Playa del Molino de Papel

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This idyllic Maro beach is perfect for those running from civilization. What? There's civilization in Maro? Well, yes and no. Like many of the other Maro beaches 'Playa del Molino de Papel' is nestled between sheer cliffs and surrounded by raw nature.

Located just 10-minutes from Nerja, this beach is one of the most beautiful in the area and lies just at the end of the Río de la Miel (River of Honey) and the stream of Colmenarejos.

The cove itself is about 400-meters long and is divided into two parts by the 'Arroyo de los Colmenarejos' (three large boulders that jut out of the sea) and the remains of an ancient watchtower.

The beach consists of medium grain stones and dark sand and it's one of the few places where the water is so transparent you can see your feet as you wade in to swim.

There are also natural pools in the rock where you can enjoy swimming and cooling off on those hot summer days while also exploring the incredible biodiversity of the protected underwater flora and fauna.

During the summer months this Maro beach is packed with sunbathers and snorkelers!

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Playa del Molino de Papel ➜ History

One interesting fact about Playa del Molino de Papel is how it derived its name. During the reign of King Carlos III a man by the name of 'Manuel Centurion Guerrero de Torres' was commissioned to build several factories within the Kingdom of Granada.

Guerrero de Torres' decided to build a three-wheel paper mill, next to this virgin strip of coastline, powered by the Río de la Miel that flowed steadily into the Mediterranean Sea... it was called 'El Molino de Papel'.

Mr. Manuel Centurion Guerrero de Torres (1732-1800) was governor of the Guianas, High and Low Orinoco, and the Black River during the reign of Carlos the III.

The mill still remains today and if you're up for a walk it's just along the road past the bridge. You can still see where Guerrero de Torres's coat of arms was originally emblazoned above the main entrance door. There is also a plaque near the front door detailing the mills history. Today, the mill is no longer in use but is used as a residential property.

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Playa del Molino de Papel ➜ During the War...

During the Spanish Civil War (1936–39), Playa del Molino de Papel served as a hiding place for large stockpiles of weapons for the Republican Nationalists. They called the beach 'Little Russia' and they engaged in large battles against the guerrilla Nationalists.

In 1944, the Guardia Civil used the paper mill as an observation post and continued to interrogate people suspected of aiding the guerrillas during the war.

Today, Playa del Molino de Papel still sees a lot of action from the local Guardia Civil due to the influx of drug smugglers who bring hashish from Africa into Spain. But don't worry! This is a safe beach and you are in no danger while visiting.

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Why Visit Playa del Molino de Papel?

Visit Playa del Molino de Papel if you like raw natural beauty and stunning views but you also like to be near the action. Access to this beach is also fairly easy.

How to Arrive ➜ Playa del Molino de Papel

From Granada - Drive south on A-44. Take exit 183 to merge onto E-15 / A-7 towards Salobreña / Málaga. Take exit 305 towards N-340 / La Herradura.

➜ Continue to the roundabout and take the N-340 towards Maro. Drive for about 5-minutes until you pass Playa de las Alberquillas and the #299 signpost. Drive slowly as the entrance is easy to miss.

From Malaga - Follow A-7 going east. Take exit 295 (Nerja) from A-7.

➜ Continue to the roundabout and take the N-340 towards Almeria to Maro. At the Nerja Caves roundabout take the second exit to pass Maro. Continue on the N-340 for about 5-minutes until just after marker #298. Drive slowly as the entrance is easy to miss.

From Nerja - Drive along Carretera de Almería / N-340 going east towards Almeria. Then follow directions above.

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Parking & How to Access Playa del Molino de Papel

Once you turn off the N-340, there is a small asphalt road that leads down to a lower level where you can park. This area will fill up quickly during the summer so arrive early. From there you will follow a narrow footpath out to the beach. Parking is free.

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Facilities on Playa del Molino de Papel:

None! Enjoy the natural environment...

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Where to Stay Near Playa del Molino de Papel

If you want to experience the beauty of the Maro / Cerro Gordo coastline there are several areas where you can stay. All offering a little something different. Here is what we recommend.

• Nerja (8 km) - A famous white village with tons of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. You will find a large assortment of hotels and villas here.

• Frigiliana (9 km) - Chosen as one of the prettiest villages of Spain this mountain village is just a 12-minute drive from Nerja and Playa de Maro. The Hotel Villa Frigiliana is the nicest hotel.

• La Herradura (7 km) - A picturesque fishing village to the east of the nature reserve on the opposite side of Playa Cantarriján. It has a gorgeous bay with seaside chiringuitos and a marina. Here is nice selection of hotels and villas.

• Almuñecar (14 km) - Another popular holiday destination just 20-minutes from Nerja with a waterpark, aquarium, bird park, and a castle! Best hotels and villas in Almuñecar.

• Maro (1.7 km) - This tiny village is the closest to the Maro beaches but has far less accommodation. If you would like to stay here try these options.

• If you haven't found anything yet, you can also try VRBO.com, they have a ton of great villas and apartments near Playa del Molino de Papel, like this one!

Kayaking & Scuba Tours from Playa del Molino de Papel?

There are no kayak rentals or scuba excursions from Playa del Molino de Papel but if you're interested in joining an excursion while visiting the area read: kayaking in Nerja. There are excursions that leave daily from both Nerja and La Herradura that pass by this beach. They visit the caves, hidden coves, and waterfalls of the Nature Reserve.

Scuba diving is also a popular activity in the reserve as Maro is one of the top diving destinations in Spain. Most of the diving companies are located in La Herradura or Nerja. Read: Scuba Diving in La Herradura / Maro.

Restaurants ➜ Playa del Molino de Papel

There are currently no restaurants of any kind on Playa del Molino de Papel. If you are in the area and looking for a good place to eat, we suggest:

• Best Nerja Restaurants
• Best La Herradura Restaurants
• Best Almuñécar Restaurants

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Other Beaches in the Maro Reserve:

• Playa de Maro
• Cala de Maro
• Playa la Caleta de Maro
• Playa de las Alberquillas
• Calas del Pino
• Playa el Cañuelo
• Playa Cantarriján

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