One of Europe’s most beautiful hidden beaches can be found on the Costa del Sol, according to a leading travel website.

Jetcost has included Calahonda Beach in Nerja in its list of the 14 most original beaches in Europe, making it the only beach in Andalucia to make the ranking.

Nestled beneath the famous Balcon de Europa, the small cove is renowned for its crystal-clear water, peaceful atmosphere and distinctive whitewashed fishermen’s houses built into the rocks.

Measuring just 120 metres in length, Playa de Calahonda is a horseshoe-shaped cove made up of dark sand and pebbles.

Jetcost says its central location, immediately below Nerja’s iconic clifftop viewpoint, has made it one of the town’s most photographed and visited beaches.

Adding to its charm are the traditional white buildings with bright blue doors that sit against the cliffs, giving the cove its unmistakable character.

Thanks to its calm, transparent waters, Playa Calahonda is also one of the Costa del Sol’s best spots for snorkelling and diving.

Visitors can often spot colourful fish, octopus and starfish beneath the surface, while underwater caves and rocky formations provide plenty to explore.

Despite its central location, the beach retains a secluded feel, with restaurants and bars just a short walk away along Nerja’s historic seafront.

Playa Calahonda joins an impressive list of destinations from across Europe selected by Jetcost.

Other Spanish beaches featured include Cala Macarella in Menorca, Playa de las Catedrales in Galicia, Cala del Moraig in Alicante and Playa del Papagayo in Lanzarote.

Elsewhere in Europe, the ranking includes Elafonisi in Crete, Cala Mariolu in Sardinia, Praia da Marinha and Praia dos Tres Irmaos in Portugal’s Algarve, Marina Grande in Positano, Fomm ir-Rih in Malta, Oludeniz in Turkey, Baia delle Zagare in Italy’s Gargano Peninsula and Zlatni Rat on Croatia’s Brac Island.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.