10 Best Beaches in Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is not just one long stretch of sunbeds and sangria. It is small bays, city beaches, wild coves, easy family spots and a few places that still feel like a secret if you get there early. If you are planning where to swim, stay or spend your next slow day by the sea, these are some of the best beaches in Costa del Sol to start with.

1. Burriana Beach, Nerja

Burriana Beach in Nerja is one of the most loved spots on the Costa del Sol, and it deserves the attention. The bay is wide with soft sand and clear water, backed by a gentle promenade lined with chiringuitos, beach shops and laid back bars. It has a relaxed holiday feel without losing its local charm. You can rent sunbeds, try water sports, walk to the Balcon de Europa or simply sit with a plate of paella and watch the day drift by. It works for families, couples and friends who want an easy, sunny base by the sea all day long.

2. Playa de Maro, near Nerja

Playa de Maro feels like the quiet, natural side of Costa del Sol. Tucked below cliffs and reached by a short walk, it has clear turquoise water, rocks, fish and a simple, unspoilt feel. The mix of sand and pebbles does not bother anyone once they are in the sea. It is perfect for snorkelling, swimming and renting a kayak to explore caves and tiny coves along the coast. Facilities are limited, which helps keep it peaceful, so bring water, snacks and time. This is the spot for nature lovers and anyone who prefers small scale beauty over busy promenades.

3. La Malagueta, Malaga

La Malagueta shows how easy it is to mix city and sea. Just a short walk from Malaga old town and the port, this long urban beach has dark sand, palm trees and calm water that is ideal for a cool dip. Locals come down after work or at weekends, which keeps the atmosphere real and relaxed. You can visit museums in the morning, have lunch in the centre, then be in the sea in minutes. Chiringuitos line the shore serving espetos, cold drinks and simple grilled dishes. It is perfect for a short break or anyone who wants culture, food and beach in one place.

4.Cala del Cañuelo, near Nerja

Cala del Cañuelo is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt corners on the eastern edge of Costa del Sol, inside the protected Maro Cerro Gordo cliffs. It is a small bay with clear water, pebbles and rocks instead of soft sand, backed by steep green slopes that keep it feeling wild and sheltered. You reach it by a walk down or a shuttle bus in season, which filters out the lazy crowds and keeps the atmosphere calm. The sea here is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, with great visibility and plenty of fish close to the shore. There is usually a simple beach bar, but it is still the kind of place where you bring water, sea shoes and time, then switch off from everything else.

5. La Carihuela, Torremolinos

La Carihuela is a classic Costa del Sol favourite for a reason. The beach is long and well kept, the sea is usually calm and there is a wide promenade that links to Benalmadena marina. Old fishing houses, tapas bars and seafood restaurants give the area a warm, easy feel. You can walk for ages along the front, stop for coffee, choose a sunbed and drift through the day. It suits those who like everything on the doorstep, level walks, good value places to eat and a relaxed, lived in atmosphere.

6. Playa del Bajondillo, Torremolinos

Playa del Bajondillo sits right below the centre of Torremolinos and is one of the most accessible beaches on the coast. It is wide, sandy and full of life, with sunbeds, showers, lifeguards in season and a long promenade backed by hotels, shops and cafes. The sea is usually gentle and inviting, which works well for families and anyone who wants simple swimming without stress. It is ideal if you want a straightforward beach holiday feel, easy transfers and no need for a car.

7. Los Boliches Beach, Fuengirola

Los Boliches in Fuengirola has a loyal following and feels like its own small town by the sea. The beach is long and sandy, the water generally calm, and the promenade flat and perfect for walks at any time of day. Behind the front you find a mix of traditional tapas bars, bakeries and modern cafes, which gives the area a friendly, local tone. It works especially well for longer stays, winter sun and repeat visitors who like to settle into a routine and feel at home by the sea.

8. Cabopino Beach and Artola Dunes

Cabopino and the Artola dunes offer one of the most natural stretches of coastline between Marbella and Fuengirola. Fine sand, shallow clear water and protected dunes create a softer, wilder landscape, with wooden walkways leading you through the area. At one end there is the small Cabopino marina with relaxed bars and simple restaurants. Walk further and you find open sections with more space and fewer buildings. It is a great option if you want a quieter day in nature without giving up all facilities.

