Nerja Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local Connectivity

Spain has excellent mobile network coverage. Major providers: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo.

Mobile Access

Tourist SIM cards available at phone shops or airport.
Passport is necessary to register a SIM card.
Consider purchasing an ESIM from Airalo for convenience.

Internet & Wi-Fi Access

Internet access is widely available. Most hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.

Connectivity Options

Free Wi-Fi is widely available for customers.
Many town squares provide public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Connectivity generally proves reliable for browsing.

Language & Basic Phrases

Language Notes

Spanish (Castellano) is the official language.
English is widely spoken in tourist-facing businesses.
Outside tourist areas, English proficiency may be lower.
A Rosetta Stone course can teach Spanish.

Useful Greetings

Hello: Hola
Thank you: Gracias
What does it cost?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
The bill, please: La cuenta, if you please

Further Connectivity

For additional internet options, consider a portable WiFi device from Solis Wi-Fi.

Business Hours & Schedules

Spain observes numerous national and regional holidays that can affect services.

Shop Timings

Generally open 9:30 AM/10:00 AM to 1:30 PM/2:00 PM. Many smaller shops close for siesta, reopening 4:30 PM/5:00 PM until 8:00 PM/9:00 PM.

Dining Hours

Lunch typically 1:30 PM/2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Dinner starts later, roughly 8:00 PM/8:30 PM, extending until midnight or later. Many kitchens close between.

Bar Operating Times

Open from the end of morning, often staying open until late night (2:00 AM - 3:00 AM or later on weekends).

Banking & ATMs

Banks in Spain typically operate on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

Access Notes

Bank hours are generally limited to weekdays.
ATMs are widely available 24/7 throughout Nerja.
Convenient cash withdrawals feasible at any time.

Holiday Schedule

Spain observes numerous national and regional holidays. Many businesses, banks, and public services close on these days.

Holiday Examples

Public Holidays: New Year's Day, Labour Day, Christmas.
Andalucía Day: February 28.
Nerja Specific Holidays: San Isidro (May 15), Feria de Nerja (October).

Seasonal Adjustments

Smaller Business Hours

Some smaller businesses might close for a few weeks.
Often during the lowest off-season (e.g., late November or January).
For a winter break period.

Larger Establishments

Larger establishments usually remain open.
They maintain continuous operation.
Catering to tourist demand year-round.

Local Tip

When dining, try to eat at local times to experience the authentic Spanish dining rhythm. Restaurants are bustling later in the evening.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Interacting respectfully with local culture enriches your travel experience.

Greeting Customs

A simple "Hola" or "Good morning/tardes/noches" is always polite. Shows respect.

Initial Interactions

When meeting, a handshake is common.
Between friends, two kisses on the cheek are typical for women, and for men and women.
Men usually shake hands with other men.

Appropriate Attire

Nerja is a relaxed town. Beachwear is suitable only for the beach. When walking throughout the town, cover up.

Dress Code Guidelines

Smart casual attire suits most significant restaurants.
For a visit to religious sites, cover shoulders and knees.
Dress comfortably but respectfully for town exploration.

Dining & Tipping

Meal times are later in Spain. Do not rush your meal; dining is a social event.

Practices

Eat at local times to experience authentic rhythm.
Tipping is for good service, not mandatory.
Small change or rounding up the bill is common.

Photography & Privacy

Generally, it is fine to photograph public spaces, landmarks, and street scenes.

Permissions

Always seek permission to photograph people, especially children.
Be discreet and avoid flash in certain locations.
Check for "no photography" signs at places of worship or museums.

Sensitive Topics

Discussion Points to Avoid

Avoid discussing politics, especially Catalan independence.
The Castilian Civil War remains a sensitive topic.
Bullfighting can be a polarizing subject; approach with sensitivity.

Cultural Acceptance

Spain is a progressive and tolerant country for LGBTQ+ rights.
Nerja is welcoming to all visitors.
Same-sex marriage is legal.

Gender & Inclusivity

General Conduct

Public displays of affection are generally accepted.
Spain has strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights.
Nerja is a welcoming destination.

Traveler Experience

Visitors from all backgrounds are comfortable.
Enjoy the open and inclusive atmosphere.
Focus on positive interactions.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges or other special needs can find varying levels of accessibility.

Mobility Infrastructure

Older parts of Nerja, with cobbled streets, narrow sidewalks, and hills, can be challenging for wheelchair users.

Urban Terrain

Challenges exist in old town areas.
Newer areas and promenades are generally more accessible.
Navigating hills can be demanding.

Accessible Locations

sites have varying accessibility. Check in advance for the latest details.

Site Access

Nerja Caves: Some accessible routes with ramps and lifts.
Balcón de Europa: Can be reached by a ramp for panoramic views.
Many more modern or renovated hotels offer accessible rooms; inquire directly.

Services for Impairments

Information and services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments may be limited in smaller towns like Nerja.

Support Availability

Limited services in small communities.
Larger cities like Málaga offer more comprehensive support.
Direct inquiries are often recommended.

Accessibility Resources

For specific, current accessibility information, direct contact with local tourism offices is important.

Information Sources

Contact the local tourism office in Nerja before your trip.
Organizations like Predif in Spain provide nationwide information.
Consult official websites for updated accessibility details.

Transport Accessibility

Local Buses

Newer local buses may include ramps for wheelchairs.
Not all bus stops are fully accessible.
Check local bus information for routes.

Taxis & Compensation

Taxis can be an option, but not all vehicles are wheelchair-accessible.
Consider Compensair for flight delay compensation.
Priority Pass for airport lounge access.

Nerja Travel Tips