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.
What to Know About the Beaches in Nerja
- You can easily walk to all the Nerja Beaches, with many of them only accessible from the pedestrian zone in town. Here’s an awesome website if you’re looking for a deal on rental cars.
- Depending on the time of day, some beaches in Nerja will have more sun than others. As it gets later in the day, it’s best to head to the right of the Balcon de Europa.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make sure to include at least one sunset evening on your trip. In this post, we’ll cover the best Nerja beach to do just that!
- Check out more of our favorite things to do in Nerja before your visit. Don’t miss out on the incredible Nerja caves and all the delicious tapa restaurants in Nerja.
Best Beaches in Nerja Spain
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. As we mentioned, to first part of this guide will take you to the left of the this viewpoint.
From above, this is one of the most iconic views in all of Nerja, with the beautiful Sierra de Tejeda mountains in the distance. You can swim here 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.
The Hotel Balcon de Europa is obviously one of the most prestigious hotels in all of Nerja. We also love MB Boutique Hotel, La Puerta de Nerja Hostal, and the Charming Nerja Hostel if you’re on a budget.
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 around.
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 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 popular AYO 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. We wrote a complete article about our many days at Playa Burriana. This is also where you rent kayaks or join a group tour to see the sea caves of Nerja.
More of the Best Beaches in Nerja
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 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.
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 Torrecilla
This was easily one of our favorite beaches in Nerja Spain. Playa Torrecilla is a nice 10 minute stroll from town, and 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 El Chucho
At the far end of the beach promenade, you’ll find the best sunset beach in town! It became a nightly occurrence during our month-long stay to take a stroll down to Playa el Chucho for golden hour. Believe us, there are some amazing sunsets here!
Have any questions or want to share your own favorite Nerja beaches? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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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!
