BEST BEACHES IN NERJA, SPAIN FOR AN AMAZING SUMMER HOLIDAY
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Nerja, this post is just what you need!
Everyone loves a good summer escape, and while I’ll always have a soft spot for my Croatian coast, I have to admit that southern Spain leaves me speechless every time. Nerja completely stole my heart. It’s the perfect destination for a slow, relaxing holiday filled with amazing food, charming atmosphere, and stunning beaches. Keep reading to discover the best beaches in Nerja (all near the old town!) and find out which one is my personal favourite!
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WHERE IS NERJA
Nerja is a small town on the southern coast of Spain, in the region of Andalusia. Andalusia is already known as one of the prettiest parts of Spain, but Costa del Sol is truly something special, and that’s exactly where you’ll find Nerja. The town is famous for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and charming whitewashed streets. It’s incredibly picturesque and absolutely worth a visit, even if you’re not planning to stay long. It’s located just about 50 km (31 miles) from Málaga, so many people come for a day trip, but trust me, Nerja deserves at least a few days to really enjoy it!
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE NERJA FOR YOUR HOLIDAY
You should definitely choose Nerja if you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic Spanish coastal town without the crowds of the bigger tourist spots. First of all, it’s absolutely charming with whitewashed streets, colourful cafés, local shops, and lovely plazas. Secondly, the beaches are stunning, and there are plenty of them scattered around town. They’re also much quieter than the ones in places like Málaga or Marbella, which makes Nerja even more special.
On top of that, Nerja has a mild, sunny climate almost all year round. You don’t need to visit in July or August to enjoy it. All these photos are from our trip in late October (it was 32°C!). And if you want to do more than just relax by the beach, there are amazing places to explore nearby. You can visit the famous Nerja Caves and several picturesque villages. I honestly can’t recommend Nerja enough. We knew almost nothing about it before visiting, and now it’s one of our favourite towns in Spain!
BEST BEACHES IN NERJA:
While Nerja has plenty of interesting attractions and activities to offer, this blog post is all about its stunning beaches. They are the real highlight of this charming town. Here are some of our favorite ones we’ve visited, and the best part is that they’re all just a few minutes’ walk from Nerja’s old town!
BURRIANA BEACH
First, let’s start with what’s probably Nerja’s most popular beach, which is Burriana Beach. This beach is absolutely stunning, known for its golden sand and crystal-clear, calm waters. It’s a lively spot with plenty of restaurants, cafés, and beach bars right along the promenade. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or try out water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding, Burriana has it all, which makes it especially family-friendly.
You can easily reach it from Nerja’s old town with a 20-minute walk or a quick taxi ride. There are plenty of sunbeds and parasols available at reasonable prices, so it’s the perfect place to spend a whole day relaxing and enjoying the Mediterranean!
CARABEILLO BEACH
Carabeillo Beach is a small and peaceful beach in Nerja, located right next to Burriana Beach. Because it’s tucked between cliffs, it feels much quieter and more secluded, so it’s a lovely escape from the busier spots. With its golden sand and crystal-clear water, it’s perfect for swimming, relaxing, or simply enjoying the view.
There are no restaurants or facilities here, it’s all about natural beauty, which is exactly what makes it so special. It’s one of my personal favourites in Nerja! You can easily reach it from the old town in about 10 minutes on foot.
CARABEO BEACH
Carabeo Beach is another beautiful spot in Nerja, located just a minute away from Carabeillo Beach. It’s also only about 10 minutes from the town center. It’s a small, picturesque beach with golden sand, calm waters, and dramatic rocks surrounding it. You’ll need to go down a set of stairs to reach it, but the view from above is absolutely worth it.
While it doesn’t have many facilities on the beach itself, it’s really close to cafés, bars, and restaurants in the old town. It’s a favourite among both locals and visitors and honestly, once you see the view, you’ll understand why!
CALAHONDA BEACH
Calahonda Beach is one of the most iconic and photographed beaches in Nerja. It’s also my personal favourite. It’s located right below the famous Balcony of Europe, and it’s the most charming out of all of them. It’s small but incredibly picturesque, with golden sand, crystal-clear water, and colourful fishing boats along the shore. There’s even a tiny fisherman’s house which is a favourite photo spot for visitors.
The beach is sheltered by cliffs, so it’s very peaceful, yet it’s only a short, easy walk down from the Balcony of Europe. While it can get quite busy in the summer, it’s a must-visit when in Nerja.
EL SALON BEACH
El Salón Beach is another lovely beach located right in the center of Nerja, just on the opposite side of the Balcony of Europe from Calahonda Beach. It’s a small, cozy spot with darker sand and calm, shallow waters. It’s great for swimming, relaxing, or just enjoying the sun. The beach is easy to reach from the old town, and since it’s so central, you’re only a short walk away from plenty of cafés, shops, and restaurants.
While there aren’t many amenities directly on the beach besides sunbed rentals, the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful coastal views make it worth a visit. It can get crowded during the summer, but it’s such a charming spot that you’ll definitely want to stop by, even if just for a short swim or sunset stroll.
CALETILLA BEACH
Caletilla Beach is a lovely little beach located right near the center of Nerja, just next to El Salón Beach. You can only reach it on foot from the old town. It’s about a 5-minute walk if you pass the Cochran’s Terrace. The beach has calm, clear waters and soft sand and it’s especially popular with families and guests staying at the nearby Hotel Balcón de Europa.
While there aren’t many amenities directly on the beach, its central location makes it super convenient. You’re only a few minutes away from all the cafés, restaurants, and shops in the old town. It’s a peaceful spot right in the heart of Nerja!
EL CHORRILLO BEACH
El Chorrillo Beach is a real hidden gem in Nerja. It’s made up of three small coves located just east of Calahonda Beach, and it’s extra special because it’s completely tucked away. The beach has soft sand and crystal-clear water. It’s also surrounded by rocky cliffs which create a peaceful and picturesque setting. It’s perfect if you’re looking to relax, swim, or simply escape the busier beaches nearby.
While it’s especially beautiful in the off-season when you might have it all to yourself, it’s very popular in summer because of its charm. There are no amenities here, so make sure to bring everything you need. You can easily reach it on foot from either Calahonda or Carabeo Beach in just a few minutes!
TORECILLA BEACH
Playa de Torrecilla is one of Nerja’s main beaches. Even though we didn’t get the chance to visit it, it definitely deserves a mention. It’s located just a short 10–15 minute walk from the town center and has soft sand and calm, shallow waters that make it perfect for swimming and families. The beach is quite large, which makes it a great option during the busy summer months when the smaller beaches fill up quickly.
It’s lined with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and beach bars, so you can easily spend the whole day here relaxing, eating, and enjoying the sea views. Grab a sunbed, sip on a drink, and enjoy your holiday!
CONCLUSION: BEST BEACHES IN NERJA
Nerja is perfect for beach lovers. From busy Burriana Beach to quiet El Chorrillo, there’s a beach for everyone. Most are just a short walk from the old town, so you can easily visit a few in one day. No matter which you choose, the sand, clear water, and views make Nerja an amazing place to relax and enjoy the coast.
