Landscaping & Garden Design in Nerja

I am Álvaro Ferrer, project coordinator at TuExterior, and I have spent years helping international residents transform their outdoor spaces into Mediterranean sanctuaries. When it comes to landscaping in Nerja, we understand that this corner of the Axarquía region in the province of Málaga presents unique opportunities and challenges. Whether you live in the iconic white-washed streets of El Capistrano Village, the sun-drenched terraces of Punta Lara, or near the vibrant Burriana beach, your garden must withstand the specific coastal conditions of the Costa del Sol Oriental. With a local population of approximately 22,132 residents, Nerja is a bustling community where salt exposure and high solar radiation are constant factors. We specialise in selecting materials and plants that thrive despite the saline breeze and intense heat. To give you a starting point, in Nerja a landscaping typically runs 30-120 €/m² including local labour, depending on the complexity of the design and the premium nature of the finishes chosen for your villa or apartment terrace.

How we work

Contact and initial consultation

You reach out to us via our website or phone to discuss your vision, and we provide an initial assessment based on your location in Nerja and your specific needs.

Site visit and measuring

I personally or one of our senior technicians will visit your property in areas like San Juan de Capistrano or Torrecilla to take precise measurements and evaluate soil and light conditions.

Free quote and design proposal

We provide a detailed, transparent quote with no hidden costs, including a selection of materials and a timeline tailored to the local climate and logistics of your urbanisation.

Professional installation

Our expert team carries out the project, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily life while adhering to the highest standards of craftsmanship and local building regulations.

Regulations and Permits for Outdoor Projects in Nerja

Navigating the legal landscape for home improvements in Nerja requires an understanding of both local and national standards. For installations like awnings and solar protection, we strictly adhere to the UNE-EN 13561 standard, ensuring safety and wind resistance. All exterior modifications are governed by the Ayuntamiento de Nerja and its Departamento de Urbanismo, which operates under the PGOU (Plan General de Ordenación Urbana). The current base text dates from 1999 and has been adapted to the LOUA (Ley de Ordenación Urbanística de Andalucía). You can consult the full PGOU details at the official transparency portal: transparencia.nerja.es.

For most landscaping and minor outdoor renovations, the process is relatively straightforward. Small works that do not affect the building's structure—such as installing pergolas, awnings, or floor tiling—can often be processed through a "licencia de obra exprés" via a Declaración Responsable (Anexo I of the Town Hall). This allows you to start work almost immediately after notification. However, "Obra Mayor" projects, which include swimming pools, structural extensions, or significant enclosures, require a formal technical project signed by an architect and a full municipal licence.

Specific geographical constraints apply in Nerja. Properties near the coastline, such as those in Burriana, Torrecilla, or El Playazo, are subject to the Spanish Coastal Law (Ley de Costas). This establishes a 6-metre transit easement and a 100-metre protection easement from the maritime-terrestrial public domain where construction is strictly limited. Furthermore, if your property is located to the east near the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs Natural Area or to the north bordering the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, you are in a protected zone where building is highly restricted. Within the historic centre and near the Balcón de Europa, aesthetic and heritage protections apply. Finally, if you live in a community like El Oasis de Capistrano, any change to the facade, including pergolas or terrace enclosures, usually requires written authorization from the Community of Owners to ensure aesthetic harmony.