Weather lowdown
February sees the end of the coldest part of the year on the Costa del Sol and a return to more pleasurable, outdoor-friendly weather. Enjoying a leisurely holiday in Nerja during this month is very rewarding indeed. Not only does the average daily temperature hover around 14°C but on the hottest days in February, especially during the last two weeks of the month, you can expect to lounge in the sun with highs of up to 18°C. The first week is when you'll experience the coldest days in Nerja, yet with lows of 10°C it is still be by no means freezing.
The winter rains will also start to ease off this month, which is when Nerja usually receives an average rainfall of only 52mm over a period of 12 sporadic rain days. Sunshine will also be plentiful! With an average of 8 hours of sunshine each day, organising full day trips to the Andalucían countryside will also be very doable. The most adventurous visitors can also test their endurance by dipping into the sea, which in February boasts an average water temperature of 15°C. Not for the faint of heart!
Where to stay
All-inclusive hotels are a brilliant option for those who prefer to do as little as possible on holidays. The Parador de Nerja Hotel is situated on a cliff top just a few minutes' walk from the town centre, so you'll get amazing view and optimum convenience. With the added bonus of central heating, clothes dryer, cable TV, in-house restaurant and room service, you'll find your stay here utterly comfortable. The beach can be easily reached via a lift which makes morning seaside walks an absolute pleasure. Parador is renowned for providing friendly and attentive service, and boasts rooms of all sizes and budgets.
For those who prefer to have more flexibility, the Marinas de Nerja Aparthotel is an exceptionally good choice. You can either take advantage of the fully-equipped kitchen if you wish to self-cater or opt to book your private apartment with a full-board option. This beautiful hotel is a little out of town (perhaps a 20 minute walk) yet there are still plenty of shops, restaurants and amenities right nearby.
Eating & drinking out
Wining and dining in Nerja in February is an absolute delight, as you don't have to worry about dealing with crowds and having to make advance bookings. Now is the time to visit those all-too famous joints which tend to book out early in summer!
La Puntilla is a favourite among locals and visitors, and for very good reason. This no-frills eatery may seem unremarkable from the outside, granted, but the seafood here is of prime quality and cooked to absolute perfection, which is all that matters. Here you will also find arguably the most delectable fish and chips in town.
Carnivores need not panic, as Nerja is also home to a popular bar which serves mouth-watering burgers. Bakers Bar is a family run (and family oriented) restaurant which you'll find right on the seafront of Burriana Beach, and which offers a wide variety of dishes for all tastes, friendly service and a homely atmosphere. If you're travelling with kids and want to enjoy a great dinner and a few relaxing drinks then this will no doubt hit the spot.
Although many bars close down for the winter, old favourites like Hemingways are always a safe bet for yummy cocktails, a great atmosphere and a fun night out. This particular haunt is open from 6pm every night (except Thursdays) and prides itself in offering one of the most extensive drinks menus in Nerja. Moreover, Hemingways is one of the few places where you can boogie during the winter months...so what's not to love about that?!
Things to do
The Caves of Nerja are one of the most impressive sights in the entire Andalucían province, yet they are sometimes neglected during the summer months, when holidaymakers find it immensely difficult to drag themselves away from the sandy shores. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures in February and plan to spend a whole day in this most mesmerizing place. The mind-boggling collection of subterranean caves stretches for over 5kms and is believed to be over five million years old. Cave hyenas used to seek shelter here along with humans, who lived and thrived in these caverns for millennia. Archaeological buffs will have an absolute field day here as will lovers of stalagmites and stalactites: the caves are brimming with both! The caves are 4km out of Nerja and can be reached by bus from the centre of town (ask for Cuevas de Nerja.) Entrance fees are only 8 per person.
If you happen to have a rental car on the the day you visit the caves, then make a point to stop at the El Aguila aqueduct, a 19th century construction built following 13th century Arabian design and decorations.
Visiting Nerja in winter also grants an excellent chance to learn and improve two of Spain's most beloved attributes: language and dance! Right in the heart of town is where you'll find GoToLearn, an award winning language and dance school which has been whisking visitors off their feet (in Spanish of course) for over three decades. Book a week-long course and you could be chatting and twirling like a local by the time your holiday is over. Courses run all year long and the school also offers accommodation for those who long for complete Spanish immersion
Active pursuits
Holidaying in Nerja in February does not mean you'll be indoor bound the entire time....quite the opposite! Lovers of the great outdoors will still find a multitude of fun and exciting things to do.
Adrenalin junkies can book an exhilarating excursion with Nerja Quad Tours, a UK-based company which prides itself on a 'safety first, fun second' mantra. Carl and his team will guide you to some hidden Andalucían countryside gems; places which most people never get to see. The ride is super fun and spots visited simply gorgeous! Add to that a delectable home-made lunch and the option of an afternoon of target practice after your tour...and you've got yourself a formidable day out in Nerja.
If you prefer something a little more subdued yet equally intensive, you'd do well to consider a 'yoga and rock climbing week-end tour' with Andalucia Aventura. Although the combination of the two activities may seem a tad unusual, we assure you that it is, in fact, one of the most soul revitalising things you can hope do in Nerja. Spend two days connecting with nature as you tackle the rocky base of El Chorro and enjoy evening yoga sessions amidst the relaxing ambience of ancient pine tree forests.
