After exploring Nerja's rooftop scene, these are the best elevated venues offering everything from rooftop jacuzzis and elegant cocktail lounges to Irish pub terraces and Mediterranean panoramas.
Finding the perfect rooftop in Nerja means exploring.
This hillside town east of Málaga offers an elevated landscape that ranges from rooftop jacuzzis overlooking Plaza España to elegant cocktail lounges, Irish pub terraces with spectacular sea views, and everything in between.
We've explored every accessible elevated venue in Nerja, and these five stand out for their views, atmosphere, and overall experience.
1. Yesca Restaurant & Rooftop
At La Puerta De Nerja Hostel on Calle Ánimas, Yesca delivers something no other Nerja rooftop matches: jacuzzis overlooking Plaza España with sea and mountain views.
The combination of contemporary European restaurant and rooftop bar with jacuzzi access creates an experience that goes beyond typical eat-and-drink terraces.
During the day, Yesca operates as full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Mediterranean and contemporary European focus.
But the real magic happens in the evenings when the rooftop bar opens (7pm-1am, until 2am Friday-Saturday) and you can soak in jacuzzis while watching sunset paint the hillside town in warm light.
The food quality receives generally positive reviews: tapas and Mediterranean dishes prepared well, though service can slow during busy periods.
Cocktails get mixed feedback, with some guests loving them and others finding them underwhelming. But the jacuzzi experience with sea and mountain views compensates for any drink inconsistencies.
- Open to the public:Yes
- Vibe:contemporary, romantic, boutique hotel sophistication
- Drinks:cocktails (€8-13), wine, beer - reviews are mixed on quality
- Food:contemporary European & Mediterranean cuisine, tapas (€6-24)
- Reservations:recommended for restaurant, rooftop bar more walk-in friendly
- Elevator:Yes
- Season:year-round
- Smoking:allowed
- Dress code:smart casual befitting boutique hotel setting
- Kid-friendly:yes, though atmosphere is more adult-focused in evenings
Insider Tip: Bring swimwear if you plan to use the rooftop jacuzzis. You can change on-site before heading to the terrace. The evening rooftop bar hours (7pm start) make sunset sessions in the jacuzzis particularly magical.
Curious? Check out our full review with photos to see if Yesca Restaurant & Rooftop should top your Nerja list.
2. Terraza Buddha Lounge Bar
On Calle de la Gloria, Terraza Buddha Lounge Bar brings sophisticated chill-out elegance to Nerja with innovative cocktails and "una terraza inigualable": an incomparable terrace.
What sets Buddha apart is the commitment to fresh ingredient innovation.
All cocktails use fresh fruits, herbs, and spices mixed with premium spirits rather than artificial mixers.
Professional bartenders bring knowledge and skill that elevates the experience, creating Nerja's most refined cocktail destination.
The venue underwent complete redecoration for its reopening, and the terrace is absolutely stunning!
- Open to the public:Yes
- Vibe:elegant chill-out, sophisticated lounge, romantic sunset sessions
- Drinks:innovative fresh fruit cocktails (€9-14), signature creations, premium spirits
- Food:bar snacks - freshly made popcorn and candy (cocktail lounge, not dining)
- Reservations:recommended for weekends, sunset hours, themed events
- Elevator:check with venue
- Season:year-round
- Smoking:allowed
- Dress code:smart casual befitting upscale lounge
- Kid-friendly:yes, though vibe is more adult-focused
Insider Tip: Check their website or call ahead for themed party schedules.
Want more details? Browse photos and read our complete review to see if Terraza Buddha Lounge Bar matches your Nerja style.
Balcón de Europa at First Light
Experience Nerja's most famous viewpoint at dawn. Watch the sun rise over the Mediterranean from the clifftop balcony, with the rocky coves below and the Sierra Almijara mountains behind - all before the tour groups arrive.
“The Balcón is accessible 24/7, but most visitors arrive after 9am. Stay within steps of the viewpoint and you'll experience it in complete solitude at sunrise.”
Parador de Nerja - Perched on the cliffs with direct access to the Balcón de Europa. Wake up, step outside, and you're already at Nerja's most iconic viewpoint.
Check Availability3. Cochran's Terrace
Right next to Balcón de Europa in the Toboso tourist complex, Cochran's Terrace combines familiar Irish pub comfort with spectacular Mediterranean sea views.
The spacious terrace overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean creates ideal spot for unwinding with a pint and coastal panoramas, while the inviting Irish bar atmosphere provides familiar English-speaking environment with recognizable menu items.
