Best beaches in the Costa del Sol

Malaga is more than just a pretty city, it’s got some cracking beaches right on its doorstep. Whether you fancy a lazy day on soft sands, a quick dip in the sea or a sunset stroll along the shore, Malaga’s beaches have you covered.

Playa de la Malagueta: Urban convenience and vibrant atmosphere

This beach probably needs no introduction – it’s one of the shining stars of a visit to ever-popular Malaga. If you stay in a Malaga hotel on the promenade, you can be on the sandy shore in just steps. It’s got all the facilities you could wish for, from beachside eateries and bars to loungers and parasols, and even swings and slides at the back of the beach for little ones. At one end of the bay, there’s also an inflatable in-water obstacle course. Behind the beach, you’ll find a long, well-made promenade for sunset sojourns (or searching for your next bite to eat).

Playa de Pedregalejo: Traditional charm and seafood delights

Playa de Pedregalejo is one of the smaller, local beaches on the outskirts of Malaga. Being slightly further from the main tourist centre means you can skip the crowds of its bigger, better-known neighbours. It’s a petite, pebble-and-sand stretch with some popular bars and seafood restaurants close at hand. It has a more relaxed atmosphere than the more iconic Malaga beaches, allowing you to create your own space on the beach and bring your own shade if you prefer. Swimming here is popular, and on calm days, the water is shallow and clear.

It’s not all luxury yachts and cocktails, Marbella’s beaches are perfect for a proper day by the sea. Whether you want to chill, swim or soak up the sun, there’s a beach with your name on it.

Playa de Cabopino: Natural dunes and family-friendly waters

Cabopino beach is a pretty, sandy bay right by the charming Cabopino marina, with shallow entry to the sea that’s ideal for children. It’s family-friendly and great for swimming (and has Blue Flag status), plus there are several bars and cafes nearby. You’ll find sunbeds, parasols, showers and toilets. The only downside? The beach gets busy in high season and parking spaces can be hotly contended. Cabopino runs seamlessly into Artola beach – a long, golden-sand stretch of coast, backed by rambling sand dunes. The Artola Dunes are criss-crossed with boardwalk paths, perfect for a stroll. The further from the marina you head, the fewer facilities you’ll find (so you may want to bring your own shade), but you’ll also get more of a sense of wildness. Large parts of Artola beach are naturist areas.

Playa de Venus: Central location with upscale amenities

Conveniently close to the centre of Marbella, Playa de Venus is a petite, yet perfectly formed sandy bay. There are plenty of loungers and parasols to rent and you’re just steps from the shady promenade with shops, bars and restaurants. There are also toilets, recycling stations and showers on the beach, making it super convenient for a family day out. The beach has plenty of accessibility features for those who need them, too, including close-by parking and adapted showers. If the sun, sea and sand aren’t enough entertainment for you, there are also water-sports rentals (including kayaks and pedalos) and a children’s play park right on the sand.

Torremolinos and Benalmádena are all about easy beach days, seaside strolls and plenty of sunshine. Whether you’re after long, lively stretches or quiet little spots to unwind, these two seaside towns have beaches for every kind of day.

Playa de la Carihuela: Long promenade and seafood restaurants

Situated right between Torremolinos and Benalmádena, Carihuela has all the hallmarks of the perfect Costa del Sol beach. It’s sandy, the sea has shallow entry and there are plenty of facilities. You’ll find loungers and umbrellas for rent, recycling points and beach showers too, so you can rinse the sand off before you head to your favourite chiringuito. It’s backed by a seemingly endless promenade that’s perfect for a stroll, especially if you’re searching for the perfect spot to eat in the evening.

Playa de Santa Ana: Lively atmosphere and water sports

Right in the heart of Benalmádena, close to the marina, Playa del Santa Ana has the bustling atmosphere you’d expect from a popular urban beach. It’s sandy (of course) and popular for swimming – sometimes placid and pondlike and other times with fun, frothy breakers. You’ll find loungers and umbrellas to rent, as well as volleyball and football spaces on the sand. There are some lifeguard stations too, as well as facilities for those with disabilities. As is often the case on the Costa del Sol, you can walk right along the back of the beach on a delightful promenade which stretches to other adjoining beaches and is packed with shops and restaurants.

The Costa del Sol isn’t all about big, buzzing beaches. Tucked away along the coast are quiet coves, natural spots and peaceful stretches where you can escape the crowds and soak up the sunshine in your own little slice of paradise.

