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The famous Balcon de Europa is a highlight of any visit to Nerja, with its magnificent views and arguably the best panorama of anywhere in the Costa Del Sol. Looking to the south towards Africa there is just sea and sky, changing according to the time of day, the season of the year, the weather. To the east you can see the rocky coast stretching away past Maro and beyond, with the hills and mountains of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park forming the backdrop. To the west you can see the Torrox lighthouse and the coastline stretching off towards Malaga. In early morning or in the evening as the sun is setting the Balcon de Europa is a special place to be. 

The attractive palm tree lined promenade from the sea end of the Balcon to the square, offers benches where you can people-watch or eat an ice cream from one of the stalls along the way.

Once in the square at the end of the Balcon you can visit the Church of El Salvador (La Iglesia del Salvador). This pretty whitewashed building is worth a visit, particularly to see the frescoes and murals. It was completed in 1697 and enlarged to its current size in the late 18th century.

From the square you can access two of Nerja’s beaches. Calahonda beach which is accessible through an archway just to the right as you leave the Balcon, and El Salon beach which is down the path behind the huge conifer tree that grows in the square.

A Brief History of the Balcon de Europa

A ninth century Arab fort was the first construction that occupied the place that is now known as the Balcon de Europa. Following the expulsion of the Moors in the late 15th century a new fortified tower was built in the same location and this existed until 1810 when the defences of Nerja were destroyed by the British navy. In 1884 Nerja and the surrounding area were struck by a massive earthquake, which caused huge destruction.

King Alfonso XII visited the stricken area in January 1885 and tradition says that he when he arrived at the end of the promontory he declared ‘this is the Balcony of Europe’. Although this name had already been coined it would be churlish to spoil a good story.

Where To Go From The Balcon

There are shops bars and restaurants in every direction. Our Old Town Tapas trail lists a few of the best Tapas Bars nearby.

Plaza Cavana behind the church is surrounded by more bars and restaurants and you can continue on through the Plaza towards the Torrecilla beach area.

Alternatively you can walk down Calle Carabeo towards the Burriana Beach end of town. Go down the steps at the very end of Carabeo and you are on Burriana Beach.