Discover the Costa del Sol

Málaga is known for its warm climate, rich history, gastronomy, and vibrant cultural life, but if we asked most tourists to associate Málaga with one word, many would agree on “beach.” Indeed, Málaga is also the gateway to some of the most spectacular beaches on the Costa del Sol. If you are planning a visit to this charming Andalusian city, you cannot miss the opportunity to explore these wonderful beaches.

From urban beaches with all amenities to quiet hideaways surrounded by nature, here are…

5 must-visit beaches for your next trip to Málaga:

1. La Malagueta Beach, Málaga

Located in the heart of Málaga, this beach is an icon of the city, perfect for those who want to enjoy the beach without leaving the city center.

With its dark sand and a wide range of services, it’s ideal for families and tourists seeking comfort and accessibility. You can stroll along the long promenade, practice water sports like surfing and kayaking, or enjoy a good meal by the sea at one of its chiringuitos (beach bars).

The beach is easily accessible on foot from Málaga’s historic center. There are also bus lines (3 and 11) that stop nearby, and there are several parking lots close to the beach.

2. Pedregalejo Beach, Málaga

Located to the east of Málaga, in an old fishing neighbourhood, this beach offers a quieter and more family-friendly atmosphere. It’s known for its promenade filled with bars and chiringuitos.

In Pedregalejo you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxed beach day, stroll along the promenade, practice water sports, or taste seafood and espetos (sardines skewered and grilled over open fire) at the chiringuitos.

You can reach the beach by walking or biking from the center of Málaga (about 3 kilometers from La Malagueta Beach). Several bus lines (3, 8, 11, and 34) also go to the area.

3. Burriana Beach, Nerja

Located in Nerja, about 50 km from Málaga, Burriana is one of the most popular beaches in the area. With crystal-clear waters and the possibility of practicing a wide variety of water sports, it is perfect for a day of adventure. Additionally, the landscape is stunning with its nearby cliffs and caves, such as the renowned Nerja Cave.

At Burriana, you can practice water sports like paddle surfing and kayaking, enjoy a day of relaxation, and explore the culinary offerings of the restaurants and chiringuitos. If you feel adventurous, you can visit the Nerja Cave, which is definitely worth it.

The Nerja Cave: An Underground Treasure

Completing a day at the beaches of Nerja with a visit to the cave sounds like a perfect plan, so here’s a bit more about it. This enormous cave stretches nearly 5 kilometers and features impressive geological formations, as well as prehistoric paintings, although these are not accessible to the public. It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2006.

The cave is located just over 3 kilometres from the center of Nerja. Access by car is easy by following the signs to the cave on the N-340 if coming from Nerja or Maro, or taking the cave exit on the A-7 if arriving from Málaga or Granada. By public transport, you can reach the cave by bus from Málaga or Nerja.

If you plan to visit the cave, keep in mind that it is a very touristy spot, so we recommend booking your tickets in advance. You can book them here:

4. Maro Beach, Nerja

Also in the Nerja area, this beach is a hidden paradise. Surrounded by nature and cliffs, it is ideal for diving and snorkeling due to its rich marine life. It is a quieter and less known place, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. The services at this beach are more limited, so we recommend bringing food and drinks if you plan to spend a few hours there.

This beach can be accessed by car or bus. There are buses to Maro from both Málaga and Nerja.

From Maro, it’s also possible to reach the Nerja Cave, as it’s very close. In fact, it is possible to walk there in 25-30 minutes (the route is 2 kilometres, but be prepared for some uphill sections).

4.5 Cantarriján Beach, Almuñécar

Since we are nearby, let’s take a detour to talk about this lesser-known but truly spectacular beach.

Cantarriján is located within the Natural Area of Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs, very close to Maro Beach. It is a nudist beach with an impressive natural setting, surrounded by cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation.

Like Maro, it is an ideal place for snorkeling and diving or to rent a kayak and explore the nearby coves and rock formations.

Don’t forget to bring appropriate footwear for walking on the beach (which has sand and small pebbles) and the surrounding rocky areas. Also, bring water, although there is a restaurant on the beach.

The beach can be accessed by car, although there may be restrictions in high season. In that case, you can park your car and take the shuttle bus to the beach.

The coastline in this area is majestic, and we highly recommend a visit to get to know it, but if you’re still undecided, take a look at the video we made flying over it. Seeing it from the air will surely make you want to visit this part of the Spanish coast.

5. Cabopino Beach, Marbella

Located in Marbella, about 40 km from Málaga, this beach is known for its golden sand and dunes. For many, it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa del Sol.

The beach is divided into two parts: the eastern part, next to the Cabopino Marina and protected by a breakwater, has a wide variety of services and is accessible for people with reduced mobility. The proximity to the marina makes it ideal for boat trips and other nautical activities. The western part of the beach, more extensive and backed by dunes, is quieter, and nudism is common there.

To reach the beach by public transport from Málaga, you need to travel by bus to Marbella’s bus station and then take a local bus to Cabopino. By car, the beach is less than an hour from Málaga’s city center, and there are several parking lots near the beach.

We hope this varied selection of beaches is useful to you. And remember, if you decide to make a trip to the Costa del Sol, visit the app to share your experience at the beaches you visit.