17 Best Beaches in Malaga and Beaches near Malaga

Guide to the best beaches near Malaga you need to visit

People travel to the Costa del Sol for several reasons: the welcoming temperatures all year round, its cultural and culinary offerings, and, of course, some of the best beaches in Spain. 

If you plan to visit Malaga and even further afield toward the Costa de la Luz, you will find some of the most beautiful beaches, inviting you to kick back and get your tan on. 

Whether you’re planning on staying put in Malaga or sinking your toes into the sand along various beaches within an 80km distance, we’ve got you covered. 

Keep calm and read on – pack up your beach gear for the day and use our handy guide to plan your ultimate holiday by the Andalusian Sea. Ready to explore all the top beaches in Malaga and around?

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Overview: Best Beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol

1. Pedregalejo Beach
2. Playa de la Caleta
3. Cabopino, Marbella
4. Burriana, Nerja
5. La Rada, Estepona
6. El Castillo Beach, Fuengirola
7. Bil-Bil Beach, Benalmadena

Best Beaches in Malaga City

1. La Malagueta Beach, Malaga

With a sand and gravel mix, this may not be the most attractive beach in Malaga, but it is definitely the most convenient if you’re just looking for a quick dip or a morning spent playing volleyball. 

It stretches on for about one kilometer, and its leisure area is roughly 40 meters wide, allowing for plenty of space to spread out your towel even on a busy day. This Malaga beach offers:

• Showers and toilets
• Volleyball court 
• Cafés and beach bars (some of which serve Espetos– the Spanish grilled sardines)
• Playground

One of the greatest things about La Malagueta beach is its location – just a 20-minute walk from the very city center, you will pass through the Parque de Malaga and pass Muelle Uno and the funky Centre Pompidou building along the way.

It’s one of the best beaches in Malaga since it is very close to the city center and is part of our 1 day in Malaga itinerary.

Are you thinking about moving to Malaga? Here’s a guide that will help you buy the best properties in Malaga and la Malaguena district is one of the most beautiful areas to live in.

2. Pedregalejo Beach, Malaga

Looking for the perfect place to combine your beach bum and foodie tendencies? Then Playa Pedregalejo – also known as Las Acacias Beach – is the spot for you. 

It is a traditional fishing area with some of the best fish and seafood restaurants along the promenade. 

So, once you’ve worked up a hunger, roasting in the sun and swimming in the sea, throw on your beach dress or tie up that sarong, and head over to one of the restaurants for boquerones or Spanish chicken croquettes.

Pedregalejo is a nice beach with:

• A great selection of beachside restaurants
• Showers and toilets
• Hammocks and umbrellas for rent
• Small gardens beneath palm trees
• Playgrounds
• Parking
• Kiosks

It’s a long walk to Pedregalejo Beach from the center of Malaga, but it’s a perfect opportunity to rent a bike and work up your anticipation as you feel the sea breeze in your hair. 

You’ll reach the beach in about 15 minutes, and the roads there are relatively smooth.

Alternatively, you can make your way there in a rental car, which will take around ten minutes. -You can rent a car here.

3. Playa de Maro, Malaga

For one of the most beautiful clear water beaches in Malaga, you’ll need to head to Nerja – to the Playa de Maro, to be exact. 

This is where you will get your fix of picturesque beach scenery, as well as a great selection of the best watersports in Malaga to partake in for the day. 

Whether you’re just looking for the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos or invitingly clear waters that make snorkeling and kayaking extra fun, Playa de Maro is for you. 

Nestled behind the cliffs of the Tejeda mountain, this beach is quiet, unspoiled, simply breathtaking, and, most importantly, accessible for the differently-abled and pushchairs. 

To ensure your day is as relaxed as possible, you will find:

• A beach restaurant
• Kiosk
• Showers and toilets
• A small car park
• Sunbeds

Playa de Maro truly is one of the best beaches near Malaga, and it also happens to be located near the town of Nerja, a tourist favorite thanks to its all-year holiday vibe. 

Make your way to this beach by car so you can aprovechar (take advantage) of a little stroll through Nerja first. 

Get on the E-15/A-7 from the Carretera de Almeria in Malaga, until you reach exit 245. 

Once you’ve exhausted your views of the sea and surrounding beaches from atop the Balcón de Europa, hop back into your rental car and drive along the Carretera de Almeria N-340 following the signs to Bajada a Playa de Maro. – Rent a car for your trip here.

4. Playa de La Caleta, Malaga

Situated between la Malagueta and the Baños del Carmen, you’ll find another one of Malaga, Spain’s beaches, namely Playa de la Caleta. 

Measuring around 25m wide and stretching for around 1000m, this is one of many Costa del Sol beaches frequented all year round by tourists and locals alike. 

