Best Costa del Sol Beaches: Where to Swim, Sunbathe, and Unwind from family friendly beaches to hidden coves

 

 

Best Costa del Sol Beaches offer more than just sunshine and sand—they’re a mix of lively resort spots, quiet coves, and postcard-worthy stretches of Mediterranean coastline. Whether you’re after a laid-back beach day with a chiringuito nearby or a more secluded escape with calm, clear waters, this part of southern Spain has something for every kind of traveler. From the golden shores of Marbella to the scenic bays near Nerja, each beach has its own local flavor and charm. If you’re planning a coastal getaway, the Costa del Sol makes it easy to jump between beach vibes and Andalusian culture—all in one sun-soaked trip.

Weather and best time to visit the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a popular destination almost year-round. Summers (June to September) are hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching the high 80s to 90s °F (30–35°C), especially in July and August—perfect for beach lovers but also the busiest and most expensive season. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal times to visit, offering warm weather, fewer crowds, and more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Winter (November to March) is mild, with daytime temps in the 60s °F (15–20°C), making it a pleasant escape from colder parts of Europe, though swimming might be off the table. Overall, the best time to visit depends on your travel style—summer for lively beach days, or shoulder seasons for a more relaxed and affordable experience.

 

West of Málaga City

The majority of beaches around Malaga City and to the western side of the Costa del Sol tend to be more expansive, with flat sandy beaches and are popular places to hang out along the beach areas.

1. Playa de la Malagueta (Málaga)

Playa de la Malagueta (Málaga) is the city’s most convenient beach, located just a short walk from the historic center. Popular with both locals and visitors, it offers wide stretches of dark sand, calm waters, and all the essentials—sunbeds, showers, lifeguards, and plenty of beach bars known for grilled sardines on skewers (espetos). With a relaxed atmosphere and palm-lined promenade, it’s an easy spot to unwind after sightseeing or to spend a full day soaking up the sun right next to the city buzz.

While technically just east of the port, it’s the closest central beach. Easy to reach, with palm trees, showers, and beach bars.

Check out this post on visiting the beaches of Malaga here for more inspiration and images.

2. Playa de la Carihuela (Torremolinos)

Playa de la Carihuela (Torremolinos) is a long, lively beach known for its calm waters, soft sand, and excellent seafood scene. Once a traditional fishing village, the area has kept its charm while offering all the comforts—sunbeds, showers, beachside cafes, and a wide promenade that’s perfect for strolling. It’s especially famous for its chiringuitos serving fresh fried fish and espeto de sardinas. Popular with families and food lovers, Carihuela blends a relaxed coastal vibe with easy access to shops, restaurants, and local culture.

Check out our post on visiting the beaches of Torremolinos here for more inspiration and images

3. Playa de Bajondillo (Torremolinos)

Playa de Bajondillo is a popular beach located in Torremolinos, Costa del Sol, Spain. Renowned for its wide sandy shore and clear Mediterranean waters, it offers a lively and colorful atmosphere ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports. The beach is well-equipped with amenities such as loungers, umbrellas, and promenade cafes, making it a favorite destination for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation and entertainment by the sea. Its proximity to the town’s lively nightlife and attractions adds to its appeal.

4. Playa de la Fontanilla (Marbella)

Playa de la Fontanilla is a scenic beach located in Marbella, on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Known for its gentle waves and expansive golden sands, it offers a peaceful yet lively environment perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and leisurely strolls along the promenade. The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including showers, sunbeds, and nearby cafes, making it a convenient spot for visitors. Its central location near Marbella’s old town and marina provides easy access to shops, restaurants, and lively nightlife, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and socializing.

Located near Marbella’s town center, this is one of the most visited beaches in the area with calm waters and all-day amenities.

Check out this post on a day trip visiting Marbella here for more inspiration and images.

 

5. Playa de Puerto Banús (Marbella)

Playa de Puerto Banús is a stylish and glamorous beach located in Marbella, adjacent to the famous Puerto Banús marina. Renowned for its luxurious atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and soft sands, it attracts visitors looking for both relaxation and upscale ambiance. The beach offers convenient amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby upscale restaurants and bars, making it an ideal spot for soaking up the sun while enjoying the vibrant surroundings. Its proximity to luxury boutiques, nightlife, and the marina’s lavish yachts adds to its reputation as a chic destination for visitors seeking sophistication and entertainment.

Right next to the luxury marina, this beach attracts a trendier crowd with upscale bars and restaurants nearby.

6. Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara (San Pedro)

Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara offers a laid-back stretch of coastline just west of Marbella, ideal for those looking for a more relaxed beach scene. The wide promenade is lined with palm trees, beach bars (chiringuitos), and casual restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood with views of the sea. The beach itself is spacious with soft sand and calm waters, making it great for swimming or spending the day lounging under an umbrella. It’s popular with both locals and families, and there’s a friendly, down-to-earth vibe that contrasts with the flashier beach spots further east along the Costa del Sol.

A quieter option west of Marbella, known for its wide promenade and relaxed atmosphere—ideal for walkers and families.

7. Playa de Sabinillas (Manilva)

Playa de Sabinillas, in San Luis de Sabinillas (Manilva), stretches along roughly 1.7 km of dark, fine sand with an average width of about 50 m, framed by a lively promenade and urban beach with plenty of spacce. This family-friendly, Blue Flag beach, offers calm, clear waters perfect for swimming, gentle waves, and well-kept facilities—think showers, toilets, lifeguards, rentals for sunbeds or umbrellas, plus kid’s zones and spots to fish . The coastline runs from the Manilva River to the Puerto Deportivo La Duquesa, and you’ll often see local fishing boats pulled up on shore, a nod to the area’s original maritime roots and a more local style beach with cafés, chiringuitos, supermarkets, and apartments just steps away, it blends convenience and charm—ideal for a relaxed day in the sun with easy access by car, bus, or on foot

Beaches East of Málaga City

The beaches east of Malaga can range from extensive beaches with beach promenades and wide beaches and then become smaller coves and cliff ringed beaches that are closer to the Nerja area with many hidden and smaller beaches to enjoy and have more privacy.

1. Playa de El Palo (Málaga)

 

Playa de El Palo in Málaga is a 1.2 km stretch of dark-sand beach tucked into a historic fishing neighborhood just east of the city centre. The calm Mediterranean waves and medium-fine sand make it a popular spot for families and local fishermen. Walking along the wide promenade, you’ll find traditional chiringuitos and seafood restaurants where locals gather for espetos—sardines grilled on skewers over charcoal—a culinary ritual rooted in the area’s fishing past and seafood offerings from local cafes grilled right on the beach.  Small colorful fishing boats and historic jabegas bob on the shore, adding a timeless charm to the seaside scene and cool photo moments. With full amenities—showers, toilets, sunbed rentals, and easy bus and car access—El Palo blends neighborhood comfort with authentic Andalusian coastal culture

Tip – try the local traditional “espeto” (grilled sardines) and some delicious local drinks in the many casual seafood joints right on the sand.

2. Playa de la Cala del Moral (Rincón de la Victoria)

Playa de la Cala del Moral, in Rincón de la Victoria, is a large stretch of beach that covers over  1.3 km with dark-sand beach bordered by gravel, known for its lively yet laid‑back vibe tailored to families and outdoor lovers  You’ll find a nice wide, accessible promenade, beach with moderate waves and perfect for swimming, long seaside strolls, or a water park that’s fun to let kids loose in the playgrounds. The beach offers solid amenities—showers, toilets, sun lounger rentals, lifeguards, even a dog zone—and is flanked by cafés and restaurants that line the waterfront . You’ll find the rocky promontory of El Cantal and punctuated with piers, it connects to Rincón’s coastline, reflecting its long fishing‑village heritage and making it a comfortable, community‑minded escape near Málaga.

With less tourist crowds than the western stretch of feach, Playa de la Cala del Moral is indeed a casual and mellow family friendly beach to enjoy.

3. Playa de Torre del Mar (Vélez-Málaga)

Playa de Torre del Mar, just east of Málaga in Vélez‑Málaga, is a busy urban beach that covers over 2 km with dark, medium-grain sand—backed by one of the Costa del Sol’s widest promenades in the Costa del Sol. The mostly family‑friendly beach areas has full amenities with showers, sunlounger rentals, lifeguards, watercraft facilities, and accessible walkways and changing rooms.

There is a nice promenade that is lined with palm trees, bike paths, playgrounds, chiringuitos, cafés, and beach clubs, stretches all the way from Río Vélez to Caleta de Vélez and is often called one of Europe’s best beach spots. With moderate waves ideal for windsurf and sailing, plus a lively atmosphere—especially in summer with festivals, markets, cafés and seafood restaurants—Torre del Mar offers both authentic coastal culture and reliable tourist comforts

4. Playa de Caleta de Vélez

Playa de Caleta de Vélez sits just east of Torre del Mar and offers a quieter, more local beach experience with a laid-back feel. This beach runs alongside the town’s fishing and marina port, giving it a working harbor vibe that adds to its charm. The sand is soft and dark, and the waters are typically calm, making it a comfortable spot for families or anyone looking to relax without the crowds. It’s well-maintained, with sunbed rentals, showers, and nearby cafés, and the promenade connects easily to the marina where you can find fresh seafood restaurants and watch the boats come in. It’s a nice blend of coastal leisure and local life.

