The Balcón de Europa
The Balcón de Europa
The thing that Nerja is most well-known for, besides its insanely beautiful beaches, is the Balcón de Europa at its center. “Balcón de Europa” translates to “Balcony of Europe”... and oh, what a balcony it is!One of Nerja’s most iconic hotels, the Hotel Balcón de Europa, (and one we highly recommend) sits just at the end of the Balcón, most of its rooms enjoying stunning Mediterranean Sea views.
** Boquete de Calahonda - Balcón de Europa - Nerja
Balcón de Europa ➜ The Mesmerizing Views
The 'Balcón de Europa' was built into the jagged rocks and cliffs along the seafront in Nerja, separating two of its most popular beaches, Playa Calahonda and Playa la Caletilla... the beautiful Playa el Salon can be seen in the distance.A walk to the end of the promenade will reward you with breathtaking views down the coast! To the west you will see Playa Burriana, the white washed village of Maro, and the cliffs of the Maro Nature Reserve that end in another popular seaside village, La Herradura.
To the east you can see all the way to the famous port city of Malaga and on a clear day, sometimes glimpse views of Africa... just across the sea.
** Beautiful Views from the Balcón de Europa - Nerja, Spain
Balcón de Europa ➜ The Beaches
There are three Nerja beaches that can be accessed directly from the Balcón...
- Playa Calahonda - This is the beach seen most often in beautiful photos of Nerja on the eastern side of the Balcón de Europa. It is small but very popular with a lively atmosphere.
- Playa la Caletilla - Just in front of the Hotel Balcón de Europa, this lovely little cove is perfect for families with small children.
- Playa el Salon - Once an old fishermen's beach, Playa el Salón is one of Nerja's most popular beaches and is accessible directly from the Balcón de Europa. It's charming fishing huts, now used as summer homes, can still be seen today built into the surrounding cliffs.
** Beaches to the East & West of the Balcón de Europa
Balcón de Europa ➜ The Balcony
The area around the Balcón de Europa is a hub of activity, full of wonderful restaurants, bars, cafes, and artists lining the streets to paint the magnificent views. Singers and dancers come to delight you with impromptu performances of authentic Spanish ballads, flamenco dancing, or an enchanting Spanish guitar melody.The streets near the Balcón are completely pedestrianized so you can feel free to wander about safely... Take Calle Puerta del Mar into the shopping district, past small boutiques, Moroccan shops, cafes, and art galleries.
** More Beautiful Views from the Balcón de Europa - Nerja
Balcón de Europa ➜ The History & King Alfonso
Originally, where the Balcón de Europa now sits, there was a castle called the 'Castillo Bajo' or 'Lower Castle' in English. It was built in the 16th century and later renovated in the 18th century. Two canons were added to the structure that can still be seen today along the promenade.So, the story goes... during the Spanish War for Independence, the castle was destroyed by bombardment from an English ship.
Later, an earthquake further damaged the castle which prompted a visit from King Alfonso XII. Upon seeing Nerja with its magnificent beauty and spectacular sea views he declared that... "He had found the Balcony of Europe"... and this is how our dear 'Balcón de Europa' received its name.
A bronze statue was erected in honor of King Alfonso that stands proudly at the end of the Balcón... admiring the coastline he so adored.
** Blue Fountain & King Alfonso - Balcón de Europa
Balcón de Europa ➜ Top Sites
See if you can find these interesting sites while exploring the area around the Balcón de Europa.
- The Castle Canons - Left over from times past these two canons sit at the far end of the Balcón and were once part of the strategic castle that occupied the place. They date to the 18th century.
- Boquete de Calahonda - The large white rectangular structure adorned with colorful pots of Geraniums is a focal point of the Balcón. If you walk around the corner and down the stairs you will find yourself on Playa Calahonda.
- The Calahonda Pathway - There is a lovely path that extends past Playa Calahonda in both directions. It's a wonderful place for
walking in the evening. Going east the path was recently extended and goes all the way to Playa el Salon.
During the summer months, you will usually find artists selling jewelry and other interesting crafts.
** Balcony & Canon - Balcón de Europa - Nerja
- The Blue Fountain - Built in 1995, this pretty fountain is built into the Boquete de Calahonda. It's a nice place to stop and cool yourself off on a hot day.
- El Salvador Church - The church sits on the westernmost end of the Balcón de Europa Plaza. It's a popular spot for
destinations weddings and is usually brimming with activity... especially during the spring and summer. Brides and
Grooms can often be seen leaving the church in an explosion of rice and confetti.
The original church was built in 1505, but the church you see today was rebuilt in 1697.
- Monument to the 'Nerja Caves Discoverers' - At the end of the Balcón you will find a small monument dedicated to the 5 boys that discovered the Nerja Caves in 1959 and put this little village on the map.
- Monument to King Alfonso - A statue of King Alfonso, the man that declared Nerja the 'Balcony of Europe'.
- Monument to Chanquete - Along the Calahonda pathway and below the Balcón, you will find a statue dedicated to the loveable character, 'Chanquete', in the famous Spanish series (filmed in Nerja) "Verano Azul".
** Monuments to the Caves & Chanquete - Balcón de Europa
Balcón de Europa ➜ The Best Hotels
Located in the heart of the old town there are many great options for accommodation near the Balcón. Our top recommendations are:
BEST LOCATION!
Hotel Plaza Cavana -
Hotel Carabeo -
-
Great Location, Very Nice!Hotel Puerta del Mar -
Balcón de Europa ➜ Home to Green Monks
Something your kids will enjoy while visiting the Balcón de Europa is counting how many green parrots they can spot. These busy green birds can be seen just at the top of the palm trees lining the Balcón... busily building their nests and squawking loudly. If you don't spot one right away, stay very quiet and you will certainly hear their raucous squeals from above!
** Parrots in the trees along the Balcón de Europa - Nerja, Spain
These little green guys are called Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus), also known as Quaker Parrots. They are originally from South America (specifically Argentina) but arrived in Spain in 1975... as domestic pets...
A few sly parrots escaped from their cages and began colonizing the larger cities and towns (like Malaga and Nerja). Today, you will find them all over the Costa del Sol!
Balcón de Europa ➜ The Nightlife & Where to Eat
The Balcón area is ALWAYS bustling with activity! During the day you will see tourist milling about admiring the views, enjoying a tapa in one of the cafes, watching the local artists paint, or just relaxing and enjoying the festive atmosphere.But if you think the plaza is alive during the day... try it at night! During the summer, the Balcón Plaza is a magical place to be. It's a wonderful place to enjoy a meal while taking in the electric atmosphere. Here is our list of the 20 BEST Restaurants in Nerja.
OH! And before you leave... stop at Albi for an ice cream (in a chocolate cone). It's the best in Nerja!
The Balcón de Europa
- The Nerja Caves
- Prices
- Tour Packages
- Opening Hours
- The Nerja Museum
- The Nerja Tourist Train
- Tours to Nerja & the Nerja Caves
- Nerja's Top Sites
- Balcón de Europa
- Eagle Aqueduct
- The Ermita de las Angustias
- The Church of El Salvador
- Top Things to Do
- Visit the Nerja Markets
- Day Trips to Nerja
- Excursions From Nerja
- Costa del Sol Sailing Tours
