Inside the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs Natural Area, between Nerja and La Herradura, lies a run of undeveloped coves that make up the finest surviving coastline in Málaga province. Las Alberquillas is one of them: no buildings, no promenade, no beach bar, and water an almost improbable colour.
Getting there
Access is from the N-340 at around kilometre 302, past Maro towards Almuñécar. There is roadside parking and then a 15-20 minute walk down a steep dirt path. It is not suitable for pushchairs or for anyone with limited mobility.
Facilities
- ✗ No beach bar
- ✗ No showers or toilets
- ✗ No lifeguard
- ✗ No shade
- ✓ Free roadside parking on the N-340
This is a genuinely wild beach: whatever you need, you carry in. And you carry it back out.
The best snorkelling in Málaga
The area is protected and the seabed shows it: Posidonia meadows, octopus, sea bream, gilthead, red mullet and, now and then, a passing shoal of barracuda. It is one of the very few places in the province where snorkelling is genuinely spectacular. It is also a regular stop on kayak and paddleboard routes: many Nerja operators run the Maro coves trip through here.
Rules of the natural area
Being inside a protected natural area brings restrictions: no camping, no fires, no free anchoring over Posidonia meadows, and in summer there may be vehicle access controls. Respect them — they are precisely why this beach is still like this.
When to go
June to September for swimming, avoiding the middle of the day given the complete absence of shade. In spring and autumn the walk in is spectacular in its own right. One tip: go down early — the climb back up at 35°C with a cool box is hard work.
