The Balcón de Europa is the round clifftop platform at the centre of Nerja's old town, in the Plaza Balcón de Europa. A palm-lined promenade leads out to it, and from the edge you look along the Mediterranean coast in both directions, over small coves and beaches, with the Sierra Almijara behind. On a clear day the African coast can be seen. The site was once a Moorish fortress. Today it is Nerja's main meeting point, with street musicians, restaurants and shops around it. Entry is free and the platform is always open.
The fortress behind the viewpoint
The balcony is a round platform that juts out from the rock above Playa Calahonda. It stands on the site of an old Moorish fortress, whose watchtower was used to look out for pirates. The fortress, known as La Batería, was demolished in the 1800s, reportedly to keep it from falling into French hands during the Spanish War of Independence. The stronghold's great tower is gone, and the promenade that replaced it is what visitors walk today.
How it got its name
King Alfonso XII is said to have named the spot in the late 1800s. Standing at the edge, he felt he had reached the end of the European continent and called it the balcony of Europe, claiming it had the best view on the continent. A statue of the king stands nearby.
Many Spaniards also know the place from Verano Azul, a television series filmed in Nerja decades ago. It remains one of the most photographed spots on the Costa del Sol.
What you see from the edge
The coast opens out on both sides: small coves, rocky outcrops and sandy beaches, with the Sierra Almijara mountains behind the town. Many people look only at the sea and forget to turn around for the mountains. On a clear day you can make out the coast of Africa.
The platform faces a direction where both sunrise and sunset can be watched from the same spot. Benches along the promenade give you somewhere to sit while the light changes.
The beaches below
A passageway leads from the viewpoint straight down to the beach below. Calahonda sits directly under the cliff. To the east, Calahonda, Chorrillo and Carabeo can be reached by a footpath down the cliff, which takes some effort on the way back up. Playa Burriana is a longer walk from the old town, and the climb back to the balcony is part of the route.
The church of El Salvador
On one side of the square stands the church of El Salvador, built between 1505 and 1697. Its style is Baroque with Academic influences, and the interior is divided into three naves by pillars and semicircular arches. It is one of the few churches in the world with images of all three Archangels, among them Saint Michael, the patron saint of Nerja. If you go inside, dress modestly and keep your voice low, as it is a place of worship.
Life on the promenade
The promenade is the town's meeting point and rarely quiet. Street musicians, mimes and painters work here, and you will find caricaturists and hair braiders too. Evening shows of music or flamenco are usual around 8 pm. At weekends there are sometimes events: one weekend brought market stalls and a Serrano ham slicing competition, where you could taste the results for a small charity donation.
The promenade runs back into town between rows of palms, with restaurants and shops on both sides that split into smaller streets. Many of the shops sell souvenirs rather than traditional Spanish crafts. Children have room to run, and ice cream shops are close by. More independent shops are in the streets behind the balcony.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee for the Balcón de Europa?
No. It is a public viewpoint and promenade, free to enter, and it is open around the clock.
When is the best time to visit the Balcón de Europa?
Sunset is popular for the light over the bays, and the evening is lively with musicians and shows. In summer it gets very busy, so go early in the day for fewer people. Winter is quieter.
Where do you park for the Balcón de Europa?
A large car park is nearby, and there is a municipal car park under Plaza de España. Once parked, the old town is easy to cross on foot.
Why is it called the balcony of Europe?
King Alfonso XII is said to have named it in the late 1800s. Looking out from the cliff, he felt he had reached the end of the European continent.
Is the Balcón de Europa suitable for children and wheelchair users?
Yes. The open promenade gives children room to run, with street performers and ice cream shops close by. The entrance, seating, parking and restrooms are listed as wheelchair accessible.
