Playa de Maro & the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo

A few minutes from Nerja, Playa de Maro is a small, coarse-sand cove tucked beneath the cliffs, with clear, transparent water that ranks among the best on this coast for snorkelling and diving. It sits inside the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo, a protected coastal reserve of hidden coves, sea caves, Posidonia meadows and a 16th-century watchtower. The cove is the launch point for guided kayak and snorkel trips that trace the cliffs to sea caves and the Maro waterfall — a freshwater cascade that drops straight into the sea. The beach itself is free; kayak rental from the cove runs from around €8 per hour through local operators. In summer there are lifeguards, plus a small shop, a chiringuito beach bar, toilets and showers, with parking at the top of the access track.

WHAT HAPPENS

The shape of it

A cove under the cliffs

A small, coarse-sand cove tucked beneath the Maro cliffs, with clear, transparent water that's among the best on this coast for snorkelling and diving.

A protected natural coast

The beach sits inside the Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs, a protected coastal reserve of hidden coves, sea caves, Posidonia meadows and a 16th-century watchtower.

Kayak & snorkel routes

The cove is the launch point for guided kayak and snorkel trips along the cliffs to sea caves and the Maro waterfall, a freshwater cascade that drops straight into the sea.

FROM THE FLOOR

What you're walking into

SCHEDULE

When to go

Year-round

GOOD TO KNOW

Before you go

The beach is free; kayak rental from the cove runs from around €8 per hour through local operators.

There are lifeguards in summer plus a small shop, a chiringuito beach bar, toilets and showers, with parking at the top of the access track.