Most of the hidden beaches and coves in the province of Malaga are located in the eastern region, specifically in the town of Nerja.
1. Cala Barranco in Maro
Cala Barranco is a cove located at the mouth of the Maro ravine, with only 20 meters in length and width. It has a low occupancy rate, although during peak tourism season it is necessary to arrive early to secure a spot.
The sand is dark and coarse and the waves are moderate.
Its difficult access (only suitable for 4×4 vehicles to a certain point, and the rest, several kilometers, must be done on foot through trails surrounded by reeds and subtropical crops) makes it less visited. It is advisable to wear sports shoes for the access to the beach.
How to get to Cala Barranco de Maro?
To get to Cala Barranco de Maro, it is best to take the N-340 road until the exit to the town of Maro. From there, the cove can be accessed by walking along trails surrounded by reed beds and subtropical crops for about 20-30 minutes. It is important to note that access to the cove is difficult and only suitable for 4×4 vehicles up to a certain point. Therefore, it is recommended to wear sports shoes and avoid accessing by car if you do not have a suitable vehicle.
To get there, follow the directions on google maps by clicking here.
2. La Caleta de Maro or Cala Chica
La Caleta de Maro, also known as Cala Chica, is a beautiful cove that stretches for 400 meters, located in Maro (a district of Nerja) about 4 km away from Nerja, near the access to the Nerja Caves.
In 2014, the beach of La Caleta de Maro was named by the Antena 3 television network as the second best beach in Spain.
It has a difficult and steep access, which makes it a hidden beach. In addition, it does not have any type of services such as toilets or restaurants, so you must come prepared. You can enjoy wild landscapes there.
Cala Chica is famous because some episodes of the Spanish TV series “Verano Azul” were filmed there, which made it well-known.
If you decide to visit it, it is recommended to arrive early as parking can be difficult.
How to get to La Caleta de Maro?
To get to La Caleta de Maro, you can follow the N-340 road east from Nerja for approximately 4 kilometers until you reach the entrance of Maro. From there, you can continue on the main street of the town and follow the signs to the beach. Please note that access to the cove is difficult and steep, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and avoid driving if you do not have an appropriate vehicle. It is also important to note that there are no services on the beach, so it is advisable to bring everything you need with you.
To get there, follow the directions on google maps by clicking here.
3. Las Alberquillas Beach in Maro
The Playa de las Alberquillas is a pristine beach of great value with a length of just over 400 meters, surrounded by a natural environment that makes it very beautiful. It is a completely untouched beach without any type of services, only having a shower that comes directly from the spring that comes from the mountains.
It is one of the calmest beaches in the area, where you can also enjoy hiking routes and is popular among nudists.
Like the other beaches in Maro, Playa de las Alberquillas is ideal for snorkeling due to the transparent waters, underwater depths, and rocks and caves.
How to get to Las Alberquillas Beach?
To reach Playa de las Alberquillas, you can follow the N-340 road towards the east from Nerja for approximately 4 kilometers until you reach the entrance to Maro. From there, you can continue along the main street of the village and follow the signs to the beach. The access to the beach is a little difficult and rocky, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and avoid driving if you do not have an appropriate vehicle. It is important to note that there are no services on the beach, so it is advisable to bring everything you need with you.
To get there, follow the directions on google maps by clicking here.
4. Cala torre del pino in Maro
Torre del Pino Cove is a semi-nudist cove, where swimwear is optional, with low occupancy and exceptional beauty.
Due to its unique geography, it is usually quite peaceful throughout the year. It is recommended to wear sports shoes to access it, as the access is difficult, steep, and with sharp rocks.
In fact, it is two coves, although one of them is only accessible by sea. Both coves are separated by rocks.
It has no services and is also ideal for snorkeling and diving, due to its crystal-clear waters.
This cove is very close to Playa de las Alberquillas and we can see the Torre del Pino, an old ruined fortification.
How to get to Cala Torre del Pino in Maro?
To get to Cala Torre del Pino in Maro, you should follow the N-340 road east from Nerja for about 4 kilometers until you reach the entrance of Maro. Then, you should continue along the main street of the town and follow the signs to Playa de las Alberquillas. From there, you can access the cove by walking along rocky paths for about 15-20 minutes. It is recommended to wear appropriate sports shoes to access the cove. It is also important to note that the cove has no services, so it is advisable to bring everything you need with you.
To get there, follow the directions on google maps by clicking here.
5. Carabeillo or Carabeo beach in Nerja
Carabeillo Beach or Carabeo is a small wild cove about 100 meters long and 10 meters wide, very pleasant for its tranquility and the vegetation it presents. Accessible on foot by stairs that surround the mountain, through the “Mirador del Bendito”.
Located between Calahonda Beach and Carabeíllo Chico.
This beach is made up of dark sand and pebbles, and is nestled between cliffs and vegetation, therefore sheltered from the wind. It has rocks that are used by young people to jump into the sea, remember that you must know the area well and the depth in case you want to do it.
Located a short walk from the Balcón de Europa and is one of the favorite beaches in Nerja.
It has showers, sun loungers, toilets, and lifeguards during the summer months, as well as bars within walking distance. Recommended for families.
