Mirador de La Torrecilla

Viewpoint over Torrecilla and El Chucho beaches, next to the ruins of an old watchtower: sunsets, a relaxed atmosphere and free parking nearby.

Directions

Mirador de la Torrecilla sits on the small rocky headland that separates Torrecilla beach from El Chucho beach, at the end of the Torrecilla promenade on the west side of Nerja. It is about 900 metres from the Balcón de Europa, around a 12-minute walk, and is rated 4.6 on Google.

What you see. On one side, Torrecilla beach and Nerja's seafront; on the other, El Chucho and the western coast, with the cliffs running on towards Torrox and Málaga. Next to the viewpoint stand the remains of the Torrecilla watchtower, which gives its name to the area and the beach.

When to go. It is one of the best places in town to watch the sunset, especially in winter, when the sun sets further out over the sea. It is far quieter than the Balcón: locals often fish from the rocks and, early in the morning, surfski paddlers launch from here. There are benches but very little shade, so in summer go early or late in the afternoon.

Visiting. It is a public space, free and open at any time. Combine it with a swim at Torrecilla or El Chucho, both Blue Flag beaches in 2026, and a stroll back to the centre along the seafront.

Services & facilities

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Video

2 videos

Mirador de La Torrecilla — video 1

History

The Torrecilla tower was one of the watchtowers that guarded the Nerja coast. It kept watch over the mouth of the Chíllar river, the farmland and El Playazo beach, then used as an anchorage, and warned neighbouring towers with smoke and fire signals when enemy ships approached.

1497
Its origins are medieval: it was part of the coastal watch network of the Nasrid kingdom, and it already appears in the Catholic Monarchs' instructions for guarding the coast of 1497 and 1501. In the 16th century the tower also protected the workers of the sugar mills on the plain.
Old photo of Torrecilla beach and tower, Nerja
1773
By the 18th century the original tower was cracked and a new one was built, finished around 1773, with a horseshoe-shaped plan and a small battery for two cannons, a common design on the Málaga coast at the time. It was destroyed in 1812, during the Peninsular War, the same year Nerja's Castillo Bajo disappeared.
Today only its ruined masonry and brick remains survive, next to the viewpoint. It is the only watchtower inside Nerja's town; the others, such as Torre de Maro, stand on the cliff coast.

Where to park

The two nearest car parks are free and about 300 metres away: the Avenida del Mediterráneo car park (Torrecilla beach), with around 60 spaces, and the Almirante Carranza car park, with around 45.

In summer and at weekends they fill up early. As an alternative, the Giner de los Ríos car park, also free with around 130 spaces, is about 800 metres away.

How to get to Mirador de La Torrecilla

On foot from the centre: from the Balcón de Europa, about 900 metres west along Calle Castilla Pérez to Torrecilla beach, then along the promenade to the end, where the viewpoint is. About 12 minutes, all on the flat.

From the beaches: the viewpoint links the Torrecilla promenade with El Chucho beach, so it is a couple of minutes from either.

By car: along Avenida del Mediterráneo towards Torrecilla. You can't drive right up to the viewpoint; the easiest option is one of the free car parks in the area (see "Where to park") and a 3-4 minute walk.

Access is free and open at all times.

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Review profile

Summary of the 81 most recent Google reviews (May 2018 – July 2026). These are visitors' opinions, analysed by EsNerja.

According to 81 recent reviews on Google (81): most mentioned: spectacular coastal and sea views · beautiful at sunset and sunrise · peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere · easy walk from the promenade.

Months with the best average rating

January, October, December

Based on review dates; not a forecast.

Frequently asked questions

On the rocky headland between Torrecilla beach and El Chucho beach, at the end of the Torrecilla promenade on the west side of Nerja. It is about 900 metres from the Balcón de Europa, around a 12-minute walk.

A former coastal watchtower. Its origins are medieval (part of the Nasrid watch network, mentioned by the Catholic Monarchs in 1497 and 1501); it was rebuilt in the 18th century, around 1773, with a horseshoe plan and a battery for two cannons, and destroyed in 1812, during the Peninsular War. Its ruins stand next to the viewpoint.

There are two free car parks about 300 metres away: Avenida del Mediterráneo (around 60 spaces) and Almirante Carranza (around 45). In summer they fill up early; Giner de los Ríos, also free, is about 800 metres away.

Yes. Being on the west side of town and looking along the western coast, it is one of the best sunset spots in Nerja, especially in winter, when the sun sets further out over the sea.

It is a public space by the seafront: free and open at any time.

Very little. There are benches, but at midday in summer it is in full sun: better to go early or late in the afternoon and bring water.

Torrecilla beach, with a promenade, restaurants and facilities, and the smaller El Chucho beach. Both are Blue Flag beaches in 2026.

You don't have to choose: they are 12 minutes apart along the coast. The Balcón de Europa is the most famous and busiest viewpoint, right in the centre; La Torrecilla is quieter, with locals fishing from the rocks and better sunsets.