Weather lowdown
October marks the end of summer on Spain's Costa del Sol and is by far one of the most beautiful times of year to holiday in Nerja. As the temperatures drop to a lovely daily average of 20°C, life outdoors becomes infinitely pleasurable. You will still experience highs of 24°C, especially during the first half of the month, making sunbathing and swimming still incredibly delightful. In fact, the temperate climate of this Mediterranean stretch of coast means that these two activities are doable almost all year long. Lows of 16°C become more the norm toward the last 10 days of October, so it's wise to pack a light sweater.
The average sea temperature this month is a very respectable 20°C and this, coupled with an average of 9 hours of daily sunshine, makes October still ideal if it's a beach holiday you're after. The average amount of rainfall this month is 62 mm over 9 days but the scattered showers should be seldom enough for them not to interfere with your outdoor activity itinerary.
Where to stay
Should you be travelling to Nerja with your family or group of friends, it may be wise for you to consider renting an entire villa. Not only is this usually cheaper than booking several hotel rooms but it is also infinitely more fun and convenient. Hang out together, shop and cook together and experience a comfortable holiday like no other.
Nerja, and the entire sunny coast in general, is the ideal place for a rental villa vacations; hence why the small town is brimming with fantastic properties waiting to be let. Although we prefer not to play favourites, we do take notice of owners who go to a little extra effort to ensure guests have an unforgettable time.
October is a great time of year to indulge in a stay in Maro, only a 5-minute drive from Nerja. This incredibly delightful Maro Villa, which boasts three bedrooms, a swimming pool, air-con and wifi, is an absolute hidden gem and comes complete with complementary car use from the very friendly owners. At just over £500 a week (for 6 guests) it is a very great deal indeed.
If you do want to stay right in the heart of Nerja, then have a look at the extensive apartments and villas on offer at the infinitely popular Capistrano Complex. Capistrano is also home to a great hotel, making it by far one of the most varied addresses in Nerja. Whether you're coming alone or with an entire football team and want to either cook every day or be served on hand and foot...you'll definitely find your ideal accommodation right here.
Eating & drinking out
It may seem ridiculous, at first, if we were to suggest you go on a food tour whilst in Nerja, yet if you've been here before you may also agree: the foodie options in this small, charming town can be very overwhelming to the uninitiated!
Tapas Trails is a fantastic initiative that outlines the best self-guided tapas tours in Nerja. It can be insanely fun to follow a predetermined itinerary and spend an evening tapas-bar-hopping, sangria drinking and meeting new friends who are undoubtedly following a similar detailed trail. Simply pick the route which most tickles your fancy, order a drink at each bar (and enjoy the complimentary tapas) and then repeat at the next fab location. Once you try a night of trailing tapas, you may well become addicted, although you may also want to alternate dinners with visits to some of Nerja's brilliant ethnic eateries.
The Costa del Sol is home to a plethora of international eateries, and most proud Nerja-ites will attest to their city playing host to most of them.
Antica Roma is arguably the most popular of all the Italian restaurants in town, and is revered for its perfect pizzas and pastas. Service here is at times a bit sluggish, yet consider the fact that you'll have supreme ocean views as you wait for your meal, and you may also not mind at all.
If you're in the mood for an equally spot-on curry then you should definitely not miss dining at Taste of India, whilst if you're in the mood for an extraordinary Thai fine dining experience, then best you pack some fancy gear and book a table at Lan Sang, which may not be the cheapest place in town but is definitely one of the most beloved.
Restaurant Jacky and Bakus are renowned haunts for French-food lovers who seem to be forever swooning over the characteristically exquisite meals.
Things to do
Cooler temps in October may leave you wanting to try out a more active pursuit in Nerja. The stunning rock faces of the Andalucian countryside act as a magnet for rock-climbers the world over and this time of the year is by far one of the most popular times for them to visit. Whether you're an expert rock-monkey or just want to try it for the very first time, heading out for a day of climbing and bouldering is bound to be a load of fun.
Before you set out anywhere, read this informative guide to rock-climbing destination in the area, to get a clear idea of which place would best be suitable for your skills. If you're a novice, then we recommend you book a one day taster with Andalucia Aventura and let professionals guide and protect you through your first tentative climbs. You can then enquire as to their more challenging tours or book a multi-day adventure trip.
If you'd like a varied selection of activities then check out Life Adventure's extensive list of tours. This company is very well respected in the area and offers a myriad of fun and exciting days out, including jeep and hiking torus. Mountain biking aficionados can rent top-quality gear from X-Bike and explore the rugged trails of the Sierra Almijara on their own terms and, for a more relaxing activity, all should spare a few hours of their busy schedule to enjoy the very best views of Nerja. Book a kayak tour with Adventura Nerja and be guided through a relaxing and fun ride along the stunning Costa del Sol.
