Maro Waterfall: How to Visit the Beautiful Waterfall Near Nerja

If you're travelling to Nerja and love the ocean, then this waterfall has to be on your bucket list!

Maro is a 15-metre cascade that plunges straight from the mountains into the Mediterranean Sea, creating one of the most Instagrammed spots in the city.

What makes the Maro Waterfall so special is not just the waterfall itself, but the journey to reach it. You'll paddle beneath towering cliffs, glide over crystal-clear water, explore small sea caves, and pass secret coves that most visitors never get to see.

You can't reach the waterfall on foot; it's only accessible from the sea, which makes the experience feel even more adventurous and exclusive. You can swim to it, however, if you're feeling adventurous.

Whether you're visiting Nerja for the first time or you come back year after year (like I do), seeing the Maro Waterfall from the water is one of those must-do experiences that stays with you long after the trip is over. Let's dive in.

What Is the Maro Waterfall?

The Maro Waterfall (Cascada de Maro) is a 15-metre freshwater waterfall that spills dramatically from the cliffs of the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama mountain range straight into the Mediterranean Sea.

The waterfall's water comes from underground streams connected to the Nerja Caves, flowing down through the Sanguino and Cambrillo ravines before finally dropping into the sea. Because of this, its appearance changes throughout the year.

In spring, the flow can be too powerful to paddle close, while in late summer it may run more gently (and occasionally dry up if there hasn't been rain).

What makes the Maro Waterfall truly special is that you can only reach it from the sea.

You won't find a hiking trail or viewpoint from land. The only way to see it is by kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming from Nerja's beaches.

Where Is Maro Waterfall Located

The Maro Waterfall sits on the rugged coastline between Nerja and the small village of Maro, inside the protected Acantilados de Maro–Cerro Gordo Natural Park. You'll find it hidden behind a massive rock face, surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water.

It's positioned roughly halfway between Playa de Maro and Playa Burriana, about 3 km from Burriana Beach if you're kayaking from Nerja. Because the cliffs are completely vertical here, there's no walking path or land access at all.

As you paddle along the coastline, you'll also come across two smaller waterfalls before reaching the main cascade. These little freshwater falls trickle down the cliffs, creating beautiful spots to pause, cool off, and enjoy the scenery.

How to Get to the Maro Waterfall

The only way to reach the Maro Waterfall is from the sea.

There's no walking trail or land access because the cliffs are completely vertical. That's part of what makes the experience feel so special. Here are the three ways you can visit it:

1. Kayak from Playa Burriana (Most Popular)

The easiest and most common way to reach the waterfall is to rent a kayak at Playa Burriana in Nerja.

From here, it's roughly 3 km along the coastline to reach the cascade. As you paddle, you'll pass sea caves, hidden coves, and two smaller waterfalls before arriving at the main Maro Waterfall.

Kayaking is beginner-friendly, and the water is usually calm in summer. You can rent a kayak on your own or join a guided tour (great if you want local knowledge, cave access, and extra safety).

2. Kayak or SUP from Playa de Maro

If you want a shorter route, you can also start from Playa de Maro, which sits closer to the waterfall. This option is great if you're already in Maro or prefer a more relaxed paddle.

Kayak and SUP rentals are available here in peak season.

3. Swim from Playa de Maro (For Strong Swimmers Only)

You can technically swim to the waterfall from Playa de Maro, but this is only recommended if:

• You're a confident swimmer
• The sea is perfectly calm
• You bring a float to rest on

It takes time and energy, so check conditions and never attempt it alone. There are spaces where you can hop on rocks and relax on the way.

Where to Park Near the Waterfall

Since the Maro Waterfall can only be reached from the sea, the best place to park is near the beaches where kayak and SUP routes begin. Here are the most convenient options:

1. Parking at Playa de Maro (Closest Option)

The nearest parking area to the waterfall is at Playa de Maro.

