Torre de Maro (Watchtower)

The Torre de Maro, also known as Torre de Catalurcos, is a watchtower situated in Maro, in the town of Nerja, Málaga. This tower is part of the coastal defensive system that was established in the Kingdom of Granada during the time of the Catholic Monarchs to protect the

Directions

The Torre de Maro, also known as the Torre de Calaturcos, is a 16th-century watchtower on a platform by the cliff, east of Maro beach, inside the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs Natural Area. It looks out over the coast towards Nerja and the cliffs, and is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Maro.

What the tower is like

It is a truncated-cone tower about 11 metres high and more than 20 metres round, built of rubble masonry. The lower part is solid; the door opens on the south side, about 6 metres off the ground, and above it the machicolation, the defensive balcony that protected the entrance, survives in very good condition. Inside there was a room with a fireplace and stairs up to the roof.

What it was for

It was part of the network of watchtowers guarding the coast of the old Kingdom of Granada against Barbary pirates: from here, smoke signals by day and fire by night were sent to the neighbouring towers, such as Torre del Pino, Torre de la Caleta, Cerro Gordo and Río de la Miel.

How to get there

It is a 10–12-minute walk from the car park on Avenida Larga in Maro, about 500 metres away, along a short path with a descent down the hill. Wear closed shoes. You can see the tower from outside; you cannot climb it.

Video

5 videos

Torre de Maro (Watchtower) — video 1

History

Maro Watchtower was built to reduce the danger faced by the defenceless farmers and fishermen of the area. Pirates found these shores a convenient place to take on water, capture people and get inland, creating a constant threat that helped destabilise an already fragile economy.

Old photo of Maro Tower
Maro Tower, together with other beacon towers within sight of each other, was part of a complex defensive system. The watchmen of these towers warned the other towers and villages of approaching pirate ships with smoke signals by day and fire by night. This alarm system is typical of the Muslim period.
18th c.
There were plenty of occasions to put it to the test. During the 18th century a new situation arose across the Mediterranean, with England and France as the new enemies to watch out for.

Where to park

You can easily park at the start of the trail, on Avenida Larga, about 500 metres from the tower.

Car park at the start of the Maro Tower trail (Nerja)

How to get to Torre de Maro (Watchtower)

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Review profile

Summary of the 247 most recent Google reviews (October 2016 – July 2026). These are visitors' opinions, analysed by EsNerja.

According to 247 recent reviews on Google (247): most mentioned: spectacular views of the coast · short scenic walk to the tower · historic and well-preserved watchtower · peaceful natural surroundings.

Months with the best average rating

January, February, July

Based on review dates; not a forecast.

Frequently asked questions

It takes approximately 10-12 minutes to walk to the Maro watchtower and 5 minutes by bicycle.

The access route to Torre de Maro is easy and short, but it is a little more difficult for people with reduced mobility, as you have to go down a path on the hill. Suitable footwear is recommended.

We recommend visiting at sunset and sunrise.

You can park easily at the start of the route, as there is good parking available.

Yes, the views of the sea and the mountains are spectacular.

Torre de Maro (Watchtower) is at Carr. de Almería, 29787 Maro, Málaga. Phone: 639 25 26 17.

It is open 24 hours a day, every day. These are the hours it lists on Google; they may change on public holidays.

The nearest beach is Maro Beach, 600 m (about a 7-minute walk) away; the Balcón de Europa is 4.2 km away; and nearby you can visit Maro Waterfall (850 m).