Nerja Celebrates 20th Tourist Day in the Nerja Cave Gardens

The lush botanical surroundings outside the Nerja Cave served as the backdrop for a milestone gathering this October 2026. Nerja marked the 20th edition of its annual Tourist Day (*Día del Turista*), celebrating two decades of formally honouring the people and initiatives that make this coastal town one of the Costa del Sol's most cherished destinations.

During the ceremony, held in the picturesque gardens of the Cueva de Nerja, local figure María Narváez was awarded the distinguished title of Tourist Ambassador 2026 (*Embajadora Turística 2026*). The annual recognition highlights individuals and professionals whose dedicated efforts elevate Nerja's reputation on both national and international stages.

Honouring Dedication to Local Hospitality

Nerja's Tourist Day was established twenty years ago to express gratitude to the visitors who choose the town year after year, as well as the community members who champion its heritage and culture. By presenting the annual Ambassador award, the municipality puts a spotlight on the human side of tourism—the people working behind the scenes in hospitality, local culture, and community advocacy.

María Narváez's designation as the 2026 ambassador continues a long-standing tradition of rewarding passionate local representation. Her work in promoting Nerja's unique character reflects the welcoming spirit that draws travellers from around the world to the cliffs of the Balcón de Europa and the quiet whitewashed lanes of the historic quarter.

The Iconic Setting: Gardens of Nerja Cave

Choosing the Nerja Cave gardens for this 20th anniversary brought the event to one of the Axarquía region's most prominent natural and cultural treasures. Situated just outside the village of Maro, the gardens offer open-air pine shade, native Mediterranean flora, and sweeping vistas toward the Maro-Cerro Gordo coastal cliffs.

For visitors staying in Nerja, the grounds around the cave are open year-round and provide an idyllic pause between discovering the subterranean caverns and exploring nearby hiking trails. The serene park setting makes an appropriate venue for celebrating the town’s enduring relationship with nature and travel.

What This Means for Visitors

While the official award ceremony is a focused civic event, the spirit of Tourist Day ripples across the entire town. Visitors travelling through Nerja during October benefit from a vibrant local calendar and the warm, welcoming atmosphere championed by locals like María Narváez. The anniversary serves as a reminder of how deeply Nerja values the international guests who stroll its beaches and dine on its plazas.

Good to know

• Event: 20th Annual Tourist Day (*Día del Turista*)
• Date: October 2026 (Annual celebration)
• Venue: Gardens of the Nerja Cave (*Jardines de la Cueva de Nerja*), near Maro
• 2026 Honouree: María Narváez, named Tourist Ambassador 2026 (*Embajadora Turística 2026*)
• Getting there: The cave gardens are easily reached by local bus from Nerja town centre, taxi, or by car via the N-340 or A-7 motorway.