The menu leans heavily toward pub fare where burgers and fries dominate, with limited traditional tapas options.
It's comfort food territory rather than culinary destination.
Operating 12pm-9pm daily for terrace dining, with late-night Irish pub hours (11pm-4am) adding extended accessibility beyond typical terrace times.
- Open to the public:Yes
- Vibe:casual Irish pub, unpretentious, English-speaking comfort
- Drinks:beer (€4-6), cocktails (€7-11), Irish pub beverages, wine
- Food:pub fare - burgers (€9-14), fries, limited tapas, comfort food focus
- Reservations:generally not required, call for large groups
- Elevator:check with venue
- Season:year-round
- Smoking:allowed
- Dress code:none - Irish pub casual
- Kid-friendly:yes for terrace hours, late-night pub hours more adult
Interested? Read our full review with photos to decide if Cochran's Terrace fits your Nerja plans.
4. Kanema
In a popular urbanization on the edge of Nerja, Kanema delivers a wide terrace with spectacular views, quality decor, and three-function approach: restaurant, events, and cocktail lounge.
The terrace is equipped with awnings and heaters for autumn/winter so you can enjoy the "best views" (their claim) across seasons rather than just summer.
The only drawback is you might need to catch a taxi to and from this rooftop because of its location.
- Open to the public:Yes
- Vibe:upscale urbanization, quality decor, versatile venue
- Drinks:cocktails (€10-15 estimated), wine, beer (reviews note high pricing)
- Food:Mediterranean cuisine (estimated €18-30 mains), group menus for events
- Reservations:recommended for restaurant, events, weekends
- Elevator:check with venue
- Season:year-round with awnings and heaters
- Smoking:allowed
- Dress code:smart casual befitting upscale setting
- Kid-friendly:yes
Insider Tip: Awnings and heaters are available year-round. If you're sensitive to weather and want to stay outside anyway, this is a good choice.
Want to see more? Browse photos and read our complete review to see if Kanema should be on your Nerja itinerary.
5. Volk's Bar Sevillano
On the third floor at Calle de la Gloria, Volk's Bar operates as part of the Restaurantes Sevillano group with maximum local character.
Located in the thick of the city, it has one of the most spectacular and instagram-worthy rooftops.
You'll find views stretching over the city and also be able to watch the busy streets below.
This rooftop is quirky, so expect to find drinks with a twist!
- Open to the public:Yes
- Vibe:casual bar, local character, minimal tourist marketing
- Drinks:standard bar offerings (estimated), confirm when calling
- Food:likely bar snacks, confirm details directly
- Reservations:unknown - call ahead for all details
- Elevator:check with venue
- Season:unknown - call to confirm
- Smoking:likely allowed
- Dress code:likely casual bar attire
- Kid-friendly:unknown
Curious? Check out our full review to decide if Volk's Bar Sevillano fits your discovery-oriented travel style.
Nearby Hotels & Accommodation
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Find The Perfect Rooftop For You
So, 5 rooftops.
It might not sound like a lot, but each of this is a true standout.
Just make sure you check a map before setting out, Nerja is hilly and things are further away than they may seem!
Featured Venues in This Guide
Yesca Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace
Contemporary European restaurant with rooftop terrace featuring jacuzzis, sea and mountain views, and Mediterranean cuisine overlooking Plaza España.
Terraza Buddha Lounge Bar
Elegant chill-out lounge with incomparable terrace, innovative cocktails using fresh ingredients, sunset views, and themed party events throughout the year.
Cochran's Terrace Irish Pub
Irish pub with spectacular sea view terrace next to Balcón de Europa, serving pub fare, burgers, and drinks with Mediterranean panoramas.
Kanema Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
Wide terrace with spectacular views in popular urbanization, equipped with awnings and heaters, offering restaurant dining, events, and cocktail lounge atmosphere.
Volk's Bar Sevillano
Third-floor rooftop bar from Restaurantes Sevillano group with elevated Nerja views and casual bar atmosphere.
About the Author
Heidi Hein
South African travel writer living in Málaga, Spain. I personally visit and review every rooftop bar and pool featured on this site.
- Based in Málaga since 2020
- Visited 100+ rooftop venues across Andalusia
- All content personally verified and updated seasonally
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through them, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we genuinely love and believe are worth your time.
Note: I personally visit every rooftop featured on this site, and all opinions are based on my own firsthand experience. If, in the case of private hostels where I can't get access, I will make a note of it. Any external images or details sourced from others are always clearly credited.