Burriana Beach
Nerja, Costa del Sol, Spain
Nerja's finest beach — below the Balcón de Europa, with clear Mediterranean water, excellent restaurants, and a relaxed Andalusian atmosphere.
Nerja, Costa del Sol, Spain
Nerja's finest beach — below the Balcón de Europa, with clear Mediterranean water, excellent restaurants, and a relaxed Andalusian atmosphere.
Location
Nerja, Málaga Province
Best For
Families, Snorkeling
Water Temp
17–24°C (summer)
Crowds
Moderate–Busy in summer
Parking
Car parks above beach
Facilities
Full, Restaurants, Sun Beds
Burriana Beach is the jewel of Nerja's coastline — the largest and most complete of the town's beaches, nestled in a cliff-sheltered bay below the famous Balcón de Europa viewpoint. The beach stretches around 500 metres with a mix of fine dark sand and gravel, and the water is clear and warm — particularly around the rocky headlands at either end where snorkeling is excellent.
A row of legendary Chiringuito restaurants lines the back of the beach, serving fresh grilled fish, paella, and cold drinks with Mediterranean views. Burriana has a relaxed, genuinely Andalusian atmosphere that other Costa del Sol beaches often lack — Nerja is one of the few towns in the region that has successfully retained its character rather than being absorbed into generic resort development.
The famous Nerja Caves — a spectacular prehistoric site with the world's largest known stalactite — are just 4km from the beach and are an excellent complementary half-day excursion. The walk down from Nerja's old town to Burriana takes about 20 minutes through narrow white-washed streets, or you can take local transport.
The beach itself is accessible but the approach from Nerja town involves steps and hill descents. A road runs to car parks at beach level. The sand and gravel surface can be tricky for wheelchairs; the promenade walkway is smoother.
Nerja is on the N-340 coast road, 55km east of Málaga. There is a regular bus service from Málaga bus station (Alsa, ~70 min). From Nerja town centre, take the road leading down towards Burriana — car parks are signed.