10 Spectacular Beaches in Costa del Sol Chosen By a Local
Are the beaches in Costa del Sol worth visiting? The short answer is yes.
Costa del Sol is home to a wide range of stunning beaches – from idyllic beaches with awe-inspired cliffs and coves and turquoise water perfect for snorkelling and kayaking to shallow water beaches with great facilities for all ages.
I have great memories of many of these beaches. As a child, I used to spend the day by the sea with my whole family. We stayed from early morning to sunset, making sand castles, hiring a pedal boat, or playing in the water until our hands wrinkled.
Those memories still inspire me today, and as a local, I return to them every summer. Rather than building sand castles, I watch the extraordinary sunsets, the sky’s pastel colours reflected on the Mediterranean Sea.
Below, I’ll tell you exactly where to see the best sunsets, where to find my favourite beaches in Costa del Sol, and why they keep winning so many awards.
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10 Best beaches in Costa del Sol
1. Playa de la Malagueta (Malaga)
Playa de la Malagueta is the best beach in Malaga City, and unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most visited beaches because of its proximity to the historic centre.
It’s convenient for travellers and has good facilities, from beach restaurants and sunbeds to public toilets and showers. Due to this, La Malagueta Beach was awarded a Blue Flag several times.
The beach also has a playground for kids, and don’t forget to take a photo at the La Malagueta sign, one of the most instagrammable spots in Malaga.
As a local, I love La Malagueta, but not during the peak season because of the crowds. I prefer to visit this beach and walk its lovely promenade during the off-season. You’ll even see tourists sunbathing and swimming on this beach during winter!
If you’re looking for alternative beaches in Malaga City, I recommend La Misericordia and Pedregalejo.
- Sunbed rental: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Restaurants: Yes
- Water activities: Yes
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Local Tip
The best way to discover the beaches of the Costa del Sol is by car. Check out car rentals with Discover Cars.
2. Playa de la Carihuela (Torremolinos)
Alongside Malaga, Torremolinos is one of the beach towns I frequent the most. I tend to head to Los Alamos Beach, but if you’re after the best beach in Torremolinos, Playa de la Carihuela is the one.
This dark sand beach with tranquil waters is perfect for all ages. The quality of this beach is high, and like many other Costa del Sol beaches, La Carihuela received a Blue Flag.
It’s a lively beach with beach clubs like El Horno (one of the most beautiful beach clubs in Torremolinos!), restaurants and shops.
Although it’s popular, I love the origins of this beach and neighbourhood, which is well-known for its fishing activity.
- Sunbed rental: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Restaurants: Yes
- Water activities: Yes
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes
3. Playa de Puerto Banús (Marbella)
Puerto Banus Beach, also known as Río Verde Beach, is next to one of the most luxurious areas of Marbella, Puerto Banús.
What I love the most about this beach is its golden fine sand, calm water and gorgeous views of the mountains. It’s very picturesque.
The beach is perfect for all ages and has fantastic facilities, including sunbed rentals, nearby restaurants and water activities to keep everyone entertained. There are also parking spaces. The free car park next to the Melia Hotel is worth checking out.
It’s easy to spend a day on this beach, and you can also do other activities like boat rides to spot dolphins.
- Sunbed rental: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Restaurants: Yes
- Water activities: Yes
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes
4. Playa de Carvajal (Benalmadena)
Carvajal Beach is one of the best beaches in Benalmadena. However, it borders Fuengirola, and part of it belongs to Fuengirola, so you can find some people who include this beach within Fuengirola Beaches.
Nevertheless, it’s well-known for its calm and turquoise waters, dark sand and high-quality facilities.
The beach is equipped with everything you need for a day at the beach – sunbeds, showers, toilets and water sports activities. Overall, it’s a clean and safe beach where you’ll see lifeguards in the summer.
All these reasons make it perfect for families, and it’s a popular beach that can get busy in the peak season.
The beaches in Benalmadena near Fuengirola are the best ones, in my opinion, and if you love a good photo spot, I recommend checking the swing in the Torremuelle area.
- Sunbed rental: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Restaurants: Yes
- Water activities: Yes
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes
5. Playa de Burriana (Nerja)
Burriana Beach, situated in Nerja, is the best beach in Nerja, not because I said so but because it’s been prized with a blue flag several times.
The facilities of this beach are fantastic. Whether you want to soak up the sun on a sunbed, rent a paddle boat or have lunch at a chiringuito, you can do all these activities there.
I love that the crystal-clear water lets you see what’s underneath your feet.
If you’re looking for a restaurant near Burriana Beach, Restaurante Ayo is a good choice. They serve delicious wood-fired paellas and fried fish.
- Sunbed rental: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Restaurants: Yes
- Water activities: Yes
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes
6. Playa de Cabopino (Marbella)
Looking for an unspoilt beach?
Cabopino is one of the best virgin beaches in Marbella. Its fine sand, moderate waves and surroundings make it so idyllic.
This beach is about a 15-minute drive from Marbella town centre, and it makes me think it isn’t Marbella because of the location.
It’s definitely quieter than other beaches in Marbella, but that doesn’t mean it is completely quiet. There’s a camping site nearby where many travellers stay, and locals from other nearby towns also come to Cabopino to spend the day.
