Several distinct themes come together at Río de la Miel: a river that flows year-round, Playa del Molino de Papel and a history of coastal defence. It is worth looking closely at the differences: the Torre Río de la Miel is no longer a surviving landmark, while the river landscape, beach and archaeological finds each offer their own insights.

River landscape and location

A report dated 26 August 2026 places the Río de la Miel area on the eastern edge of the municipality of Nerja, in the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park. The Río de la Miel rises at the springs of Nacimiento and flows year-round. A permanent watercourse is therefore one of the area's defining natural features.

The river's catchment area also offers its own perspective on the landscape: a relict, endemic plant community with Buxus balearica, Cneorum tricoccum and Pistacia lentiscus has been preserved there. These species belong to distinctive vegetation that is specifically associated with the catchment area. The Río de la Miel at Molino de Papel is also one of the natural outlets of the groundwater system.

Coastal and industrial history

The Molino de Papel on the Río de la Miel is an industrial heritage site dating from the 18th century. Another historical trace is the Torre Río de la Miel: the first watchtower at this site was built in the last quarter of the 16th century to monitor the mouth of the Río de la Miel and the nearby coves. Construction of the new Torre Río de la Miel began in 1751 under the direction of engineer Juan Zahoras. The tower was part of the coastal defence network against raids by Barbary pirates.

The Torre del Río de la Miel stood on Playa Río de la Miel, near the river mouth and the Molino de Papel. Its last remains collapsed during Storm Leonardo; a report dated 6 February 2026 stated that the historic landmark had physically disappeared. The tower's history should therefore be understood as part of the past, not as a structure still standing on the beach.

Archaeological finds add to the history of the structures. At Abrigo del Río de la Miel C, probable Chalcolithic pottery fragments, a lithic industry and even an Argaric dagger have been documented. At Abrigo del Río de la Miel A, pottery, mollusc material and pigment traces are preserved on the walls.

Beach, diving and paths

Playa del Molino de Papel is 400 metres long and 15 metres wide. Large rocks at both ends make it suitable for scuba diving. However, specific restrictions apply: diving with self-contained equipment and freediving are prohibited in the area designated as a diving restriction zone. Outside the prohibited zones, scuba diving requires prior authorisation from the competent Consejería. Check current notices before planning water activities.

The beach is easily accessible on foot; the N-340 runs nearby. The old N-340 is used for walks to the viewpoints and to Playa del Molino de Papel. An information board at the beach car park provides another point of reference for visitors.

The MA-6102 road is also relevant for getting there. After a temporary closure related to wildfire control, its reopening was reported on 26 August 2026. Check the road's current status and local road conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Maro

For the broader travel overview: Nerja.