As we have previously found the comments on this site very useful, we trust it will similarly assist others if we submit our own experiences. Incidentally, we are both 'young' 50s, who appreciate the finer things in life (alas, within our own financial limitations)!!

We have just arrived back from a 7-day holiday in Nerja, staying at the Balcon De Europa. The most enjoyable factors:

Our hotel location, situated directly on a small, private beach cove. There was a paved area at the side of the beach for those of us who love the sand/sea view but who don't want the 'nuisance' factor of sand-filled shoes, sun-beds etc;

The food was mainly very good, including buffet breakfast and evening waiter-service for 6 of the 7 nights, although the evening 'buffet' on our first night (Sunday) was certainly lacking in choice. There was also very little choice for vegetarians throughout the week. Another point, there is was a 'Table-d'hote', set menu included in our half-board fee, priced at e26 (£18)on the menu. However, should you choose their alternative A la carte menu, you would find it difficult to spend e26, but we were given only a e5 (£3.50) discount!

The beach/pool bar also served good, reasonably-priced snacks/cooked lunches, from a small pristine open-view kitchen and with the added bonus of beautiful white table-cloths.

If we visit Nerja again, we would definitely use this hotel, but if possible, would choose accommodation only and use their A la carte menu. Typically, their low-high season basic twin-room accommodation only(no sea view/balcony included) varies from e83-e121.20 (£58 -£84)in 2004. It is possible to find many discounted flights to Malaga (approx 20 miles from Nerja). There are regular buses to/from Nerja, but a taxi will typically cost e60 (around £42)!!!

The hotel was kept spotlessly clean and we enjoyed good service.

Our only mild disappointment was the lack of evening entertainment. Although some entertainment was provided two out of seven evenings, the piano-player only attracted about 4 persons into the entertainment bar. On the second evening, although there was a young couple who sang/performed well, again the bar was almost empty. We decided that because there was no entertainment for the remaining five evenings per week, people had otherwise found other sources of entertainment. We had noted that the Hotel Riu De Monica (about 10 minutes walk away) did have daily evening entertainment and this is where we spent some time most evenings. The Monica is a much larger hotel and although it seemed quite empty/impersonal during the day, it appeared to 'come alive' in the evening.

Nerja itself is one of the prettiest places where we have ever stayed. It is a small town, without 'English pubs' or any of the commercialised trappings of many of the other Spanish resorts. Narrow cobbled streets and pretty white-washed houses, strewn with tarracota pots/plants.

The weather was a complete bonus, and our week January 4th-11th appeared to be fairly much the norm at 16-21 degrees farenheight. This was perfect for either sitting or walking and we were told by fellow Brits who had arrived on December 19th for 21 days, that they also enjoyed a full 21-days sun. As this is only a 2.5 hour flight from the UK, it is not surprising that the Costa Del Sol is particularly popular with the British.

As far as trips went, we chose the 'Mamas & Tapas' trip, visiting an olive oil factory and local village. Thompson have recruited a few local ladies who each prepared a 5-course meal and eagerly showed the tourists around their pristine, pretty homes. We did not know what to expect, but were thrilled with the experience. Our groups were divided into 11 or 12 and tables were beautifully pre-set for our lunch, including tapas, soups, casserole, mangos in quince, coffee, wine and liquers......just such a different and lovely experience!!!

Our other trip was to the much larger city of Granada, visiting the ruins of a local palace, which was also enjoyable. As Granada is situated alongside the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it is much colder; the weather being less predicable, and so warm clothing is required (as with all in-land trips).

The area along the Balcon and square is just lovely for an evening stroll and all of the streets/walking areas are washed daily.

There is a small English shop called 'Allsorts' just up the first side street to the right near to the Tourist Office (directions - on leaving the Balcon De Europa Hotel)selling English newspapers, sweets etc, also a useful source of local information for those who speak little Spanish.

On day 4 we hired a car from Europehire (about 7 minutes walk from our hotel), the rate was around ?53(£37) per day, which reduces for additional days' hire. The wide 'motor-way' road leading to Fuengirola/Marbella is absolutely straight all the way from Nerja and Marbella is only about 90 miles away (around 1/5 hours drive). We had not visited Marbella before and decided to visit before booking a young-adult family holiday. Unfortunately, it did not hold the charm of Nerja for us, altough we also accept that Nerja may be a little quiet for young adults.

In conclusion, a thoroughly enjoyable holiday experience!!!!

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Burriana Aptartments - Nerja

Operator and Date: 2004 / 5