Is Nerja actually good for a beach holiday?
Yes, Nerja is very popular for beach holidays. It offers a great variety of beaches, from large, well-equipped sandy stretches like Playa Burriana to charming small coves nestled below cliffs near the town centre, such as Playa Calahonda and Playa Carabeillo. There are also more natural, scenic beaches nearby at Maro.
What kind of holiday is Nerja best for? Is it a party town?
Nerja is best known for relaxed holidays, popular with families and couples. While it has plenty of restaurants and bars, especially around the Balcón de Europa and Plaza Tutti Frutti, it's generally considered quieter and more traditional than party-focused resorts like Marbella or Torremolinos. The vibe is more about enjoying the scenery, beaches, and local charm.
Can you swim in the sea in Nerja? What's the water like?
Yes, you can definitely swim in the sea in Nerja. The water is the Mediterranean Sea, typically calm and clear, especially in the coves. Water temperatures are pleasant for swimming from late spring through autumn, peaking in summer (July-August). Some beaches have Blue Flag status, indicating good water quality.
Are Nerja beaches sandy or pebbly?
Nerja offers a mix. Playa Burriana, the largest beach, is mostly sandy, though it can be coarse sand or fine shingle in parts. The town centre coves like Calahonda, Chorrillo, and Carabeillo tend to have a mixture of sand and pebbles. Beaches towards Maro can be more pebbly or shingly. Generally, expect coarser, darker sand rather than fine white sand.
Is it better to stay near Burriana beach or in Nerja town centre?
It depends on your priorities. Staying near Burriana offers direct beach access and many beachfront restaurants, ideal if the beach is your main focus. Staying in the town centre provides easy access to the Balcón de Europa, numerous tapas bars, shops, and the charming central coves (though often via steps). The town centre has more atmosphere in the evenings. You can walk between the two areas, but it involves a significant hill.
Which is the main beach in Nerja?
Playa Burriana is considered the main beach in Nerja due to its size, extensive facilities, and popularity. It's located to the east of the town centre and offers numerous restaurants (famous for paella), watersports, shops, and amenities.
Are the beaches in Nerja very crowded?
Nerja's beaches, especially the main ones like Burriana and the central coves (Calahonda, Torrecilla), can get very busy during peak season (July and August). However, outside of these months, or if you visit smaller coves or the Maro beaches (which require more effort to reach), you can find less crowded spots. Visiting earlier or later in the day can also help avoid the biggest crowds.
What are the little beaches near the Balcón de Europa like?
The beaches directly accessible from near the Balcón de Europa are small, picturesque coves like Playa Calahonda (accessed via steps next to the Balcón), Playa Chorrillo, and Playa Carabeillo. They are very scenic, nestled beneath cliffs, but are smaller, can be a mix of sand/pebbles, and get crowded quickly due to their central location and charm. Access often involves steps.
Is it easy to get down to the beaches in Nerja? Are there lots of steps?
Access varies. Playa Burriana and Playa Torrecilla have relatively flat access. However, many of the central, scenic coves like Calahonda, Carabeillo, and El Salón require descending flights of steps down the cliffs from the town level. This is an important consideration for visitors with mobility issues.
How do you get to the Maro beaches from Nerja?
The beaches near Maro (like Playa de Maro and Cala del Cañuelo) are a few kilometres east of Nerja. You can drive (parking can be limited and may require a walk or shuttle bus in summer for Cañuelo), take a local bus towards Maro/La Herradura, hike along coastal paths (check conditions), or join a popular kayak/paddleboard tour from Burriana beach, which allows access to otherwise hard-to-reach spots.
Can you rent sunbeds and umbrellas on Nerja beaches?
Yes, on the main beaches like Playa Burriana, Playa Torrecilla, and often Playa El Salón and Playa La Caletilla, you can rent sunbeds (hamacas) and umbrellas (sombrillas) during the main season (roughly Easter to October). Prices vary but expect to pay per item per day. Smaller coves may not have rental facilities.
Which Nerja beaches are best for families with kids?
Playa Burriana is often recommended for families due to its sandy shore, relatively calm water, lifeguards, play areas, and abundance of facilities like restaurants and toilets. Playa Torrecilla is another good option with easy access and amenities. Smaller coves might be less ideal due to steps and fewer facilities, although older children might enjoy exploring them.
Are there restaurants and bars right on the beach in Nerja?
Yes, particularly on Playa Burriana, there is a wide selection of 'chiringuitos' (beach bars and restaurants) right on the sand or promenade, famous for serving fresh fish and paella. Playa Torrecilla also has restaurants along its promenade. Other beaches might have nearby options, but Burriana has the most extensive beachfront dining.
Is parking difficult near Nerja beaches?
Parking can be challenging, especially in peak season (July/August). Playa Burriana has some dedicated parking areas, but they fill up quickly. Street parking near the town centre beaches is limited and often paid (blue zones). For the Maro beaches, parking is restricted, particularly at Cala del Cañuelo where a shuttle bus often operates in summer from the designated parking area further up the hill. Consider walking or using local buses if possible.
Are there any nudist beaches near Nerja?
Yes, the main officially designated naturist beach near Nerja is Playa de las Alberquillas, located between Nerja and Maro along the old coastal road. It's a more natural, secluded beach. While nudism might be tolerated on some other remote coves, Alberquillas is the established option.
