Cala del Cañuelo: Nerja's best kept secret

Cala del Cañuelo is a secluded cove near Maro, about 5 kilometres east of Nerja. It sits inside the Maro-Cerro Gordo nature reserve, protected cliffs with almost no development.

The water is some of the clearest on the entire Costa del Sol, with orange coral along the sea floor and visibility that surprises people who are used to the city beaches.

Access involves a rough unpaved track followed by a steep walk down, and that combination keeps the crowds thin, which is the whole point.

Where it is

The cove is within the Paraje Natural Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo, a protected clifftop reserve between Nerja and Almuñécar.

Turn off the N-340 towards Maro, then follow the signs towards the reserve. The track eventually leads to a small parking area from which you walk down to the beach.

How to get there

By car: Drive to Maro from Nerja, then follow signs for the Cala del Cañuelo or the nature reserve. The last section of track is rough but manageable in a standard car if you take it slowly. Park at the top and walk down. The descent takes around 20 minutes each way.

By minibus: A seasonal minibus runs from the main road down to the beach from June to September. Check locally for the current timetable, as services vary by year. Outside of that period, the only option is to drive and walk.

On foot from Nerja: Possible but a long walk. Most people drive to the parking area and walk the final section.

What the beach is like

A small pebble and sand cove enclosed by high cliffs on both sides. The sea here is noticeably clear, the kind of visibility that makes you stop and look before you get in.

The water depth increases quickly from the shore however, which makes it less suited to very young children but excellent for confident swimmers.

There is also snorkelling along the cliff base which is among the best on this stretch of coast. The sea floor has this orange coral, which is rare in this part of the Mediterranean and worth the effort to find.

Because it's inside a nature reserve and the access is awkward, it's rarely crowded. Even in August you can find a quiet corner here.

There's no shade except what the cliffs provide in the morning and late afternoon. Bring your own sun protection.

Facilities

Pretty basic. There are showers on the beach and but I have seen a seasonal beach bar serving cold drinks and simple food in summer.

Don't expect any toilets either. If you need those, the nearest option is in Maro village, a 10 minute drive back towards Nerja.

Outside of summer, come prepared with everything you need. The beach bar and showers are not always open in spring and autumn.

What to bring

• Water and food if visiting outside of summer (beach bar may be closed)
• Footwear for the rough track
• Snorkelling mask if you have one
• Sun protection; there is no shade on the beach except what the cliffs provide

What it's best for

Cala del Cañuelo is for people who want to swim in genuinely clear water away from the crowds and don't mind making an effort to get there. It's a half-day or full-day trip, not a quick dip.

It's not suitable for families with pushchairs, anyone with limited mobility, or people who need amenities. For those, Playa Burriana in Nerja is the right choice.

Is Cala del Cañuelo good for snorkelling?

Yes, it's one of the best snorkelling spots on this stretch of the Costa del Sol.

The water is clear, the cliffs create shelter and interesting underwater topography, and the sea floor has orange coral, which is unusual for the area. The visibility is consistently better than anything you'll find on the open city beaches.

Bring a mask. You won't regret it.

What's nearby

Maro village is a 10 minute drive back towards Nerja and has a small restaurant and bar. Playa Burriana and Playa de Calahonda are both in Nerja, about 15 minutes by car.

If you're basing yourself in Nerja for this trip, see where to stay in Nerja and where to eat in Nerja.

For the full guide to beaches in the area, see beaches in Nerja.