12 Beautiful Beach Towns Near Malaga

There are plenty of beach towns near Malaga, from the popular Costa del Sol towns like Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Marbella to quieter towns like Manilva and Almuñecar.

Malaga is my hometown, and I absolutely love exploring its coastal towns and villages. Each one has something special.

Although some might be touristy during the summer, I highly recommend visiting them at other times of the year for a more authentic experience. A clear example is Marbella.

Whether you want to experience a busy and lively Spanish summer or a more laid-back atmosphere to disconnect from routine and work, there is a beach town for you.

Let me show you the best beach towns near Malaga, including my favourites!

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1. Nerja

🚗 Distance from Malaga: 50 minutes drive

Nerja is one of the best beach towns in Malaga, and the main reason is that Nerja is the coastal town with the most blue flags in Costa del Sol.

The beaches of Nerja are by far the best in the area. Not only are they accessible to everyone, but the beautiful crystal-clear waters and small coves make you feel like you’re in paradise.

Playa de la Calahonda, Playa Burriana and Playa Maro are the best beaches. The first two have very good facilities while the latter is the perfect beach for water sports. Maro Beach is the one for you if you love kayaking or canoeing.

Besides the beaches, Nerja has other lovely places to visit. My favourite spot is Balcón de Europa, a viewpoint located in the historic centre of Nerja.

On each side of this viewpoint, you’ll find two beautiful beaches and incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea and mountains in the background. You can’t beat these views.

Another unmissable attraction in Nerja is Nerja Caves, which has impressive rock formations, including some of the biggest stalactites that can’t be found anywhere else.

If you have time, I’d also add Frigiliana to your itinerary. This mountainside town is considered one of the prettiest towns in Spain. Its cobblestone streets, white-painted houses with turquoise doors and local craft shops make it very picturesque.

The town also offers beautiful views, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a refreshing sangria on a rooftop terrace while admiring the views. My favourite rooftop terrace in Frigiliana is La Tahona del Zacatin.

2. Benalmadena

🚗 Distance from Malaga: 20 minutes drive

Benalmadena is the best beach town in Malaga for families. There are plenty of things to do in Benalmadena with kids and teens.

Visiting Parque de la Paloma is a fantastic free thing to do in Benalmadena. This 200.000 m² park is home to small animals, from chickens and peacocks to rabbits. You can see the animals, enjoy a picnic or simply walk around the park.

It’s perfect for visiting with children, but even those who don’t have children, including myself, will like spending some time in this park.

Other popular kid-friendly attractions in Benalmadena include SEA Life and the Butterfly Park.

Arroyo de la Miel is the most touristy part of Benalmadena; here, you can find more restaurants targeting tourists. However, Benalmadena Pueblo offers a more authentic side.

One of my favourite places in Benalmadena is Castillo de Colomares, a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Here, you can learn about its history and take amazing photos of the castle.

Another hidden gem is Stupa, a Buddhist temple close to the Butterfly Park. Next to the temple, there is a viewpoint offering breathtaking sea views.

3. Marbella

🚗 Distance from Malaga: 50 minutes drive

Marbella is my favourite coastal town near Malaga.

It has a reputation for being expensive and touristy in the summer, and although there is some truth behind these statements, you can still have an authentic experience in Marbella.

One of the most popular places in Marbella is Puerto Banús. Luxury shops like Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana and Rolex surround this port. Here, you can see some incredible yachts or even go on a Marbella boat trip for a different view of the town.

The historic centre of Marbella feels more like an Andalusian town and, therefore, more authentic. That doesn’t mean you won’t find tourists, but you can immerse yourself in the local culture, visit important monuments and buildings like the ruins of Marbella Castle, and have tapas.

I love the atmosphere in the old town, but another thing I love about Marbella is its natural spaces, like the beaches. Playa de Venus has fantastic facilities and restaurants if you want to visit a beach near the centre.

If you prefer more hidden beaches, Cabopino is better. It’s outside Marbella and has a scenic hiking trail.

Depending on the season you visit Marbella, you can have a different experience. For a quieter vibe, I’d choose winter over summer.

