ESNERJATravel guide
Maro Beaches in Nerja — image 1Maro Beaches in Nerja — image 2Maro Beaches in Nerja — image 3Maro Beaches in Nerja — image 4Maro Beaches in Nerja — image 5Maro Beaches in Nerja — image 6

Maro Beaches in Nerja

The beaches and coves of Maro, inside the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo natural park: crystal-clear water, snorkelling and kayaking. Map, facilities and how to reach each cove.

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8 beaches

Maro Beach — One of Spain's Best BeachesDark sandBlue Flag
Maro Beach — One of Spain's Best Beaches4,2
500m long × 20m wide
No jellyfish · Disabled access · Kayak rental · Toilets · Bus transport
Maro beaches
El Cañuelo Beach — Secluded Cove in the Maro Cliffs
El Cañuelo Beach — Secluded Cove in the Maro Cliffs4,6
No jellyfish · Boat rental · Picnic area · Toilets · Bus transport
Maro beaches
Cantarriján Beach — Clothing-Optional Cove
Cantarriján Beach — Clothing-Optional Cove4,5
Toilets · Bus transport · Showers · Easy access
Maro beaches
Torre del Pino Cove
Torre del Pino Cove4,5
No jellyfish · No pets · No traffic · Parking · Nudist beach
Maro beaches
Las Alberquillas BeachCoarse gravel
Las Alberquillas Beach4,4
500m long × 20m wide
No jellyfish · Nudist beach · No camping · No services
Maro beaches
La Caleta de Maro BeachSand
La Caleta de Maro Beach4,3
400m long × 15m wide
No jellyfish · Showers · No pets · No traffic · Bins
Maro beaches
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Barranco de Maro CoveSand
Barranco de Maro Cove4,2
20m long × 20m wide
No jellyfish · No services
Maro beaches
Molino de Papel BeachDark medium-grain sand
Molino de Papel Beach4,1
400m long × 15m wide
Nudist beach · No services
Maro beaches

Guide to the beaches and coves of Maro

Maro, the small village just east of Nerja, has the most spectacular stretch of coastline on the eastern Costa del Sol. Its beaches and coves sit along the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo natural park, a protected run of cliffs, waterfalls and see-through water that is made for snorkelling and kayaking.

This guide covers the 8 beaches of the Maro area with an interactive map, facilities, type of sand and directions for each one. The easiest to reach and best known is Maro beach, but the real treasures are the near-untouched coves such as Las Alberquillas, Cala del Pino, El Cañuelo and Molino de Papel.

Unlike Nerja's town beaches, the Maro coves feel wilder and quieter. Many can only be reached on foot down steep paths, so bring comfortable shoes, water and some shade. Open each cove's page for photos, facilities and tips on access and parking.

Frequently asked questions

How many beaches are there in Maro?
The Maro area has 8 beaches and coves inside the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo natural park, from the well-known Maro beach and La Caleta to wilder coves such as Las Alberquillas, Cala del Pino, El Cañuelo and Barranco de Maro.
Which is the best cove in Maro?
Maro beach is the most complete and the easiest to reach, with a beach bar and kayak hire. For a more unspoilt setting, Las Alberquillas and Cala del Pino have crystal-clear water that is perfect for snorkelling. El Cañuelo is the longest and has a nudist section. Each cove has its own charm: open its page to see facilities, photos and directions.
How do I get to the Maro coves from Nerja?
The Maro coves lie 5-10 km east of Nerja. Drive to the signposted car parks (Maro beach, El Cañuelo) and walk down the paths from there. Some coves, such as Las Alberquillas or Cala del Pino, involve a 15-30 minute walk. In summer a shuttle bus runs to El Cañuelo because the access road is closed to cars.
Can you snorkel and kayak in Maro?
Yes. The clear water and rocky seabed of Maro are ideal for snorkelling. Kayaks can be hired at Maro beach, and guided routes paddle along the cliffs to the waterfalls, one of the most popular things to do in the area.
Are there nudist beaches in Maro?
Yes. Several Maro coves have a nudist tradition, such as Las Alberquillas and Barranco de Maro, as does Cantarriján beach on the border with Granada. El Cañuelo also has a nudist area.