Balcón de Europa
Undoubtedly the heart of Nerja and one of it’s main symbols, the Balcón de Europa
The area know as the Balcón de Europa was formally the site a fortress which was finally demolished in 1812 to prevent it from falling into the hands of the French during the Spanish war of Independence. Following an earthquake that devastated the area in 1884, King Alfonso XII visited the region and during a visit to Nerja remarked that it was the Balcony of Europe.
Obviously the name stuck and the Balcón de Europa was born and to commemorate this moment in the towns history you’ll find a bronze statue of the King himself looking out to sea on the eastern side of the Balcón. Opposite to the entrance to the Balcón de Europa Hotel you’ll find another smaller monument below the palm trees. A globe sat atop a plinth. This is to commemorate the discovery in 1959 of the Nerja Caves by five local boys.
Throughout the year the Balcón sees a number of events with most processions either starting or ending at the church of El Salvador located just behind and to the west. The Balcony also forms the centrepiece of the New Years celebrations with large crowds gathering here to celebrate the coming year.
Location
The Balcón de Europa is located between the two beaches of Playa El Salon and Playa La Calahonda around one hundred meters from the Town hall. It is now a pedestrianised area and not normally accessible by car however you can park in the Municipal car park located below Plaza de Espana which is located close by.
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