9. Real de Zaragoza Beach, Marbella area

Real de Zaragoza is a long, elegant beach east of Marbella that manages to feel upmarket and relaxed at the same time. The sand is soft, the sea is inviting and there is a mix of stylish beach clubs and casual chiringuitos, spaced out so the shore never feels too crowded. You can walk for a long time along the waterline, sit with a drink, or choose a quieter corner away from the busier spots. It is ideal if you enjoy space, comfort and a more refined but still friendly beach environment.

10. Playa de la Rada, Estepona

Playa de la Rada is Estepona’s main beach and runs for more than two kilometres alongside a palm lined promenade. The sand is wide and golden, with plenty of space even in busier months. There are showers, lifeguards in season, play areas and a good choice of cafes and restaurants. The town behind has become one of the most attractive on the coast, with whitewashed streets, flowers, murals and a modern marina. La Rada ties everything together and is perfect if you like staying in a pretty town but still want a big open beach right in front of you.

A few simple choices can make your beach days smoother.

1. When to go

June, September and early October are sweet spots. Warm sea, long days, fewer crowds. July and August are busy and hot, which is fun if you enjoy a lively atmosphere but expect packed car parks and full sunbeds. Spring is great for walks and quiet coves, the sea is fresher but clear.

2. Getting around

Public buses and local trains cover many of the main resorts, but some of the best coves, like Maro and Cala del Cañuelo, are easier by car. If you drive, check parking rules and arrive early for popular beaches. In town beaches like Malaga, Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Estepona, you can walk everywhere.

3. Sun, shade and sea

The Costa del Sol sun is strong, even when it feels breezy. Bring high factor sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water. Many beaches offer sunbeds and umbrellas, but do not rely on them in peak hours. The sea is usually calm, but always respect flags and lifeguards. For snorkelling, water shoes help on pebble and rock beaches.

4. Food and chiringuitos

Chiringuitos are part of the experience. Look for places grilling sardines on skewers, fresh fish and simple local dishes. Eat where it smells good and feels busy with a mix of locals and visitors. For popular lunch spots on Burriana, La Carihuela or Cabopino, go a little earlier or later than peak time.

5. Respect the coast

Some of the prettiest places sit in protected areas. Take your rubbish with you, stay on marked paths through dunes and do not leave cigarette butts in the sand. The beaches look better in your reels and photos when everyone treats them well.

6. Plan your base around your mood

You do not need to stay in one of the biggest resorts to enjoy the coast. Base yourself near the kind of beach that matches how you actually travel, not just the name you recognise.

Useful tips for visiting Costa del Sol beaches

Costa del Sol FAQ

Which Costa del Sol area is right for you

Use this as a shortcut. If you recognise yourself in one of these, you are close.

Nerja and Maro
For people who like views, whitewashed streets and pretty coves. Good mix of relaxed tourism, real town feel and day trips to natural beaches like Maro and Cala del Cañuelo. Great if you want scenery first, nightlife second.

Malaga city and east side (Pedregalejo, El Palo)
Perfect if you want culture, food and beach in one place. Museums, rooftop terraces, proper tapas and easy local beaches a short walk away. Good for weekends, couples, solo travellers and anyone who hates choosing between city or sea.

Torremolinos and Benalmadena
Close to the airport, flat promenades, long sandy beaches and lots of places to stay. La Carihuela and Bajondillo are ideal for simple, no stress holidays with everything on the doorstep. Good for families, groups and people who like a lively front.

Fuengirola and Mijas Costa
Long promenade, easy swimming, plenty of bars and restaurants, and a loyal winter and long stay crowd. Choose this area if you want comfort, routine, good public transport and a friendly everyday feel by the sea.

Cabopino, Artola dunes and east Marbella
For a more natural vibe without going remote. Fine sand, shallow water, protected dunes and a small marina. Best for travellers who like space, calmer surroundings and still being a short drive from Marbella.

