Carabeillo Beach
A 70-metre cove joined to Burriana, below the Mirador del Bendito: reached by steps, with showers and some of the best snorkelling in the town centre.
Carabeillo Beach (Playa Carabeillo, also spelt Carabeíllo) is a 70-metre cove right at the western end of Burriana Beach, just below the Mirador del Bendito viewpoint at the end of Calle Carabeo. It is only about 500 metres (a 7-minute walk) from the Balcón de Europa, but it sits at the foot of the cliffs among rocks and greenery, so it feels far more secluded than it is.
Getting down to the beach
A short but steep flight of steps leads down from beside the Mirador del Bendito, winding between gardens and large boulders. From the top you can see whether there is space before you go down. You can also walk along the sand from Burriana, as the two beaches are joined; the stretch of promenade between them has been closed since the storms of February 2026. It is not accessible for wheelchairs and is awkward with a pushchair.
Facilities
There are showers (one right on the steps), foot taps and bins. There are no public toilets, sunloungers or beach bar: for lunch or a sunlounger, Burriana's beach bars are a 5-minute walk along the shore. Lifeguards are on duty during the bathing season, June to September. Dogs are not allowed.
What it is like
The shore is dark sand and fine pebbles that get very hot at midday, so water shoes help. The rocks at either end and old rockfalls from the cliff shelter it from the wind, and just offshore there is a seagrass meadow it shares with Burriana, full of fish: it is one of the best coves in the town centre for snorkelling. It is very small and in July and August it fills up early (people are already there by 9 am). In the afternoon the cliff takes the sun earlier than at Burriana, around 7 pm in early summer.
To the west are Carabeo and El Chorrillo. The old Carabineros path, which ran along the foot of the cliffs to Calahonda, has been closed since 2003 because of rockfalls: do not use it. Compare all the coves in our guide to Nerja's beaches.
This beach is listed in
Video
6 videosCarabeillo Beach — video 1
Beach information
Beach fact sheet
Jellyfish today
Today, 31/10/2026, the jellyfish risk is no risk. The water is at 20°C.
No recent sightings recorded at Carabeillo Beach.
No swimmer has reported jellyfish here in recent days. In these conditions swimming is usually calm, though it is always wise to stay alert.
If a jellyfish stings you
- Get out of the water and go to the nearest lifeguard post.
- Rinse the area with sea water (never fresh water) and remove any remains without rubbing.
- If there is no lifeguard, call 112 or Nerja Civil Protection.
Weather
Expected crowds
Tides
In the Mediterranean the tide is very small: today the difference between high and low tide is only about 41 cm, so it barely affects swimming.
Slightly larger variation than usual for the Mediterranean. Check the low-tide times for more beach space.
Water sports & activities
This beach has no water-sports service, but you can enjoy them very close by. We show you the nearest beaches where you can book them.
Kayak
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (0.4 km), Playa El Playazo (2.2 km), Playa de Maro (3.2 km)
View
Paddleboarding (SUP)
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (0.4 km), Playa El Playazo (2.2 km), Playa de Maro (3.2 km)
View
Snorkelling
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (0.4 km)
View
Jet skis
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (0.4 km)
View
Parasailing
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (0.4 km)
View
Boat trips
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (0.4 km)
ViewBest time to visit
The swimming season runs from June to October. The best months to enjoy the beach with good weather and fewer people are May, June, September and October.
Where to park
The nearest is the Carabeo car park, open-air, open 24 hours and paid (about €1.80 an hour), some 300 metres from the steps (4 minutes). It is large and usually has space even in summer. Other options: the underground, paid Burriana municipal car park, about 600 metres away, and the free car park on the road down to Burriana, about 900 metres (12 minutes), which fills up early in summer.
How to get to Carabeillo Beach
By car: the centre has narrow streets and little parking; leave the car at the Carabeo car park or at Burriana (see «Where to park») and walk down.
Note: the old Carabineros path along the foot of the cliffs to Calahonda has been closed since 2003 because of rockfalls.
Plan your route here: enter your starting point and choose how you want to travel.
Already on your way? Open GPS navigation:
Review profile
Summary of the 701 most recent Google reviews (October 2018 – August 2026). These are visitors' opinions, analysed by EsNerja.
According to 701 recent reviews on Google (701): most mentioned: pretty cove with scenic views · clear water for swimming · sheltered from the wind · duchas and toilets available.
Last 12 months
4.3 (35) vs 4.6 (50) the year before
The rating is slipping.
Months with the best average rating
March, April, October
Based on review dates; not a forecast.
Frequently asked questions
In the centre of Nerja, at the end of Calle Carabeo, right below the Mirador del Bendito and joined to the western end of Burriana Beach. It is about 500 metres from the Balcón de Europa.
By a short, steep flight of steps beside the Mirador del Bendito, or along the sand from Burriana (the promenade between the two beaches has been closed since February 2026). There is no wheelchair access.
At the Carabeo car park (paid, about €1.80 an hour), a 4-minute walk away. For free parking, the car park on the road down to Burriana, about 12 minutes away, which fills up early in summer.
Showers, foot taps and bins. There are no public toilets, sunloungers or beach bar: Burriana's are a 5-minute walk along the shore.
Yes, during the bathing season, June to September. Outside those months there is no lifeguard.
Yes, it is one of the best coves in the town centre: the water is usually clear, the rocks at either end break the currents and there is a seagrass meadow full of fish just offshore. Bring water shoes, as the shore is pebbly.
Dark sand and fine pebbles, which get very hot at midday. Water shoes help when getting into the sea.
In July and August, yes: it is tiny (about 70 metres) and people are already there by 9 am. Out of season and late in the afternoon it is much quieter.
No. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, except assistance dogs.
No. The old Carabineros path along the foot of the cliffs between Carabeillo and Calahonda has been closed since 2003 because of rockfalls. To get to Calahonda, go up to Calle Carabeo and down from the Balcón de Europa.
What's nearby
Carabeo Beach
Toilets · Showers · Kiosk · No pets
El Chorrillo Beach
Burriana Beach
Wheelchair access · Kayak hire · Toilets · Showers
Calahonda Beach
Toilets · Showers · No pets · Litter bins
La Caletilla Beach
No pets · No traffic · Parking · No camping
El Salón Beach
Toilets · Showers · Kiosk · No pets
Keep exploring
Carabeillo Beach
Nerja BeachesWhat visitors say
85 mentions in reviews