There are not
many towns around the Mediterranean that claim to be the Balcony of Europe but,
on account of its fantastic seaside promenade, Nerja on the Costa Del Sol does. This town on Spain's southern Mediterranean coast has a town centre that must be the envy of many.
Perched high
above the sea on a clifftop the Balcon de Europa offers visitors sweeping
panoramic views along the coastline and out to sea. It was so named after a
visit from King Alfonso XII who visited in 1885, who it is believed took in the
view and was so impressed he declared, “This is the balcony of Europe.” King Alfonso’s contribution
is honoured with a life sized, and much photographed, statue of him at the end
of the Balcon.
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| King Alfonso XII statue, Nerja, Spain. |
There are also
two old guns at the end of the Balcon that remain as a nod to the memory of
conflict with the French in 1812. The remains of the Batteria (fortified gun
tower) that used to stand where the Balcon is currently can be seen in the sea
if you look over the edge of the Balcon.
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| Coast view from Balcon de Europa, Nerja, Spain. |
The Balcon is
lined with long flowerbeds containing colourful blooms as well as street cats taking advantage of Spain's siesta culture and hiding from the heat of the day.
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| Street cat siesta, Nerja, Spain. |
The nearby 17th
century Church of El Salvador, built in Baroque and Moorish style, stands
nearby and the Gardens of Capistrano can be explored on the descent down to
Burriano Beach.
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| Church of El Salvador, Nerja, Spain. |
The Balcon de
Europa is the central heart of Nerja’s old town and is usually busy, which makes it a great place for a spot of people-watching. Many cafes
and restaurants spill out onto the Balcon and surrounding streets and town
squares.
There are popular ice cream vans and the Balcon is also a great spot to start a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town.
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| Ice cream stand, Balcon de Europa, Nerja, Spain. |
There are popular ice cream vans and the Balcon is also a great spot to start a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town.
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| Horse-drawn Carriage, Nerja, Spain. |
For a bit of Spanish
life and an amazing seaview Nerja’s Balcon de Europa cannot be beaten. Have you
been?
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