Another good reason to visit Cabopino Beach is its dunes. Dunas de Artola was declared a natural monument in 2001, and you can walk on its short trail, which is a wooden path.
I also need to warn you that part of this beach is nudist.
- Sunbed rental: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Restaurants: Yes
- Water activities: Yes
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes
7. Playa de Maro (Nerja)
Do you like being active on the beach?
Well, Playa de Maro, located in the sunkissed town of Nerja, is ideal for you.
Every time I visit Maro Beach, I’m amazed by its surroundings, and it makes me feel like a little paradise – crystal clear water, lush vegetation, rock formations, and surroundings are spectacular.
That doesn’t mean it’s empty. It’s popular among those who love kayaking and snorkelling in the summer. It isn’t the typical golden sand and long beach, but it’s worth visiting for a day.
When it comes to facilities, Nerja has better beaches. For example, you only have one beach restaurant, so I recommend bringing a picnic.
Also, if you visit it during the peak season, you might struggle to find a space to park your car.
- Sunbed rental: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Restaurants: Yes
- Water activities: Yes
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes, although not the best
8. Playa de la Real Zaragoza (Marbella)
Playa de la Real Zaragoza is one of the quietest beaches in Marbella. Located in a residential area on the outskirts of Marbella, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to avoid crowds.
This 13-kilometre beach is characterised by its beautiful golden sand and calm waters. However, my favourite part is the one where the Aqui Te Quiero Ver “Lunamar” beach bar is. Having visited a few times, I can confirm it’s also a good place to eat. Their fried anchovies are so good!
However, that isn’t the only one; LUUMA Beach Marbella and Siroko Beach are popular options, too.
There are free parking spaces near this beach, and lifeguards monitor the beach in the summer.
- Sunbed rental: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Restaurants: Yes
- Water activities: Yes
- Wheelchair accessible: No
9. Playa de la Rada (Estepona)
Estepona beaches are wonderful and clean, but if I had to choose one, Playa de la Rada would be my choice.
It’s a short distance from the charming historic centre of Estepona, with white-painted Andalusian buildings, picturesque spots, and monuments.
Due to its proximity to this part of Estepona, it’s a popular choice between locals and travellers.
This 2.5-kilometre grey sand beach is perfect for families because the water isn’t shallow. Teens can also be easily entertained with water activities and play volleyball on this beach.
I simply love walking on its beach promenade because you can see the Strait of Gibraltar and the African continent on the clearest days.
Another beach worth visiting in Estepona is Playa de El Cristo.
- Sunbed rental: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Restaurants: Yes
- Water activities: Yes
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes
10. Playa de los Boliches (Fuengirola)
Los Boliches Beach is the best one in the vibrant town of Fuengirola.
This dark sand beach is 2 kilometres long and has a lovely beach promenade, perfect for a stroll with your family in the winter months.
It’s well-connected and near restaurants and has all sorts of facilities, from sun loungers to pedal boats. It’s the locals’ favourite and always lively in summer.
- Sunbed rental: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Restaurants: Yes
- Water activities: Yes
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Map of beaches in Costa del Sol
Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the beaches mentioned in this article.
Frequently Asked Questions about Costa del Sol Beaches
What’s the easiest way to get to the beaches in Costa del Sol?
Your best option is renting a car. It gives you more flexibility. Bear in mind that public transport can be crowded in summer and doesn’t always reach some of these beaches.
What’s the best time to visit Costa del Sol?
The best time to visit the coastal towns in Malaga depends on the type of activity you want to do. June to September are great for a beach holiday and a lively atmosphere because of the numerous events and festivals. If you prefer to go sightseeing, I recommend the months of May and November.
Is it safe to swim in Costa del Sol?
Swimming in Costa del Sol is safe, but I don’t recommend doing it outside the summer months, as there aren’t lifeguards, or when the weather conditions aren’t good.
What is the best beach in Costa del Sol?
Playa de la Real Zaragoza, but also Playa de Burriana and Playa de la Carihuela.
Conclusion on the best beaches in Costa del Sol
So, are the beaches of Costa del Sol worth visiting? Yes! If you come to Costa del Sol, you’re spoilt for choice. There are plenty of beautiful beaches with good facilities.
Do you have any questions? Drop them in the comments.
Enjoy your holidays!
Cristina x
Save these best Costa del Sol beaches on Pinterest for later
Top things to do before visiting Costa del Sol
- Compare and book cheap flights to Malaga Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
- Read this Malaga food guide to indulge yourself in eating the best typical food in the area.
- Check out day trips and excursions with Get Your Guide.
- Book free walking tours with GuruWalk.
- Rent a car to travel with ease around Costa del Sol.
- Book travel insurance for your trip. It’s a must for any holiday.
I wished I had this list last year when I was visiting costa del sol! It was May so it was still a touch too chilly to go swimming but I can easily see myself visiting during “peak summer” in the future and I reckon this will come in handy then! Saving it for later 🙂
I agree that May is still chilly to go swimming in the sea! I hope you come back to Costa del Sol soon 🙂 I think you will enjoy these beaches.