El Cañuelo Beach — Secluded Cove in the Maro Cliffs
Hidden within the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park, Playa El Cañuelo is one of the most unspoilt and beautiful coves on the entire Costa del Sol.
El Cañuelo Beach (Playa del Cañuelo) is one of the most spectacular and best-preserved coves near Nerja. Nestled within the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park, on the border between Málaga and Granada provinces, it offers an almost untouched stretch of coastline with strikingly clear water and a wild, natural atmosphere.
What to Expect
The beach is a small, sheltered cove backed by steep, vegetated cliffs. The sand is coarse and mixed with pebbles, and the water is a vivid turquoise — superb for snorkelling. Because access requires a walk, it never feels as crowded as the more accessible beaches, even in high summer.
Getting There
Turn off the N-340 at the sign for Cantarriján/Cañuelo (just before the Málaga-Granada provincial boundary). A shuttle minibus runs from the car park to the beach during summer; outside peak season you walk down a steep path (15–20 minutes, sturdy shoes recommended). Parking is limited — arrive early.
Facilities
- A basic chiringuito operates in summer.
- No sunbed hire or showers.
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection — shade is limited.
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Video
1 videoEl Cañuelo Beach — Secluded Cove in the Maro Cliffs — video 1
Beach information
Jellyfish today
Today, 18/10/2026, the jellyfish risk is no risk. The water is at 22.6°C.
No recent sightings recorded at El Cañuelo Beach — Secluded Cove in the Maro Cliffs.
No swimmer has reported jellyfish here in recent days. In these conditions swimming is usually calm, though it is always wise to stay alert.
If a jellyfish stings you
- Get out of the water and go to the nearest lifeguard post.
- Rinse the area with sea water (never fresh water) and remove any remains without rubbing.
- If there is no lifeguard, call 112 or Nerja Civil Protection.
Weather
Expected crowds
Tides
In the Mediterranean the tide is very small: today the difference between high and low tide is only about 24 cm, so it barely affects swimming.
Very gentle swing: you will barely notice any change in the water level. Safe swimming at any time.
Water sports & activities
This beach has no water-sports service, but you can enjoy them very close by. We show you the nearest beaches where you can book them.
Kayak
Nearest: Playa de Maro (4.8 km), Playa de Burriana (7.5 km), Playa El Playazo (10 km)
View
Paddleboarding (SUP)
Nearest: Playa de Maro (4.8 km), Playa de Burriana (7.5 km), Playa El Playazo (10 km)
View
Snorkelling
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (7.5 km)
View
Jet skis
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (7.5 km)
View
Parasailing
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (7.5 km)
View
Boat trips
Nearest: Playa de Burriana (7.5 km)
ViewBest time to visit
The swimming season runs from June to October. The best months to enjoy the beach with good weather and fewer people are May, June, September and October.
Where to park
Playa del Cañuelo has a large area of free parking next to the N340. We recommend arriving early if you do not want to have to park on the main road.
IN THE SUMMER MONTHS, A BUS SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BETWEEN THE CAR PARK AND THE BEACH.
How to get to El Cañuelo Beach — Secluded Cove in the Maro Cliffs
https://youtu.be/T1KtC4C3CJM?si=XFT6O58jZQqjuVPB
Access to Playa del Cañuelo must be via the available bus service or by walking along the path.
You can reach Playa del Cañuelo from different locations:
- From Nerja: Drive along the N340 road towards Almería. When you reach the roundabout at the Cuevas de Nerja, take the second exit and pass through Maro. Continue for 5 minutes until you see a sign with the number 302 and a bikers' bar on your left.
- From Málaga: To get to Cañuelo from Málaga, take the A-7 motorway eastbound. Take exit 295 (Nerja) from the A-7 and continue to the roundabout, then take the N340 towards Almería. Continue for 5 minutes until you find your destination on the right.
- From Granada: Drive south on the A-44 motorway and take exit 183 to join the E-15 / A-7 towards Salobreña / Málaga. Then take exit 305 towards the N-340 / La Herradura. Once you have gone through a tunnel, continue driving for 3 minutes until you find sign #303. Keep driving until you reach the roundabout, where you should take the 3rd exit and continue to the parking area.
Playa del Cañuelo Bus Timetable
Playa el cañuelo bus timetable
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