Beach fun with kids in Nerja

 ### Carihuela Beach Children's Facilities and Play Equipment I walked along Playa de la Carihuela early in spring with my grandkids, specifically to see what there is for families. Straight away, I noticed this beach is a lot clearer than some bigger ones, which is nice with small kids. The sand here is fine, perfect for building castles, and it slopes gently into the sea. That makes it safe for the little ones to paddle. Along the promenade behind the beach, you'll find various eateries with playgrounds that are often free for guests. The bigger beach restaurants also have public toilets and changing rooms, though they're not equally well-maintained everywhere. Keep that in mind. There are plenty of showers to rinse off the sand, which is a relief before you head back to your accommodation. For shade, you'll need to bring your own or hire a parasol from one of the rental spots. Especially in spring, the sun can already be deceptively strong. Close to the beach, there are supermarkets for water and snacks. Make sure to avoid the first rows by the sea, 'cause that's where you're more likely to get vendors coming by. Walk a row or two further onto the beach for more peace and quiet. A bit further on, towards the marina, you'll find a small enclosed playground with swings and slides. This is a welcome change if the kids are tired of sand and water. It's not a huge park, but enough for an hour of fun. You often see local families gathering there in the afternoon. The beach itself is wide enough for a game of beachball or catch. Water sports activities like pedal boats are accessible and prices start around 15 euros per hour. Ask the rental places for current prices when you're there. Bear in mind that the waves here in spring can sometimes be a bit stronger than in summer, so keep an extra close eye on small children in the water.  Walk west from the center of Nerja, past the Balcón de Europa, and you'll naturally come to the walking route that takes you past various beaches and coves, including Playa la Calahonda and Playa El Salón. These are smaller coves with cliffs that provide natural shade. They're often a bit busier, though, and access is sometimes via stairs. For families with pushchairs, Playa de la Carihuela is a better choice because it's more easily accessible via the promenade. ### The Shallow Water at Playa Burriana Perfect for Toddlers  If you're traveling with small children, Playa Burriana is an excellent choice, especially in spring. The water stays very shallow here for a long time and the seabed slopes gradually. I often see young parents here with little ones who can splash and play in the water without you constantly having to worry about them going too deep. The sea is usually calm and clear, which makes it extra safe. Nerja's beaches are generally clean, and this certainly applies to Burriana. There's not much rubbish, so you don't have to worry about sharp twigs or stones that little ones might hurt themselves on. You also see families having picnics, or they hire a sunbed with a parasol. There are plenty of facilities right on the beach, from showers to toilets, which makes staying with young children a lot easier. What I find handy about Burriana is its accessibility. You can get there by car and there are parking spaces, although you'll need to be early, especially in high season, to snag a spot. If you're staying in Nerja, you can also easily walk to Burriana via one of the paths leading to the beach, although the uphill return journey can sometimes be a challenge for little legs. A taxi back is an option then. Along Burriana, there's a promenade with various restaurants and beach bars. Nice for lunch or an ice cream. They often have high chairs and are used to families. You'll also find beach shops where you can buy buckets, spades, and armbands if you've forgotten anything. So the kids can amuse themselves all day in the sand and shallow water. For parents who want some peace, there's the option to rent a sunbed. You can then watch peacefully while the children play. There are also places where you can rent parasols. This is definitely recommended, especially in spring when the sun is already quite powerful, to protect delicate children's skin. Remember that dogs aren't allowed on most [beaches in Nerja](/en/blog/the-best-beaches-in-nerja-complete-guide), including Burriana, during high season. If you're traveling with a dog, you'll need to factor that in. Luckily, there are special dog beaches in the area, but they're a bit further out from the center. ### Playa El Salón vs. Playa Calahonda Swimming Options With Kids  The beaches directly below the Balcón de Europa, like El Salón and Calahonda, are sheltered and easily accessible via stairs. This makes them interesting for families, though there is a difference in swimming options. El Salón, on the west side, is a compact beach with fine sand that slopes gradually. For smaller children, this is ideal because they can stand for a good way before the water gets deeper. On Playa El Salón, you'll also find the chiringuito El Salón, a simple chiringuito where you can