Calahonda Beach Malaga
A picturesque cove in Nerja, Calahonda Beach captivates with its emerald waters and dramatic cliffside setting, accessed via a scenic stairway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Calahonda Beach Malaga
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque cove in Nerja, Calahonda Beach captivates with its emerald waters and dramatic cliffside setting, accessed via a scenic stairway.
"This place is so underrated, a true hidden gem with stunning views!"
🎒 Pack Essentials
Bring water & snacks as there are no cafes. Ice cream hut is cash-only!
👟 Steep Access
Be prepared for stairs/steep paths to reach the beach .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Boquete de Calahonda
Access point from Balcón de Europa
Descend via stairs through this picturesque passage, enjoying stunning viewpoints and a unique cave house .
Emerald Waters
Main beach area
Swim in the clear, albeit cool, emerald waters, perfect for a refreshing dip on a sunny day .
Rocky Coves
Along the shoreline
Explore secluded spots between the rocks for a more private beach experience away from the main crowds .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Amenities
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack Essentials
Bring water & snacks as there are no cafes. Ice cream hut is cash-only!
👟 Steep Access
Be prepared for stairs/steep paths to reach the beach.
🥶 Cold Water Dip
Sea is clear but can be quite cold, even in summer.
💰 Cash for Treats
Ice cream hut only accepts cash payments.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Essentials
Bring water & snacks as there are no cafes. Ice cream hut is cash-only!
👟 Steep Access
Be prepared for stairs/steep paths to reach the beach.
🥶 Cold Water Dip
Sea is clear but can be quite cold, even in summer.
💰 Cash for Treats
Ice cream hut only accepts cash payments.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond
Venture further for quieter spots between the rocks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Calahonda Beach is praised for its picturesque setting between cliffs and its clear, emerald waters, offering a beautiful escape. Visitors appreciate the unique access via the Boquete de Calahonda and the opportunity to find quieter spots. However, some find it can be overcrowded and not always the cleanest, with limited facilities and cold water being common points of note.
"I visited April 2025 so the beach during the week was very quiet and peaceful.
I purchased a sun parasol from a local shop €13 and sat for hours peacefully reading a book listening to the waves crashing the shore. Toilets / showers were available and I found the beach to be clean. The sea water is clear but cold and I braved a swim.
Access to beach is steep and no cafe/bar facilities so take drinking water etc..."
APW 64
"One of the paradise beaches of the Costa Del Sol. Surrounded by cliffs and with paths leading to it and to smaller beaches nearby. Of course, it can be popular, but a bit further you can find a piece of your own beach between the rocks."
Lucca T.
"The water might be good on a perfect day, but we’ve been there on a day after wavy sea, so the water was dirty and the beach was overcrowded. Wouldn’t go back."
Giuseppe Lilliu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Calahonda Beach is located in Nerja, Malaga. Access is often via the 'Boquete de Calahonda' from the Balcón de Europa, involving a descent down stairs or a steep path. Some social media posts mention it's in Mijas, but the most prominent Calahonda Beach is in Nerja.
Parking can be challenging in Nerja's town center. It's best to look for public parking areas and be prepared for a walk to the beach access point.
While direct bus routes to the immediate beach access might be limited, buses to Nerja town center are available. From there, it's a walk to the Balcón de Europa and the beach entrance.
The Senda Litoral Mijas is a coastal path that runs along the Mijas coastline, connecting various beaches. Some content suggests Calahonda in Mijas is part of this scenic walk.
There are multiple beaches named Calahonda along the Costa del Sol. The most visually striking and frequently featured one, with access from the Balcón de Europa, is in Nerja. Another Calahonda is noted in Mijas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Calahonda Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee.
As a public beach, Calahonda Beach is accessible at all hours. However, amenities like toilets may have specific operating times.
Booking is not required for Calahonda Beach. It's a public space, though it can get busy during peak season.
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are typically available for rent on Calahonda Beach during the season.
The most scenic access is via the Boquete de Calahonda, which involves descending stairs and offers viewpoints. Be prepared for a steep walk.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Facilities include toilets and showers. There's also an ice cream hut, but it only accepts cash. No cafes or bars are directly on the beach.
The water is generally clear and inviting for swimming, though it can be quite cold even in summer.
Calahonda Beach is a mix of pebbles and sand, with some areas being cleaner than others.
It can get busy, especially after 1-2 PM during peak season. Weekday mornings are generally much quieter.
You can explore the Balcón de Europa, enjoy nearby restaurants, or discover smaller coves along the coast.+1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no cafes or bars directly on Calahonda Beach itself. However, restaurants are located nearby, particularly around the Balcón de Europa.
Restaurant Puerta del Mar is recommended for fish and seafood with a view of the beach. Other chiringuitos and restaurants are available in Nerja town.
In the Calahonda area (Mijas), options like Lunabeach Calahonda offer beachside dining with live music, and Niche Secret Garden provides a quality culinary experience.
There is an ice cream hut, but it exclusively accepts cash payments.
Fresh seafood and traditional Andalusian dishes are popular. Many restaurants offer tapas and local specialties.
📸 📸 Photography
The access point via the Boquete de Calahonda offers stunning views. The rocky formations and the contrast of the cliffs with the sea are also very photogenic.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, can provide beautiful lighting. Midday offers bright, clear shots of the emerald water.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and restrictions before flying a drone over the beach or coastal areas.
Its unique setting between dramatic cliffs, the vibrant emerald water, and the picturesque access path make it a visually striking location.
Absolutely! The natural beauty of Calahonda Beach is easily captured with a smartphone camera, especially with good lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Boquete de Calahonda access point offers a dramatic perspective.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Calahonda Beach Access
While the primary Calahonda Beach is in Nerja, some content also refers to a Calahonda in Mijas.
+1 If you're visiting the Mijas area, the Senda Litoral Mijas coastal path offers a scenic wooden boardwalk that runs along the sea, providing easy access to its Calahonda beaches. Regardless of the specific location, understanding the access points is key to enjoying your visit.The Calahonda Experience: Beyond the Sand
For those seeking amenities, while there are no direct cafes on the Nerja Calahonda beach, the nearby town center and the Balcón de Europa area provide ample dining options.
Calahonda Beach: A Photographer's Dream
The access point, the Boquete de Calahonda, is particularly photogenic, offering panoramic views and unique architectural elements like the cave house.For the best photographic opportunities, consider visiting during the golden hours – sunrise or sunset – when the light is soft and warm, casting a magical glow over the landscape.
However, even midday sun can produce striking images, highlighting the clarity of the water and the textures of the rocks. Smartphone cameras are more than capable of capturing the beauty of Calahonda, so don't hesitate to snap away and share your travel memories.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit