Torre del Pino Cove

You park up top, in the dirt lay-bys beside the N-340, and walk down a very steep path of earth and rock, with stretches of polished stone that are slippery, especially near the bottom. It takes 10-15 minutes down and a bit longer back up, in full sun. You need trainers (flip-flops are dangerous), a light load and some agility: it is not suitable for small children, older people or people with reduced mobility. It is easy to take a wrong turn, so stick to the main path.

Facilities: none

There is no lifeguard, beach bar, showers, toilets or bins, and no natural shade either. Bring plenty of water, food, a parasol, water shoes and a bag to take your rubbish back up. For food, try the bars in Maro, 10 minutes by car, or, in summer, the beach bars at El Cañuelo, a little further east.

What it is like

The shore is flat pebbles and stones, with rocks getting into the water: bring water shoes. When the sea is calm the water is crystal clear and there are lots of fish among the rocks: it is one of the best coves in Nerja for snorkelling and for paddleboarding. When the wind blows, the waves come in; if you can see waves from the top, it is not worth going down. In the first cove, where the path arrives, there are mostly swimmers in costumes; past the rocks to the right (or swimming round) is the area where people go nude. Everyone usually gets along and it is rarely busy.

Bear in mind: there have been car break-ins in the roadside lay-bys: leave nothing on show. There are wild boar in the area, so keep food packed away. To the west is Las Alberquillas and to the east, El Cañuelo Beach; all the coves in the area are in our guide to Maro beaches.