The 98-room Parador de Nerja sits high on a cliff overlooking Burriana Beach, with views of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The area is quiet and peaceful, away from the tourist center, with plenty of beach and water activities, as well as local fish shacks where visitors can grab a delicious lunch (paella is recommended), fresh from the sea. The Parador de Nerja is not picturesque or historic; it's modern and utilitarian, but the views make this a special place. A private elevator carries guests down to the beach, where there are lounge chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, and other water-sports equipment for rent. The crowd tends to be older, and the hotel bar is not a nightlife destination, but Nerja proper with its tapas bars, restaurants, and nightlife is a 10-minute walk away. Sunsets viewed from the cliff-top hotel are spectacular and romantic.

The Hotel Balcon de Europa is built on a rockface directly on the Mediterranean Sea, offering guests fast access to the sandy beach. The prime location is just a few steps away from the main shopping area and city square of Nerja, which teems with tapas restaurants and shops. Balcon de Europa offers beautiful views of the beach from the rooftop pool and El Nautico, a romantic restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows. The 108 rooms have the same contemporary aesthetic as the public areas, plus flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have terraces just large enough for a table and chairs but with incredible views of the water. Other rooms overlook an unattractive interior courtyard and neighboring rooftops.

A pristine beach directly accessible via a flight of stairs is a huge bonus for this 18-room, mid-range property with a quintessential Mediterranean coastal vibe. Grounds are lush and vibrant, though guests will most likely be looking out at the gorgeous sea and beach, which is visible from multiple vantage points. In addition to the lovely stretch of sandy beach, there is also a pleasant pool with excellent sea views. Its surrounding decks have ample sunbeds and umbrellas, plus a hot tub.

The 234-room Riu Monica Hotel Nerja is part of the Riu hotel and resort chain, and the rooms feel like cookie-cutter copies, but the location sets this hotel apart. On Playa de la Torrecilla, with a lovely promenade out front for strolling, the Riu Monica has spectacular Mediterranean views. If guests can drag themselves away from pool, lounge chair, or sand, central Nerja is around a 10-minute walk away, making this an ideal spot for a Costa del Sol holiday.

The Marinas de Nerja Aparthotel is a family-friendly oceanfront hotel, across a beautiful lawn dotted with cabanas and sun beds. This hotel is geared towards fun and relaxation; in the evening there is entertainment for adults and kids including a weekly themed dinner in the hotel's restaurant, dancing, and musical acts. The beach club restaurant offers another spot for relaxing in the Spanish sun.

The 197-room Hotel Perla Marina is a quiet family-friendly hotel on the Mediterranean. The hotel consists of two buildings accessible via an underground tunnel, with the second building directly on the water so beach access is easy to come by. Breakfast is usually included with the cost of the room (some rates include all three meals), but some guests have complained about the quality and variety of food offered. The beach and pool areas have sun loungers with umbrellas for guests to use.