Nerja Beach Spain Guide: 7 Best Beaches to Sun, Swim, & Explore

Best Nerja Beaches

Nerja is hands down one of Southern Spain’s most amazing and beautiful beach towns. On our month-long escape we went swimming every day, and discovered all of the best beaches in Nerja! To make this guide as easy as possible we will use the Balcon de Europa as a point of reference. From there we will take you from West to East of this well-known viewpoint to all the Nerja Spain beaches!

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5 Things to Know About the Nerja Beaches 

1. You can easily walk to all the Nerja Beaches with many of them only accessible from the pedestrian zone in town. 

2. Depending on the time of day, some beaches will have more sun than others. As it gets later in the day it’s best to head to the Nerja beaches to the right of the Balcon de Europa. 

3. In the summer and even winter months the water is calm and crystal clear. Yet, if there is a storm or windy weather it may get a little choppy.

4. Visit the main Nerja beach area but also explore the small coves to the side. These often lead to amazing secret spots and rocky coves.

5. Make sure to include at least one sunset in your visit to the beach in Nerja Spain. In this post, we’ll cover the best Nerja beach to do just that! 

Secret Nerja Beaches

Nerja Beaches Left of the Balcon

Playa Callehonda

If you’re standing on the Balcon de Europa looking out at the Mediterranean Sea, Playa Callehonda is the scenic beach directly underneath to the left. From above this is one of the most iconic views in all of Nerja with the beautiful Sierra de Tejeda mountains in the distance. 

Down at this beach in Nerja Spain, you can swim and admire the unique white and blue home that has been built into the cliffside. There is a small path above the beach that will continue around the coastline. This short walk is a great way to explore the unique rock formations of town. 

 Playa Callehonda Location

Nerja Beach Playa Callehonda

Playa Carabeo

The next accessible beach heading up the coast is Playa Carabeo. Inside a slender opening in the town walls between the shops and apartments, you’ll find one of the smaller, more private beaches in Nerja Spain.

As you head down the long steep staircase to the beach, you’ll likely pass a number of cats that seem to run the streets of this little town. Grab a spot in the sand and relax on one of the best beaches in Nerja!

Playa Carabeo Location

Playa Carabeo

Nerja Beach Playa Burriana

Located about a 20-minute walk from Nerja Town, Playa Burriana is a fun area filled with many great restaurants and lively beach bars. The walk from town is quite easy, with a slight uphill on the way back.

While visiting Burriana Beach make sure you hit the famous Ayo’s restaurant on the far end. This legendary spot serves endless paella for just 8 Euros. Yes, you heard that right. Pay for one plate and continue to enjoy as many as you are hungry for! 

This is also where you rent kayaks or join a group tour to see the sea caves of Nerja.

Playa Burianna Location

Playa Burriana in Nerja: Enjoying Endless Paella on the Costa del SolNerja Spain Beaches

Nerja Beaches Right of the Balcon

Playa la Caletilla

Don’t worry, the gorgeous Nerja Spain beaches don’t stop to the right of the Balcon de Europa! If you take the stairs down towards Playa Callehonda (to the left of the Balcon de Europa) and stay on the walkway, it will circle around the bottom to Playa la Caletilla.

Sitting directly in front of the Hotel Balcon de Europa, this beach may have some of the best scenery in all of Nerja Spain. While the chairs above are reserved for hotel guests, there is plenty of room to sit on the beach. There is also an amazing rock bridge at the far end for photos.

 Playa la Caletilla Location

Nerja Spain Beach

Nerja Beach Playa El Salon

Once you’re past the main square and Balcon de Europa, take a left at Hostal Marissal down Calle Salon. You will pass Cochran’s Irish Pub on your right, followed by a short walk down the hill to another beautiful beach in Nerja Spain.

Surrounded by a few private homes and palm trees, Playa El Salon is definitely not one to miss! We probably spent the most time here out of any of the Nerja Spain beaches due to its close proximity to the town center.

After the beach, you can stop into Cochran’s and grab a coffee or drink on the large balcony that overlooks the beach below! Keep in mind this is one of the most popular sunset spots in town. The seats go fast at Cochran’s!

 Playa El Salon Location

Beach in Nerja

Playa Torrecilla

This was easily one of our favorite beaches in Nerja Spain. A nice 10 minute stroll from town, Playa Torrecilla has the most pristine and clear water we saw anywhere in the South of Spain.

Instead of sand, Playa Torrecilla actually has tiny little pebbles. Behind the beach there are some amazing seafood restaurants to check out as well.

 Playa Torecilla Location

Best Nerja Spain Beaches

Nerja Beach Playa El Chucho

At the far end of the beach promenade, you’ll find the best sunset beach in town! When we spent a month in Nerja it become a nightly occurrence to make the stroll down to Playa el Chucho for golden hour. Believe us, there are some amazing sunsets here!

 Playa El Chucho Location

Beach in Nerja Spain

Have any questions or want to share your own favorite Nerja beaches? Let us know in the comments below!

Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake

Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar
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Where To Stay In Nerja Spain

Ultra LuxuryHotel Balcon de Europa – Enjoy a stay at the most prestigious and central hotel in all of Nerja! Sitting right on the famous Balcon de Europa, you’ll be blessed with beautiful sea views and close to all the best beaches.

Fun VacationMB Boutique Hotel – Located just steps from Torrecilla Beach, this incredible property is just what you need for a relaxing vacation. Enjoy the comforts of Southern Spain from your balcony with all the luxury amenities you love.

Boutique HotelLa Puerta de Nerja Hostal – This gorgeous hotel in the heart of Nerja will be the perfect place to explore town from. You can even take in the views from the rooftop jacuzzi!

Hostel Stay – Charming Nerja Hostel – Charming Nerja Hostel is within walking distance to the Balcon Europa and has wonderful private rooms and dorms available.

For more places to stay in Nerja Spain you can explore the latest prices here!

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Nerja Spain Beach Guide

Explore Spain

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Granada: Best Tapas  – Alhambra de Granada 

Small Towns: MijasFrigilianaRupitCadiz – Ronda

Gran Canaria: 13 Food & DrinksAgaete Natural PoolsRoute of the TapasVolcano Hike

Fuerteventura: Travel Guide12 Best BeachesRenting a CarAguas Verdes Natural PoolKrabbenfelsen Natural PoolPopcorn Beach

Tenerife: 7 Best BeachesPlaya AmarillaMount Teide Volcano DriveBoat Tour

Spain Travel Planning 

 Flights: We always find the best flights using Skyscanner. Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly between cities in Spain than driving or taking the train! 

 Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also,  Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget. 

Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to explore when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic Spain road trip! 

 Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around Spain. You can book a tour of the Madrid Royal Palace, skip the line and explore the Alhambra de Granada, or even jump on a Tenerife Dolphin cruise! 

 Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.

 Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials

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Brigitte & Jake

We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!

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