An athletic camp Nerja trip offers one of the most sun-reliable destinations in Spain and accommodation right next to the stadium. Nerja lies about 50 kilometres east of Málaga, a charming seaside town of around 22,000 residents.
Here is how the camp works.
Athletic camp Nerja at a Glance
Here are the key facts for a athletic camp Nerja trip, so you can compare it quickly with other training camps:
- Accommodation: Apartments
- Training: Athletic Stadium
- Meals: Full Board
- Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in apartments located right next to the athletics stadium in Nerja. The complex is situated in a quiet area, only 800 metres from the beach and approximately 1.5 km from the centre of Nerja.
- Training: Training takes place at the newly renovated athletics stadium located right next to the accommodation.
- Price: on request, depending on dates, group size and room types
Why Nerja for an Athletic Camp?
Nerja sits directly on the Mediterranean with beautiful beaches and a wide choice of restaurants and cafés along the seafront. The area is home to some of the oldest known cave paintings in the world, dating back around 42,000 years.
Burriana Beach is worth a visit and offers water sports, and the Sierra Almijara mountains nearby provide hiking routes for different levels. Málaga is also within reach for a day trip.
Apartments by the Stadium
Accommodation is in apartments located right next to the athletics stadium. The complex is in a quiet area, about 800 metres from the beach and roughly 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Nerja, with shops, restaurants and public transport close by.
The apartments are built in traditional Andalusian style and have a kitchen, balcony, bathroom and open-plan living area. The complex has swimming pools, sun loungers and Wi-Fi, and the camp runs on full board.
Training at the Renovated Stadium
Training takes place at the newly renovated athletics stadium next to the accommodation, which has facilities for all athletics events. A gym at the stadium is included in the price.
With zero transfer time and all events available, Nerja works well for mixed groups of sprinters, jumpers, throwers and runners.
Hiking and Culture
A short hike in the Sierra Almijara or a visit to the famous caves makes a great activity on the lighter day of the week. Keep it moderate so legs stay fresh for the final sessions.
Budgeting and Booking an Athletic Camp
Prices for athletic camps usually depend on travel dates, group size, room types and track time, so offers are normally given on request. Planning early gives you the best choice of hotels and flights.
- Book well in advance, especially for Easter and other popular weeks.
- Confirm which events can be trained, so that throwers and jumpers are not disappointed.
- Choose larger rooms to reduce the cost per athlete if the group is young.
- Start fundraising early so that everyone in the club can travel.
- Check the travel guarantee and insurance before paying a deposit.
Good planning makes the camp easier to repeat year after year.
Recovery and Nutrition at an Athletic Camp
Two sessions a day on a fast track puts real stress on muscles and tendons, and athletes who are not used to the volume can pick up small injuries quickly. That is why recovery should be planned with the same care as the sessions themselves.
Full board helps a lot: the group eats at regular times and the coach can make sure that athletes refuel after training. Encourage a proper breakfast, a snack and water straight after each session, and a balanced dinner with carbohydrates and protein.
Build in mobility, easy jogging and stretching on the lighter day, and protect sleep with a fixed lights-out time. A rested athlete gets far more out of the last days of camp than a tired one.
Event Groups and Session Design
Mixed athletics groups need careful planning, because sprinters, jumpers, throwers and endurance runners all have different needs. A simple solution is to share the warm-up and drills, then split into event groups for the main part of the session.
- Sprints and hurdles: acceleration, rhythm and short speed work with full recovery.
- Jumps: approach runs, take-off drills and short runway jumps.
- Throws: technical drills, standing throws and full throws when facilities allow.
- Endurance: tempo runs, intervals and easy runs on varied terrain.
End with a shared cool-down so the whole group finishes together.
Why Warm-Weather Training Works
For clubs from northern Europe, the main reason to travel is simple: training outdoors in warmth during months when the track at home is cold, wet or covered in snow. Warm muscles tolerate speed work better, technical sessions can run longer, and athletes can practise in spikes instead of trainers.
A week of focused outdoor training also gives a clear picture of each athlete’s form. Coaches can test sprint times, approach runs and throwing distances in good conditions, and use the results to plan the rest of the season.
The change of environment also refreshes motivation. Athletes return home with new energy and a clearer sense of purpose.
Injury Prevention on Camp
A sudden increase in training volume is the most common cause of small injuries on athletics camps. Athletes go from cold-weather training at home to fast tracks, warm weather and two sessions a day.
Build volume gradually over the first two days, include thorough warm-ups with mobility and drills, and limit the number of maximal sprints and jumps. Encourage athletes to report niggles early so the coach can adjust the plan.
Plenty of water, good sleep and sensible footwear on hard surfaces go a long way to keeping everyone healthy until the last session.
Building Team Spirit on Training Camps
Athletics is often an individual sport, but a training camp turns a club into a team. Sprinters, jumpers, throwers and distance runners share meals, rooms and long days at the track, and they learn to support each other’s events.
Plan a few short activities that add to the week without taking energy away from training: a walk through the town, a beach visit on the light day, a quiz evening or a mixed relay at the end of camp. Older athletes can take responsibility for younger ones, which builds leadership.
Those shared memories often keep young athletes in the sport for years.
How to Plan a Week at an Athletic Camp
A successful athletic camp balances quality and recovery. Most groups work well with two sessions a day for the first part of the week, a lighter day in the middle, and a final block of specific work before the trip home.
- Day 1: a gentle session to wake up the legs after travel, with drills and strides.
- Days 2-3: technical work in the morning for jumpers, throwers and sprinters, and aerobic or circuit work in the afternoon.
- Day 4: one session only, followed by rest, mobility and a group activity.
- Days 5-6: event-specific quality: speed, approach runs, throws in full and tempo runs.
- Final day: a short session, testing or a fun relay, followed by a debrief.
Write the plan on a shared sheet so that athletes, parents and coaches all know what to expect.
More Training Camps and Sports Camps
If you are comparing destinations, take a look at our overview of athletic camps in Europe. Clubs that travel with several teams can also explore our football camps and other sports camps. Related guides:
- Athletic Camp Rieti: Train on One of the World’s Fastest Tracks
- Athletic Camp Rio Maior: A Complete Sports Centre in Portugal
- Athletic Camp Tenerife: Year-Round Sun 300m From the Track
Athletic camp Nerja: Frequently Asked Questions
How close is the accommodation to the stadium?
The apartments are right next to the stadium.
Can all events be practised?
Yes, the renovated stadium has facilities for all events.
Is the gym included?
Yes, gym access at the stadium is included.
How far is Nerja from Málaga?
About 50 kilometres east.
Final Thoughts
A athletic camp Nerja week gives your group the right mix of quality facilities, full board and a destination that athletes remember. Request a tailored offer with your dates and group size, and start planning a training camp that moves the whole club forward.