The two-story, 24-room Hotel Puerta del Mar is in a pretty building tucked along one of Nerja's winding, pedestrian-only streets. Inside and out, the hotel has a relaxed, bright Mediterranean feel. The rooftop terrace with saltwater pool is a lovely place to relax after a busy day on one of the local beaches or exploring nearby ancient caves. Rooms are basic and spotlessly clean with mini-fridges and electric kettles. Many restaurants, bars, and shops (and the beach) are within easy walking distance.

The 18-room, mid-range Hotel Paraiso del Mar is short on amenities but it has an intimate and inviting atmosphere ideal for couples. The hotel's proximity to the beach is another major plus, as there's a staircase that brings guests straight to the sand. It's also within walking distance of quite a few bars and restaurants, as well as the town center of Nerja. Guest rooms are old-fashioned, but they're comfortable and outfitted with free Wi-Fi, minibars, air-conditioning, and jetted tubs. Aside from beach access, an outdoor pool, and hot tub, there are no leisure facilities, and dining is limited to a lobby bar and breakfast buffet.

Popular with families, the beachfront Marinas de Nerja Aparthotel has 216 apartment-style rooms, many of them with sea views. The hotel is geared to tourists, especially families with kids, and offers an all-inclusive option that attracts Spaniards on long weekends or school holidays. Located a 20-minute walk from central Nerja, this hotel has a big pool with lounge chairs and sea views along with an indoor pool and hot tubs. All rooms have convenient kitchens -- including kettles, mini-fridges, and a small cooktop -- and balconies.

Hostal Don Peque is a budget-friendly option in Nerja, located a five-minute walk from the beach and near ample shops, bars, and restaurants. All 10 guest rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and private bathrooms with stall showers. The homey rooms are spacious and comfortable, and all but two have balconies. Unsurprisingly, features are limited, but there's a rooftop terrace where a well-reviewed continental breakfast is served during warmer weather. The on-site owners and endearing design make this an excellent pick for value-minded adults, though it should be noted there's no elevator for the four-story building. 

Hotel Los Arcos is a a small, family-run property with dated but charming interiors. The 19-room, mid-range hotel is in a quiet area of Nerja with little to do in the immediate vicinity, but restaurants, bars, and the beach are all within walking distance. (Playa Burriana, a popular beach in the area, is a 20-minute walk away.) Guest rooms are dated but pleasant, equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, mini-fridges with free water bottles, and flat-screen TVs, as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities and furnished terraces. On-site features include a pretty pool with loungers, well-reviewed restaurant, and bar offering happy hours throughout the week. The relaxed atmosphere and lack of kid-centric facilities make the property best for vacationing couples.

The 34-room, lower-middle-range Hotel Mena Plaza is simple and contemporary, and has a prime location in the heart of Nerja. The beach is a quick five-minute walk away, while the popular Balcon de Europa is less than a 10-minute walk. Guest rooms are a bit lackluster decor-wise, but they have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges, plus some have furnished balconies. The rooftop pool is the standout feature here, and the on-site dining receives positive reviews. There's no fitness center or anything else to keep guests entertained, however. 

Hotel Villa Flamenca is small property with a low-key vibe, located in a residential area of Nerja, an 11-minute walk from the beach and short walk to restaurants and bars. Exposed wood beams, a red-brick front desk and fireplace, and wrought-iron accents give interiors an attractive and rustic feel. The hotel finished a complete renovation of their 118 rooms in 2016, which resulted in simple but lovely furnishings. All come equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and furnished balconies, but they lack mini-fridges and safes requires a fee. The small pool and rooftop solarium have free sunbeds, and there are also a sauna and whirlpool. Dining-wise, on-site are a well-reviewed poolside snack bar and restaurant serving buffet-style breakfast and dinner. Due to the lack of amenities geared toward kids, the hotel is best suited to couples.