19 Beaches in Malaga Recommended By a Local
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Malaga, Spain, this guide is for you.
Malaga, part of the famous Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun), is well-known for its incredible beaches, cliffs, bays and dunes and warm and mild temperatures all year round.
If you’re looking for a beach holiday, you won’t regret choosing Malaga because you have plenty of coastal towns and villages.
Whether you love a lively atmosphere or a quiet spot, Costa del Sol is the place to be.
In this blog post, you’ll discover beautiful beaches in Malaga and secret and off-the-beaten-path beaches across Costa del Sol that only the locals, like me, know about.
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Beaches in Malaga City
1. Playa La Malagueta
La Malagueta is the most popular beach in Malaga, located a few minutes from Malaga Old Town.
Although it’s a beautiful beach, bear in mind that it gets very busy during the summer months. Tourists and locals who live close by choose La Malagueta because of its convenient location.
At La Malagueta beach, you can find chiringuitos, a lovely promenade, and green spaces, and it’s within a short walking distance of Muelle Uno, Malaga’s port, which has a wide range of local and international restaurants and shops.
This beach is the perfect option to combine sightseeing in Malaga and relaxing in a day.
2. Playa La Caleta
Between La Malagueta Beach and Pedregalejo Beach, you’ll find La Caleta, a 1-kilometre-long beach characterised by its dark sand and moderate swells. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the east of Malaga.
La Caleta Beach has plenty of small green places ideal for protecting yourself from the high temperatures and the sun.
Within La Caleta, you can find fitness areas and playgrounds, rent a sunbed and beach umbrella as well as pedal boats and have food at the chiringuitos (traditional fish beach restaurants).
3. Playa de la Misericordia
If you want to go to the beach where most locals go, you must visit La Misericordia. I remember visiting this beach with my family every weekend when I was a kid, so I have a soft spot for this beach.
This 2 kilometres long beach is surrounded by a lovely promenade with beach restaurants, a cycling road, and green spaces with benches and playgrounds.
It’s also next to two great places: Parque del Oeste, a lovely park with statues, an artificial lake with ducks and swans and other amenities, and the Automobile and Fashion Museum.
Local Tip
If you’re going into the sea, be careful with your towels and beach umbrellas. Once a day, the “Melillero”, a high-speed vessel, passes and makes the tide rise very quickly. You don’t want all your belongings to be wet.
4. Playa Pedregalejo
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach within Malaga, Pedregalejo is your best choice. This beach received the Q Quality Seal in 2018, and it’s located between two other stunning places, the Baños del Carmen and El Palo Beach.
It’s also a busy beach during the summer months because of the proximity to the city and the numerous beach bars and restaurants that are very well-known for delicious fish and seafood dishes.
If you go to Pedregalejo Beach and love fish, you must try espetos, Malaga’s traditional dish. It consists of sardines on skewers placed on a small barbeque made in a little boat—just designed for roasting sardines and other fish and seafood.
5. Peñón del Cuervo
If you’re looking for the most beautiful beach in Malaga, Peñón del Cuervo is the one for you. This unique beach gets its name from the rock emerging from the water that divides the beach into two areas.
It’s a tranquil beach situated on the outskirts of Malaga, which is also protected because of the numerous endangered plant species you can find there.
There are no restaurants or bars around this beach, making it a perfect beach for anyone who wants to be immersed in nature and avoid the hustle and bustle of the city.
Moragas, nighttime parties with bonfires, take place on this beach during the summer.
THE BEST WATER ACTIVITIES IN MALAGA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS 🌊
Beaches near Malaga
6. Playa Guadalmar, Torremolinos
Guadalmar Beach is situated between Malaga and Torremolinos, and it’s characterised by being tranquil and having surrounding unique vegetation that attracts many birds – it’s indeed the main route for birds migrating to and from Africa and Europe.
This sand is dark, and there are moderate swells and a few amenities, such as a couple of beach bars, a free car park, toilets and showers.
Guadalmar Beach is the type of beach you want to visit if you don’t want to go far from Malaga and enjoy the tranquillity. However, you also need to know that a part of this beach is for nudists. This is the only authorised nude beach near Malaga.
Guadalmar Beach is also recommended as an LGTB destination.
7. Playa Los Álamos, Torremolinos
Los Alamos Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Costa del Sol.
It’s lively and fun because of all the different activities you can do on and near this beach – from water sports to a good selection of beach bars and restaurants. I’d say it’s one of the best beaches near Malaga Airport.
The beach has golden sand and moderate swells, and an extensive promenade that goes all the way from Los Alamos to La Carihuela Beach. This is the perfect place to go for a walk on a sunny winter day, too.
If you love relaxing with an atmosphere, I highly recommend getting an umbrella beach at La Palapa Beach. The vibe is quite good – music and delicious food while you enjoy a day on the beach with your loved ones or friends.
