Every summer hundred and thousands of visitors flock to the Malaga coast. Although it may not be paradise everywhere, many of the beaches between Nerja and Manilva are exceptionally romantic. Between the steep cliffs and the magical sand dunes, the Malaga coast has plenty of coves for summer romance.
The bar is set very high at the eastern end of the coast with the coves at the foot the Maro and Cerro Gordo cliffs belonging to Nerja although a part of these are over the provincial boundary in the Almuñecar municipality. This is the only natural coastal beauty spot in the Malaga province and comprises a 12 kilometre long coastal fringe that covers more than 1.800 hectares. The steep cliffs are the spurs of the Sierra de Almijara range and the rocks eroded into curious shapes have formed these coves of crystal-clear waters.
From Cerro Gordo, bordering the Granada province to the village of Maro there are half a dozen coves that can be visited at any time of the year although the majority do have restricted private vehicle access during the high season. Then they can be reached by a shuttle transport from the car park above, down to the sands.
Continuing along the old N340 highway from Maro we will discover more uncrowded coves and unsullied waters and the remains of the medieval beacons built by both Christians and Muslims, like Torre de Maro, Torre del Rio or Torre de la Miel.
There are many paths some more difficult than others along the coastal fringe that lead down to these coves and beaches but the Cañuelo cove is probably the easiest to visit. The whole area is considered of great biological importance and beauty. It is a perfect place to relax away from the built-up coastline of the Costa del Sol.
The steep cliffs of the Axarquia coast are a complete contrast to the landscape of the western Costa del Sol. To the east of Marbella itself the Cabopino beach, on the border with Mijas, the Artola sand dunes are to be found. This is a quiet area, a part of which is reserved for nudists, where over time, the northeasterly winds and sea currents have deposited the sand that creates an extraordinary system of dunes, unique on the Malaga coast.
In this area we can also visit one of the highest watch-towers on the Malaga coast, Torre de los Ladrones,and stroll along the plank pathway to admire this unusual monument and watch the spectacular sunsets of the Costa del Sol.
There are more romantic beaches to be found at Peñón del Cuervo, Cala de Mijas or the Torre de la Sal de Casares tower.