5. Playa de Burriana (Nerja)

 

Playa de Burriana, nestled just east of Nerja, stretches about 800 m of fine golden sand and usually earns Blue Flag status for its cleanliness and array of facilities and beautiful beach area.  Walking along the well maintained Paseo Marítimo Antonio Mercero, it’s easy to lose track of time wandering past beach bars, tapas joints, souvenir shops, and even a little beachfront library. You’ll find the bay’s waters to be calm, clear and make it a perfect spot for swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking out toward the dramatic Maro cliffs, while energetic visitors can enjoy jet skis, volleyball, and parasailin. Full amenities on the beach includes: lifeguards, showers, playgrounds, and convenient parking at the entrance, while foodies often linger at famous chiringuitos like Ayo’s, serving generous paellas cooked over wood fire. Whether you’re after sporty fun, seaside relaxation, or a flavorful meal by the water, Burriana packs it all into one friendly, coastal hub.

Check out this post on visiting the beaches of Nerja here for more inspiration and images.

 

6. Playa de Maro (Nerja area)

A hidden gem for nature lovers, this beach sits near the cliffs and is part of a protected area—ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, or just escaping the crowds.

Try these local seafood specialties in the beach areas of the Costa del Sol

If you are looking for local seafood specialties to enjoy in the area, take a look at these dishes you may find on the local menus you’ll see.

1. Espetos de Sardinas

• Grilled sardines skewered on a stick and cooked over open wood fires, usually right on the beach
• A staple in chiringuitos, especially in Málaga, El Palo, and Rincón de la Victoria
• Best enjoyed with a cold beer or tinto de verano

2. Boquerones (Anchovies)

• Served in two popular styles:
  • Boquerones fritos: deep-fried and crispy
  • Boquerones en vinagre: marinated in vinegar, garlic, and parsley
• A tapa classic throughout coastal bars and beach restaurants

3. Calamares Fritos (Fried Squid)

• Tender rings of squid, lightly battered and fried until golden
• Often served with lemon wedges and alioli or mayonnaise
• Common appetizer or main dish in most beachside eateries

4. Pulpo a la Brasa (Grilled Octopus)

• Grilled octopus often served over potatoes or seasoned with olive oil and paprika
• Found in higher-end chiringuitos and local marisquerías
• Especially popular in Nerja and Torre del Mar

5. Almejas a la Marinera (Clams in Marinera Sauce)

• Fresh clams cooked in a garlicky white wine and parsley sauce
• Often eaten with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth
• Best enjoyed at lunch by the sea

6. Rosada a la Plancha or Frita (Grilled or Fried Rosada Fish)

• A local white fish similar to hake, mild in flavor and very popular with locals
• Served grilled with lemon or lightly battered and fried
• A menu regular from Marbella to Vélez-Málaga

7. Gambas Pil-Pil (Spicy Garlic Shrimp)

• Sizzling shrimp served in a clay dish with garlic, chili, and olive oil
• A bold, aromatic tapa great for sharing
• Common in most beach restaurants and tapas bars

8. Paella de Mariscos (Seafood Paella)

• A rice dish packed with shellfish like mussels, clams, shrimp, and sometimes squid
• While not native to Andalusia, it’s widely served on the beach for group meals
• Look for versions made fresh to order in places like Burriana Beach (Nerja)

 

 

 

Conclusion to visiting the best beaches in the Malaga region

Exploring the beaches of the Málaga region offers something for every kind of traveler—whether you’re after quiet coves, family-friendly shores, or buzzing promenades lined with chiringuitos and local flavor. From the laid-back charm of El Palo and San Pedro to the lively stretches of Burriana and Torre del Mar, each spot brings its own personality and appeal. If you’re planning a trip to southern Spain, don’t miss the chance to experience the variety and warmth of these coastal escapes. Pack your sunscreen, bring your appetite, and get ready to enjoy some of the best beach days on the Costa del Sol. Start planning your visit today and find your favorite stretch of sand.

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 Malaga province and the rest of Spain, including multiple extended visits to Torremolinos throughout different seasons. My background in Spanish cultural studies and years of residence and exploring all of Spain have given me unique insight 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.