Out on Playazo beach, which is the least busy beach to the west of Nerja, there are a number of big open-air restaurants called chiringuitos. By day they are full of sun-tanned tourists and Spaniards alike, drinking beer and sangria and enjoying delicious tapas. By night or on chillier days, they lower the plastic curtains and light the wood fire and the place fills up with people once again. There's often live music and its a very friendly and authentically Spanish ambiance as there are lots of Spanish families who enjoy these places...and I think almost all of them are family-run by local Spanish people. Our favorite is the Chiringuito Mauri which has the speediest young waiters you can imagine...and Mama is in the kitchen and Papa is grilling the sardinas in the boat by the entrance and the dog lies basking in the sun.

Shopping in Nerja is becoming increasingly sophisticated and varied. There are a number of good jewellery shops, some new and exciting clothing emporiums and of course, tons of places that sell touristy things including flamenco dresses and pottery and t shirts.

Leather is always a good buy here and there are tons of gorgeous jackets, coats, shoes and boots in all price ranges. The market vendors have some quality stuff too...not just cheap junk. Tom bought leather shoes for about $15 Canadian and he's still wearing them and they still look great.

The narrow streets of the old town are pleasant for exploring and wandering about in search of bargains or a meal or a drink. We spend hours walking around...it's good exercise and there's always some new nook or cranny to explore.