La Caletilla Beach
The smallest cove in the centre: 50 metres of sand below the western side of the Balcón de Europa, between Calahonda and El Salón, with sunloungers in summer.
La Caletilla Beach (Playa La Caletilla) is the smallest cove in the centre of Nerja: about 50 metres of sand right below the western side of the Balcón de Europa, in front of the Hotel Balcón de Europa. It sits between Calahonda and El Salón, joined to both by a path at the foot of the cliff, and seen from above, from the Balcón and the Chanquete statue viewpoint, it is one of the most photographed views in town.
Getting down to the beach
There are two ways down, both on foot and with steps. From the Balcón, through the Boquete de Calahonda, the archway to the left of the arches as you face the sea: you zigzag down and walk round the foot of the Balcón to the cove. Or along Calle Salón, opposite the town hall and El Salvador church, to the Chanquete viewpoint, and from there down the steps on the left. It is not accessible for wheelchairs.
Facilities
In summer you can hire parasols and sunloungers, and right on the beach is El Náutico, the hotel's restaurant. For everything else (lifeguard, showers and toilets in season) Calahonda and El Salón are a couple of minutes away along the path. Dogs are not allowed. Although many people think so because of the hotel, it is a public beach.
What it is like
It is an enclosed cove with calm, clear water, but it gets deep quickly: a few metres from the shore you are out of your depth. Its size depends a lot on the tide and the waves: at high tide or in rough weather it can be almost covered, so on those days El Salón or Calahonda are better. Because it is so small, it fills up early in summer.
To the east, past the Balcón, is Calahonda and, along the coast, El Chorrillo and Carabeo; to the west, El Salón. Compare them in our guide to Nerja's beaches.
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1 videoLa Caletilla 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 La Caletilla 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 (1 km), Playa El Playazo (1.7 km), Playa de Maro (3.7 km)
View
Paddleboarding (SUP)
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (1 km), Playa El Playazo (1.7 km), Playa de Maro (3.7 km)
View
Snorkelling
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (1 km)
View
Jet skis
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (1 km)
View
Parasailing
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (1 km)
View
Boat trips
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (1 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
How to get to La Caletilla Beach
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Review profile
Summary of the 148 most recent Google reviews (November 2018 – August 2026). These are visitors' opinions, analysed by EsNerja.
According to 148 recent reviews on Google (148): most mentioned: beautiful, scenic setting · clear water for swimming · easy central access · good facilities and lifeguards.
Months with the best average rating
April, July, September
Based on review dates; not a forecast.
Frequently asked questions
Right below the western side of the Balcón de Europa, in front of the Hotel Balcón de Europa, between Calahonda and El Salón beaches.
Through the Boquete de Calahonda on the Balcón de Europa, walking round the Balcón on the path below; or along Calle Salón to the Chanquete viewpoint and down the steps on the left. Both ways have steps.
About 50 metres long and 15 to 30 metres wide, depending on the tide. At high tide or in rough weather it can be almost covered.
No. It is in front of the Hotel Balcón de Europa, which has direct access, but it is a public beach like all the beaches in Nerja.
No. In 2026 the Blue Flag beaches in Nerja are Burriana, La Torrecilla, El Playazo-El Chucho and Maro.
The water is usually calm, but it gets deep quickly and the beach is tiny. With small children, El Salón, next door, is easier, with a lifeguard and more space.
At the Plaza de España car park (paid), a 4-minute walk away, or for free at the Giner de los Ríos car park, about 6 minutes away.
No. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, except assistance dogs.
What's nearby
El Salón Beach
Toilets · Showers · Kiosk · No pets
Calahonda Beach
Toilets · Showers · No pets · Litter bins
El Chorrillo Beach
Carabeo Beach
Toilets · Showers · Kiosk · No pets
Carabeillo Beach
Showers · No pets · Litter bins · Parking
La Torrecilla Beach
Keep exploring
La Caletilla Beach
Nerja BeachesWhat visitors say
31 mentions in reviews