Maro Beach
Crystal-clear Blue Flag cove below Maro, with the waterfall 500 m away by kayak. In summer you go down by shuttle (€3, cash) or on foot from the village.
Maro Beach (Playa de Maro) is a cove of about 500 metres below the village of Maro, some 4 km from the centre of Nerja, tucked between green-clad cliffs at the start of the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs. The water is among the clearest in Nerja and 500 metres away, round the cliff, the Maro waterfall drops into the sea: that is why it is the shortest starting point for kayaking there. It has a Blue Flag in 2026.
Getting down: the summer shuttle
From 12 June to 15 September (2026 season) you cannot drive down: a barrier closes the road and you leave the car up in Maro and walk down or take the town council's shuttle bus, which runs daily from 10 am to 8.30 pm and costs €3 return, cash only. On foot it is about 15-20 minutes down a steep concrete road, and the way back is uphill. The rest of the year you can drive down, but there are only a few spaces at the bottom and cars parked on the yellow line are fined.
Facilities
On the sand there is one beach bar, Chiringuito Playa Maro, with sandwiches, sardines and sharing plates (it opens around noon and there are queues in summer), sunlounger and parasol hire (about €6 per person per day in 2026, cash only), showers and public toilets, and a lifeguard in season. You can also hire kayaks (about €15 an hour), canoes and paddleboards, and guided kayak and paddleboard trips leave from here; when there are waves or a red flag, hire stops. There are no shops: bring water and something to eat. Dogs are not allowed.
What it is like
The shore is coarse, dark sand with pebbles, and under the water there are stones and rocks, some sharp: water shoes are almost a must. In return, the water is very clear, with fish and even octopus around the rocks: it is one of the best beaches in Nerja for snorkelling. Being sheltered, it is usually calmer and warmer than the open beaches, although some days there is seaweed. In July and August it fills up; on weekdays, early in the morning and out of season it is a different beach. It is not accessible for people with reduced mobility: the way down is about 300 metres of steep slope.
Mind the cliff: on 27 July 2025 a stretch of about 30 metres of cliff collapsed between the beach and the waterfall. Do not stay under the cliff walls or try to reach the waterfall over the rocks. Next to Maro Beach are La Caleta de Maro and Barranco de Maro cove; all the coves in the area are in our guide to Maro beaches.
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Beach information
Beach fact sheet
Blue Flag 2026Jellyfish today
Today, 31/10/2026, the jellyfish risk is no risk. The water is at 20°C.
No recent sightings recorded at Maro 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
Activities you can do at this beach. Suitability is a rough guide based on today’s sea state: Calm sea (0.2 m), period 3s, wind 9 km/h (gusts 16). Tap any activity to see booking options.
Best 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 Maro Beach
By bus: ALSA buses between Nerja and Maro take about 10 minutes; from the stop, walk down or take the shuttle.
Walking from Burriana: along the Burriana to Maro walk.
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 703 most recent Google reviews (June 2023 – August 2026). These are visitors' opinions, analysed by EsNerja.
According to 703 recent reviews on Google (703): most mentioned: crystal-clear water · beautiful natural scenery · good for kayaking and snorkelling · useful beach facilities.
Last 12 months
4.3 (152) vs 4.0 (231) the year before
The rating is rising.
Months with the best average rating
February, March, December
Based on review dates; not a forecast.
Frequently asked questions
Not in summer: from 12 June to 15 September a barrier closes the road and you go down by shuttle or on foot. The rest of the year you can, but there are very few spaces at the bottom and cars on the yellow line are fined.
In 2026, €3 per person, return, cash only. It runs daily from 10 am to 8.30 pm, from 12 June to 15 September.
At the new Maro car park, at the entrance to the village (100 spaces, free), or at the Maro square car park. From there, shuttle or a 15-20 minute walk.
About 15-20 minutes down a steep concrete road; the way back, uphill, takes longer.
A beach bar, sunloungers and parasols (about €6 per person), showers, public toilets and a lifeguard in season, plus kayak, canoe and paddleboard hire. Bring cash: the shuttle and the sunloungers do not take cards.
By kayak or paddleboard: it is about 500 metres west round the cliff, 10-15 minutes' paddling. You can hire them on the beach (about €15 an hour) or join a guided trip. Do not go over the rocks: the cliff collapsed in July 2025. More on the Maro waterfall page.
Coarse, dark sand with pebbles, and under the water there are stones and sharp rocks. Bring water shoes.
Yes, one of the best in Nerja: the water is very clear and there are fish and octopus around the rocks. Some days there is seaweed.
Yes, Maro Beach has a Blue Flag in 2026.
No. From the stop or the car park you have to go down about 300 metres of steep slope, and the shore is pebbly. For step-free access, Burriana or La Torrecilla are better.
In July and August, yes, and there is a queue at the beach bar. On weekdays, early in the morning and out of season it is much quieter.
No. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, except assistance dogs.
What's nearby
La Caleta de Maro Beach
No pets · No traffic · Nudist beach · No camping
Barranco de Maro Cove
No pets · No camping · No facilities
Molino de Papel Beach
No pets · Nudist beach · No camping · No facilities
Piedra de Tarzán Cove
No pets · No camping · No facilities
Las Alberquillas Beach
No pets · Nudist beach · No camping · No facilities
Burriana Beach
Wheelchair access · Kayak hire · Toilets · Showers
Keep exploring
Maro Beach
Maro BeachesWhat visitors say
223 mentions in reviews