The Balcón de Europa – Balcony of Europe – is situated on a rocky promontory and was formerly a fortress designed to keep out British pirates and privateers.
Today it is the focal point of the town, affording magnificent views up and down the coast.
It is also the location for various concerts and ‘fiestas’ throughout the year, including the ‘not to be missed’ New Year celebrations with firework displays, music and dancing until dawn.
Most of the processions through the streets of Nerja, of which there are many, either start, finish or pass through the Balcón de Europa.
The Promenade – Paseo Balcón de Europa – is now completely pedestrianised, as are the adjoining streets (calle Puerta del Mar, calle Pintada, calle Cristo and calle Carabeo) and it is lined with cafés and restaurants and in the summer months is a hive of activity until late at night.
You’ll find numerous artists, such as portrait painters and caricaturists, musicians, vendors of all types and, more than likely, the odd ‘living statue’.
It’s a great place to wander on a summer evening, or any other evening for that matter, and there are plenty of watering holes to choose from.
The Balcón de Europa was made famous by King Alfonso XII (1857 – 1885) and his statue can be found at the far end.
King Alfonso XII (1857-85) was king of Spain from 1874 to 1885 and was the son of Isabella II. He went into exile with his parents at the time of the revolt of the Carlists in 1868 and was educated in Austria and England.
In 1870 his mother abdicated her rights in his favour, and in 1874 he was proclaimed king. Supported by Martínez de Campos and Cánovas del Castillo, he consolidated the monarchy, winning greater popularity for it than it had enjoyed under his mother or grandfather, Fernando VII.
He was a victim of the cholera epidemic of 1885. His widow, Maria Christina (1858-1929), was regent during the minority of his posthumous son, Alfonso XIII.
The Church of El Salvador – Iglesia El Salvador – is a lovely building situated opposite the Balcón de Europa and close to what used to be the Guards Tower.
It was erected in 1505, although the existing structure was not built until 1697, and was then further extended during the period 1776 – 1792.
The interior of the church is well worth a look. You can see a video of both the exterior and interior of the church here: Iglesia El Salvador.
There are also of couple of fire-pieces from days gone by.
Down the central promenade, on the left, is a sculpture to commemorate the discovery of the Nerja Caves – Cuevas de Nerja – by five local lads.
The Balcón de Europa directly overlooks two beaches, Calahonda (left)and La Caletilla (right), and provides access to a third, El Salon (right).
There are numerous ice cream vendors, bars, cafes and restaurants either on or bordering the Balcón de Europa (Marissal, La Biznaga, Balcón de Europa Hotel, Kronox, Mediterraneo, Albi) plus there is a square just behind the Balcón de Europa, Plaza Balcón de Europa, which is home to a host of good bars and restaurants (El Patio, El Portico, La Mandarina, Centurion, El Candil and more).
And if that’s not enough choice, there are dozens more within a couple of minutes walk. Nerja Bars and Restaurants.
More Balcón de Europa photos taken at various times throughout the year.