Barranco de Maro Cove

You park on a dirt area next to a stone bridge over the ravine, on the old road that leaves the N-340 just before the Maro roundabout (details below, in “How to get there”). Do not follow Google Maps to the end, as it takes you into the greenhouses. From the bridge, a path goes down the dry ravine bed between reed beds; in the last stretch the reeds form a low tunnel and you have to crouch. It is 15-20 minutes down and a bit longer back up. It is not suitable for pushchairs, small children or people with reduced mobility, and avoid it when it rains, as the path runs along the stream bed.

Facilities: none

There is no lifeguard, beach bar, showers, toilets or bins. Bring water, food, shade and water shoes, and take your rubbish back up. The nearest bars are in Maro, 5 minutes by car, such as the Hogar y Centro Social de Maro (closed on Mondays).

What it is like

The shore is pebbles and gravel, with no sand, and getting into the water there are a few metres of stones: water shoes are essential. In return, the water is among the clearest in Nerja and the rocks closing off the cove are great for snorkelling. Lots of kayak trips pass in front on their way to the Maro waterfall, and some days there is seaweed on the shore. When there are waves, there is little room to lie down.

Bear in mind: for years a small group of people has been living in shacks and tents at the cove, and several recent reviews mention piled-up rubbish and visitors who did not feel comfortable. It is better not to go alone, especially late in the day, and not to leave anything valuable in the car, as there have been break-ins at the bridge car park. To the east are La Caleta de Maro and Maro Beach, with more facilities; to the west, Piedra de Tarzán and Burriana Beach. All the coves in the area are in our guide to Maro beaches.