Life in Nerja – 25 Essentials for Smooth Living
1. Always Carry ID
It’s the law. Spaniards carry their DNI; foreigners must carry their passport or TIE residency card. Photocopies aren’t always valid if police stop you. Never been asked but it’s the law!
2. Get Your NIE Number
The Número de Identidad de Extranjero is your golden key in Spain. You’ll need it for opening bank accounts, contracts, utilities, buying property, or even getting a mobile phone.
3. Register on the Padrón
Head to Nerja Ayuntamiento to register your address. The empadronamiento helps with healthcare, schools, taxes, and proves local residency for things like parking permits.
4. Healthcare Access
Apply for a tarjeta sanitaria (health card) if you qualify for public healthcare. Otherwise, keep your private health insurance documents and card handy.
5. Driving Rules
Have your driving licence, insurance, and car documents handy when driving.
Non-EU licences often require exchange, even EU licences after a certain period.
Seatbelts are compulsory, using a mobile while driving means heavy fines, and drink-driving laws are strict.
6. Mastering Roundabouts (Rotondas)
Roundabouts can be confusing, but Spanish law is clear:
🚗 Yield to traffic already inside.
🚦 Exit only from the outer lane. Inner lanes are for circulating or overtaking, never for exiting.
👉 Signal left when continuing inside, signal right before leaving.
🚶 Look out for pedestrians — crossings are often right after the exit. This info is from DGT – Dirección General de Tráfico.
7. Bills & Fines
Most bills in Nerja are paid by direct debit (domiciliación bancaria).
⚠️ Traffic fines are common:
Speed cameras are used on the highways and nearby roads.
Check online for multas de tráfico.
Pay within 14 days for a 50% discount.
8. Mind the Paperwork
Spain loves bureaucracy. Always bring copies of your ID, NIE, and utility bill when visiting any office. Keep both originals and photocopies — it saves endless trips.
9. Language in Andalucía
Spanish (Castellano) is spoken everywhere, but in Andalucía the accent is famously fast and musical. Locals often drop the final “s,” shorten words, and use charming expressions.
💡 Tip: Apps like Duolingo are great for building basics, but Andalusian Spanish can sound very different in real life. Don’t worry — locals are patient, and listening in markets, cafés, or on local radio will quickly train your ear.
10. Respect Siesta & Late Hours
In Nerja, many small shops close from 2–5 pm. In Spain in general, dinner rarely starts before 21.00 but Nerja restaurants cater for tourists too so often open much earlier. However, be aware if you travel inland, or non-tourist places — don’t expect restaurants to even open before 21.00.
11. Watch the Calendar
Nerja, Maro, and Frigiliana all have their own fiestas. On these days, expect closures — and lively street parties.
The tricky part? Exact details about fiestas and parades are sometimes only announced a few days before. Luckily, you can always check the Nerja Amigos Fiestas Calendar for the latest updates. 🎉
12. Money Matters
Cards are widely accepted in Nerja, but some small tapas bars, taxis, and market stalls still prefer cash. Keep a little with you. Taxis sometime charge you minimum fee of 10 euro if paying with card.
13. Safety & Fines Beyond Driving
Police can stop you for ID checks — normal procedure.
Drinking in public streets (botellón) is often fined, except during fiestas.
Parking rules are strict — always check signs, especially in summer near beaches. Towing happens frequently, yes to us too…
14. Recycling & Rubbish
Nerja has bins for glass (green), paper (blue), plastics/packaging (yellow), and general waste (grey/black). Use them properly, as spot fines do exist.
15. Quiet Hours & Noise Rules
Residential areas in Nerja have “quiet hours” (often 11 pm–8 am). Loud music, drilling, or late parties can lead to community or police complaints. Does not apply to rubbish collectors, nothing unusual they come at 23.00.
16. Banking & Payments
Bank fees are common unless you meet certain conditions.
Bizum is widely used for quick transfers between locals.
💡 Check different banks before opening an account — charges and services vary a lot. Some have no shame!
17. Post & Deliveries
Correos in Nerja may leave a slip to collect parcels instead of delivering. Bring your ID to pick them up. If you live outside town in the campo, you may need a P.O. Box (apartado de correos).
18. Beaches & Public Spaces
Nerja beaches like Burriana and Torrecilla have strict rules:
🚭 No smoking zones are marked.
🐕 Dogs banned in summer, but often allowed again from autumn to spring.
🏖️ Respect lifeguard flags for safety.
19. Home & Property
If you own in a community, you’ll pay comunidad fees.
Rentals: Long-term contracts (larga temporada) are regulated. Short-term lets need a licence in Andalucía.
Building or renovation work: Almost all changes (terraces, pools, extensions) need a licence from Nerja Ayuntamiento. Don’t risk building without one, as you might have to tear it down.
20. Emergencies & Health Services
Dial 112 for emergencies (works across Europe).
Pharmacies (farmacias) run a duty rota (farmacia de guardia), so one is always open in Nerja.
⚠️ Insurance warning: Some health insurance companies do not cover every clinic or hospital in Málaga province. Always check in advance which centres are included in your policy so you know where to go if an emergency happens.
21. Inheritance & Legal Matters
Inheritance rules vary by region. In Andalucía, estates below €1 million are currently tax-free for close relatives. But as a spouse, you may not automatically inherit — Spanish law applies “forced heirship.”
👉 The safest solution is to make a Spanish will. Costs vary depending on the notary or lawyer, but it avoids complications and ensures your wishes are respected.
22. Utilities – Electricity & Water
⚡ Electricity: Power can be pricey. Many Nerja homes have a limited kW supply, so fuses trip if too many appliances are on. You can request a higher kW limit (with one-off fees).
🚿 Water: Tap water is safe but high in calcium and magnesuim. Use filtered water for kettles or coffee machines, and anti-calcium cleaners, tablets in bathrooms to prevent build-up.
23. Tapas Culture
In Granada and Almería, tapas are usually free with drinks. In Nerja some bars provide them free too, but check, as some tapas are charged separately — but they’re still inexpensive and generous.
24. Dress Codes in Town
Nerja is relaxed, but you should not walk in bikinis or shirtless outside the beach. Shops, supermarkets, and restaurants expect proper clothing, and fines can apply in some towns for breaking this rule.
25. Pets & Rules
Dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated, and on a lead in public. Some breeds need licences and insurance. Many Nerja beaches ban dogs in summer — but outside high season they’re often welcome again.
👉 Life in Nerja has its quirks, but once you know these 25 essentials, daily living becomes much easier.
💻 For more practical tips, guides, and updates, visit the Residents Hub on Nerja Amigos — and follow the Nerja Amigos Fiestas Calendar to never miss a celebration! 🎉