While it is close enough to the center of Malaga by car (around six minutes) and only a brisk, thirty-minute walk, it is far enough from the hustle and bustle to make you feel you have escaped city life completely.

Here you’ll find:

• Chiringuitos
• Lifeguards
• Showers and toilet facilities
• Sun lounge hire
• Children’s play area
• Parking
• Paseo Maritimo

To get to Playa la Caleta, follow the Paseo del Parque towards Calle Molina. From the roundabout, keep in the direction of Avenida de Cánovas del Castillo (N-340).

5. Playa de el Palo, Malaga

Ask three Malagueños about the origin of the name “El Palo”, and they’ll all have a different theory. 

But, according to historian Victor Heredia, it was most likely taken from a once-popular roadside venta on the way to Vélez-Málaga. 

Playa el Palo stretches from the Arroyo Gálica to Pedregalejo and is as popular among fishermen as it is among beachgoers.

Counting as one of the best beaches near Malaga it is equipped with:

• Bars and restaurants
• Sun lounge hire
• Sport area
• Lifeguards
• Ample parking
• Shower and toilet facilities
• Children’s play areas
• Summer cinema screenings (June-August)

By car from Malaga, follow the Paseo del Parque to Avenida de Cánovas del Castillo; at the first crossroad, turn left onto Calle Bolivia and follow it all the way down to Calle Quitapenas. 

The journey will take you around 12 minutes. 

6. Playa Peñón del Cuervo

Just seven minutes by car from La Cala de Moral, an idyllic little beachside town outside of Malaga, on the south coast of Spain, you’ll find Playa Peñon del Cuervo. 

A leisurely lounge day on this beach should form part of your Costa del Sol holiday – it’s just 450m long but is a hub for cultural events such as concerts, moragas and, it also happens to be home to the endangered plant species, Siempreviva. 

You can’t miss this beach: the big rock formation it is named after is a real eye-catcher.

Noteworthy amenities include:

• Barbecue areas
• Green zones
• Children’s play areas
• Sport area
• Sun lounge hire
• Accessible by public bus

To get to Playa Peñón del Cuervo by bus, get on Line 3 or 6 at the estacion de autobuses next to the María Zambrano train station. The trip will take around 63 minutes. – Book your ticket here.

7. Playa De La Misericordia, Malaga

The Playa de La Misericordia, close to the museo automovilístico and the parque del oeste is one of the city’s most popular beaches.

It stretches on for 2000m, its waters are clear and the sand feels clean and refreshing between your toes. 

But ojo! You might be surprised by el Melillero – a tide that comes in quickly and without much warning, soaking towels and even carrying people’s belongings out to sea. 

Here is what you can expect at Playa de la Misericordia:

• Snorkeling zone
• Accessible by bus
• Floating platforms
• Summer cinema screenings (June – August)
• Chiringuitos, bars, and restaurants
• Sports equipment
• Playgrounds
• Shower and toilet facilities

If you don’t fancy renting a car or schlepping all your beach gear around, jump on the L40 bus at Avenida Maria Agustin Heredia, which will get you there in just over twenty minutes. – Buy tickets here.

Alternatively, enjoy a nice bike ride along the Paseo Maritimo.

Best Beaches near Malaga

8. Cabopino Beach, Marbella

Ready to head to one of the most beautiful beaches near Malaga? Then hit the road in the direction of Marbella to visit Cabopino beach. 

This is the place to be for spectacular summer beaches, pictures that truly capture the best beach getaway vibes, a stunning natural environment, and dunes offering plenty of privacy.

Wooden walkways lead you down to a narrow but excellent stretch of beach, part of which is nudist.

There is not much here in terms of attractions and amenities. Still, you will find some bars and restaurants on either side of the beach – direction La Cala de Mijas (Chiringuito Las Dunas) and direction Marbella (Restaurante Chiringuito Triana Marbella).

The best way to get to this, one of the best beaches in Spain, is by car following the highway A-7 from Malaga in the direction of Marbella and taking the Cabopino exit. 

There is a big parking space at the entrance to the beach and walkways.

9. Nikki Beach, Marbella

There are plenty of things to do in Marbella, but if you’ve come to the Spanish riviera to find the ultimate hot spots for relaxation, Nikki Beach is a must. 

It’s not so much a beach as it is an experience – a luxurious beach club and restaurant experience “famous for champagne tastings, opulent lunches, daytime dancing, signature White opening parties, and Red closing parties.”

• Swimming pool
• Sunbeds
• Raised Deck
• Sandy white beach
• Open-air restaurant
• Terrace
• Lifestyle Boutique

Follow the AP-7 and A-7 directions Marbella, then take the exit at Elviria/Cambio Sentido. 