Playa de Maro: Secluded cove with crystal-clear waters

It can feel a bit tricky to escape the crowds on the Costa del Sol, but Playa de Maro is far enough away from Malaga and Marbella that it does a fairly good job of feeling wild. The sand is coarse and black, and the small cove is backed by rugged vegetation and rocks. It’s accessible on foot, from parking at the top of a hill, but it’s not a tricky walk. It has the underdeveloped feel of beaches from decades ago, with a simple cafe/restaurant, and some companies offering kayaking and paddleboarding excursions from the shore. The clear water makes it perfect for swimming and snorkelling too. There are facilities, though, like a litter-collection service, lifeguards (in season) and beach showers and toilets.

Playa de Cantarriján: Nudist-friendly and natural setting

Further east from Playa de Maro, right on the limits of the Costa del Sol, Playa de Cantarriján also boasts fewer crowds, as it’s slightly less well known. This shingle-and-sand bay has a somewhat wild feel to it thanks to the fantastic views down the pine-speckled cliffs, and it promises gentle surf on windy days (and calm swimming waters otherwise). There’s ample parking and a popular beach bar, and a restaurant serving into the evening. You can rent loungers and shade and hire kayaks and pedalos here, but the beach doesn’t have the party atmosphere of the big, sandy stretches further west. It’s nudist-friendly too.

If you’re heading to the Costa del Sol with the kids, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to family-friendly beaches. We’re talking soft sands, calm shallow waters and plenty of nearby cafés for ice cream stops (very important). Whether you’re after somewhere with a good promenade for pram strolls or just an easy spot where the little ones can splash about safely, the Costa del Sol really delivers.

Playa de Burriana: Amenities and activities for all ages

Playa de Burriana is Nerja’s largest beach, a vast expanse of golden sand with ample space and facilities for everyone. You can choose from lido-style areas of the beach where you can rent loungers and umbrellas, or there’s plenty of space where you can pitch up your own towel and parasol. If you’re not in one of the Nerja hotels by the shore, there’s ample parking, beach showers and toilets. Plus, you’ll find restaurants, relaxed cafes and ice-cream shops all along the promenade. For those seeking a family adventure, try one of the many water sports on offer (like kayaking). The icing on the cake here is the fantastic view of Nerja’s peaks in the background.

Playa El Cristo: Sheltered bay with calm waters

If you’re seeking sea that’s like swimming in a paddling pool, make a beeline for Playa El Cristo, in pretty Estepona. The half-moon cove is incredibly sheltered, making for pond-like swimming conditions and a very shallow entry to the water, perfect for little ones. There’s a lifeguard on duty during high season, too. You can pitch up on the sand or make use of the loungers and cabanas for shade. For pit-stops between swims, you can choose from two laid-back beach restaurants or wander round to the marina and have your pick of eateries.

With so many lovely beaches along the Costa del Sol, it can be tricky to know where to start. Do you fancy somewhere lively with beach bars and lots going on, or are you after a quiet little cove where you can switch off for a few hours? Maybe you’re travelling with the kids and need calm waters and easy facilities, or perhaps you’re looking for a big, sandy beach where you can stretch out for the whole day. Whatever your beach vibe, there’s a perfect spot waiting, it’s just about finding what works best for you.

For urban vibes

If you want to mix and match beach days with sightseeing and city culture, Malaga is the ultimate choice. There are dozens of museums, galleries and a castle and a cathedral, as well as a whole old town to explore. Plus, it’s easily accessible from the airport by bus, with no need to rent a car. For fun evenings out and a great party, Malaga is also a fantastic choice (the city really does have something for everyone). Marbella is a top destination for nightlife, though, with plenty of clubs and late-night bars close to the beach.

For nature and seclusion

The further east you go from Malaga, the less touristy the Costa del Sol feels and the more likely you are to be holidaying alongside locals. Playa de Maro and Playa de Cantarriján are two fantastic options for a quiet, laid-back beach day (or days). Both beaches still promise ample facilities, but have a more rustic feel than some of the more built-up stretches of the Costa del Sol. In general, Nerja, Maro and Torrox are great options for a quieter holiday that still promises sun, sea and sand.

For family fun

The entire Costa del Sol is very family-friendly and, having been a prime tourist destination for so many decades, most places have something for everyone. Playa de Burriana is a great choice if you’re staying in Nerja, thanks to the size and the facilities. Estepona in general is a lovely spot for a family getaway, and Playa El Cristo is one of its crowning glory spots. Benalmadena and Torremolinos are also good family destinations, especially with older children, as there are multiple attractions like water parks and an aquarium.