Playa de Calahonda: Nerja's most central cove

Playa de Calahonda is the small cove directly below Nerja's Balcón de Europa viewpoint.

It's only reachable via a steep staircase cut into the cliff, and most people standing on the promenade above never bother to go down.

That's their loss. The cove is sheltered by the headland on both sides, the water is clear and calm, and the setting, sand and turquoise sea surrounded by cliff walls with the promenade above, is about as scenic as a beach gets.

Where it is

Directly below the Balcón de Europa, in the centre of Nerja.

Look for the Boquete de Calahonda, a small arch on the promenade. Go through it and follow the zigzagging steps down to the beach.

There's also a path continuing along the cliff to other small coves further west.

Getting there

On foot only. There's no vehicle access. The descent takes about 5 minutes from the arch and involves a narrow staircase. It's manageable for most people but not suitable for pushchairs or anyone with limited mobility.

The nearest parking is at Parking Balcón de Europa, a short walk away. See the Nerja parking guide for all options in town.

What the beach is like

A small, crescent-shaped cove about 120 metres long and 20 metres wide, with dark sand and calm, shallow water. Because the headland wraps around it on both sides, the sea stays settled even when conditions elsewhere are choppier.

The water is clear, particularly in the mornings before the beach fills. Snorkelling around the base of the cliffs is good.

The beach is small, but only on peak summer days does it fill quickly, and once it's full there's nowhere else to go.

It's also the most photographed beach in Nerja!

Facilities

There are showers available on the beach, and the Balcón de Europa above has public toilets.

Chiringuito Papagayo is the beach bar here, serving food and drinks in summer with live music in the evenings. It's a great spot for a beer while the light fades on the cliffs.

Lifeguards are on duty from June through September. Outside those months, swim within your abilities.

What it's best for

Calahonda is ideal if you want a short, scenic swim without venturing far from the Nerja centre.

It's the right choice for a morning dip before heading back up for coffee, or a late afternoon swim when the light on the cliffs is at its best.

For a full beach day with facilities and restaurants, Playa Burriana is the better option. It's a 10 to 15 minute walk east.

Is Playa Calahonda worth visiting?

Yes, if you're already in Nerja.

It takes 5 minutes to walk down from the Balcón de Europa and the setting is genuinely beautiful in a way that Burriana, for all its merits, isn't. The cove is enclosed, the water is clear, and the cliffs make it feel removed from the town just above.

The only reason to skip it is if the beach is already full when you arrive, which happens on summer afternoons. Go in the morning or come in September.

What's nearby

The Balcón de Europa promenade is immediately above. Playa Burriana is east, Cala del Cañuelo is further east towards Maro.

For more on the town, see things to do in Nerja and where to stay in Nerja.

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