Maro is a small village in the municipality of Nerja, at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol. Its streets of whitewashed houses overlook farmland beside the Mediterranean, just a few kilometres from the centre of Nerja.
Nerja Cave, the beaches and the protected coastal area of Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo are the main reasons people visit. You can combine a stroll through the village with a cave visit, spend the day by the sea or explore the coastal walking trails.
Inland lies the Sierra de Almijara, part of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park. The close proximity of mountains, farmland and sea gives the landscape around Maro much of its character.
Maro has traditionally been identified with the Roman settlement of Detunda, on a road linking settlements along the coast. During the Moorish period, it was a small farming community whose activities included silk production and the manufacture of sugar cane syrup.
Following the Christian conquest of the area in 1487 and the subsequent population changes of the 16th century, sugar cane cultivation became increasingly important. Construction of Felipe de Armengol's sugar mill began in 1585, and the village developed around it.
The sugar industry transformed the surrounding area again in the 19th century with the construction of the San Joaquín factory and the Acueducto del Aguila. Their surviving remains help explain the importance of water, farming and sugar production to the local economy.
Plaza de las Maravillas, beside the church of Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas, is a good starting point for a walk. From around the square, you can look out over the farmland below the village towards the sea. The village centre is small enough to explore on foot, with narrow streets, whitewashed façades and corners that reflect its agricultural past.
Nerja Cave is just outside Maro and was discovered in 1959 by five local youngsters. The visitor route passes through large chambers containing stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations. In the Sala del Cataclismo, a 32-metre-high column connects the floor to the ceiling.
The route includes many flights of steps, which is worth bearing in mind if you have limited mobility. Check opening times and tickets on the official Nerja Cave website when planning your visit.
The Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo protected area covers a stretch of coastline between Nerja in Malaga province and Almuñecar in Granada province, together with the adjoining seabed. Cliffs alternate with small coves and slopes covered in Mediterranean vegetation.
Vehicle access to El Cañuelo and Cantarrijan is regulated in summer, with shuttle buses running from designated car parks. Details of the services and access arrangements are available in the official information about the protected area.
The coastal paths lead to watchtowers, viewpoints and some of the coves. There is a considerable difference between a short walk to a tower and a route linking several beaches. Climbs back up from the shore, stony ground and exposure to the sun can make even a walk of a few kilometres demanding.
To compare other options, browse the walking routes around Cantarrijan. Check the route and recent comments before setting out, and take water, sun protection and footwear with a good grip.
From the sea, you can see the cliffs and small inlets from a different perspective. When choosing a trip, check the departure point, route and experience required. Not all excursions leave from Playa de Maro or visit the same places.
Educare Aventura is among the companies organising activities along this coastline. The Cueva del Lobo Marino is another point of interest on the Nerja coast. If you would like to see this sea cave, ask whether it is included in the excursion and whether sea conditions allow the group to approach it.
The patron saint festivals and Maroween are good opportunities to experience village life. Plaza de las Maravillas hosts some of the celebrations, with music, community gatherings and outdoor activities.
The Nerja Town Council website publishes programmes for Maro's festivals. For concerts, check the programme from the Fundación Cueva de Nerja.
In Maro and nearby Nerja, you can combine the seafood dishes of the Malaga coast with produce from the Axarquia. Fish and vegetables feature alongside the subtropical crops grown in the surrounding area.
Fried anchovies and squid, fish cooked on a griddle and mixed platters of grilled fish are common choices at coastal restaurants. The selection varies according to the restaurant and the fish available.
Mangoes and avocados are grown locally and appear in salads and other dishes. In autumn, chestnuts and sweet potatoes also have their own celebration during Maroween.
Maro is around 55 km from Malaga and approximately 70 km from the airport by road. The main approach is via the A-7, connecting with the N-340 near Nerja and Maro.
From Malaga or the airport, follow the A-7 towards Motril and Almeria and take the exit signposted for Nerja, Maro and Nerja Cave. Allow around an hour from the airport, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
A car is useful for combining Maro with Nerja, Frigiliana and other places in the Axarquia, as well as for your journeys to and from the airport. When visiting the beaches, bear in mind the regulated access and summer shuttle services: you cannot always drive right down to the sand.
Alsa operates services from Malaga bus station that stop in Maro, so you do not always need to change in Nerja. Some journeys take around 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on the service and its stops.
There are also bus connections between Nerja and Maro. Select Maro as your destination when searching and check the return timetable, especially if you are planning a day trip. From the airport, check the connections available on your travel date and whether you need to change in Malaga or Nerja.
A private transfer takes you from Malaga Airport to your accommodation in Maro without changing transport. You can also arrange a pick-up for your return flight, so both journeys are organised before your holiday.
Book a taxi or transfer
With a hire car, you can drive from the airport to Maro, explore during your stay and return the car before your flight home. It also makes it easier to combine visits to the cave, Nerja and the inland villages without relying on bus timetables.
car hire Malaga airport*No advance payment is required and cancellation is free. We therefore recommend booking ahead to secure your vehicle and price.
Nerja's municipal tourist office provides information about Maro, the beaches, places to visit and activities within the municipality.
Spring and autumn are generally good times to explore Maro and go walking without the summer heat. Summer is the main season for beach visits and water activities, although it is also busier and access to some beaches is regulated.
You can visit beaches and coves, follow walking trails to the watchtowers and join kayaking excursions. Activities at sea depend on the wind, waves and rules of the protected area, which includes zones where diving is restricted.
By car, follow the A-7 and take the exit towards Nerja and Maro. From the airport, the journey takes around an hour, depending on traffic. Alsa operates services from Malaga bus station that stop in Maro, and you can also book a private airport transfer.
Highlights include San Antón on 16 and 17 January, the Feria de las Maravillas village festival in September and Maroween on 31 October, which combines Halloween with the local chestnut and sweet potato festival. The Cueva de Nerja Music Festival also takes place in summer in the cave's outdoor grounds.
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