Many visitors, especially national tourists, choose Nerja as a holiday location because of the abundance of good beaches (there are twelve in total) as well as a large number of bars and restaurants (over 300). All the beaches can get pretty crowded during the summer.
Nerja has beaches of all shapes and sizes from small, sheltered coves to large areas of sand with all the facilities and amenities you could hope for.
Burriana Beach
Burriana is Nerja’s premier bathing location and has all the facilities and amenities one would expect. There are numerous shops, bars, restaurants, a promenade – almost a separate village in many ways.
Access is via a steep zig-zag path from the Parador de Nerja, down the very long and steep calle Filipinas or down an extremely steep road from urbanisation Chiminea. Steep is the operative word here and, particularly at the end of the day/evening, a taxi is the preferred mode for getting back into town.
Bars and restaurants will always call a taxi for you.
There are several play areas for kids as well as beach volleyball courts.
- Length: 800m, Width: 40m
- Water Sports (summer): jetski, banana boat, parasailing, pedaloes and more
- Parking, Public Toilets, Showers
- Chiringuitos
- Rescue Service, Lifeguards (Easter, summer), Warning Flags (summer)
- Sunbeds
- Kiosks, Lending Library (summer)
- Promenade
- Policia Local
- Telephones
Calahonda Beach
Calahonda is a small, sheltered beach immediately to the left of the Balcón de Europa and is accessed via a zig-zag path from calle Puerta del Mar.
- Length: 120m, Width: 20m
- Showers
- Sunbeds
- Warning flags (summer)
- Lifeguard (summer)
The sea deepens gradually and it is generally a moderate swell. There are no refreshment kiosks or merenderos on the beach.
El Salon Beach
El Salón is a very nice medium-sized beach with access via a small street leading down from the Paseo Balcón de Europa.
- Length: 200m, Width: 20m
- Showers
- Sunbeds
- Warning flags (summer)
- Lifeguard (summer)
- Refreshment kiosk (summer)
Torrecilla Beach
Torrecilla beach is a large beach complete with a promenade and full quota of facilities. There are two eateries – Merendero Cobos and Torrecilla 3 – both serving good food. Generally moderate swell.
Length: 300m, Width: 40m
- Disabled access
- Lifeguards (summer), Warning Flags (summer)
- Sunbeds
- Showers and Toilets
- Refreshment Kiosks
- Promenade
- Summer lending library
El Playazo Beach
El Playazo is the longest beach in Nerja and is, as yet, unspoilt. There are four watering holes on the beach, including the excellent Chiringuito Mauri (great paella amongst other things) and two large, free car parks.
- Length: 1700m, Width: 30m
- Moderate swell
- Chiringuitos
- Parking
- Sunbeds
- Showers and toilets
- Refreshment Kiosks
- Warning Flags and Lifeguards (summer)
Carabeo Beach
Carabeo is a very nice beach accessed by steep steps from calle Hernán de Carabeo which makes it not very suitable for those with mobility problems. Limited facilities, particularly out of season, but nevertheless a good place to stretch out and relax.
- Length: 120m, Width: 15m
- Generally moderate swell
- Showers
- Warning Flags
- Lifeguard (summer)
- Refreshment Kiosk (summer)
Carabeillo Beach
Carabeillo is a smallish beach located between Carabeo and Burriana beaches at the eastern end of town. Access is via steep steps from the Mirador del Bendito or along the sand from Burriana (sea conditions permitting). The steps are not suitable for those with mobility problems.
Facilities are limited but there are cafes and kiosks at the top of the steps.
- Length: 70m, Width: 10m
- Moderate swell
- Beach showers
La Caletilla Beach
La Caletilla is a small beach immediately to the right of the Balcón de Europa with very limited facilities. The beach varies in size according to sea conditions, sometimes disappearing completely. Access is via Calahonda beach or via the Hotel Balcón de Europa. Refreshments can be obtained from the bar/restaurant El Nautico, part of the Hotel Balcón de Europa.
- Length: 50m, Width: 15m
- Sunbeds
El Chucho Beach
El Chucho is a large beach located between Torrecilla and El Playazo beaches near the mouth of the Rio Chillar. There is a promenade.
- Length: 200m, Width: 30m
- Moderate swell
- Refreshment Kiosks
- Showers
- Lifeguard (summer)
- Promenade
- Warning Flags (summer)
El Chorillo
El Chorillo is the name given to a series of very small coves between Calahonda and Carabeo beaches in Nerja.
- Length: 60m, Width: 20m
- Moderate swell
Playa de Maro
Playa de Maro – Maro beach – is located in the small village of Maro and is surrounded by a unique ecosystem in a legally protected natural environment. A bit off the beaten track, but with waterfalls and underwater caves, it is a popular area for snorkelling and kayaking,
La Caleta de Maro
La Caleta de Maro is a fairly quiet and secluded beach in the village of Maro, with access being not really suitable for anyone with mobility issues.