An Expert Guide to the Best Beaches in Malaga

Set along the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun), Malaga is home to some of the most incredible beaches in Spain. The best part is that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re in search of somewhere for the kids to run around, somewhere to spot A-listers, or somewhere quiet to disconnect. The travel experts at Plum Guide have tested out all the best beaches in Malaga to put together this guide (it’s a tough gig, we know). So, grab your sunscreen and your beach towel and get exploring.

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Southwest of Malaga’s centre is Playa de la Misericordia, a two-kilometre-long stretch of dark sand typical of the region. This area used to be Malaga’s main industrial neighbourhood, with some remnants of the past, such as the 19th-century chimney which towers over the seafront promenade. The beach is more popular with locals than tourists, who come with their surfboards for the Ola del Melillero, waves caused by the Malaga-Melilla ferry, which arrives in Malaga each night. Once you’ve had your fun in the waves, grab some grub at the chiringuitos (beach bars) and restaurants along the beach.

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Head to the city of Estepona and you’ll find a great selection of beaches. One of our favourites is Playa el Cristo, tucked away in a little cove. The temperature of the water is warmer than other beaches, and its location means that you can enjoy the last rays of sunlight well into the evening. Not too far from the beach is the port of Estepona, a pretty resort town with a palm-lined promenade. This is a good place to enjoy a meal and admire the sunset along the seafront.

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Another lovely beach in Estepona is Playa de la Rada. Accessible from the town’s promenade, there are over two kilometres of sand and moderate swells to sunbathe, play ball games and splash about in. It’s one of the best beaches in Malaga to take the kids, as you’ll find all the amenities you need for a beach day, such as showers, toilets, watersport rentals, sunlounger rentals, restaurants and children’s play areas. Estepona doesn’t see as many international tourists as other places such as Marbella, so its beaches are never packed, even during the height of summer.

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It may not be the most attractive beach in Malaga, but it certainly is the most convenient. Malagueta is the easiest beach to reach from town, just a 15-minute walk along the promenade. Here you’ll find a mix of locals and tourists sunbathing, swimming and relaxing in the shade of the palm trees which line the beach. If you have the kids in tow, they can let off some steam at the playground or play some volleyball on the courts. When you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants and bars along the nearby Paseo del Muelle Dos. Before you leave, be sure to take a photo of the iconic Malagueta sculpture.

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Further east along the coast from Malagueta is La Caleta, set along the affluent coastal neighbourhood of the same name. Despite being a city beach, it doesn’t feel overcrowded or grimy as you’d expect. Its clean, well-maintained sands stretch out for around one kilometre, backed by a wide promenade which leads to Malagueta beach. If you get bored of sunbathing, there is a great variety of watersports on offer, from windsurfing to jet skiing. From the water, you can look back onto the land and admire the stunning views of the mountains that surround Malaga. Back on dry land, visit the many beach bars along the sands for a top-up of ice-cold cerveza.

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Continue east from Malagueta and La Caleta and you’ll come to the village of El Palo, where its maritime history is still visible in the jabegas, traditional boats used by the fishermen. Today, it's an up-and-coming area with a burgeoning dining scene. Playa de el Palo is smaller and quieter than other beaches in Malaga, but that’s part of the charm. Its calm waters and soft sands are a fantastic spot to relax and enjoy freshly grilled seafood from the bistros and beach bars which line the beach. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the coastline, or take a bike ride along the promenade at sunset.

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Set on the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol, Nerja is a neighbourhood of sandy coves sheltered by the majestic Sierra de Almijara mountains. Just a 15-minute walk from the centre of Nerja is Playa Burriana, one of the area’s finest beaches. This wide expanse of sand has everything you need for a beach day, including water sports rentals, sunbeds, showers, toilets, volleyball courts and chiringuitos, which serve some of the freshest seafood around. Go for a wild ride on the banana boats or rent a kayak and explore the cliffs of Maro.

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Elsewhere in Nerja is the wonderful Playa de Maro, a little beach tucked away under the Tejeda mountain range. It’s a quiet, unspoilt slice of paradise surrounded by lush greenery, with crystal clear waters ideal for snorkelling—see if you can spot colourful fish darting in and out of the coral reefs and anemones. You can also rent a kayak to see the hidden waterfall which flows out under the cliffs. Amenities such as toilets, showers, sunbeds and a restaurant are all available, with lifeguards in the summer months. Most importantly, Playa de Maro is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and there is also a nearby car park.

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The last Nerja beach on our list is Playa El Salón. With its breathtaking views and ample facilities, it’s no surprise that this beach is popular with many Spanish families. Its clean and calm waters are perfect for a cooling dip, and its soft sands are best for building sandcastles. On one end of the beach is the Balcón de Europa, a viewing platform where you can catch some of the prettiest vistas in Malaga. Although there are no restaurants directly on the beach, you’re just a short walk from the centre of town where you can find whatever you need. With its whitewashed buildings and cobbled streets, Nerja is a typical southern Spanish town.

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Just under 10 kilometres from Marbella, Puerto Banús is known as the playground for the rich and famous who come for the beach clubs and buzzing nightlife. There is a choice of three beaches here—Playa Puerto Banús, Playa Nueva Andalucia and Playa del Rio Verde. The beaches are clean and spacious, with a more refined atmosphere compared with the crowded beaches of Marbella. Watch the luxury yachts bob about in the marina, or head into town to spend your hard-earned cash in the designer boutiques, sleek bars and glamorous restaurants (you can even play ‘take a shot each time you spot a Ferrari’).

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Playa Peñón del Cuervo is one of the best beaches in Malaga if you’re looking to swap the bars for a more relaxed vibe. Instead, you’ll find public barbecue spots where groups of friends and families gather with skewers of seafood. Peppered with shady palms, the beach gets its name from the huge rock that divides the beach in two, creating a rather spectacular backdrop to your sunbathing session. Bring a picnic with you and you have the perfect family day out, complete with a children’s play area for the little ones to enjoy.

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Also known as Las Acacias beach, Playa Pedregalejo is one of the most popular beaches in Malaga, especially for those who love to eat. It’s one of the oldest fishing spots in the city and boasts numerous bars and restaurants along the promenade. Once you’ve worked up an appetite by swimming and sunbathing—you’ll find hammocks and umbrellas for rent—head to one of the many eateries to indulge in fresh seafood. Skewered seafood is especially popular here, in particular espetos or skewered sardines seasoned with olive oil and sea salt.

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