Maro: Nature, Coast and History

The Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo are protected under the categories Paraje Natural, ZEC, ZEPA and ZEPIM. The natural area stretches from the Maro coastal watchtower to Cala de Calaiza. Its marine area contains extensive seagrass meadows, including Posidonia. It also features corals, sponges and a great diversity of fish.

Nature and Coast

Playa de Maro is 500 metres long and 20 metres wide. Its dark sand is medium-grained, and the waves are moderate. The Mirador de la Torre de Maro offers views of the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo natural area, with its steep cliffs, beaches and small, difficult-to-access coves. A boat trip in the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo area allows visitors to reach less accessible and scenically beautiful places along the protected coast.

Hiking

The municipal hiking trail network includes the Maro-Barranco Sanguino route. The Sendero Natural Acantilados de Maro is also part of the municipal hiking trail network. The Sendero Cueva de Nerja-Almijara begins on the grounds of the Cueva de Nerja and leads into the surrounding mountain landscape. The trail is signposted and easy; it is suitable for the whole family. A footpath connects the grounds of the Cueva de Nerja with Maro via gardens and the Sierra. Along the way, a modern pedestrian bridge crosses the Autovía del Mediterráneo. When visiting the Cueva de Nerja, several changes in elevation must be overcome over slightly more than 400 steps.

Culture

The Cueva de Nerja is an archaeological site with a history of diverse and continuous human use spanning more than 40,000 years. It is located in Maro, a locality of Nerja. The Jardín Botánico Detunda-Cueva de Nerja can be accessed from the grounds of the Cueva de Nerja. It features plant species from Málaga and Granada. The Romería de San Isidro takes place every year on 15 May on the grounds of the Cueva de Nerja. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas is home to the venerated image of the Virgen de las Maravillas, the patron saint of Maro. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas was restored in 1887.

Another destination is Río De La Miel.

History

The Acueducto del Águila was built at the end of the 19th century for irrigation and to supply water to the former Las Mercedes, also known as San Joaquín, sugar factory. The structure has four superimposed levels with brick arcades. In total, it has 37 semicircular arches. Construction of the Ingenio de Maro, a sugar factory associated with sugar-cane cultivation in Maro, began in 1585. The derelict Ingenio de Maro preserves parts of the original travertine masonry, semicircular openings and a massive supporting pillar. Agriculture and the economic sectors that developed from it were part of Maro's history. These included silk and sugar-cane honey, among others.

For the higher-level travel overview: Nerja.