Weather lowdown
Visit Nerja in September and you may well surmise that as far as summer holidays are concerned, this is about as perfect as it can possibly get.
The glorious summer weather continues on the Costa del Sol this month, yet now it's even more enjoyable. September is possibly the most varied month of the year and the time when the change of seasons is as its most palpable. The averages for this month, in fact, may be considered slightly misleading. The average daily temperature for September is 23°C, although this is due to the fact that the temps do tend to drop quite considerably during the last week. In the first week, however, you are much more likely to enjoy temps in the high 30s and, towards the last 10 days of September, down to the mid-20s. Generally speaking however, September sees highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C.
This may no longer be the height of summer but do beware: the sizzling sun can still have much bite, so don't be complacent with your sunscreen use. The cooling Mediterranean breeze may lull you into thinking that it's not as hot as it actually is, so take care. The average daily sunshine will still amount to 10 hours and in September you'll be much more likely to utilise ALL of them by the seaside. The average temperature of the sea during this month is 23°C so you'll still be able to swim to your heart's delight. By far the most considerable change this month, compared to August, July and June, will be in the amount of expected rainfall. An average of 26mm of rain over 5 days is the norm for September yet showers will still be sporadic and short-lived.
If it's starting to sound as if September really is one of the very best times of the year to visit Nerja...well...it is! The consequence of that, of course, is that you'll still see quite a healthy crowd of holiday-makers, although most families will be making their return home for the start of the school year so the town will invariably seem much quieter.
Where to stay
If you're looking for a fun place to stay with a bit of a social scene, then you should definitely check out the Pension Miguel. This charming joint is often considered a 'home away from home' for younger visitors who continuously rave about the friendly owners and sociable vibe of the place. Of particular note is the rooftop terrace, where guests meet at sunset every day to enjoy a few sundowners and superb views.
Bridge playing holidaymakers may want to book their accommodation at the Al-Andalus Hotel, where bridge comps are held on Mondays and Thursdays. You'll find this lovely hotel just a few hundred metres from the Nerja Caves.
If you're young, energetic, interested and looking for a different Nerja experience, then why not check out the very popular Nerja Workaway Project? In return for volunteering in one of a wide array of projects for this hostel (from cooking and cleaning to tour guiding and English teaching) you'll enjoy free accommodation in one of the volunteer's dorm rooms as well as have all the facilities at your disposal.
Eating & drinking out
Speaking of paella...
One of the most argument-educing topics among Nerja holiday makers, is which restaurant or bar serves up THE best paella in town. To this end, we can suggest you try the mouth-watering concoctions of saffron rice and garlicky seafood at a few of the most revered places in town and make up your own mind!
Chiringuito Ayo on Burriana Beach does indeed serve one of the best paellas in town and this family-run joint has been insanely popular for decades. However, let us be the first to admit that, at times, great reputation and food-fame can lead long-standing eateries to drop their game just a little. By all means do try a fantastic value-for-money serving here, but don't forget to also checkout some of the more hidden and less-known gems in town. Finding them is easy! Simply leave all notions of orientation behind and meander your way through the stunning alleyways in and near the town centre. Usually, you'll be able to smell and hear a gorgeous chiringuito coming up. Follow your nose until you find a place bustling with people and try your luck. One of the rarest things in Nerja is a disappointing paella.
If you want to enjoy a great night out after your delightful meal, let it be known that this lovely town is home to some awesome bars and clubs, where live music, flowing sangria and great times are just itching for you to arrive.
Hemingways and H2O are the most revered bars if sipping delicious cocktails is your idea of the perfect night out, whilst Shambles Bar and Karaoke is an absolute blast of a place if music, singing and dancing are more your thing. September is the last full month of the year Shambles is open so make sure you spend at least one fun night here before leaving.
Things to do
If it's your first time visiting Nerja then we suggest you visit the Tourist Info Office on your first day to check out what's going on specifically in September, as well as to pick up a brochure which highlights the absolute must see and do activities in and around the area.
You'll no doubt be planning a visit to the Nerja Caves and will undoubtedly head to the Balcon de Europa to enjoy breathtaking coastal views. Yet in between the sightseeing and beach indulging, you should also consider renting a car for a couple of days and heading out to discover the nearby treasures of the Andalucian region. Town like Frigiliana, Malaga and Maro are absolutely delightful to visit on glorious September days, as the cooler temps make all-day sightseeing utterly delightful. Granada, home to the world famous Alhambra, is also a stunning city to visit, yet we'd advice you to set out a whole day for this excursion as the attractions here are numerous.
Hiking and trekking in the hills and mountains of the Sierra Almijara is also highly rewarding this time of year, so make sure you pick up a Costa del Sol walking guide in the tourist office and you'll surely find a route which will be ideal for you fitness level and interests.
September is also an excellent month to splurge on the myriad of water sports on offer in Nerja, as it's much more comfortable to spend hours on end having fun in the sun. Head to Burriana Beach, by far the most popular of all, and spend an entire day switching between kayaks, banana boats, surfboards and parasails! End your day with a delectable paella from one of the many eateries along the sea front (like Chiringuito Ayo) and have yourself a most unforgettable Spanish beach-day.