Marbella and Puerto Banus
If you like beach clubs, smart restaurants, people watching and a touch of glamour, this is your stretch. Good sand, reliable services, lively evenings. Works for couples, friends and anyone who enjoys a bit of scene with their sea.

San Pedro and Estepona
More relaxed than Marbella, more polished than some older resorts. Lovely promenades, wide beaches and pretty old towns, especially Estepona. Ideal for couples, families and longer stays when you want style without feeling too busy.

Costa Tropical side (Almuñécar, La Herradura, San Cristóbal)
Close enough to mix with eastern Costa del Sol. Slightly wilder scenery, clear water, good snorkelling and a strong local feel. Great for travellers who want something less obvious and do not mind a short drive.

Is Costa del Sol worth visiting for beaches only?
Yes, and no. The beaches are a big pull, but what makes Costa del Sol special is how easy it is to mix sea, food, whitewashed towns, day trips and nightlife. You can do a pure beach week if you want, or stay somewhere like Malaga, Nerja or Estepona and have more than just sunbeds in your day.

When is the best time to visit Costa del Sol for the beach?
June, late September and early October are ideal. Warm sea, long days and fewer crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest, good for a lively atmosphere but expect full beaches. Spring is lovely for walks and quieter coves, with fresher water and soft light.

Which area is best for families?
Look at Torremolinos (Bajondillo, La Carihuela), Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Cabopino and Estepona (Playa del Cristo and La Rada). These areas have calm water, wide sands, promenades, play areas, easy food options and short transfers. Nerja also works well if you want a prettier setting and relaxed pace.

Which area is best for couples?
Nerja, Malaga city, Cabopino, east Marbella beaches, Marbella old town and Estepona are great choices. You get good restaurants, evening walks, nice views and a mix of calm and atmosphere without feeling like you are on a party strip.

Where should I stay for nightlife and beach clubs?
Choose Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Marbella, Puerto Banus or Fuengirola. These have plenty of bars, beach clubs and late options, plus long beaches where you can recover the next day.

Do I need a car on Costa del Sol?
Not always. The main resorts and city beaches are well connected by train or bus, and many places are walkable. A car helps if you want to explore smaller coves like Maro, Cala del Cañuelo or mix in Costa Tropical, or if you prefer quieter residential areas. If you are staying central and just want beach plus town, you can skip it.

Are the beaches sandy or pebbly?
Most popular Costa del Sol beaches have dark or golden sand, sometimes with small pebbles. Natural coves like Maro and Cala del Cañuelo are more pebbly. If soft sand is a priority, look at Burriana, La Carihuela, Bajondillo, Los Boliches, Real de Zaragoza, La Rada and many of the main urban beaches.

Are Costa del Sol beaches safe for swimming?
Generally yes. Many main beaches have lifeguards in season, clear flag systems and gentle waves. Always pay attention to the flags and currents, especially on windier days, and stay inside marked areas if there are boats or water sports.

Can I find quiet, unspoilt beaches on Costa del Sol?
Yes, but you usually need to walk or drive a little. Try Cabopino and Artola dunes, parts of Real de Zaragoza, Maro, Cala del Cañuelo, and nearby Costa Tropical spots like La Herradura and San Cristóbal. Go early or outside peak months for a calmer feel.

Is Costa del Sol good for winter sun?
It is one of the best options in mainland Europe for winter sunshine. You can expect mild days, bright skies and comfortable temperatures for walks and terrace lunches. The sea is cooler, but many people still swim. Resorts like Malaga, Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Estepona stay lively all year.

How expensive are sunbeds and food on the beach?
Prices vary by area and season. In most places you can find a pair of sunbeds and an umbrella for a reasonable daily rate, with higher prices at stylish beach clubs. Chiringuitos range from simple and good value to more polished. You can always mix both: one day on a sunbed, one day with just your towel.

Where can I book hotels near the best beaches?
You can search and compare places to stay close to these beaches with SpainHotelsDirect, using trusted partners, secure payments and competitive rates, then choose the area that matches your style, not just the name you recognise.

Costa del Sol FAQ