4. Torremolinos

🚗 Distance from Malaga: 15 minutes drive

If you’re looking for a beach town near Malaga and the airport, Torremolinos is ideal for you.

It’s a very popular summer choice because it’s a short distance from the airport, Malaga, and other fantastic Costa del Sol towns.

Also, Torremolinos often offers more affordable accommodation than other towns like Marbella or Estepona.

I’ve always heard people say that Torremolinos is a bit tacky, and I will say that Torremolinos has changed a lot in the last 20 years. I must agree that it isn’t the prettiest town in Costa del Sol, but it has fantastic attractions.

One of the best things to do in Torremolinos is visit the beach. The beaches are clean and accessible and have fantastic facilities, and let’s not forget about the atmosphere in the beach clubs.

In addition to the beaches, you can visit Casa de los Navajas, a hidden gem in Torremolinos. This small Moorish palace is beautiful, and you can access it for free. Parque de la Bateria (Battery’s Park) and Jardin de los Molinos are also must-see attractions.

Last but not least, if you love waterparks, Aqualand is the best waterpark in Costa del Sol, with attractions for all ages.

5. Torre del Mar

🚗 Distance from Malaga: 33 minutes drive

Torre del Mar is a lovely beach town near Malaga. It’s a good option if you prefer quieter and less popular coastal towns.

The main highlight of Torre del Mar is the beach. It’s, in fact, one of the beaches preferred by locals because it has good facilities and is very spacious, so you don’t need to worry about crowds.

It isn’t a pretty beach with crystal clear water like the ones in Nerja, but it’s perfect for a friend or family day out.

The beach promenade in this town is lovely. In the summer, you can see locals and tourists walking with family or friends and stopping at beach restaurants in the evening.

What I love the most about Torre del Mar is its food scene, especially fish and seafood restaurants. Not only is it cheaper than in other beach towns, but the quality is top-notch.

I highly recommend Freiduría La Cueva. They serve generous portions, and the food is delicious. I love their fried fish tray and grilled squid.

6. Fuengirola

🚗 Distance from Malaga: 30 minutes drive

Nestled between Benalmadena and Mijas, Fuengirola is another popular beach town in Costa del Sol.

Fuengirola isn’t my top choice for a day trip from Malaga. However, the best way to discover if it’s for you is to go anyway.

Despite that, one of the best places to visit in Fuengirola is its castle, Castillo de Sohail, which you can enter for free. Walk through the castle walls to contemplate the best coastal views in Fuengirola.

The beaches in Fuengirola are also quite good, so you can spend the day at one of the beaches. Playa de los Boliches is my go-to beach in Fuengirola.

Personally, I wouldn’t spend a full day in Fuengirola; half a day is enough to see the main attractions. After that, you can visit Mijas Pueblo, a charming mountainside village with pretty streets and panoramic views.

7. Mijas Costa

🚗 Distance from Malaga: 35 minutes drive

When talking about Mijas, it’s essential to know the difference between Mijas Pueblo, the part of the town in the mountains, and Mijas Costa, the part on the coast.

Mijas Pueblo is the place to go for sightseeing. You’ll find several museums, churches, monuments and amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea. However, if you’re after a relaxing time by the beach, Mijas Costa is the one.

You won’t find many things to do and see in this part, but you can certainly switch off from work and the daily routine.

There are plenty of lovely beaches and small coves in which to relax. Some of the best beaches in Mijas Costa are Playa de la Calahonda and Playa del Peñón del Cura.

Another fun water-related activity is Aqua Mijas, a water park with attractions for all ages. However, I prefer Aqualand in Torremolinos because it has more attractions.

8. Benajarafe

🚗 Distance from Malaga: 30 minutes drive

Benajarafe is one of the quiet beach towns near Malaga. It’s fairly small, and there aren’t many things to do, but the atmosphere is laid-back, and if you don’t want a touristy location, this is your option.

The best thing to do in Benajarafe is to go to the beach. They are deeper than other beaches in Malaga, but you won’t need to worry about crowds.

I’ve been to Benajarafe several times, where my grandparents have an apartment, and I can say it’s lovely to disconnect.

If you want a livelier atmosphere, you can head to Torre Del Mar, which is a short ride away.

