Today, as a woman and travel writer, I take pride in how Nerja has raised the slogan of “Nerja en marcha contra el cancer de mama” or “Nerja on the move against breast cancer.” The coastal retreat was pink with a crowd decked up in pink T-shirts and ribbons.
This event in October 2025 shows why Neerja is a small coastal town with a lot of heart.
I am also impressed with how Nerja’s Equality Council has unveiled its awareness campaign, “Porn Isn’t Cool,” on 27th October 2025, to stop access to pornography for children and teenagers and protect them from violent content.
It is not a question of moral policing. However, this campaign is crucial to stop inequality and sexual violence. Moreover, it will help to avoid how pornography shapes sexual and violent attitudes toward young girls and women.
So, well done, Nerja!
