Nerja offers some of the best beaches and coves in Malaga and Andalucia
In this article you will find all information about the best beaches in Nerja :
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- A few words about the Andalusian coastline
- Nerja, Axarquia and the Alboran Sea
- Here are 12 beaches and coves in Nerja
- Book a water activity in Nerja
- Rent a boat, with or without a licence
- Book accommodation in Nerja
- Some useful links for a trip to Andalucia
- Experiences to discover in the province of Málaga
A few words about the Andalusian coastline
The Andalusian coastline is 850 km long. There are 500 km of coastline in the Mediterranean and around 350 km on the Atlantic coast.
The beaches of Nerja are among the most famous in southern Spain. A famous magazine has compiled a list of the 18 most beautiful beaches in Andalucia. Among these, 3 are in Nerja, in Axarquia – Costa del Sol.
To read the article (in Spanish) about the 18 most beautiful beaches in Andalusia, click on the following link: National Geographic.
Nerja, Axarquia and the Alboran Sea
A bit of geography and history to situate the area:
Nerja is located in the Axarquia Costa del Sol and its name comes from the Al-Andalus period. At that time it was called Narixa.
Axarquia, comes from the Arabic word Ash-sharquía (الشرقية) and means “to the East” , “towards the East”. It refers to the 45km of coastline to the east of Malaga, as far as Nerja.
LThe Alboran Sea is the sea that borders this coastline (it is the western part of the Mediterranean Sea).
This sea takes its name from a small island of 0.07km²…, 50km from the Moroccan coast and 80km from Almeria, it is called Alboran. It has been a Spanish island since 1540, taking its name from the Arabic (al-burān, البران), which means the “navel of the sea”.
A geological fact: it is the only emerged part of a 150km long underwater mountain range. It is the point of collision between the African and Eurasian plates. It is an important seismic zone, and in 1899, magma rose to the surface of the water. An igneous rock appeared right next to the island of Alboran. A name was given to it…Alboranite.
Finally, a geopolitical anecdote, 21 Spanish soldiers have been living permanently on this island since 1960 when Soviet fishermen tried to set up a base there!
12 beaches and coves in Nerja
Here are 12 beautiful beaches in Nerja. They represent 9km of beaches.
They are presented through short videos or photos.
Canuelo beach – La Playa del Canuelo
A beach of incredible beauty with crystal clear waters. It is located between cliffs in the Natural Park of Maro – Cerro Gordo.
The Pino cove – La Cala del Pino
Cala del Pino is located next to Playa del Canuelo. This beach (its size seems to be more a beach than a cove) is wild. Remember to take food and drink if you want to stay for a while.
This is an ideal beach with turquoise waters to observe the sea bed. You can see fish from the water’s edge!
Las Alberquillas beach in Nerja – La playa de las Alberquillas
Another beautiful and wild beach.
Bring food and drink if you want to stay a while.
This beach, like the previous ones, is ideal for relaxing and swimming.
Molino de papel beach – La playa del Molino de Papel
The name of this beach comes from an old mill that used to make paper. You will surely pass by it on your way to this beach.
Another feature that makes this beach a rare wonder is that it has a natural freshwater pool that overflows directly into the sea!
The photo above was taken at the end of the day, with the sun setting.
Maro beach – La playa de Maro
Maro beach is a beautiful beach. In summer, you have to walk down to it, but the walk is beautiful. Behind this beach, towards the west, is the famous Maro waterfall (only accessible by sea). See the video below:
To the right of the beach, there is a small cove nearby. It is called Cala Chica or Caletilla.
Burriana Beach in Nerja
This is probably the most famous beach with the famous paella restaurant, Ayo.
It was made famous by the Spanish TV series “Verano Azul”.
El Carabeo Beach
This beach is located, like the next one, in the centre of Nerja. It is a small and picturesque beach.
There’s the one in Carabeillo Chico next door, even smaller!
Los Chorillos Beaches
These are actually 3 very small coves hidden between the rocks, right next to Calahonda beach.
They are accessible on foot from Calahonda beach in the centre of Nerja.
Calahonda Beach, small but one of the best beaches in Nerja
This beach is located in the centre of Nerja. The view from this beautiful beach is spectacular. In summer you have to get up early to get a seat!
It is located just to the left of the Balcony of Europe, see below:
La Caletilla Beach
This is the small beach just to the right of the Balcony of Europe.
El Salon Beach
This beach has a long history.
In the past, fishermen lived here all year round in houses carved out of the rock.
There is also a legend that the name of the beach comes from the Hebrew word “shalom”. From this beach all the Jews in the area, who refused to convert to Catholicism a few years after the Reconquest, are said to have left and been expelled.
This word shalom (which means “goodbye” in this case) was pronounced by the Jews as they boarded a boat to take them across the Mediterranean. This is the beach in the second shot of the picture.
La Torecilla Beach
One of the largest beaches in Nerja between El Playazo beach and El Salón beach.
El Playazo Beach
This is the largest beach in Nerja, at 1.7km in length. It is located to the west of the town, up to Torrox.
Book an aquatic activity in Nerja
Many activities can start from one of Nerja best beaches.
To see the Maro waterfall by Sea kayaking
To discover in Nerja and Torrox spots of snorkeling
Discover the best spots for diving. The centre also offers beginners the chance to try scuba diving.
Paddle to the Maro waterfall, see the Paddle Route
And in the following link you’ll find all the things to do in Nerja.
Rent a boat in Nerja and La Herradura.
Below you will find a selection of boats for rent in Nerja and nearby La Herradura:
– boat rental without a licence,
– sailing boat with skipper,
– boat rental with compulsory licence (the last link below):
NB: if you are a family or a small group, some of the boats for rent can accommodate up to 10 people.
Book accommodation in Nerja
Some useful links
Here is a great car rental agency in Andalusia and more specifically at Malaga airport : book a rental car.
If you are in Andalucia as part of a tour with several major cities to visit, here are some links that may be of interest:
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- Discover must-sees before visiting Cordoba
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- Visit Malaga on foot.
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- All you need to know about Granada, the Alhambra, the Albaicin neighbourhood before visiting Granada
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- If you are passing through the geographical centre of Andalusia, then you can visit Antequera, with the incredible natural site of El Torcal right next door
Experiences to discover in the province of Málaga
If you spend a few days on holiday in the area, here is a selection of great activities:
Find more ideas for visits to authentic Andalusia: see the blog pages on Andalucia.
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