Weather lowdown
March is an ideal time to visit Nerja, one of Spain's most ideal year-round destinations. As winter bids farewell to the Costa del Sol, and the weather makes a dramatic improvement, you'll find Nerja a simply divine spot to relish in some R&R after a long, harsh winter at home.
As spring starts to sneak its way back this month, you'll enjoy average daily temperatures of 15°C. You'll notice the very gradual increase in warmth as March progresses; with the lowest temps of 11°C occurring during the first week and the highest, of 20°C, usually reserved for the last week of the month. The biggest hint that the good season is on its way is with the increased amount of sunshine each day, with 9 hours being the average for this month. Although the weather is making a progressive improvement, the average temperature of the sea is still only 16°C, only one degree above the averages for February.
By far the most welcome change in the weather in March is the considerable decrease on the average amount of rainfall. Only 33 mm of rain are expected this month, spread over 12 days. By now, the rains are quite infrequent and usually short-lived, so your holiday itinerary need not be restricted to indoor activities alone.
Where to stay
Considering the fact that you'll still be enjoying winter time discounts in Nerja, it may help to consider some of the more special accommodation choices in town. The Welcome Inn Nerja B&B is an exclusive guesthouse situated just a 5 minute drive from the centre of town. Offering breathtaking coastal views and an exquisite attention to detail, a stay here would certainly be a worthy splurge. This luxurious accommodation is set amidst pristine grounds, is tactfully decorated and hosted by a professional yet very welcoming couple.
Price conscious travellers, who want to soak in the comforts at lower prices, ought to check out the Hostal Marissal, the most adored budget choice in town. Not only does this superb hostel boast an absolutely central location, but it also offers clean, spacious and comfortable rooms, an in-house cafe' and a year-round deal on half-board & accommodation for only 18. At that price, you'd be forgiven for wanting to move to Nerja permanently!
Mid-range accommodation options abound in Nerja, so you won't have any problems finding a joint which suits your budget. Places like the Riu Monica Hotel are favoured by return customers thanks to the comprehensive services on offer and option of half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Riu's value for money is definitely its major draw card. The hotel has an in-house activities' desk, indoor pool, health & beauty spa, children's' playground as well as nightly live music shows.
Eating & drinking out
Nerja is certainly not in short supply of great restaurants, even during the quieter winter months. Although quite a few close down for the off-season, you'll still have literally hundreds of options to choose from. If you've followed our lead and indulged in a day trip to Tangiers then you may want to continue your Moroccan infused holiday by booking a table at Oasis of Marrakesh, a delightfully authentic, family-run eatery which you'll find near the corner of Av. Mediterraneo and Calle Mérida. The owner, Abdul, will undoubtedly run down the list of weekly specials cooked by his lovely wife Rasheeda, which include a selection of mouth-watering tajine dishes as well as an array of cous-cous based delights.
For yet another fabulous gourmet experience, you really should not walk past Restaurante Jacky, although you probably will given its slightly hidden location. Jacky's is revered for its incredibly affordable Thursday night 8-course degustation menu. The delectable culinary concoctions, which are served with generous glasses of wine, are the trademark of this eatery and the reason why you should make a point to book ahead! The proud chef will delight you with seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes, all cooked with a distinctive Mediterranean flair.
Things to do in town
A gloriously sunny March day in Nerja is the perfect time to do a little sightseeing by horse and carriage. Yes, it may be a wee bit kitsch...but it can also very relaxing, extremely charming and utterly unique. You can arrange for your ride directly with carriage masters in Plaza de Los Cangregos. A comprehensive city tour (which will take you on some beautiful side streets you may otherwise miss) should cost about 30 this time of year. If you're travelling with your beloved make a point of organising a sunset ride instead.
March is also a perfect time to peruse the markets of Nerja. The town holds two weekly markets and although they close up at lunchtime during the sweltering summer months, they are particularly thriving at this time of year. Both the Tuesday and Sunday markets have their own distinctive appeal, with the weekday stalls offering more fresh local produce and the week-end ones concentrating more on locally made arts and crafts
Getting out & about
Once you've spent a few days getting to know Nerja, it may be time to start exploring the enticing surroundings. This entire region is brimming with historical and picturesque towns, so renting a car and planning a few day trips during your holiday will be well worth your while.
Your first point of call should probably be Malaga, a city renowned the world-over for its historical and cultural importance, yet a little-known gem of a town only 20kms out of Nerja, called Cómpeta, also warrants a visit. This whitewashed jewel of Andalucían heritage is splendidly set amidst the hills of the Almijara Mountains; it is accosted by a wildlife reserve and completely framed by fruit orchards, almond trees and olive groves. Wilderness enthusiasts will fall in love with this entire area and everyone who visits will leave enchanted by the picturesque, cobble stoned alleyways for which the old town centre is so beloved.
It may sound a little crazy to suggest you move out of Spain altogether for a day, but it would be a travesty to visit Nerja, a pearl of the Mediterranean, and not make a day trip to Morocco! It is immensely easy to enjoy a superlative day trip to Tangiers and although it can be a very intense day out (you are, after all, going to northern Africa!) it would have to rate as one of the most marvellous things to do in Nerja. This is particularly true at this time of year, because the cooler temperatures make for a thoroughly comfortable day out. Viator organizes pick up from your Nerja accommodation, a high-speed boat transfer across the Gibraltar Strait and a fully guided tour of the ancient Tangiers town centre, as well as a gratifying shopping spree through the city's most famous bazaars.
