Are you looking for the best beaches in the Malaga area to spend a relaxing holiday in Costa del Sol? This wonderful coastline in the south of Spain is 159 kilometers long and includes some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain.
Whether you’re up for some action or some rest, Costa del Sol has something for you.
If you want to discover what is the best beach for good food, which has a relaxed or family-friendly atmosphere, where to find nice sand or water sports, or even which is the beach you should choose for a good party!), keep reading!
1. Burriana Beach: our favorite beach in Nerja!
Nerja is only 35 miles by car from Malaga, and it is truly worth a visit, given the beautiful beaches it offers.
In this regard, Burriana Beach in Nerja is one of the most popular beaches in Costa del Sol. This beach of 800 meters features golden sand, a romantic seafront promenade, incredible beach bars, or chiringuitos, and many sports activities, from kayaks to jet skis.
Explore the nearby beaches, or relax with a nice glass of sangria… and enjoy yourself!
2. Maro Beach: one of the best beaches in Costa del Sol
Just like Burriana Beach, Maro Beach is a must-visit if you are in Nerja. Very few beaches can rival the coastal area of this hidden gem, as it offers the most crystalline waters, beautiful landscapes, and a unique atmosphere in every season.
This wild cove on the cliffs is the perfect place for some snorkeling and diving, as the sea is especially calm and clear.
3. Malapesquera Beach (also known as Torrebermeja Beach)
Malapesquera Beach is located in Benalmádena and is only 35 minutes away from Malaga by car.
It is one of the best-regarded beaches in Costa del Sol, a Blue Flag beach, and it offers many activities and a long bathing zone. If you enjoy water sports, you could rent any equipment you’d like, together with sun loungers and parasols.
The large grassy areas and the many attractions, like beach volleyball and football fields, make it the perfect place for all age groups. Especially for a family with kids, since there aren’t excessive waves and the shaded areas provide a break from the sun during the hot summer season.
4. Cabopino Beach: the best sandy beach in Costa del Sol
Cabopino Beach, in Marbella, is only a 47-minute drive from Malaga. It is a pleasant, relaxing, Blue Flag beach with natural dunes of golden sand and clean water. It is definitely one of the best sandy beaches near Malaga.
Cabopino’s beach popularity has been growing during the past decades, making it the perfect family destination as it offers sunbeds, parasols, jet skis, and even dolphin-watching activities!
The beach is also well-regarded among the LGBT+ community and offers a nudist section.
Reaching Cabopino’s beach is easy if you come by public transport or car. So don’t miss the opportunity to stop by!
5. Los Alamos Beach: a family-friendly beach in Costa del Sol
Los Alamos Beach in Torremolinos is another unmissable Blue Flag beach in Costa del Sol. It takes around 25 minutes by car to reach this beach from Malaga, and it is definitely worth the drive.
Los Alamos beach is quiet and usually not too crowded as it is located a bit further from the city center. It features a wide grey beach, a lovely promenade, and some must-visit chiringuitos (beach bars).
Los Alamos beach is quite popular among families and teenagers, who love to stop by for a barbecue, a picnic, or a drink.
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6. El Faro Beach: a popular choice if you stay in Marbella
Named after the lighthouse (“el faro” in Spanish), Playa del Faro, or El Faro beach, is another Blue Flag beach in Costa del Sol. It is one of the best beaches near Malaga, located in Marbella, approximately 37 miles away from Malaga.
This is a well-regarded and busy beach during the whole year, and not only during the summer season. It is not very big, it is only 200 meters long and 30 meters wide, but its central location makes it very popular.
The beach is close to many luxurious shops, so it is the perfect place for people who want to work on their tan but also do some shopping or sightseeing.
7. La Malagueta Beach: the most famous beach in Malaga City
If you are in Malaga, you can’t miss the chance to stop at Malagueta Beach! It is popular among locals and tourists visiting the city, as it is so close to the city center.
Finding La Malagueta is not too difficult, as the sculpture “Malagueta” signals the beginning of the urban beach. La Malagueta is a Blue Flag beach, and it offers many green areas with palm trees and green parrots; just rent a parasol or a sunbed, and take a break from the bustling city.
If you are looking for a quiet, natural beach, this might not be one of the best beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol for you. Here, you will find a great selection of chiringuitos (beach bars) offering fresh drinks and espetos (that is to say, grilled fish on a skewer). If you are looking forward to trying one of these, just look for the grills: they are usually shaped like a boat!
If you want to learn more about the local gastronomy of Malaga, we recommend you join our Tapas and Wine tour in Malaga City!
8. Carvajal Beach: a good mix of relax and leisure
Carvajal Beach in Fuengirola is not very distant from Malaga; in fact, it only takes 34 minutes by car to reach it.
This is another Blue Flag beach, located just at the end of Fuengirola’s promenade, where people usually go skating or jogging. It is just the perfect urban beach where you can enjoy a nice bath in the sea, drink a cold caña (a small beer), and have fun with your friends.
Carvajal Beach is very wide and ideal for families with kids!
9. Benajarafe Beach: one of the best off-the-beaten-path beaches in Malaga
It takes approximately 21 minutes to reach Benajarafe Beach from Malaga. This Blue Flag beach is situated in an urban area and it is the ideal place for families who want to spend a relaxing day at the seaside.
It’s not too crowded as the area is quite unknown to tourists. The beach offers some necessities to rent, as well as sun loungers, restaurants, sports areas, and public toilets.
If you don’t like crowded beaches and you are looking for some privacy, then leave the chaos behind and reach Benajarafe Beach!
10. Butiplaya Beach: clean waters and party at night!
Reaching Butiplaya Beach in Mijas will take 47 minutes by car from Malaga, and it is worth the trip!
Butiplaya is a lovely Blue Flag beach; and extremely clean. It is the ideal destination for people who want to enjoy some relaxing time during the day and a nice party at night. It is situated in an urban zone, so finding a parking spot and beach equipment to rent won’t be a problem.
Grab some food in a chiringuito and prepare for a great day!
11. Bounty Beach: the best beach in Marbella city
Bounty Beach, also known as Playa del Cable, is situated in Marbella. It takes almost one hour to reach the beach from Malaga, but it is worth the trip!
This is considered one of the best beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol. The fine, golden sand, the beach parties, and the water activities this place offers, make it a great spot for meeting with others. Bounty Beach takes its name from the beach bar located there.
This beach is very popular among youngsters; it usually features a DJ playing music, a relaxed atmosphere, and palm trees providing shade.
Bounty Beach also offers public showers and toilets, beach essentials for rent, restaurants, and bars.
12. Ejido Beach: one of the best barrier-free beaches in Malaga area
Reaching this beach from Malaga takes approximately 40 minutes by car. Located in Fuengirola, Playa del Ejido, or “Playa del Castillo” (“The Castle Beach”), has earned its name thanks to the big Sohail castle situated right next to it.
It is a Blue Flag, dog-friendly and wheelchair-friendly beach; and well regarded among families. Ejido Beach is the perfect site for a trip that combines culture and relaxation. Visit the castle, and enjoy a nice day at the beach: you will fall in love with this magical place!
We hope you have liked our list of the Best Beaches Malaga, Costa del Sol! Now it’s your turn! Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and check out our tours and creative experiences. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter if you want to stay tuned!
