If you’re planning a trip to Southern Spain, make sure the beach community of Nerja is at the top of your list of places to visit. For most people the Nerja beaches and the Nerja caves are the top two reasons why the mark it on their maps.
Nerja makes a leisurely headquarters for exploring the region’s small communities and large cities. Lively enough to keep you busy but set apart from the coast’s major hubs, Nerja promises the best of both worlds.
The community offers accommodations, eateries, cultural sites, and of course- beautiful the gorgeous Nerja beaches.
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Where Is Nerja and Why Visit?
Nerja is located to the east of Spain’s Costa del Sol. Nerja overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and sits at the foot of one of Spain’ mountainous national parks.
The town is close enough to the large city of Malaga for you to easily plan day trips between the two. Nerja is a 45-minute drive from Malaga, and one hour away by bus. Other nearby points of interest include La Herradura, Motril, and the city of Almeria.
This area of Southern Spain boasts idyllic beaches, natural attractions, and Moorish heritage, meaning you’ll be able to visit famous architectural relics.
Staying in Nerja puts you within reach of all of the above, with the added wonder of a seafront haven. I mean the Nerja beaches are legendary.
The Best Nerja Beaches To Visit
The are plenty of beaches in Nerja to choose from, each with its own character. Consider the following Nerja beaches when designing your itinerary.
1. Playa El Salon
Measuring 200 meters, Playa el Salon is one of the most popular beaches in Nerja. Loved by locals and newcomers, the beach sits close to the Balcon de Europa promenade.
The beach is home to quaint sheds used as storage by fishermen, which make a great photo opportunity.
Playa el Salon offers swimming and can be reached on foot from Nerja’s main streets.
Comfortable and scenic, this is a great option if you’re looking for a beach day that won’t take you too far.
Playa el Salon is one of the prettiest of the Nerja beaches.
2. Playa Calahonda
Famously photogenic, Playa Calahonda offers a glimpse into Nerja’s long history as a fishing village.
Small sheds and boats dot the coastline, and the beach offers dark sand and swimming access. It’s easily visible from the Balcon de Europa, which is also a great place to photograph the beach from.
Playa Calahonda is easily accessible from anywhere in Nerja, meaning it gets very busy at the height of the season.
You can enter the beach through a small archway on the Balcon de Europa.
3. Playa El Chorrillo
Located just north of Playa Calahonda, Playa El Chorrillo is known for its large rocks. These provide plenty of shade and cozy spots to lay down your towel. This beach is also exceptionally close to the Balcon de Europa, and is easily accessible from main streets. It makes it one of the popular Nerja beaches.
4. Playa Carabeillo
Head slightly further up the coast from Playa El Сhorillo and you’ll come upon Playa Carabeillo. Known to be quieter than its southern neighbors, this beach is on the west side of the popular Playa Burriana. Playa Carabeillo also has rocks, and a staircase leads from right from the beach into town.
5. Playa Burriana
Playa Burriana is one of the popular Nerja beaches.
Next up is Playa Burriana, a bustling, often crowded Nerja destination. You will find that Playa Burriana is one of the top Nerja beaches. This beach measures 800 meters in length, meaning there’s plenty of sand to accommodate locals and visitors.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Burriana beach offers water activities like paddle board rentals and jet-skiing. Shops and restaurants are easily accessible from the waterfront. Playa Burriana is easily accessible from most parts of Nerja- parking is available, but if you’re staying in town, you’ll likely be able to reach it on foot.
6. Piedra de Tarzan
Marked by a large boulder and located past Playa Burriana, Piedra de Tarzan is one of Nerja’s tiniest beaches. You’ll have to get there on foot, as parking is not guaranteed nearby. The beach is accessible via a small trail system.
7. Playa de Maro
If you are kayak rentals then you will find that Playa de Maro is the place to be. It is one of the best beaches in Nerja after all!
A 10 minute drive from Nerja’s town center, Playa de Maro is a small beach tucked under the area’s rugged cliffs. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, giving it an oasis- like feel. The atmosphere is calmer and more easy going than Nerja’s more popular beaches.
Playa de Maro is a great choice if you’re craving a full beach day but want to avoid the crowds in town. Kayak rentals are available on the beach.
8. Playa de la Caleta
Also about a 10 minute drive from Nerja, Playa de la Caleta is a similarly small and slow-paced beach slightly outside of town.
