There are plenty of beach towns near Malaga, from the popular Costa del Sol towns like Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Marbella to quieter towns like Benajarafe and Almuñecar.
Although some of them might be touristy during the summer, I highly recommend visiting other times of the year for a more authentic experience. A clear example of this 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.
Nerja is one of the best beach towns in Malaga, and the main reason is that Nerja is the coastal town with most blue flags in Costa del Sol.
It’s a very popular choice in the summer months because it’s a short distance from the airport, Malaga and other fantastic Costa del Sol towns.
Benalmadena is the best beach town in Malaga for families. There are plenty of things to do in Benalmadena with kids and teens.
Another lovely town in Granada, not far from Malaga, is Salobreña. You have a combination of exploring and relaxing activities.
The beaches in Fuengirola are also quite good, so you can spend the day at one of its beaches. Playa de los Boliches is my go-to beach in Fuengirola.