The Beaches of Malaga

Each of Malaga’s beaches has its special charm. You can find family-friendly beaches, beaches filled with watersports, and busy beaches brimming with buzzing bars. The Costa del Sol has endless beach options alongside its boarded, iconic promenades. Therefore, it can be hard to choose the best options.

However, we’ve found the best options for you on your vacation:

Playa La Malagueta is an excellent option for people of all ages. The beach spans a total of 1,200 meters across the Costa del Sol coast. You can effortlessly access the beach from the city center, which is only a 10-minute walk away. If you begin to feel hungry, you’ll find many bars and restaurants along the promenade with worldwide cuisine options.

The beach is fantastic for children because it offers watersports and a playground. What’s more, you can rent hammocks and umbrellas at the beach if you want a place to relax for the day. During the summer months, Playa La Malagueta is the busiest beach in Malaga. So you’ll always find things to do.

Address: Paseo Marítimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 29016, Málaga, Spain

If you’re looking for a superb budget beach with quality photo opportunities, you’ll adore Playa de La Caleta. The beach is within Malaga’s wealthiest neighborhood, and villas and mansions surround the beach. The Haute Bourgeoisie of the 19th century built these mansions. As a result, they offer superb photo opportunities.

During the hot summer days, you’ll want a drink, and thankfully, beach bars span over a 1 km stretch of the coastline. Playa de La Caleta also has ample watersports options, including jet skis and kitesurfing. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months if you’re not a confident swimmer.

Address: Paseo Marítimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 33, 29016 Málaga, Spain

Malaga doesn’t have many nudist beaches, but the best option is Playa del Almayate. The beach spans a total of 800-meters of quiet coastline. It’s also one of the top three nudist beaches in the whole of Spain.

Furthermore, the beach is perfect if you’re looking to escape the tourists. There aren’t any bars or restaurants beside the beach. But you can find food and drink in the leisure areas and accommodation.

Address: Playa de Almayate, Vélez-Málaga, 29700, Vélez-Málaga

If you don’t enjoy large crowds and beach bars, you should visit Playa Peñón del Cuervo. The beach is the ultimate scenic retreat from the summer crowds in Malaga. The beach is famous because the peñon (the rock) rises above the ocean and divides the 450-meter beach into two beaches. You’ll find shady palm trees surrounding the beach, offering excellent shelter from the warm weather. 

The best way to get to the beach is via car. However, the distance from the densely populated Malaga neighborhoods makes it perfect for beach parties, barbeques, and concerts with the younger crowds during the weekend.

Address: Carretera de Almerìa la Araña, 29720 Málaga, Spain

If you travel 2 km south of Malaga’s center, you’ll find Playa de la Misericordia, an excellent beach with superb surfing opportunities. Unlike other beaches in Malaga, Playa de la Misericordia showcases Malaga’s industrial past with a 19th-century chimney looking over the city’s promenade.

Moreover, the beach is superb on summer evenings, where you’ll find groups of adults and children gathering with their surfboards. The currents can be strong on this beach, so it’s a good idea to watch your children if they’re in the water. You may also hear locals talk about Ola del Melillero, which is when the high-speed ferry arrives in Malaga every night. It creates a huge wave that’s incredible for surfers.

Address: Paseo Marítimo Antonio Banderas, 29004 Málaga, Spain

If you love crystal clear water and white beaches, you should check out Playa El Salón, Nerja. You can get there via bus or car in under an hour from Malaga’s city center. Playa El Salón is very popular among Spanish families because of its beautiful views and ample facilities.

However, there are no bars and restaurants beside the beach. Of course, that’s ideal if you’re looking to escape the summer hustle of Malaga’s busy promenade. Still, you can access plenty of restaurants in Nerja’s city center if you’re desperate for a drink. It’s only a short walk from the beach.

Address: El Salón beach, 29780, Nerja, Spain

Estepona is another city close to Malaga with many nice beaches. But the best beach is Playa El Cristo. You’ll find the Playa El Cristo situated in a small cove with crystalline waters and gorgeous white sand. It’s only a short 50-minute drive from Malaga, but it’s worth the trip.

Thankfully, the water at Playa El Cristo is always warmer than the other beaches in the area. The location means you can enjoy the sunlight later than other beaches too. You’ll also find the Port of Estepona nearby, offering bars, restaurants, and an old lighthouse if you want to explore between relaxing at the beach.

Address: Av. del Carmen, s/n, 29680 Estepona, Málaga, Spain

If you fancy visiting Marbella—one of Spain’s most exclusive destinations—you’ll love Playa del Puerto Puerto Banús. It’s the most glamorous beach in the whole of Marbella, and the beach is between the mouth of Rio Verde and Puerto Banús Marina. It’s only an hour’s drive on the bus or via a car from Malaga.

The beach spans a total of 1,500 meters with an average width of 40 meters. You’ll find an array of world-class restaurants and bars nearby if you’re looking for refreshments. The European Foundation for Environmental Education has also awarded the beach a blue flag.

Address: Puerto Banús, 29601, Marbella, Spain

Malaga is perhaps the most incredible beach destination in Spain. The beaches have everything from delicious food, endless sunshine, marvelous weather, eclectic watersports, and buzzing local bars for plenty of drinks after a day in the sun. If you have a car, you can explore even better beaches along the coast.

That’s why it’s an incredible European city for anyone looking for a beach vacation.