If you're visiting Malaga's Costa del Sol, Playa de Burriana in Nerja stands out as one of the region's most captivating beaches. This 800-meter stretch of golden sand has earned its reputation as Nerja's premier beach destination, drawing visitors from around the world to its crystal-clear waters and exceptional facilities.

Beach Details

  • Location: Eastern end of Nerja, just 1 kilometer from the town center
  • Size: 800 meters long and approximately 40 meters wide
  • Sand type: Fine golden sand
  • Water conditions: Moderate waves with clear water
  • Recognition: Regular recipient of the Blue Flag award and Q for Quality certification

What Makes Burriana Beach Special?

Burriana Beach stands out for several distinctive features that have made it Nerja's most beloved shoreline. The beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, creating an environment that feels almost like its own resort village.

The impressive Paseo Marítimo Antonio Mercero promenade runs along the beach, named after the producer of the iconic 1980s Spanish TV series "Verano Azul" (Blue Summer) that was filmed in Nerja and helped put the town on the tourist map. You'll find a commemorative director's chair sculpture midway along the promenade.

For active visitors, the beach features volleyball courts and various water sports options including kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and boat rentals. Many companies offer guided kayak excursions to the nearby Maro Nature Reserve and its stunning waterfalls.

Dining and Services

Playa de Burriana boasts an exceptional variety of dining establishments, from traditional chiringuitos (beach bars) to international restaurants. The beachfront is lined with options for every taste and budget:

  • Restaurante Ayo: A local institution famous for its wood-fired paella cooked in huge pans. Run by the legendary "Ayo" himself, it offers reasonably priced all-you-can-eat paella and has been a favorite for decades.
  • Traditional Merenderos: Large beach restaurants like Merendero Moreno, Merendero Montemar, and Merendero Playa offer typical Spanish cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood.
  • International Options: Find everything from Thai food at Lan Sang to Italian pizzerias, steakhouses, and Indian restaurants.
  • Bars and Cafes: Numerous establishments like Dancers Cafe, Bruxelles, Rocky Beach, and Paradise Cocktail Bar offer refreshments, cocktails, and light meals.
  • Rincón del Sol: An elegant beach club offering Mediterranean cuisine in a stylish setting at the corner of the beach.

Beyond restaurants, Burriana Beach offers comprehensive facilities including:

  • Showers and public toilets
  • Sunbed and umbrella rentals (approximately €22/day)
  • Balinese bed rentals
  • Souvenir shops and beach supply stores
  • Water sports equipment rentals
  • Children's play areas
  • Lifeguard services during summer months
  • A diving center (Buceo Costa Nerja)

How to Get There

Playa de Burriana is conveniently located and accessible via several routes:

By Car:

  • From Malaga: Take the A-7 highway eastbound and exit at 295 (Nerja). At the roundabout, take the first exit onto N-340 toward Nerja. Continue through two more roundabouts, and at the third roundabout, take the third exit and follow the road downhill to reach the beach.
  • From Granada: Drive south on A-44, then merge onto E-15/A-7 toward Salobreña/Málaga. Take exit 295 for Nerja and follow the directions above.
  • From Nerja Town Center: Drive along Carretera de Almería/N-340 (Avenida de Pescia) going east toward Maro. At the large roundabout (with Restaurante Asiatico on the corner), look for the blue sign indicating 'P Burriana'. Turn right and head down the hill until you reach the beach.

Parking:

  • A municipal underground car park is available at the entrance to the beach (small but convenient)
  • Free parking can be found along the promenade, though it fills quickly in summer
  • Alternative parking at the Carabeo Parking Lot behind Playa Carabeillo, with a short walk to Burriana
  • During peak season, consider using parking areas in the town center and taking a taxi to avoid parking difficulties

On Foot:

  • From Balcón de Europa (town center): Walk east down Calle Carabeo for approximately 20-25 minutes
  • From Parador de Nerja: Hotel guests can use the private elevator with direct beach access
  • A zigzag footpath near the Parador provides an alternative route down to the beach

By Public Transport:

  • A local bus service operates to Burriana during the peak summer season, stopping at the western end of the beach
  • Taxis are readily available, with fares starting at approximately €5-7 from the town center
  • A taxi stand is located at the end of Filipinas street, at the entrance to Playa Burriana (Phone: +34 619 097 521)

The distance from the bus stop to the beach is minimal, and from the Nerja bus station, it would be about a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride.

Google Maps Location

Accommodation Options

Staying near Playa Burriana offers the perfect beach holiday experience. Popular accommodation options include:

  • Parador de Nerja: The only hotel directly on Burriana Beach, offering direct elevator access to the shore, along with amenities like an outdoor pool and tennis courts.
  • Other Nearby Hotels: Hotel Nerja Club Spa and Villa Flamenca offer quality accommodations within walking distance.
  • Apartments: Numerous rental options including Apartamentos HC Burriana Playa, Apartamentos Nerja Bahia, and Apartamentos Almoraide Suites.
  • Villas: Over 300 private villas and apartments are available for rent in the area during summer.

Best Time to Visit

Playa Burriana welcomes visitors year-round, but the experience varies by season:

  • Summer (June-August): Peak season with warm temperatures perfect for swimming. The beach becomes crowded, and reservations for sunbeds and restaurants are recommended.
  • Spring/Fall (April-May, September-October): Ideal times to visit with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Most facilities remain open.
  • Winter (November-March): Quieter with mild temperatures. Some beachfront businesses may have reduced hours, but the beach remains beautiful for walks and the occasional sunny day is perfect for outdoor dining.

Nearby Attractions

While Playa Burriana could easily fill your entire day, several nearby attractions are worth exploring:

  • Nerja Caves (Cuevas de Nerja) - impressive prehistoric caves just 4km away
  • Balcón de Europa - Nerja's famous viewpoint in the town center
  • Maro Nature Reserve - beautiful protected coastline with secluded coves
  • Carabeo Beach - a smaller, charming beach connected to Burriana
  • Río Chillar - popular river walking route with natural pools

Practical Tips

  • Book sunbeds in advance during high season (€20-25 per day)
  • The sea gets fairly deep relatively quickly, so keep an eye on children
  • Restaurant reservations are recommended, especially for dinner in summer
  • The walk from town includes some steep sections (locally known as "Cardiac Hill"), so consider a taxi for the return journey if mobility is a concern
  • If you forget any beach essentials, the souvenir shops along the promenade sell everything from sunscreen to beach toys
  • Water sports equipment can be rented directly on the beach