There's a public parking zone just above the beach, and from there you walk down a narrow road past farmland and greenhouses to reach the shore. This is the quickest launching point if you're kayaking or swimming from Maro.

Spaces are limited in summer, so it's best to arrive early.

2. Street Parking Near the Access Road to Maro Beach

If the main lot is full, you can usually find additional spaces along the access roads leading to Playa de Maro. These fill up quickly on weekends and in August, but they're convenient and free.

3. Parking at Playa Burriana (Best for Kayak Rentals)

If you're starting your adventure from Nerja, Playa Burriana has several public parking areas and paid options nearby. Since many tours and kayak rentals depart from Burriana, this is the most popular place for visitors setting off toward the waterfall.

Read my Where to Park in Nerja guide to find the best free and paid parking spots.

Best Time to Visit Maro Waterfall

The best time to visit the Maro Waterfall is summer, especially from July to early September, when the sea is calm, the skies are clear, and kayaking conditions are at their safest.

August is often recommended because the water flow is usually gentle enough to paddle right up to the falls, and visibility is perfect for snorkelling.

Spring can be stunning, but the waterfall is often too powerful to approach safely, and tour companies may restrict access. In late summer or during extended dry periods, the waterfall may thin out or temporarily dry up, so it's a good idea to ask a kayak rental company if it's flowing before you head out.

Morning is the ideal time of day to go. The water is calmer, the light is beautiful along the cliffs, and you'll avoid the busiest tour groups.

Map of Maro + Nerja Waterfalls

Other Waterfalls Near Nerja

While the Maro Waterfall is the most famous cascade along the coast, Nerja has another incredible waterfall worth exploring, and this one is hidden deep in the mountains rather than by the sea.

NOTE: It's currently closed at the time of writing, but we hope it reopens soon, because this one is still on my bucket list too!

El Vado de los Patos (Río Chillar Waterfall)

Located inside the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, the Vado de los Patos waterfall is the reward at the end of the popular Rio Chillar river walk. Unlike the Maro Waterfall, this one is reached on foot, following an 8 km trail that winds through riverbeds, lush vegetation, and the impressive Cahorros gorge.

The hike takes you through ankle-to-knee-deep water, narrow canyon walls, and shaded pools. The final waterfall creates a natural pool where many hikers cool off before heading back.

Can You Walk to Nerja's Waterfalls

The Maro Waterfall is not accessible by walking. The cliffs are completely vertical, so the only way to reach them is from the sea by kayak, paddleboard, or swimming from Playa de Maro.

Can You Swim Under the Waterfall

Yes, you can swim under the Maro Waterfall, but only when conditions are safe.

In summer, when the water flow is gentle, you can paddle right up to the base of the falls and swim in the cool freshwater as it hits the sea. It's an amazing experience.

How Many Waterfalls are There in Nerja?

Nerja has two main waterfalls that visitors can explore.

The first is the Maro Waterfall, a 15-metre cascade that drops directly into the sea and can only be reached by kayak or paddleboard. The second is El Vado de los Patos, the waterfall at the end of the Río Chillar hike, hidden deep inside the mountains north of town.

Is the Rio Chillar Waterfall Walk Still Closed?

Yes, the trail along the Río Chíllar (including access to the waterfall known as Vado de los Patos) remains closed to the public.

The closure was implemented in August 2023 due to safety, fire-risk and overcrowding concerns, and as of mid-2025, no reopening date has been announced.

Wrapping Up Maro Waterfall

The Maro Waterfall is one of Nerja's most unforgettable natural treasures, blending dramatic cliffs, clear turquoise water, and a sense of adventure that makes the journey just as special as the destination.

Kayaking along the coastline, exploring hidden coves, and feeling the cool spray of the falls are the kinds of experiences that stay with you long after your visit.

If you're looking to see a wilder, more magical side of the Costa del Sol, the Maro Waterfall is a must on your itinerary.