Ale-Hop - Fun Finds, Handy Things & That Famous Cow

If you’ve wandered around Nerja, you’ve probably spotted the cheerful black-and-white cow standing guard outside Ale-Hop. This playful store is impossible to miss — and very hard to leave empty-handed.

A Little history: Ale-Hop was born in 2001 on Spain’s sunny east coast. The founder, Vicente Grimalt, had a knack for selling hats and baskets at local markets long before he opened his first shop in Valencia. He wanted a store where people could pop in, smile, and pick up something fun or useful at a good price — and so the Ale-Hop concept was born. Today there are over 270 Ale-Hop stores across Spain and beyond, but the cow at the door is always the same: an open invitation to step in and explore.

What you will find: Ale-Hop is part practical shop, part treasure trove. If you forgot your beach essentials, you’ll find flip-flops, hats, phone chargers, sunglasses, tote bags and more. For work or play, they’ve got notebooks, colourful pens, planners and cute office bits.

Kids love Ale-Hop too — it’s packed with small toys, cuddly animals, funny gadgets and silly games that make great souvenirs or boredom-busters for beach or holiday evenings.

There are plenty of quirky gifts too: mugs with cheeky messages, phone holders, keyrings, funky jewellery, and home decor that makes people smile.

Sometimes you find surprisingly useful things too. I once picked up an ice-cool backpack, perfect for packing drinks and snacks when heading to meet friends on the beach. In winter, my boys always end up with a new pair of furry slippers from Ale-Hop — cosy, cheap, and they last the whole season.

Prices are fair and you never know what you’ll find. Whether you need something practical or just want a fun holiday memento, Ale-Hop has you covered. Plus, you can’t help but smile at the cow by the door — a reminder that shopping should be fun, never boring.

Locations: Nerja has not just one but two Ale-Hop stores — which is good news if you’re the type who always forgets something on the way to the beach or a day out. One sits right on the Paseo Marítimo, just steps from the sand — ideal if you realise you left your flip-flops or sunhat behind. The other is tucked in the town centre behind the El Salvador church by Balcon de Europa. Ale Hop has grown far beyond its humble beginnings, yet its story remains a meaningful reminder of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Tip: Next time you’re heading to Burriana Beach and realise you forgot something, just look for the cow. Chances are, Ale-Hop has exactly what you need — and probably something you didn’t know you needed too!