Andalusia, Spain

Cala del Cañuelo

Cala del Cañuelo, also known as Playa del Cañuelo, is the last beach in the municipality of Malaga, located in the town of Nerja. It is situated in the natural area of Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo, a place celebrated for its dramatic and beautiful cliffs. The beach is secluded, offering a tranquil, rustic environment that is far removed from commercialized areas. This sense of seclusion, combined with the beach's natural beauty, gives it the feel of a secret paradise.

The beach is characterized by its sandy and gravelly shores, surrounded by cliffs and warmed by a favorable climate. Its waters are crystal clear, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving. Here, visitors can explore the diverse marine life, including the opportunity to spot orange coral, a species classified as vulnerable. Despite its remote location, Cala del Cañuelo can get quite crowded, particularly towards the end of August. Nevertheless, the atmosphere remains peaceful and relaxing, making it a favored spot to unwind even in winter.

Cala del Cañuelo offers several amenities for visitors. There are two bars on the beach, and beds and parasols are available for rent, enhancing the comfort of the beach experience. Visitors should, however, be aware of potential jellyfish in the water and the occasional presence of wild pigs in the area.

Explore accommodation options near Cala del Cañuelo and enjoy the secluded beauty of its dramatic cliffs.

The beach is located 13 kilometers east of Nerja and is well signposted. However, due to its protected status, it is not accessible by car. Visitors are required to park their car at the top of the cliff. From there, during the high season, a low-cost shuttle bus service provided by the Junta de Andalucía and Medio Ambiente is available to take visitors down to the beach and back up. Outside of high season, visitors can access the beach on foot via a steep path, which takes approximately 30 minutes and offers scenic views of the surrounding cliffs. Alternatively, visitors can reach the beach by taking the new highway towards Almería, exiting at La Herradura, and then following the road towards the coast and taking the N-340 towards Malaga.

What to do at Cala del Cañuelo?

Amenities

Cala del Cañuelo amenities include parking and loungers.

Bars

You can enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the bars situated on the beach.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near Cala del Cañuelo include El Paraíso del Cañuelo, Moto Rock Bar HS and Restaurante La Barraca - Cantarriján.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beauty and seclusion of the beach, with its clean, clear water and natural surroundings being particularly appreciated. The unique experience of accessing the beach via a shuttle bus or a scenic walk down a cliff path is also a highlight for many. However, some visitors complained about long waiting times for the shuttle bus.

Where to Stay near Cala del Cañuelo?

Visitors to Cala del Cañuelo often stay in the nearby town of Nerja, which offers a range of accommodation options from charming guesthouses to luxury hotels. While Cala del Cañuelo itself does not have accommodation within walking distance, staying in Nerja provides easy access to both the beach and the town's vibrant cultural attractions.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Cala del Cañuelo?

Latitude: 36.7443481 / Longitude: -3.7885342

Cala del Cañuelo is located in Andalusia. The following map of Cala del Cañuelo shows the exact location.

Cala del Cañuelo: Weather Today

📅 Sunday, July 6, 2025
Today is shaping up to be a fantastic day to visit Cala del Cañuelo! The sun will be shining with only a few clouds in the sky. The air temperature will reach a high of 28.9 °C, perfect for sunbathing. The sea is inviting at 25.2 °C and the waves are gentle. With a UV index of 8.3, remember to apply sunscreen regularly.
🌬️

Air

Low / High24.5°C/28.9°C
Feels Like (High)34.7°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature25.2 °C
Wave Height0.3 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:03/21:37
Sunshine Hours13.1 hrs
UV Index8.3
Cloud Cover14%
💨

Wind

Speed9.5 km/h
Gusts16.2 km/h
DirectionSW

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