Beaches of Malaga – explore the fantastic beach scene, amenities, restaurants and local vibe
When it’s hot in the city center, it’s time to head out to the wonderful beach areas around Malaga and enjoy some fantastic beach time. With easy access to the city’s beaches on foot or public transportation, you can easily find the city’s public beaches popular or go futher out to enjoy less crowds and more space for yourself.
The beach areas around Malaga are expanse with nice sandy beaches that are groomed daily for use and have full amenities like lifeguards, toilests and shower areas and beach/umbrella set up or cabana style choices along with water activities to choose from.
I love to visit the beaches here and enjoy some fun beach and water activities and have created a simple guide for your to decide which beach area will fit your needs for a fun day on the oceans off the Costa del Sol.
Weather and best time to visit Malaga’s beaches
Málaga enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means plenty of sunshine year-round and mild winters. The best time to visit Málaga’s beaches is from late May to early October, when daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s to upper 80s °F (around 24–31°C), and sea temperatures are warm enough for swimming. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, ideal for beachgoers looking for full-on summer energy, while June and September offer a more relaxed experience with great weather and fewer crowds. Winters are mild, often sunny, but the sea is cooler and beach lounging is more for walking or relaxing rather than swimming.
If you’re looking to avoid the peak season rush but still enjoy the beach, late spring and early fall are ideal times to go.
Using Public Transportation to access the Malaga Beaches
Here’s a clear outline of local transport options in Málaga to reach the beaches, including bus lines and costs:
City Buses (EMT Málaga)
- General fare:
Single ticket: €1.30–€1.40
Multi-trip (10 journeys): about €8.30
1. La Malagueta Beach
- Bus Line 3 (from city centre to Paseo Marítimo / Malagueta)
- Frequency: every ~5 min
- Ride time: ~7 min
- Fare: €2 (bus fare applies, included in standard ticket)
- Bus Lines 14 & 40
- Shared coastal route
- Stops near Malagueta (~150 m away)
2. Pedregalejo Beach
- Bus Line 34 (Avda. Andalucía ↔ Pedregalejo)
- Full route with ~33 stops
- Typical one-way fare: €1.30–€1.40
- Bus Lines 3 & 11
- Run along Avda. Juan Sebastián Elcano
- Frequent stops near the beach (~150–200 m)
3. El Palo Beach
- Bus Lines 3 & 11
- Same corridor as Pedregalejo
- Stops at Avda. Juan Sebastián Elcano near El Palo
- Bus Line 8 (from Alameda via Paseo Marítimo to Playa Virginia)
- Serves El Palo & Pedregalejo
- Standard fare applies (es.wikipedia.org)
4. La Misericordia Beach (Huelin area)
- Bus Line 20
- Connects city centre to Huelin/Misericordia
- Takes around 15 min
- Standard fare applies
Cercanías (Local Train, Line C‑1)
Ideal for reaching beaches further along Costa del Sol:
1. Torremolinos Beach (15 km from Málaga)
- Train from Málaga Centro (Málaga-María Zambrano)
- Frequency: every 30 min
- Ride time: ~19 min
- Fare: €1–€3 (depending on zones)
- Alternatively, bus that costs €1–€3 and takes ~29 min
2. From Málaga–Airport to Torremolinos
- Train travel time: ~10 min
- Typical fare: ~€1.80–€2.00
Ticket Options
- Single-ride: zone-based pricing (e.g. 1–2 zones = €1.80, up to 5 zones = €3.60)
- Bonotren (10-trip pass): cheaper bundled fare (zone-dependent; up to €25)
** Schedule and prices subject to change so always check before you head out.
The top beaches located around Malaga area and amenities
Here’s an outline of the top beaches around the Málaga area, along with key amenities and highlights at each:
1. Playa de La Malagueta (Málaga City)
- Location: Just east of the port, walking distance from the city center.
- Type: Urban beach, popular with both locals and tourists.
- Amenities:
- Sunbeds and parasol rentals
- Public restrooms and showers
- Lifeguard stations
- Chiringuitos (beach bars) serving seafood and drinks
- Bike paths and promenade access
2. Playa de Pedregalejo
- Location: 3 km east of the center, in a former fishing village area.
- Type: Family-friendly with calm, sheltered waters.
