The town of Málaga and the surrounding province of which it is the capital are renowned as the centre of the Costa del Sol, bestowed with radiant sunshine. Not only that, but there are hundreds of glorious golden strands on which to soak it up. Here are ten of the best from along this shimmering stretch of Mediterranean coast.
Playa de La Malagueta
The Playa de La Malagueta is the main beach right beside the town centre of Málaga — and it’s not as busy as you would think! It’s actually a surprisingly calm and family-friendly atmosphere on the strand, but still with plenty of amenities close by, including restaurants, shops, and bars. Very much worth a look.
Playa de la Calahonda
It’s definitely worth making a day-trip to Playa de la Calahonda, below the town of Nerja. It’s forty kilometres east of Málaga, and the beach is tucked in a small cove, barely more than a few hundred feet across. But the cliffs on either side, and the deep blue sea, are really astonishing to see, and the town of Nerja itself is charming and picturesque.
Playa de Cabopino, Marbella
For those who are eager to try something a little different, the Cabopino beach east of Marbella might fit the bill. Set amid rolling dunes, the beach is a hangout for nudists and artists, seeking freedom from social restriction amid the golden sands. A charming hidden jewel.
Playa de Maro
A small beach tucked into the coastline, again near to the village of Nerja. Great for snorkelling and swimming, and still something of an in-the-know hidden treasure.
Playa de Las Acacias
The Playa de Las Acacias is below the town of Pedregalejo, just east of Málaga. It’s a pebble and coarse-sand beach, and is renowned for the beachside restaurants and quaint town scenes it has as its backdrop. And after you’ve soaked up the sun and eaten up your meal, the piers that jut out into the sea are amazing to sit on as the sun is going down.
El Cañuelo (Los Alamos)
The official name is El Cañuelo, but everyone knows it as Los Alamos. A wide beach around a mile long, it has all the usual amenities: boats for hire, sunbeds, restaurants, and the like. However, it is also a beach for strutting your stuff. The beachside clubs are chic and cool, and the nights are long. Get dancing!
Playa Burriana, Nerja
Yet another Nerja treasure. The town of Nerja has a whole series of beaches along its coast, and Burriana is one of the best. A mountain backdrop, clear blue waters, a waterfall, and wonderful restaurants a moment away. Do not miss!
Playa de la Chullera
About a forty-minute drive southwest of Marbella is Playa de la Chullera, an 800-yard-long pebble beach surrounded by breathtaking outcrops of rock. The water is clear, and a must for fans of sea-swimming, snorkelling, and even spear-fishing. Best to get up early and spend a whole day here.
Playa Puerto Banús
If you’d like to rub shoulders with the one percent, Playa Puerto Banús is the place to go. The beach is right next door to a marina stuffed with luxury yachts, and the assorted rich kids, tax-dodgers, and hangers-on keep the beach next door packed throughout the summer. It’s the only public beach in the world with a Louis Vuitton branch.
Bil-Bil
The dark-sand beach of Bil-Bil is a few miles west of Málaga, and owes its name to the fascinating Arabic-style castle just up the road. The strand has a promenade with restaurants and bars, and the beach is family-friendly.
We hope you enjoyed our selection! If you want to make sure that getting to the beach is no stress, make sure to have SIXT cover all your transport needs. No matter the style or budget, car hire with SIXT makes getting around Málaga a breeze. Just remember to pack your flip-flops.
