If you are looking for sun, sea, and dreamlike landscapes, the best beaches in Malaga are a perfect choice to enjoy the Mediterranean in all its splendor. The province offers more than 160 kilometers of coastline that combine urban beaches with full services and unspoiled coves surrounded by nature, catering to all types of travelers, from families to lovers of relaxation and water sports.
In addition, many of these beaches have been recognized with quality awards such as the Blue Flag, the Q for Tourist Quality, or universal accessibility certification, which guarantees modern facilities, clean waters, and a perfectly maintained environment for complete peace of mind.
This guide presents a selection of the best beaches in Malaga, highlighting the most emblematic ones and those hidden gems worth discovering. If you are planning your holidays on the Costa del Sol, here you will find the must‑visit beaches that will make your stay unforgettable.
One of the main attractions of the beaches in Malaga is the quality of their waters, known for cleanliness and transparency, especially in protected areas or natural coves. This is complemented by a mild, sunny Mediterranean climate with an average of 300 sunny days a year, allowing enjoyment of the sea practically any time, which makes the province a benchmark beach destination
Most urban beaches in Malaga offer first‑class services, including showers, toilets, access walkways, shaded areas, sunbed rentals, lifeguard surveillance, and wide seafront promenades filled with beach bars and restaurants. In recent years, there has been a strong commitment to universal accessibility, ensuring that people with reduced mobility can enjoy the beach on equal terms through adapted ramps, assisted bathing areas, and audio beach systems.
The excellence of the beaches in Malaga is reflected in recognitions such as the Blue Flag, a distinction that certifies environmental quality, cleanliness, safety, and services. Added to this is the Q for Tourist Quality, which endorses excellence in the management and maintenance of infrastructures. Currently, many of the most popular beaches in the capital and the province display these awards, guaranteeing visitors a comfortable, safe, high‑quality bathing experience.
Maro Beach is one of the most emblematic natural jewels on the Costa del Sol. It is a cove with crystal‑clear waters, surrounded by cliffs and farmland, that preserves a pristine, protected environment. Its seabed, rich in biodiversity, is perfect for snorkeling and exploring marine life.
In addition, its proximity to the famous waterfalls in the Maro Ravine makes it an ideal option for those who want to enjoy nature in its purest state, away from tourist bustle.
Located in the center of Nerja, next to the iconic Balcony of Europe, Calahonda Beach is known for dark sand and calm waters. It is a small beach full of charm, surrounded by whitewashed houses and narrow Andalusian streets.
Easy access with a staircase and proximity to numerous restaurants and beach bars make it perfect for those who want to enjoy the sea with all the comforts of the city in a family‑friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Situated in the heart of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park, El Cañuelo Beach is an unspoiled cove with clean waters and fine sand. Restricted access via a footpath or shuttle buses in high season limits visitor numbers, guaranteeing a completely peaceful environment. It is ideal for lovers of snorkeling and for those who want to immerse themselves in a unique natural setting, surrounded by cliffs and native vegetation.
Cabopino Beach is famous for the spectacular Artola Dunes, declared a Natural Monument, which form a unique dune landscape on the Malagan coast. This golden‑sand beach with shallow waters is perfect for enjoying with children, combining the beauty of a protected environment with the convenience of beach bars, wooden walkways, and services at the water’s edge. Its family‑friendly, natural atmosphere makes it one of Marbella’s favorites.
Burriana Beach is one of the best‑known and liveliest beaches in Nerja, standing out for its wide seafront promenade, full of restaurants, shops, and beach bars where you can taste traditional sardine skewers. With golden sand, turquoise waters, and a wide range of activities, it is ideal for families.
It also offers water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as boat trips toward the Maro–Cerro Gordo cliffs.
In the heart of Malaga, Pedregalejo – Las Acacias Beach keeps the authentic charm of former fishing districts. Its seafront promenade, lined with traditional beach bars, is the perfect place to enjoy sardine skewers roasted over wood fires.
Calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families with small children, and it offers a relaxed, local atmosphere that Malagans frequent.
El Dedo Beach, in the seafaring neighborhood of El Palo, is synonymous with a family atmosphere and tranquility. Its calm waters are perfect for swimming, and its full range of services including showers, children’s play areas, and adapted access makes it ideal for a relaxed day at the beach.
It is very popular with locals and preserves the traditional spirit of Malaga’s fishing neighborhoods.
La Araña Beach is one of the lesser‑known options in Malaga, ideal for those seeking tranquility and authenticity. With good access and basic services, it is perfect for enjoying a beach day in a more local environment.
It also features an area designated as a dog beach, which makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the sea with pets. Its surroundings have been recently refurbished while maintaining its neighborhood essence.
Guadalmar Beach stands out as one of the few official nudist beaches in Malaga City, offering separate zones for visitors who prefer a naturist environment and other areas for the general public. It is a wide, easily accessible beach with basic services and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those who want to enjoy a diverse, open, and calm setting away from crowded areas.
Peñón del Cuervo is a small cove with great natural appeal. Its emblematic rock formation that rises from the sea provides the perfect setting for snorkeling and exploring the seabed.
It is a beach frequented by locals, ideal for those who want a more intimate environment. It has picnic and barbecue areas, which makes it perfect for spending a full day outdoors with family or friends while enjoying nature.
Choosing the ideal beach on the Costa del Sol depends on the experience you seek. Use this practical guide to decide between unspoiled coves and urban beaches, and to pick the best options for your family plan.
Unspoiled Coves: For Lovers of Nature and Tranquility
If you want a more natural environment, away from crowds, with crystal‑clear waters in a protected setting, unspoiled coves are the best choice. They are ideal for adventurous families who enjoy nature and do not mind walking a little to reach less accessible places.
• Maro Beach in Nerja. Perfect for a day of snorkeling in clean waters, surrounded by cliffs and farmland. Ideal if you want a pristine environment without large crowds.
• El Cañuelo Beach in Maro. Restricted access on foot or by shuttle guarantees peace. Ideal for spending the day in nature, snorkeling, and disconnecting from urban tourism.
Urban Beaches: Convenience and Services at the Water’s Edge
• Calahonda Beach in Nerja. Perfect for a simple, no‑hassle plan, with the advantage of being next to the Balcony of Europe and surrounded by bars and restaurants.
• Burriana Beach in Nerja. For visitors who want a mix of nature and services, with water activities, shops, and a lively promenade.
• Pedregalejo – Las Acacias Beach in Malaga. Recommended for families who want a local, authentic atmosphere with traditional beach bars that serve some of the best sardine skewers.
• El Dedo Beach in El Palo, Malaga. A very comfortable, tranquil option with full services and a family‑friendly atmosphere.
Family Beaches with Standout Natural Spaces
• Cabopino Beach in Marbella. Known for the Artola Dunes, offering a beautiful natural setting with all the conveniences needed to enjoy with children.
• Peñón del Cuervo in Malaga. Great for spending a full day outdoors with picnic and barbecue areas, perfect for groups or families.
Beaches for Specific Plans
• With pets. La Araña Beach has a designated dog‑friendly area and is perfect for families traveling with dogs.
• For naturism. Guadalmar Beach is the only official nudist beach in Malaga City, offering a relaxed, spacious environment with separate zones.
Adults
Free
Children (3-7years)
Free
-2 years
Free
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