Nerja or Malaga for 2 nights/3 days mid April.

[bournevilleismyfavourite]

Inspired by this God awful February weather, I’m thinking about booking a couple of nights away mid April. It would just be me and my husband. I’ve already been to Malaga before and I really loved it. I know he would like it too. But I’ve also heard that Nerja is lovely. What would people recommend? We’re into a bit of sightseeing/museums/culture but not too much, mainly wandering around maybe going for walks or bike rides, seeing and maybe having a dip in the sea. Just relaxing really. Nice food and drink. We’d be arriving very early on the first day and then leaving late on the third day.

Any thoughts or recommendations would be great. Thank you!

Nerja is nice but it's a bit of a trek from the airport. I'd stay in Malaga city itself, it is fabulous and has everything you could want. Direct bus from the airport is a couple of euro and the train is the same. Taxi about a tenner or so. If you only have 2 nights, better to get to your destination as quickly as possible!

If you've been to the city before you'll know what I'm talking about re Malaga. The port area, the Picasso museum, the Cathedral area with the millions of tapas bars and a fab atmosphere, the shopping on Calle Larios. And much more besides. It cannot be faulted for a short break IMV.

Try and get a hotel with a rooftop terrace. There are a good few around. Lovely to sit outside of an evening with a drink and see the views. I like the Vincci Larios Diez hotel on the pedestrian street for this. A little higher up the food chain are the Molina Lario and the AC Marriott Palacio. A bit pricey but you can get good deals now and then. Can you tell that I love Malaga city 😊

Nerja is really lovey and well worth a visit

@delvan thanks! Yes I think you’re right. It is fabulous isn’t it?! I’ll take a look at those hotels. Last time I stayed in an Airbnb with friends but bigger budget this time! Have you been along the beach at all? I fancied hiring bikes.

It does look lovely . Torn!!!

What @delvan said!

I've never been to Nerja, so can't compare, but I've been to Malaga several times. I love the fruit/veg market (Atarazanas), castle (Alcazaba), walking along the promenade to the next little town. We also did a day trip to the famous bridge in Ronda 1 time. Very easy on the train. I'm sure we've been in April and it was lovely weather. Warm enough for t-shirts/shorts, but in the evening I had a cardigan and trousers.

We stayed at this hotel the 1st time we went:
https://www.nh-hotels.com/en/hotel/nh-malaga

Then these apartments on subsequent trips.
https://www.santacruz-apartments.com/index.php?lng=en

I have been to Malaga several times and Nerja once. Although I do like Malaga for a city break, I absolutely love Nerja ❤️

I love Nerja but the best attraction is the beach and in april it might be too cold for real nice beach days. In Malaga there will be a lot more to do.

We went to Malaga last weekend and had a fab time. The weather was glorious with loads of people on the beach. We visited the Alcazaba, the castle, the market and the port with its bars and restaurants. Picasso museum was fully booked sadly - never thought to pre-book it for the day we wanted to go. Lunch in El Pimpi. Drinks on rooftops. We stayed at Hotel Bro, which was in a great location and does have a pool and roof terrace (though it was sadly shut last weekend) and it was really reasonably priced.

Stay in Malaga and do a day trip to Nerja?

You can also get to Cordoba on the train from Malaga, but there's loads to see in Malaga itself. As well as the museums, Gibralfaro and Castle, there's some lovely botanic gardens on the northern edge of the city.

Thanks everyone! The thought of this trip is keeping me going in this rubbish weather! I think we’ve decided to go for 3 nights although we won’t arrive until the evening as the flight doesn’t leave the UK until 4pm. But better that than a 6am flight! It’s cheaper so it nets off some of the extra accommodation cost.

I think we’ll stick to Malaga this time. My husband really wants to go to Cordoba so I’m thinking that could be an October trip as it’s only an hour from Malaga.

I love Malaga but have you considered Granada? You’d probably want to rent a car to get up there from Malaga airport but it’s an easy drive.

@Clearinguptheclutter I’d love that! I think we’re just looking for an easy non driving sunshine break this time. I’d like to go back in October and get the train and do Cordoba/grenada over 7 or 8 days.

Yes that sounds like a lovely idea.

@bournevilleismyfavourite I'm sure you'll have a ball in Malaga, it's ideal for a short break, as you know!

If it's any help re your proposed October trip, my sis and I did an Andalucian Tour !! last year and it was absolutely the most enjoyable and easy to navigate trip I've had in a long time.

Flew into Seville, had two full days there, had been before but it's stunning.
Train to Cordoba early morning, overnight stay. What a charming small city that is, you and DH will love it, such a wonderful atmosphere and lots to see and do. Overnight was plenty for me anyway.
Train from Cordoba to Granada, two nights, three days (nearly). Oh my word. I wont spoil it for you but I'm sure you have an idea of all the things to see there. Just a word - remember to bring ID to the Alhambra, and book ahead. You won't get in without ID.
Then train from Granada to Malaga two nights and flew home from there, I think you know about Malaga already!

Nerja is lovely - but I probably wouldn't go there if I was only staying 2-3 nights in Spain.

When you do have longer there, then as others have said, the Andalusian cities of Cordoba, Granada, Seville are really easily reached on the train from Malaga .

Thanks everyone! I’ve booked Malaga. Definitely fancy going back and spending time in Cordoba and Grenada. Maybe in October.

Be careful when you do your Googling and hotel booking for Granada. Grenada is an island in the Caribbean.

I know you've already booked Malaga, but for future reference -

Nerja is beautiful. Really really amazing. But not at all what it sounds like you are looking for. One local museum, too hilly for leisure cycling (not sure I've even seen bike hire places) and the beaches aren't as good as in Malaga. But great tapas, a real buzz and beautiful. Do visit, maybe just for the day though?