Spain/Andalusia: Nerja – Balcon de Europa
One of the most spectacular observation spot along the Spanish Mediterranean coast is known as Balcon de Europa in the seaside town on Nerja. This used to be an Arabic defensive tower from the 9th century but in 1800s it was destroyed by the British fighting Napoleon and then further demolished into oblivion by an earthquake. King Alphonso XII (apparently there were 11 other Alphonsos before him and Spanish kings like their Roman numbers to go high) came to survey the damage of the earthquake, stood on the cliff and was so impressed with the view that he proclaimed it to be the Balcony of Europe. The views are truly panoramic in both directions along the coast and the promenade next to the observation platform is awesome with open-air cafes and swaying palms. It ain’t without negatives – for some reason the resort town of Nerja is packed with British tourists with a median age of 97.5 creating a geriatric paradise of sorts.
