Nerja is a locality that is connected with the region of the Axarquia, made up of over 20 small municipalities and towns. The Axarquia belongs to Malaga and is found in the most eastern part of the province bordering with Granada.

Velez-Malaga is the capital of Axarquia and it is the most populate municipality with a population of 70,000. It is a city that looks out towards the sea and has a beautiful Fisherman Warf. It's closest town is that of Torre del mar which is a preferred tourist destination in the Costa del Sol which years ago was used to defend the coast for sea invasions.

Municipalities like Nerja, Torrox, Frigiliana, Rincon de la Victoria, Periana, Totalan, Benamargosa, Benamocarra and Rio Gordo all belong to this region. The capital of Axarquia is Velez-Malaga. This area was reconquered in 1487 after the Battles of Axarquia between the moors and christians.

Geographically, the highest point in the region of Axarquia is the Pico de la Maroma, measuring 2,066 meters in height. It is located in the Natural Park of Sierra Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama.