The Costa del Sol’s Best Beaches

Millions of tourists from all around the world travel to the Costa Del Sol. Given the name of the destination literally translates to ‘Coast of the Sun’ this should come as no surprise. The Costa del Sol offers sun, sea, and sand, and receives an incredible 325 days of sunshine, on average, every single year. But with so many tourists visiting the Costa del Sol every year, many of its most popular or convenient coastal locations can become crowded.  What’s more, with so many beaches to choose form and a 161 kilometre expanse of coastline to explore, it can be hard to know which beach is best. To help you pick the perfect beach for your next Costa del Sol adventure, here are some of the best beaches in the Costa del Sol:

Playa de Burriana in Nerja

Burriana Beach is one of the most popular and well-known beaches on the Costa del Sol. But unlike other popular beaches, the reputation of Burriana is well-deserved. You can enjoy water sports such as sea kayaking, and you’ll find both showers and toilets on the beach. The promenade features an abundance of shops and restaurants, including the Restaurante Ayo, where the paella is popular and will only cost you only a couple of euros per person. If you don’t fancy paella, there are more than 300 restaurants in nearby Nerja. Access to the beach is via a hill known as ‘cardiac hill’ so unless you are a keen hiker, this beach is best reached by car or taxi.

Playa Malapesquera in Benalmadena

You may sometimes here playa Malapesquera referred to as playa Torrebermeja, but the two names are given to the same beach. This is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Benalmadena, and its cleanliness and environmentally friendly attitude are cemented by its Blue Flag status. During the summer months, the central area of this beach can become incredibly crowded, particularly as this area boasts a large green area which is a wonderful source of much-needed shade in the heat of the sun. There are areas dedicated to playing both football and volleyball, meaning the beach attracts individuals of all ages. If you enjoy water sports such as kayaking or paddleboard, then you will also find great options here. In terms of facilities, there are toilets and showers, and also spaces where you can rent sun loungers and parasols. As an added bonus, this beach can easily be reached by foot.

La Malagueta, in Malaga

You’ll know when you’ve found la malagueta beach, because you’ll see a huge scuplture with the word ‘Malagueta’ on it. Its city centre location makes this beach incredibly popular. Alongside the beach are also green spaces lined with palm trees, so you can take a break from the sun. Because of the beaches central location, it’s easy to access and is surrounded by excellent bars and restaurants. Parking here is impossible but it’s easy to walk and the facilities are excellent: what better place to spend time taking a break from exploring the city of Malaga.

Bounty Beach in Marbella

Bounty Beach in Marbella attracts a much younger crowd than many of the Costa Del Sol’s other beaches. This beach offered a ‘chilled’ and relaxed atmosphere, with DJs playing music on the beach. You’ll also find reasonably priced food and drinks here. Technically bounty beach is a beach bar situated on Playa del Cable, but it is known to most people as bounty beach. This is a great place to hang out after a busy night out. In terms of facilities, you’ll find showers and toilets available here. There is also access to water sports, and you can rent sun loungers, parasols and canoes. If you’re spending time in Marbella then a visit to Bounty beach is a must.

Playa de Cabopino in Marbella

If you’re looking for a family beach in Marbella then Playa de Cabopino is the perfect choice. This beach offers golden sands and calm waters ideal for small children to paddle in. The facilities on this beach are also excellent for families: as well as toilets and showers, you will find parasol and lounger hire. For more adventurous families you can also hire boats and jet skis. Along the beach you will find a host of bars and restaurants. Playa de Cabopino is easy to reach, as there are bus stops along the beach. All of this adds up to a fun and easy family day out.

Playa de la Carihuela in Torremolinos

This is the largest beach in Torremolinos and its sheer size lends to its popularity. This beach is popular with families as the water is clear and shallow, making it easy to swim in. The beach is easy to access from the centre of Torremolinos both on foot or by car, and you’ll find all the amenities you need. Sunbed, parasol and sports equipment rental are all available. There are also public toilets, showers, play areas and disabled access.

Playa de Maro in Nerja

For many local residents of the Costa del Sol, this beach is a firm favourite. This is because of the clear water and wide range of marine life you can spot here. On more than one occasion, this beach has been selected as the best beach in Andalusia. What’s more, this beach is accessible to all as it boasts wheelchair access, sunbed rentals and a kiosk. This beach is best accessed by car, and there is parking available. It is one of the most popular locations on the Costa del Sol for snorkelling and diving, and for good reason. It’s a beautiful location, and the sea here is as unforgettable as the beach.

Playa de la Rada in Estepona

Another centrally located beach in Playa de la Rada in Estepona. This is a long beach that offers plenty of space, even in the height of the holiday season. This is a blue flag beach, which is a mark of quality, and because there is so much to see and do in Estepona, you’ll never be bored here. In terms of facilities, you’ll find  showers, toilets, sunbeds and wheelchair access all available right on the beach. In addition to this, the beach has several leisure activities such as play areas and trampolines for children, and pedal boat hire. This makes it a great location for families. 

Playa Las Viborillas in Benalmadena

It may not be one of the biggest beaches on this list, but it is one of the prettiest. Playa las Viborillas looks just like a tropical island. There are toilets and showers here, as well as sunbed rental services, but because access to the beach is via a staircase, there is no wheelchair access available.

Playa Torreblanca / Carvajal, Fuengirola

On the border of Fuengirola and Benalmadena, playa Torreblanca is technically part of Benalmadena's Playa Carvajal. What makes this beach particularly noteworthy is that even though it is very popular, it doesn't get so crowded that you can't find a good spot. You’ll find plenty of places to eat here, and this family-friendly beach boasts a whole host of facilities. Showers and toilets are available, as well as sun loungers and play areas. You can also rent kayaks and pedal boats. This beach is slightly further away from the city centre than others on the list, but that only adds to its charm.

Playa de la Caleta, Malaga

Finally, playa de la Caleta is right next to the famous Malagueta beach, but is slightly further away from the city centre. This means that it is often less crowded, although it is just as pretty. Like Malagueta beach, you’ll also find shaded green areas here, making it an ideal choice for balancing your beach time with some often-needed time out of the sun. You’ll find a host of restaurants and bars along the promenade, as well as lounger hire if you need it. Car parking can be difficult here, but it is easily accessible on foot or by public transport.

There are hundreds of beaches on the Costa del Sol and it would be impossible to list them all. But if you’re looking for the best in the area, then this list is a great place to start.

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