Stay on the Calle Ciudad de los Periodistas, then follow Avenida Zurita to Avenida del Naviero.

10. Puerto Banús, Marbella 

Possibly one of the most famous places in Spain’s Costa del Sol, is Puerto Banus, the port that is home to luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and many celebrities. 

Here you have your choice of three beaches: Playa Puerto Banus (also known as Playa de Levante), Playa Nueva Andalucia, and Playa del Rio Verde. 

They are all nice beaches that have been awarded blue flags for their top-notch facilities including:

• Sun Loungers
• Parking
• Wheelchair accessibility
• Children’s play areas
• Shower and toilet facilities
• Lifeguards
• Chiringuitos and restaurants

By car, take the AP-7 to Marbella; take exit 181A to Puerto Banus. Alternatively, take the Avanza L-304 bus from the estación de autobuses de Málaga. – Book your tickets here.

11. Calahonda Beach, Nerja

According to Nerja’s tourism office, Playa Calahonda is the town’s most photographed. 

It may have something to do with the fact that the water is a beautiful turquoise color and its sandy beach is decorated with cliffs and striking rock formations. 

It wouldn’t surprise us if you would add it to your list of the world’s most beautiful beaches and, certainly, one of the best beaches near Malaga after your visit. It is foreseen with:

• Parking
• Lifeguards
• Shower and toilet facilities
• Sunbeds

Getting to the beach is an adventure that will lead you through the Boquete de Calahonda, an arched, picturesque open doorway on the Balcón de Europa. 

Very Alice in Wonderland-esque! To get to Nerja from Malaga, hop on the ALSA Ma-Mot-Alm at the estación de autobuses in Malaga, which will get you there in around 50 minutes. – You can find tickets here.

12. Burriana, Nerja

While you’re here, there are more beachy things to do in Nerja – especially at Playa Burriana. 

There are three volleyball courts, a kayak rental service that will allow you to explore the cliffs of Maro from a whole new perspective, and a choice of restaurants along the promenade.

So there’s more to do at the Costa del Sol’s best Mediterranean beach than just lounge around all day. 

Here you’ll find:

• Kiosks
• Parking
• Chiringuitos and restaurants
• Promenade
• Sunbeds
• Shower and toilet facilities

To get here, stroll down from the city center, take a taxi or – for an unforgettable arrival – take the lift from the Parador de Turismo.

13. Playa el Canuelo, Nerja

You may have recognized a theme here regarding the best beaches near Malaga – many of them happen to be in or around Nerja!

Playa el Canuelo is another famous beach with its clear waters, inviting you to spend the mornings and afternoons snorkeling. 

It also happens to be the perfect beach for tired feet: made up of tiny rocks, it offers the perfect texture for a lovely foot massage.

• Shower and toilet facilities
• Lifeguards
• Parking
• Restaurant

From the center of Nerja, Playa del Cañuelo is easy to find following the road signs 13km east. Once you arrive, you can opt to climb down or hitch a ride with the public bus. – Book your ticket here.

14. Bajondillo Beach,Torremolinos

Torremolinos, a busy beach town just twenty minutes outside of Malaga, is as beloved for its vibrant nightlife as it is for its beaches – especially Playa Bajondillo, and especially among tourists. 

There is an excellent choice of chiringuitos, all offering their own sunbeds and fancy lounge beds at reasonable prices.

You will also find that there are so many things to do in Torremolinos and here’s a selection of some of the best ones. 

• Parking
• Sunbeds
• Chiringuitos and restaurants
• Lifeguards
• Showers and toilet facilities

Get to Torremolinos by train on the C-1 from Malaga train station. By car, Playa Bajondillo is just a short, fifteen to twenty-minute drive on the MA-20. – Buy tickets here.

15. La Rada, Estepona 

What used to be a small fisherman’s village has now become one of the most popular beach towns on the Costa del Sol. 

You will find many unique things to do in Estepona but if a beach is what you want, we have just the perfect option for you. 

If you’re looking for one of the best beaches near Malaga during your stay, head to Estepona for a street-art tour and a concert at Café Arte Huber, following a day of soaking up some rays at La Rada beach. 

Once hunger strikes, just cross the street and treat yourself to a refreshing smoothie and homemade goods at Tolone or a creative, full menu at Chiringuito Palm Beach.

• Shower and toilet facilities
• Chiringuitos, bars, and restaurants
• Children’s play areas

To get to Estepona by bus, hop on the Avanza line for a direct trip. By car, get on the AP-7 direction Algeciras, then take exit 155 to Estepona. – Here you can buy your tickets.