- Amenities:
- Sunbed rentals and shaded areas
- Small coves great for swimming and paddleboarding
- Promenade with restaurants and tapas bars
- Nearby parking and bus stops (Bus 3, 11, 34)
3. Playa de El Palo
- Location: Just beyond Pedregalejo, east of Málaga.
- Type: Local favorite with fewer tourists.
- Amenities:
- BBQ sardine boats and traditional eateries
- Shallow water suitable for families
- Public facilities (showers, restrooms)
- Sports courts and playgrounds nearby
4. Playa de la Misericordia
- Location: West of Málaga’s city center, past the port.
- Type: Long and wide beach, ideal for long walks or jogs.
- Amenities:
- Wide promenade with bike lane
- Sports areas, green spaces
- Fewer crowds than central beaches
- Lifeguards, showers, playgrounds
- Good sunset views
5. Playa del Peñón del Cuervo
- Location: Between El Palo and La Araña, about 7 km from center.
- Type: Semi-secluded, more natural setting.
- Amenities:
- Picnic and BBQ zones
- Limited services (no sunbeds or restaurants)
- Small parking area and walking path access
- Ideal for relaxing, kayaking, or quiet beach time
6. Playa de Guadalmar
- Location: Near the Guadalhorce River, west of the airport.
- Type: Quiet and less developed; nudist-friendly section available.
- Amenities:
- Natural feel with dunes and protected wetlands nearby
- Basic facilities (showers, restrooms)
- Close to bird-watching trails and nature reserve
7. Beaches in Torremolinos (via Cercanías Train)
- Playa de Bajondillo / Playa de la Carihuela
- Long, sandy stretches with lively promenade
- Restaurants, shops, water sports rentals
- Easily accessible by C-1 train from Málaga (~20 min)
Tips to spending a beach day in Malaga area
Here’s some helpful tips for spending a great beach day in the Málaga area:
Before You Go
- Start early: Beaches like La Malagueta and Pedregalejo fill up by mid-morning in summer.
- Pack essentials: Bring sunscreen, a hat, refillable water bottle, towel, and flip-flops.
- Light snacks: Some beaches have chiringuitos, but it’s smart to pack fruit, sandwiches, or snacks.
- Bring small cash: Many beach bars and sunbed rentals accept cash only.
At the Beach
- Choose your vibe:
- La Malagueta for a lively, central scene.
- Pedregalejo/El Palo for family-friendly and local feel.
- Peñón del Cuervo for a quieter, natural setting.
- Rent a sunbed or parasol: Costs around €5–€7 per day. Worth it for comfort and shade.
- Swim safely: Stick to designated areas with lifeguards. Watch out for flags indicating sea conditions.
- Try local food: Sardine skewers (“espetos”) grilled on the beach are a must-try, especially in El Palo.
Facilities & Comfort
- Use beach showers and restrooms: Most urban beaches have free public facilities.
- Nearby shops and ATMs: Available near La Malagueta and Misericordia. Less so in more remote spots.
- Accessible options: Many beaches offer ramps and walkways for strollers and wheelchairs.
End of Day
- Stay for sunset: Misericordia and Guadalmar offer excellent west-facing views.
- Evening strolls: Promenades like Paseo Marítimo are ideal for walking, biking, or grabbing tapas.
- Avoid peak return times: Local buses get crowded around 6–8 PM, so plan transport accordingly.
Further Reading – check out these other malaga posts below
If you are planning to explore more of Malaga to visit, check out these other posts that shares more details to seeing the many important sites and activites around the city.
Specialty foods of Malaga, Spain
About author – Noel Morata
After relocating from the United States to Andalusia in 2020, I’ve made it my mission to discover every corner of Spain. Based just east of Granada, I’ve spent over 12 months exploring Valencia province and the rest of Spain, including multiple extended visits to Valencia throughout different seasons. My background in Spanish cultural studies and five years of residence in southern Spain have given me unique insights into the region’s historical significance, local customs, and culinary traditions.
I regularly update my guides with the latest information gathered through personal visits and relationships with local tourism officials, always seeking what’s new and exciting in each destination. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m passionate about discovering authentic local markets and regional specialties.
I love spending beach days in the Costa del Sol when it’s too hot to be in the city center and enjoy the beach, water activities or just being on the water. With so many fantastic beaches you can reach by public transportation or foot, it’s an easy way to spend some time on the water here in Malaga.