The Balcon de Europa  

In the center of Nerja one can find the Balcon de Europa, which is a terrace on top of a cliff above the Playa Calahonda and the Playa El Salon below. It has magnificent views of the rocky coast, behind which are the Aljimara mountains. The outlook point has a bronze statue of King Alfonso XII, which is a favorite place to take photographs. The beautiful sculpture was created by Francisco Martin. The story is that in 1885 the king visited Nerja after a big earthquake devastated the town. When he saw the lookout point, he said that this must be the Balcony of Europe, and this lookout point now has that name.

There is a wide paved area leading to the lookout point, and which is lined with palm trees. This is a popular promenade area for tourists and natives of the town.

Nearby are horse drawn carts that take tourists on short tours of the town. On one side of the balcony is the El Salvador Church, dating from the 17th century, and a favorite place for weddings.

During winter the views are especially attractive when the background mountains have their peaks covered with snow.