16. El Castillo Beach, Fuengirola

Fabulous beach vibes and a medieval flair? You can have it all at El Castillo beach in Fuengirola among many other things to do in Fuengirola. 

The Sohail Castle, which turns into a fantastic venue for concerts, cabaret, and comedy shows during the summer and fall seasons, overlooks the beautiful beach just outside of the busy town center. 

Cross the beautifully lit beach from the castle side to Fuengirola, and you’ll be in town in just five walking minutes.

El Castillo Beach offers everything you might want:

• Parking
• Chiringuitos, bars, and restaurants
• Children’s play areas
• Showers and toilet facilities
• Designated dog beach

To get to El Castillo beach, take the car following the road signs to Fuengirola; take the exit to Miramar shopping center/Castillo Sohail. 

Or take the C-1 train from Malaga and make your way there by foot from Fuengirola station, which is just a twenty-five-minute walk that will take you through the town and along the promenade. – Buy your ticket here.

17. Bil-Bil Beach, Benalmadena

Close to one of the most wonderfully designed parks on the Costa del Sol, Parque de la Paloma, you’ll find Benalmadena’s best beach: Playa Bil-Bil. 

Spend the day working up a tan, splashing around in the sea, and try yourself at new water sports, then head back via a stroll through the park to wind down.

Here, you can also find one of the best places for surfing in Andalucia, so there are plenty of things to do in Benalmadena for everyone.

At the beach you can find at your disposal the following:

• Parking
• Sunbed hire
• Shower and toilet facilities
• Lifeguards
• Gardens

If you’d like to avoid getting stuck in traffic, we suggest opting for a train ride from Malaga to Benalmadena-Arroyo de la Miel. From there, it’s just a twenty-minute walk to the beach.

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Best Hotels in Malaga, Southern Spain

The beach may be the only thing on your mind as you prepare for a much-deserved holiday on the Costa del Sol, but you’ll need a place to crash, too. 

We have three Malaga-based suggestions for every budget – take your pick!

Vincci Selección Aleysa, Hotel Boutique & Spa ***** – Luxury

Looking for the closest beach, Costa del Sol, Spain? How about right outside your window? 

At the exclusive Vincci boutique hotel, you can practically pick your beach spot for the day from the comforts of your bed, because it is, literally, right outside your door. 

Add to that a spa and exquisitely decorated bedrooms and common areas, and you’re all set for ultimate relaxation.

Check rates and reviews here.

Parador de Málaga Golf **** – Mid-Range

Planning on taking your four-legged bestie with you on holiday? Then the Parador de Málaga Golf is an excellent choice for you. 

Pet friendly and with the beach and a golf course on the premises, this hotel might just tick all your boxes. 

Enjoy breakfast and dinner in the early morning breeze or under the stars, and take full advantage of the location: close to the train station and the Plaza Mayor outdoor shopping center, and just a short bus ride from Malaga city. – You can book bus tickets here.

Check the hotel’s rates & reviews here.

Soho Boutique Las Vegas *** – Budget

The Soho Boutique Las Vegas is a budget hotel that could easily be voted boho-luxury. 

Located at the beach and just twenty minutes from the city center, this hotel offers modern rooms and beach-vibe decorations throughout the common areas, setting the tone for your stay. 

With its own pool and indoor and outdoor dining areas, it invites you to linger and simply enjoy.

Take a look at the rates and reviews here.

What to expect from the best beaches near Malaga

So, what makes Malaga perfect for beach holidays? Well, let’s start with the fact that local beaches in the area offer a little something for everyone. 

One of the best beaches in Malaga City center is La Malagueta since it can be reached by foot.

Head to Playa de la Caleta in Malaga or El Castillo Beach in Fuengirola for a beach day close to the city action.

Would you prefer a scenery beach? Then the lovely Cabopino beach and dunes are for you. 

Wherever you choose to go, you can always expect a chiringuito nearby, and plenty of space to set yourself and the family up for a memorable day at the beach. 

If you don’t want to lug a beach umbrella or tent around with you, reserve your sun lounger in the shade at one of the chiringuitos; this way, you also won’t have to worry about lunch whenever you start feeling peckish.

Getting Around Malaga

Your feet are meant for walking, so make sure that’s what they’ll do – all around Malaga and the promenade too! 

Most of the best beaches in Malaga can be reached by foot, bus or taxi.

And once they tire, rent a bike or a segway for smooth rolling around all the narrow shopping streets and through the city parks or simply opt for the Hop-on Hop-off bus. 

The urbano bus will also take you wherever you need to go within city limits and even its outskirts and there is no need to buy tickets in advance unless you’re looking to go further outside of Malaga. – You can book tickets in advance here.

Map Best Beaches near Malaga

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Short FAQ about the Best Beaches near Malaga

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