Balcony of Europe

Over the years, El Balcón de Europa has become the most characteristic symbol of the town of Nerja . We are talking about a magnificent viewpoint located in the center of town.

The Balcony of Europe is considered a heavenly place by many residents and tourists who visit it daily. From this point of the town you can enjoy the best panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea . It is indisputably the most photographed and visited place in Nerja.

The location of the viewpoint is extraordinary. Surrounded by spectacular beaches such as Calahonda, El Salón and La Caletilla. From the heights you will be able to contemplate the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, part of the Nerja coast and the views towards the Sierra de Almijara .

The Balcony of Europe is not valued as a spectacular place solely for its location. This is also due to the many services it offers to its visitors. The Paseo del Balcón de Europa is a perfect space for walking. Its surroundings offer a great gastronomic and cultural variety.

As for the gastronomic variety, we can highlight the offer of cafes, restaurants, bars and artisan ice cream parlors that we find a few meters from the viewpoint. On the other hand, the cultural variety is reflected in the many events that are held each year at this point. The Balcón de Europa hosts numerous shows: concerts, theaters, celebrations, etc. All of them in an improvised open-air stage. In addition, you can enjoy heritage points of interest such as: the Parroquia de El Salvador (main church in Nerja).

It should be noted that the urban design of the Paseo del Balcón de Europa has undergone numerous changes over the centuries. Next, we offer you some remarkable details about the history of this emblematic place.

The Balcony of Europe was an old fortress belonging to the 9th century. Located on the cliff that divides the beaches of El Salón and Calahonda. This position became the guard and defensive point to spot the presence of enemies from North Africa.

Under this surveillance zone was located the Lower Castle of Nerja (built at the beginning of the 16th century). Later expanded in the 18th century by means of a large battery of cannons. All of them strategically located along the coast. Since then the area has been named El Paseo de la Bateria. Mainly occupied by French troops who used cannons as defense weapons against pirates and British soldiers. However, after the War of Independence the Paseo de la Bateria was completely destroyed by the British side. To symbolize the tragic history of the Paseo de la Bateria, the Balcón de Europa currently houses two canyons that point towards the waters of the Mediterranean.

Two years later Nerja suffered a serious earthquake. After the visit of King Alfonso XII to assess the damage to the town, the promenade was named by himself under the name: El Balcón de Europa. This story has become one of the most popular legends of Nerja. So much so that one of the symbols of the Paseo del Balcón de Europa is the figure of King Alfonso XII.