Lorraine Williamson
A quiet summer afternoon turned tense on Sunday when a rockfall sent beachgoers scrambling for safety near the famous waterfall at Maro, just outside Nerja on Spain’s southern coast.
At around 5.15 pm on 27 July, bathers and kayakers enjoying the secluded Maro beach were startled by falling rocks from the cliffs beside the waterfall known locally as La Chorrera. The striking natural feature is a magnet for tourists in high season, drawing photographers, swimmers and paddleboarders alike.
Although panic briefly swept the cove, the incident ended without injuries or reported damage, according to a statement by Nerja’s town hall.
Area cordoned off as safety measures kick in
The affected site sits within the rugged Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo nature reserve, a protected stretch of coastline where mountains meet the sea in a dramatic clash of cliffs and coves.
In response to the rockfall, local authorities immediately cordoned off access to the waterfall area, banning boats and swimmers until further notice. Municipal engineers are now assessing the stability of the rock face to determine when — or if — the site can safely reopen.
The move comes during peak summer season, when the beach and offshore spots like Maro’s waterfall can attract hundreds of visitors on a single day. At the time of the incident, kayakers were paddling near the base of the waterfall and recreational boats were anchored close to the cliff’s edge.
The power and beauty of a wild coast
The Cascada Grande de Maro, as the waterfall is formally known, is more than just a scenic backdrop. Fed by the Sanguino stream and underground waters emerging from the Nerja caves, it plunges 15 metres into the Mediterranean — an awe-inspiring display of nature’s force.
In spring, when snowmelt surges down from the Sierra de Almijara and Tejeda ranges, the waterfall roars with such intensity that it’s impossible to pass beneath it. Even in calmer months, the water’s spray can buffet boats and dampen cameras.
Adventurous visitors usually reach the site by kayak, navigating narrow sea passages flanked by vertical rock walls. It’s part of what makes Maro one of the Costa del Sol’s hidden gems — but also what adds risk in such a geologically dynamic area.
A reminder of nature’s unpredictability
While Sunday’s rockfall caused no injuries, it has reignited conversations about safety in natural areas that are increasingly popular but still wild at heart.
The incident serves as a reminder that even idyllic destinations like Maro carry inherent risks. For now, visitors are urged to respect the closures and await updates from the municipality.
When will Maro reopen?
The site remains under assessment. Local authorities have not provided a reopening date but stress that public safety remains the top priority.