During the summer nights, Los Alamos becomes a place for parties in the many well-known beach clubs where locals dance bachata and salsa. On top of this, you can also find bonfires and late-night parties on the beach.
8. Playa La Carihuela, Torremolinos
One of the best beaches in Torremolinos is La Carihuela. This 2-kilometre-long beach is full of charm and activities to do for all types of travellers.
While La Carihuela is home to many beach bars, restaurants, and shops that fill the beach and promenade with tourists from all over the world, it maintains the charm of the typical Andalusian fishing village that used to be.
The beach is characterised by its dark sand from volcanic origins and calm waters, which make it an excellent place to visit with family and children.
9. Playa de Bil Bil, Benalmadena
Bil Bil Beach is the busiest beach in Benalmadena due to its central location, which attracts tourists and locals.
The beach is surrounded by many international restaurants, parks such as Parque de la Paloma, and souvenir shops, which is great if you want to explore the town of Benalmadena.
10. Playa de Carvajal, Benalmadena
Playa del Carvajal, located on Benalmadena’s border with Fuengirola, is a famous beach on the Costa del Sol.
Carvajal Beach was awarded the Blue Flag Award in 2021, and it’s well known for its dark sand, pebbles and calm sea, which is why many tourists and locals choose this beach to visit with family and children.
The beach is well-equipped with plenty of amenities such as sunbed rentals, showers and toilets, and you can enjoy a wide range of water sports activities. On top of this, Carvajal Beach is very clean and safe, as lifeguards continuously monitor the coast.
It’s one of my favourite beaches in Benalmadena.
11. Playa de Calahonda, Fuengirola
Calahonda Beach is located between Fuengirola and Mijas. It is characterised by its beautiful golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and moderate swells.
The beach isn’t surrounded by a promenade, making it more unique and natural than other developed beaches. Calahonda is also the beach for you if you love scuba diving!
Although it isn’t as popular as other beaches on Costa del Sol, it can get busy on weekends.
12. Playa Puerto Banús, Marbella
Puerto Banús Beach, situated between the luxurious Puerto Banús Marina and Río Verde Beach, is an excellent beach awarded the Blue Flag.
The beach has beautiful golden sand and calm waters, making it an excellent beach to visit with family. Puerto Banús Beach is also close to a wide range of top-notch restaurants worth checking.
13. Playa de Cabopino, Marbella
One of the best beaches in Marbella is Cabopino Beach. Although this beach has gained more popularity over the years, it’s a virgin beach where you’ll always find a quiet spot.
Cabopino is within the Artola dunes, a nature preserve declared a Natural Monument in 2001. Here, you’ll find breathtaking dunes and unique vegetation that immerse you in nature.
The beach is close to many incredible beach bars and restaurants, and you can rent sunbeds and beach chairs, too.
Cabopino is the beach to go to if you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach sunbathing, swimming in the sea and eating in a traditional chiringuito. It’s one of the quiet beaches near Malaga.
You must know that you’ll also find part of the beach for nudists.
14. Playa de Nagüeles, Marbella
Nagüeles Beach, also known as “Golden Mile”, is one of the prettiest beaches in Marbella.
Its golden sand, crystal blue and shallow waters, and vegetation make it a unique beach in Costa del Sol. This beach has a wealthy reputation, so don’t be surprised if you encounter a celebrity.
Nagüeles Beach is also surrounded by some of the best restaurants and hotels in Marbella.
Local Tip
If you love beach clubs, make sure to check out Nikki Beach. It’s the perfect place to enjoy live music, sip cocktails and have a good time with friends.
15. Playa La Rada, Estepona
La Rada is Estepona’s main beach, located next to the town centre, so there’s no doubt why this beach attracts many tourists and locals.
The beach is known for its more than 2 kilometres long grey sand and calm sea. Due to its excellent location, you can enjoy eating in one of the many beach bars and restaurants in Estepona that serve traditional fish dishes.
It’s also a great beach to visit if you want to explore Estepona’s beautiful Old Town and other attractions, such as the Orchidarium.
16. Playa Rincón de la Victoria
The east coast of Malaga is less popular than the west, and this is the case with Rincón de la Victoria Beach.
On this side of Costa del Sol, you’ll find fewer tourists but more locals and national holidaymakers. So if you want to immerse yourself in a more Spanish atmosphere, visit this beach.
This 7-kilometre-long beach has incredible crystal clear and shallow waters and plenty of amenities for everyone. The beach also has public toilets, a lifeguard service and shadow spaces for those who don’t like sunbathing.
Local Tip
If you’re looking for another relaxing beach around Rincón de la Victoria, check out Benagalbon Tower beach.
17. Playa El Salón, Nerja
To the right side of the beautiful Balcón de Europa, you’ll find Playa El Salón, a beautiful sandy beach.
El Salón beach is a popular beach option for many Spanish holidaymakers and locals who stay in Nerja, so it gets very busy during the summer months.