¿Cómo llegar a la Playa del Carabeo?
To get to Carabeo Beach, you can go to the Balcony of Europe in Nerja and then walk down the steps that lead to the beach. Another option is to take the streets that lead to the Mirador del Bendito and from there, follow the signs that lead to the beach. Keep in mind that the access to the beach is by stairs, so it may not be suitable for people with mobility issues.
To get there, follow the directions on google maps by clicking here.
6. El Chorrillo beach in Nerja
The El Chorrillo Beach or Los Chorrillos de Nerja are a group of 3 small coves, totaling about 60 meters in length, and with a variable width depending on sea conditions. They are small coves of great beauty located at the foot of the Sierra de Almijara and are characterized by having dark sand and moderate waves.
They are accessible through the Carabeillo and Calahonda beaches, with the best entrance being through some stairs that descend from the famous Balcón de Europa, through the Calahonda gap.
It is perfect for snorkeling and enjoying its marine fauna and flora. In addition, it is very quiet and you can hear the sound of the sea when it breaks against the waves.
There are no services or lifeguard services, which adds to its charm, as you can enjoy the natural surroundings. Daily cleaning service is provided.
This beach has a high occupancy rate, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot.
How to get to El Chorrillo Beach in Nerja?
To reach El Chorrillo Beach in Nerja, you can access it through Carabeillo and Calahonda beaches, with the best entrance being through stairs that descend from the famous Balcón de Europa, through the Calahonda gap.
To get there, follow the directions on google maps by clicking here.
7. Cañuelo cove in Maro
The Cala del Cañuelo is one of the most hidden beaches outside of Nerja, located on the border between the provinces of Granada and Malaga, in the natural park of Maro, with impressive cliffs.
It’s a wonderful, hidden beach on the outskirts of Nerja, with restricted access for vehicles. Access is through a difficult footpath, so it’s advisable to wear sports shoes.
It’s a very clean beach with crystal clear water, due to the low influx of people, well known for its underwater caves. Perfect for snorkeling or diving.
Like Cala del Pino, it’s a semi-nudist beach where clothing is optional.
This beach has a summer bus service that facilitates access, especially for families with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. Additionally, it has amenities such as showers, cleaning services, and a beach bar where we can eat.
How to get to Cala del Cañuelo?
To get to Cala del Cañuelo, you can take the N-340 road towards Almuñécar from Nerja. Then, after passing Cantarriján Beach, you should continue for approximately 3 km until you find a sign indicating the entrance to Cala del Cañuelo. From there, you can park in the designated parking area and walk about 15-20 minutes down a trail that descends to the beach.
To get there, follow the directions on google maps by clicking here.
8. Molino de Papel Beach
The Molino de Papel Beach is a rocky beach with cliffs and isolated in the protected area of the cliffs of Maro, located between the mouth of the La Miel River and the Los Colmenarejos stream, in a practically virgin area. Its name comes from an old mill located next to the coast where paper was made.
This beach is one of the most beautiful natural spaces in the area. Its name is due to an old paper factory that existed and was popularly known as El Molino de Papel, of which its ruins are still preserved today. Near these ruins, the Torre del Río Miel is located, which was built in the 18th century for surveillance and defense purposes.
It is a beach with dark sand and crystal clear waters.
Access to the beach is difficult, as it requires walking down a steep slope, so wearing sports shoes is recommended.
The level of occupancy is very low, and the tourists who usually come are mostly national.
There are no restaurants, so we must bring our own food.
How to get to Molino del Papel Beach?
To get to Playa Molino del Papel, you need to take the N-340 road towards Almuñécar from Nerja. After passing Playa de Cantarriján, continue for about 4 kilometers until you reach a small parking area located next to the road. From there, you can access the beach by walking along a steep dirt path that leads to the beach in about 10-15 minutes.
To get there, follow the directions on google maps by clicking here.
9. Cabopino-Dunas de Artola beach in Marbella
Cabopino Beach, also known as Artola Beach, is one of the wildest coastal regions in Malaga, located in Marbella. It borders the Cabopino port and is home to the Artola Dunes, which are composed of fine white sand and delicate native vegetation such as sea daffodils or junipers, in other words, a place of freedom.
Although it’s not one of the most hidden beaches, it offers a wonderful natural setting. It has a nudist area, making it very popular among the gay community.
In addition, on this beach, you can also enjoy visiting historical monuments such as the Torre Ladrones, a defensive tower of Roman origin declared a Cultural Interest Property (BIC).
It has a length of more than 1 km and a width of about 25 meters, with calm and shallow waters.
It has restaurants, bars, and beach bars, umbrellas and loungers, showers, and toilets. It also offers water activities such as paddleboats, boats, and jet skis. It is an ideal beach for families with children.
How to get to Cabopino Beach?
To get to Cabopino Beach, you can take the A-7 motorway towards Marbella and take the Cabopino exit. From there, you will need to follow the signs to the beach, which is located just a short distance from the Cabopino Marina. Alternatively, you can take the bus or a taxi from Marbella or other nearby towns.
To get there, follow the directions on google maps by clicking here.