get a drink or a light lunch while the kids play. There's enough space for kicking a ball around or building sandcastles, and the water is often calm due to its location. Just make sure you're reasonably early in high season, because the beach is popular and spots along the waterline are quickly taken. Playa Calahonda, on the other side of the Balcón, is a bit rockier. Especially at the waterline, there are more stones, which makes the water a bit less suitable for the very little ones who like to splash without shoes. For slightly older children, who can already swim well and enjoy snorkeling, Calahonda is actually more interesting due to the underwater world around the rocks. Do bring swimming shoes for comfort, though. The facilities on Calahonda are comparable. You'll also find a chiringuito, Restaurante El Calahonda, for the necessary refreshments. Both beaches have showers and toilets, which is always handy with kids. For really shallow entry water, I prefer El Salón; for more adventurous games in the water, Calahonda, but with swimming shoes then. A tip for both beaches: the Balcón de Europa is within walking distance and it's nice to go for an ice cream there after the beach. There are several ice cream parlors, and the quality is pretty good everywhere. The kids can then, while you're strolling around, still bask in the afterglow of a day at the beach. ### Beach Restaurant Ayo Paella and Building Sandcastles  Playa Burriana, especially in April, is a great spot for a beach day with kids. On the wide sandy beach, you've got Beach Restaurant Ayo. You'll recognize that restaurant immediately; there's a huge paella pan set up where fresh paella is cooked over an open fire all day long. The price is fixed per plate, you can serve yourself as often as you like. Besides the paella, they've also got the usual beach fare, but the paella is the main draw. Ayo is right on the beach, so you can keep an eye on the kids while you enjoy a drink or that paella. Between the tables, there's space to play with some sand, a warm-up for the main event. Facilities like toilets and showers are available at the restaurant and within walking distance. Burriana's wide sandy beach, the largest in Nerja by the way, is a blessing for sandcastle builders. There's plenty of room for everyone to build their own empire. The sand here is good quality; sturdy enough to construct tall towers without everything collapsing. The sea recedes far enough so that your creations will stand for a while. Do walk a bit further up the beach in the afternoon, towards the east. It's quieter there and you'll have more undisturbed space. Besides building sandcastles, Playa Burriana offers even more. You can hire kayaks from various rental companies along the beach here. Walk along the line of restaurants towards the east for this, that's where most of the rental places are. A kayak trip to the cliffs of Maro is highly recommended – you'll paddle past the caves and small coves that aren't accessible from the beach. The little ones can play on the beach, while the older ones head out to sea. For a refreshment, besides Ayo, you can go to various kiosks and small bars scattered along the beach. An ice cream, a cold drink, or a bag of crisps, it's all within reach. From the Balcón de Europa, it's a strenuous walk, about twenty minutes downhill. By car, follow the N-340 to the Burriana exit, parking is available in the streets behind the beach or in the underground car park if you want to be right on the beach. Be aware, the car parks can fill up quickly in season. ### Accessibility and Parking Child-Friendly Beaches  Most beaches in Nerja are easy to get to, but parking here in season is a bigger challenge than the waves of the Mediterranean. Public transport does exist, but for a beach day with kids, you're pretty quickly reliant on your own car. So plan your visits to beaches like Burriana or Carabeo smartly. For Playa Burriana, the easiest way is to drive down Calle Filipinas, which leads directly to the beach promenade. There are paid parking spots here, but they fill up fast in high season. I often park a bit higher up in the neighborhood myself and walk the last bit. It's a stiff climb back, but it's nice to have the car sorted immediately. For the smaller, more remote coves like Playa El Cañuelo, which I also really appreciate, a car is essential. There's often a small car park there, sometimes with a shuttle service to the beach itself. The road there is a bit winding, so keep that in mind if you get car sickness. The beaches closer to the center, like Playa Calahonda and Playa El Salón, are easily accessible on foot from the Balcón de Europa. You can park in the underground car park under Plaza de España then; from there it's a short walk. That saves a lot of searching and hassle with small children. Another option for the truly urban beaches is the bus, which runs from the main bus station to various points in Nerja. But honestly, with a cool box, parasol, and all the kids' gear, the car is often the most practical choice. Just plan some extra time for parking, and it'll be fine. Worth it. Just go for it.