High on most people’s wish list when holidaying in Nerja is to visit one of her many beaches. The coastal landscape is a panorama of contrasts, from the long stretches of sandy beach that make up El Playazo to the more urban beaches of Torrecilla and Calahonda and onwards to the majestic Burriana and Maro beaches.

BURRIANA BEACH

Burriana is 800 meters long and 40 meters wide, the sand is fine and golden.It’s situated at the bottom of Calle Filipinas, a road that is affectionately known as ‘Cardiac Hill,’ due to the steepness of its descent.Burriana is a firm favourite with tourists and offers services that are second to none, with a large promenade with a large variety of shops, restaurants and bars. Showers, sunbeds, children’s play areas, volleyball courts, pedalos, jetskis, kayaks, a diving centre and parasailing. The beach also offers toilets and a lifeguard service.One activity that is highly recommended is the sea kayaking. From Burriana, there are routes to neighbouring beaches, including Maro and La Caleta de Maro. For more information on sea kayaking from Burriana.Burriana also boasts some of the best chiringuitos in Nerja and the Paellas served here have gained wide acclaim throughout the area.

GETTING TO BURRIANA BEACH

Restaurante Ayo is probably the most well known. The Paellas are still cooked over a open-wood fire by Mr. Ayo himself. Now in his mid-80s, Ayo is a hive of energy and a much loved local character. Rumour has it, he was one of the children who discovered the Nerja caves, or at least being very soon on the scene after the initial discovery.

The Paella is fantastic and very reasonably priced, about 7€ a plate, and you can go back for seconds.

Just behind the beach front promenade, you’ll find all kinds of restaurants serving international cuisine, a wide selection of ice cream parlours and souvenir shops.

The best way to get to Burriana is by car or taxi. At the time of writing, there was no bus service connecting Burriana with Nerja.Walking from the centre is easy enough, it’s the way back up afterwards that’s the hard bit (remember Cardiac hill). You can also walk along the beach from neighbouring Carabeillo beach.Burriana can be accessed by car from Avenida de Pescia, the main avenue leading west from the centre. Turn right at the roundabout, dropping onto Calle Filipinas and follow this road downwards to the beach. Parking isn’t easy, but is possible.

 

Maro beach – Playa de Maro

Maro Beach, Playa de Maro, also known as La Cala de Maro deserves a special mention in any ‘Best Beaches in Andalusia’ list. Its crystal clear waters, easy access and unbeatable scenery make Maro Beach a firm favourite for many.

The beach itself is a mixture of pebbles and coarse sand and runs for approximately 500m. Average width is around 20m.

The picturesque cove is wedged between cliffs, agricultural land and is overlooked by the remains of an old Moorish watchtower.

In 2013, a poll by the Spanish television channel, Antena 3, voted Maro beach as the best in Andalucia and it came in second overall for the whole of Spain; with La Granadella beach in Javea, beating it to first place.

You couldn’t hope for a more idyllic location. The cove-like beach borders the Los Acantilados de Maro – Cerro Gordo Natural Area, a coastal strip that is rigorously preserved and includes a protected zone that extends out to sea. No fishing is allowed within the area and over the years, this has led to an explosion of marine life.

The abundance of fish, combined with exceptionally clear waters, makes it one of the best locations in Andalucia for snorkelling and diving.

Snorkelling off Maro Beach can be enjoyed by the whole family, with most of the best spots within easy swimming distance from the beach. Just put a mask on and put your head underwater, you are almost guaranteed to see some life.

Sea Kayaking with Salamandra

One highly recommended activity is sea kayaking. The route between Burriana and Maro is exceptionally beautiful and non-technical.

There are several rivers that finish their course here, producing some spectacular waterfalls. The largest being the Cascada la Doncella and the Cascada Grande de Maro.

The porous limestone rock, the same rock that has lead to the creation of the nearby Nerja caves produces some breathtaking natural scenery.

Jagged rocky outcrops, underwater caves and caverns and plenty of interesting formations that make any kayaking trip an unforgettable experience.

 

El Playazo beach – Playa El Playazo

Playa El Playazo is Nerja’s longest and western-most beach. Sitting just outside of the city centre, its location ensures that it is also one of Nerja’s quietest and least developed beaches.

The beach is 1.7kms in length and approximately 30m in width. The sand is typically Mediterranean, coarse and dark.

If one word were used to describe El Playazo, it would be ‘underdeveloped.’ The area has a deserted, almost rural feel to it and is bordered by small farms and sugar cane plantations. There is a gravel track that runs the length of the beach, which makes a great place for a jog/run.

Playa El Salón – El Salon beach

Sitting beneath the Balcón de Europa, on the right hand side if facing the sea, is the picturesque El Salon Beach. The sandy beach is about 200 metres in length by 20 metres of coarse, dark sand.

The only way to access the beach is by foot. The nearest parking, is the underground paid parking near the town hall. The access down to the beach itself is fairly easy to miss and is via a small street (Calle Salón) that runs parallel to the Toboso building. The road zigzags its way down a steep hill, eventually falling onto the beach.

 

Calahonda beach – Playa de Calahonda

Playa Calahonda is without a doubt, Nerja most iconic beach. It is certainly the most photographed; the beach that seems to grace every Nerja-themed postcard or calendar. The tiny cove-like beach, hemmed by cliffs and rocks, with its picturesque fisherman’s hut, sits in an unbeatable location. You’ll find that you’ll get the best views of the beach from the Balcón de Europa. On a calm day the bird’s eye view of Calahonda and the neighbouring coves is a spectacular sight.

Getting to Calahonda beach – Walking down to the beach is not as problematic as it first appears. From the Balcón de Europa, look for the water fountain and the Moorish themed windows. They are situated at the beginning of the Balcón if coming from the centre of Nerja. Just behind the fountain, there is a staircase, beside the tourism office, follow this staircase down to the beach. These are the same stairs you’d need to walk down to get to Playa La Caletilla.

Carabeo beach – Playa de Carabeo

Carabeo beach is a small cove that sits directly behind Calle Carabeo. The beach is hidden from view, despite being situated right in the centre of Nerja.

A place that is often overlooked by the hordes of tourists during the summer months. The steep steps that lead down to the beach also ensure that it stays ‘relatively’ quiet. Carabeo beach is surrounded by cliffs and is only accessible via a steep flight of stairs. Look out for a small viewing platform that is situated just off Calle Carabeo. The stairs start here.

The beach is fairly sheltered and approximately 120m in length, by 15m in width. The sand is dark, coarse and typically Mediterranean.

Torrecilla beach – Playa de Torrecilla

Torrecilla beach is most probably Nerja’s most recognised and loved beach after Burriana. It was consistently awarded the Blue Flag and the ‘Q flag’ Q for quality by the Spanish authorities. The beach consists of coarse dark sand and pebbles. It is 300 metres in length and approximately 40 metres wide. Being so conveniently located, the beach can get busy during the summer months.

The promenade runs from El Chucho at one end – starting at the old Moorish watchtower – and runs all the way to the base of Plaza de los Cangrejos. There are no less than five entrances to the beach. One at each end and three more throughout the length of the beach’s promenade.