Beach

The eastern coast of Málaga is a less of a tourist area than the western coast.

From Deseo, Torre del Mar is the nearest beach resort and is about a 45 minute drive. It offers stretches of sandy beaches, a promenade with palms and gardens and numerous shops, restaurants, pubs and terraces. One of the nicest aspects of Torre del Mar is, that in spite of tourism, it retains its Spanish character. Particularly on Sundays and public holidays still entire Spanish families can be seen barbecuing and enjoying beach life. You can park your car, usually free of charge, near the beachside.

In Nerja and beyond you’ll find beautiful bays, formed in the Sierra Almijara. In Nerja itself the stunning views from the 'Balcón de Europe' are well worth seeing. Located on a spot where a castle once stood it offers superb views of the blue Mediterranean sea and Nerja's charming rocky bays. Nerja village has a church in baroque Mudejar style which dates from the 17th century, shops, seafood restaurants as well as many others, and terraces. When visiting the centre or beaches you can park your car in the car park Balcón Europe. From this place it’s just a few minutes walk to the village centre and the beaches.

Three kilometres further eastward (in the direction of Almeria) the caves (cuevas) of Nerja are situated, where skeletons and artifacts have been found which date from the bronze age and can still be seen together with preserved prehistoric wall paintings. The caves are open daily: from 10.00 a.m.  to 2.00 p.m. and from 4.00 to 6.30 p.m. and from mid- June to mid- September to 8.00 p.m. (tel.: +34 95 2529 520). In the month of July a festival takes place with ballet, flamenco music and dancing.

If you continue eastward, you will find Maro. Near this village the remains of the Roman settlement Detunda have been found, as Nerja was called in those days. The village Maro has a church and a sugar factory which dates back to 1800. On the Nerja to Maro road you’ll pass an aquaduct which provided water to the sugar factory in Maro.

Beyond Maro in the direction of Herradura, you’ll pass several protected bays that are worth visiting, although the beaches are not easily accessible. Here you’ll find also nudist beaches. The car can be parked on parking places on the rocks and steep paths lead to the picturesque and, even in high season, quiet beaches. Tip: wear proper shoes to walk down and up the paths. And beware that there are no ‘chirinquitos’ or beach cafes, so it's advisabe to bring your own parasol, food and drinks with you.

Inland to the north of Nerja the village of Frigiliana is situated, also called the pearl of the Axarquia. It is a typical white Andalusian village with Mudejar architecture, nice boutiques, craft shops and narrow climbing streets. From the village and the countless terraces you have a superb view of the surrounding areas and the Mediterranean sea.