The beach is accessible from Calle Nueva, where you’ll notice a sign pointing to a staircase. The steps will lead you down to the seafront- keep in mind that they’re quite steep.
9. Playa del Molino de Papel
If you’re willing to drive a minute or two past Playa de Maro, be sure to check out Playa del Molino de Papel. Home to a former paper factory, the beach is nestled in a gorgeous landscape. The Maro- Cerro Gordo Cliffs are one highlight, while a tower dating back to the 18th century will delight history buffs.
The beach does require some effort to get to, but you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful seaside retreat. Playa del Molino de Papel is perfect for those looking for a more private way to enjoy the beach.
10. Playa de Vilches
A five-minute drive south of Nerja, Playa de Vilches invites visitors to admire dark sand, swim in calm surf, and avoid crowds. This is a great option for individuals and families looking for a serene spot easily reachable from Nerja.
11. Playa Calaceite
Playa Calaceite is located right next to Playa de Vilches, in the town of Torrox. Perched at the base of the region’s green hills, the beach offers accessibility, less crowds and beautiful open sea vistas. The views alone make it one of the best Nerja beaches.
Nerja Beaches: The Rules
While having fun on the beaches in Nerja, remember that there are rules you should follow (although, admittedly, many locals will ignore them).
Here are the basic ones:
Beach Access: Beaches in Southern Spain are generally open to the public and accessible to everyone. There are designated access points and walkways to reach the beach areas, where you will also find the beach rules.
Safety Measures: It is important to follow safety guidelines and pay attention to any signage or warnings provided by local authorities. These may include information about tides, currents, or any hazardous conditions.
Beach Facilities: Toilets, showers, lifeguard stations, and first aid posts are standard for most of the beaches in Southern Spain. The availability of these facilities can vary depending on the beach and the time of year.
Waste Management: Bins are provided by the entrance to the beach, including those for recycling. Littering on the beach is forbidden.
Pets: No pets are allowed on the beach, unless its a beach that’s been specifically designated as a pet beach – these are usually at the outskirts of the city.
Nudism: There are dedicated nudist beaches in Southern Spain, none that I know of in Nerja. However, that doesn’t stop many ladies sunbathing topless and it’s not really frowned upon.
Smoking: smoking is forbidden at the beaches, so is drinking. In my experience, you will still see this on daily basis.
Go Beyond the Beach
While lounging on Nerja’s beaches is bound to feel great, venture past town to explore the rest of the Costa del Sol. The following activities and destinations are certain to make your time in Southern Spain unforgettable.
Day Trip to Malaga
If you have time to after visiting the Nerja beaches, then head to Malaga for a day!
Only a 45-minute drive from Nerja, Malaga is a destination you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Southern Spain. The city is a 2-hour bus ride from Nerja, making a memorable day or weekend excursion. Malaga is brimming with historical treasures, with sites like the Moorish palaces of Alcazaba drawing international visitors.
As the birthplace of Picasso, Malaga also has a special cultural heritage- visit the city’s Picasso Museum to learn more about the artist. Be sure to catch the sunset from Gibralfaro Castle or from one of Malaga’s famous beaches.
Day Trip to Granada
If you are done with the Nerja beaches then Granada is another great place to visit!
Another must-see near the Costa del Sol, Granada, is an hour’s drive north of Nerja. The city is located inland, at the foot of a mountain range, and is home to the famed Alhambra palaces.
Filled with ornate Moorish architecture, nightlife, local cuisine, and charming neighborhoods, Granada offers more than enough for a day trip. Consider visiting for a weekend to get the best out of all the city’s sights.
Kayak Tour Of The Nerja Coast
You can explore the Nerja beaches and coast a little differently on a kayak!
If you’re looking to tour Nerja from a different perspective, take it all in from the water. Booking a kayak tour with a local company is an engaging way to enjoy the Mediterranean firsthand. Meandering the waves via kayak gives you special insight into hidden coves, cliffs, and villages of the Costa del Sol.
Hiking Tour Of Nerja
Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Nerja offers countless natural attractions. Book a hiking tour from Nerja to get to know this biodiverse corner of Spain or stay close to home and opt for a walking tour of town. Having a knowledgeable guide describe each stop on your tour is a one of a kind way to fall in love with a brand new place.
About The Author
Lucia is a travel blogger living in Southern Spain, sharing her discoveries of beautiful locations, hidden gems and stunning historic sights on her travel blog Viva La Vita.
