Why visit Maro by car?
Unlike Nerja’s urban beaches, Maro’s coves sit in a protected area with steep gradients and are well away from the town centre. The landscape—shaped by old sugar-cane plantations and sheer cliffs—means public transport is almost non-existent for the most secluded coves.
Forget waiting under the sun for a shuttle bus at the busiest spots; having your own vehicle means you can bring all your snorkelling kit, a cool box with supplies (essential, as many coves don’t have beach bars), and hop between different points along the coast with no timetable to worry about. By hiring a car in Nerja, you turn a beach day into an expedition with total freedom.
1. Maro Beach (the crown jewel)
It’s the most famous and easiest to reach, but no less impressive for that. It’s ideal for families and for anyone who wants basic facilities without losing that natural feel.
- Best bit: its famous waterfall that drops straight into the sea from the cliffs. If you hire a kayak, you can paddle underneath it and feel the force of the fresh water mixing with the sea.
- Access: via the road that runs through the village of Maro. There’s a parking area, although in summer vehicle access is regulated once capacity is reached. Arriving early in your hire car is the golden rule!
2. Las Torrecillas Cove
Strategically located before you reach the striking Peñón de Maro, this cove is a peaceful refuge. The shoreline is made up of small pebbles and coarse sand, which helps keep the water consistently clear.
- Worth knowing: it’s a hotspot for spotting Posidonia oceanica. If you dip in near the side rocks, you’ll see shoals of fish that barely flinch at people. It’s perfect if you want to escape the crowds at Nerja’s more central beaches.
3. El Pino Cove
You’ll need a bit of energy to get here, as the path down is steep and winds through pines and Mediterranean vegetation. The reward is a twin-cove setting, divided by rocks, offering near-total privacy—even in the height of August.
- Expert tip: by hiring a car in Nerja with Car Hire Nerja, you can leave heavier belongings safely in the boot and take down only the essentials. Access is from the authorised pull-ins on the old N-340 road.
4. Cantarrijan Beach (bordering Granada)
Although it marks the boundary with the province of Granada, being part of the Natural Area makes it inseparable from the Maro experience. It’s a naturist beach with a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
- Restriction: in July and August, private car access down to the sand is restricted to protect the ecosystem. You’ll need to park in the upper car park and use the minibus service. Even so, driving to the upper car park saves you kilometres of walking along a secondary road.
Tips for your Maro coves route
Tip | Why it is important |
|---|---|
Timing | In high season, car parks fill up before 10:00 AM. |
Equipment | Don’t forget your snorkel mask; the waters of Maro are a Marine Reserve. |
Sustainability | Please do not leave any litter. It is a protected area of high ecological value. |
Explore Maro with Car Hire Nerja
At Car Hire Nerja, we know every bend of our coastline. We want your experience discovering the best coves in Maro to be comfortable, safe, and free from last-minute surprises. That’s why our car hire service in Nerja stands out for transparency: no hidden charges, and the personal touch of a local company that genuinely cares about your trip.
Whether you need a compact car for easy parking or a larger vehicle for the whole family, we’ve got the ideal fleet for your adventure along the Maro cliffs.
