Cala del Cañuelo

Cala del Cañuelo, also known as Playa del Cañuelo, is the last beach in the municipality of Malaga, located in the town of Nerja. It is situated in the natural area of Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo, a place celebrated for its dramatic and beautiful cliffs. The beach is secluded, offering a tranquil, rustic environment that is far removed from commercialized areas. This sense of seclusion, combined with the beach's natural beauty, gives it the feel of a secret paradise.

The beach is characterized by its sandy and gravelly shores, surrounded by cliffs and warmed by a favorable climate. Its waters are crystal clear, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving. Here, visitors can explore the diverse marine life, including the opportunity to spot orange coral, a species classified as vulnerable. Despite its remote location, Cala del Cañuelo can get quite crowded, particularly towards the end of August. Nevertheless, the atmosphere remains peaceful and relaxing, making it a favored spot to unwind even in winter.

Cala del Cañuelo offers several amenities for visitors. There are two bars on the beach, and beds and parasols are available for rent, enhancing the comfort of the beach experience. Visitors should, however, be aware of potential jellyfish in the water and the occasional presence of wild pigs in the area.

The beach is located 13 kilometers east of Nerja and is well signposted. However, due to its protected status, it is not accessible by car. Visitors are required to park their car at the top of the cliff. From there, during the high season, a low-cost shuttle bus service provided by the Junta de Andalucía and Medio Ambiente is available to take visitors down to the beach and back up. Outside of high season, visitors can access the beach on foot via a steep path, which takes approximately 30 minutes and offers scenic views of the surrounding cliffs. Alternatively, visitors can reach the beach by taking the new highway towards Almería, exiting at La Herradura, and then following the road towards the coast and taking the N-340 towards Malaga.