9. Estepona

🚗 Distance from Malaga: 1 hour and 5 minutes drive

Estepona is a less popular destination than Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Marbella or Nerja, but it’s worth adding to your list.

The highlight of Estepona is its historic centre; it’s the prettiest in the Costa del Sol and is often referred to as Jardín de Costa del Sol (Costa del Sol Garden). Not only is it bigger than the one in Marbella, but it has many things to see.

The cobblestone streets are home to whitewashed houses with flower pots, each with flower pots of different colours. You can even follow a route to explore all the picturesque streets of Estepona.

In addition to this, Estepona has fantastic beaches too. Playa El Cristo is one of the local’s favourites, and you can see Gibraltar and the north of Africa on the clearest days.

Another attraction worth mentioning is Selwo Aventura. If you love animals or want to visit a place that kids will enjoy, consider visiting Selwo Aventura, a safari located in the mountainside of Estepona. You can see anything from monkeys and meerkats to lions, tigers and zebras.

10. Manilva

🚗 Distance from Malaga: 1 hour and 15 minutes

One of the least-known beach destinations in Malaga is Manilva, located between the Costa Del Sol and the Strait of Gibraltar.

The beaches in the Manilva area are beautiful. Playa de Punta Chullera is the most picturesque, with crystal clear water and cliffs. However, Playa de la Duquesa is the most accessible from the town centre.

Besides the beaches, there are a few things to see in Manilva. Castillo de la Duquesa is the main historical building. This castle was built in the 18th century and has some Roman archaeological ruins.

Torre de Chullera is the town tower worth visiting because it is next to a lovely cove.

Last but not least, don’t forget to try the local cuisine at a chiringuito. 

11. Almuñecar

🚗 Distance from Malaga: 1 hour and 5 minute drive

Almuñécar is a beach town in the Costa Tropical, Granada, but it’s close to Malaga.

Apart from Almuñécar beaches, the town has other fantastic things to do. The must-see attraction is Castillo de San Miguel. This castle was a crucial building during the Narisd period.

There are still many of the castle walls and other parts, so it’s worth visiting alongside Museo Cueva.

Another place to visit is El Majuelo Botanical Garden. It’s home to beautiful plants and archaeological ruins. It’s one of my favourite places in Almuñecar, and they organise concerts and other events in summer.

Compared to other coastal towns, Almuñecar has more historical buildings and monuments to see. I highly recommend spending a good few hours and even taking a guided tour.

If you prefer nature-related activities like hiking, visit the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park. It offers scenic walks with incredible coastal views.

12. Tarifa

🚗 Distance from Malaga: 2 hours drive

Do you like surfing? Tarifa is a surfing paradise in Europe. The wind and sea conditions make it perfect for practising this water sport. 

But there are more reasons to visit this small coastal town. It has golden-sand beaches, and not far from Tarifa you can find beautiful dunes.

Tarifa town has a laid-back, hipster atmosphere. You can visit its castle, shop for bohemian dresses and jewellery at the independent shops, or have some tapas.

If you’re a foodie like me, I highly recommend trying the local red tuna. It’s delicious smoked or grilled.

Conclusion on the best beach towns near Malaga

Many beautiful coastal towns surround Malaga. Visit them from June to September for a beach holiday. If you’d instead sightsee, go off-season. Months like October, November, and May are good.

Do you have any questions about any of these coastal towns near Malaga? Drop a comment below or join my Facebook group.

Enjoy your trip!

Cristina x

Things to do before visiting Malaga

• Book cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
• Check out tours and activities in Malaga with Get Your Guide.
• Book a free walking tour in Malaga with GuruWalk.
• Travelling around Costa del Sol? Check and compare car rentals with Discover Cars.
• Buy travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip!

Read more about Malaga

• Is Malaga Worth Visiting?
• How to Spend One Day in Malaga
• The Best Views in Malaga
• The Ultimate Malaga Food Guide
• Incredible Festivals in Malaga
• Where To Stay in Malaga: Best Hotels and Areas
• Best Malaga Winery Tours and Experiences
• Towns in Malaga You Will Love
• Malaga Travel Budget Calculator and Expert Tips
• Malaga Vs Marbella: Which Place Is Best To Visit?