Travel Diary: Nerja, Spain

I’ve shared some of my outfits from my week in Spain last month, but it’s photos like these that really make me miss the place. Sunshine, vibrant blue seas, soft blue skies, fresh seafood, spectacular hilltop views and spending some quality time with Mat & his family; it all made for a perfect week away.

We stayed in two beautiful villas, booked with James Villas, both with amazing views and their own private pools. The majority of our stay though was spent in Cortijo El Nino in Frigiliana, which made me feel like I was on an episode of MTV Cribs, it was that amazing.

If there’s a big group of you, I highly recommend getting a villa in the Andalusian hills, as it feels like a much more authentic Spanish getaway and it’s perfect for escaping the touristy crowds along the coast. We went down to the beach at Nerja a few times, but it’s great to be able to head back to a more secluded villa.

 

During our time in Spain, we mostly ate at the villa, choosing to eat al fresco on the huge dining terrace. The few meals we did have out were lovely though.

I’m generally really distrusting when it comes to restaurants on the sea front, as sometimes they’re a little too English for my liking (fry-ups and burgers… no thanks!) but we found a great place on the first day in Nerja. They barbecued all the fish right in front of you on big hot coals and Mat & I had these huge pieces of sole, with baked potato and salad, which were perfectly cooked and seasoned.

We also had a relaxing lunch at Portofino, a pizza & pasta bar, with stunning views of the beach and ocean. I had their pesto pasta and Mat had the crab ravioli, both really tasty and made with quality ingredients. Plus the usual jug of sangria! When in Spain…

 

Although a touristy destination, Nerja has a great Spanish feel to it, with its beautiful winding streets and the cutest of buildings. It still feels really authentically Spanish, even with lots of Brits around.

Our villa was based in the hills just north of Frigiliana, which I highly recommend everyone to pay a visit. It has small village vibes, with white buildings everywhere and incredible countryside and coastal views surrounding it. I wish we’d had more of a chance to explore it properly and take more photos. Maybe one for next time!

 

Have you ever visited Nerja in Spain?