Despite getting busy, it’s a great beach to spend the day on as you can easily visit it on a day trip to Nerja, and unlike other beaches in Nerja, El Salón beach has soft sand, so you don’t need footwear.
The beach only offers a sunbed service, and a small kiosk opens all day. Also, you can enjoy traditional food from the Nerja town centre.
18. Playa Burriana, Nerja
Burriana is considered one of the best beaches in Nerja, which is reflected in the numerous times that this beach has been prized with the blue flag year after year.
It’s characterised by its crystal clear waters and golden sand, but one of the reasons it’s a famous beach in Nerja is the many amenities you can find near Burriana. You can do anything from renting a paddle boat and relaxing to jet-skiing.
The beach promenade also offers a good variety of international and local restaurants and shops. A great place to have food is Restaurante Ayo, nationally known for its delicious wood-fired paellas.
19. Playa de Maro, Nerja
This is one of the best hidden beaches near Malaga that will make you feel like you’re in paradise – calm sea, crystal clear water, and beautiful vegetation surrounding the beach area.
Maro Beach is only a few kilometres from Nerja town centre, but it’s hidden in the Acantilados del Mar nature reserve.
This beach is for you if you love water sports. There are plenty of water activities in Maro – snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking are among the most popular.
There is a small beach chiringuito, but you won’t find any other food options besides that. Therefore, you must pack some snacks and food with you.
Map with best beaches near Malaga, Spain
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 beaches near Malaga
Does Malaga have good beaches?
Absolutely! Malaga has good beaches with great amenities like restaurants, public toilets and hammocks. Depending on the area, you will find sandy or less sandy beaches, but all of them are suitable for everyone to swim.
Is Malaga a beach holiday?
Although Malaga can be considered a beach holiday, there are plenty of things to do in Malaga apart from spending your time at the beach. Malaga is also a great destination for sightseeing, as the city is home to many interesting museums, historical buildings and parks.
Is Malaga old town near the beach?
Malaga Old Town is very close to La Malagueta Beach, Malaga’s main beach. Walking there takes approximately 15 minutes, so you can easily walk from the old town to this beach.
Conclusion of the best beaches in and around Malaga
Although there are many incredible beaches in Malaga City, there are also quiet beach towns near Malaga that are worth visiting.
If you visit Malaga or any town in Costa del Sol in the summer, you’ll see more crowds; however, travelling off-season offers a different experience. You can enjoy beautiful walks on the beach promenade or a relaxing meal overlooking the sea.
After seeing all these incredible beaches, which Malaga beaches are on your list?
Safe adventures!
Cristina x
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Top things to do before visiting Malaga and Costa del Sol
- Book accommodation in Malaga or Costa del Sol. This hotel guide will tell you the best hotels for all budgets.
- Have a look at this Malaga food guide to indulge yourself in eating the best typical food and sipping cocktails on the best rooftops.
- Are you planning to visit other nearby Andalusian destinations? Check out my blog about the best day trips from Malaga.
- Rent a car to travel with ease around Malaga and Costa del Sol.
- Book travel insurance. This is a must for any trip!
I want to hop on a plane to Spain every time I read your articles on Southern Spain. These beaches look so dreamy. Great article.
We’ve been in sub-zero temps for the past week. I’m so ready to visit all 19 of these beautiful secret beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol!
I’ve been to the Malaga area once only and it was during winter. I loved it but I definitely need to return during the summer in order to enjoy this magnificent myriad of beaches. Thank you for this fabulous list!
Oh My God! These beaches are just so stunning. Just perfect to relax and read a good book.
Wow those are lovely beaches ..thanks for sharing. Hope to visit someday
With so many beautiful beaches in Malaga, Spain, how can you even choose where to spend a sunny day?? I want to visit them all!!
Malaga is such an easy destination to get to, making it one of the best cities in Spain for sun-soaked vacations. Thanks for these useful tips!
It’s such a wonderful part of Spain, but one I yet need to explore further! I’ve saved this so that on my next Spanish roadtrip I can visit some of these hidden beaches! Thank you 🙂
All of these are so dreamy and are exactly where I need to be right now
What a fun list of beaches! I think I’d go to your childhood spot at Playa de la Misericordia. I love that there are restaurants nearby for a nice break in the day.
I am always looking for new beach destinations and I will definitely be adding these to my list! I love that you share your insider knowledge and some hidden gems too. I’m definitely ready to visit all 19 beaches!
I am soooo ready to jump on a plane and go to ANY of these beaches! Love your photos!
Goodness all of these beaches are gorgeous. I can totally see why Malaga is such a popular destination for beach lovers.
I like the sound of Peñón del Cuervo best, for relaxing in nature. I also love the rock formations at the Beaches in Nerja!
My daughter JUST went to Malaga and tried a lot of those nice beaches! Great list!