Best Costa Del Sol Beaches
The Costa del Sol, one of the warmest places in Spain in winter, is famed for its beautiful beaches.
Marbella for glamour, Nerja for tranquillity, and Fuengirola for family fun.
Estepona blends natural beauty with comfort, while Marbella’s Cabopino offers serene escapes.
Each beach presents a unique experience of Spanish coastal charm; read on to discover some of our favourite Costa del Sol beaches.
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1. Playa El Cañuelo, Nerja
Playa El Cañuelo, located near Nerja, is a secluded and tranquil beach celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty.
Tucked away at the foot of the Maro cliffs, this beach offers a peaceful escape from the more crowded tourist spots.
Get a chance to immerse oneself in the serene beauty of the Costa del Sol.
The beach is set in a pristine natural environment, surrounded by the stunning cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park.
This secluded location ensures a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unwind in a natural setting.
Playa El Cañuelo is known for its crystal-clear waters, making it an excellent spot for swimming and snorkelling.
The beach’s marine life is vibrant and varied, with an abundance of fish and other sea creatures.
The beach has limited amenities, adding to its untouched and rustic charm.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their essentials, such as water, snacks, and sun protection, to fully enjoy their day in this natural paradise.
Access to Playa El Cañuelo involves a descent from the cliffs, which can be done by car (though parking is limited) or by a shuttle bus service available during the summer months.
Despite its secluded nature, Playa El Cañuelo is close to other attractions in the area.
Visitors can combine a beach day with exploring the nearby caves of Nerja or the charming streets of the town itself.
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2. Playa La Malagueta, Málaga
Playa La Malagueta, situated in the heart of Málaga, is a bustling urban beach known for its lively atmosphere and convenient location close to the city’s rich cultural scene.
This is one of the best beaches in Spain and is a perfect fusion of urban convenience and seaside charm.
As an urban beach, Playa La Malagueta offers a unique experience where the city meets the sea.
The beach’s long stretch of dark sand, imported from the Sahara, is distinctive and inviting for beachgoers looking for relaxation amidst the city buzz.
The beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during the summer months.
It becomes a hub of activity with beach volleyball, outdoor exercise classes, and families enjoying the sun and sea.
The lively promenade along the beach is filled with performers, artists, and street vendors, adding to the energetic vibe.
Along the beachfront, there are plenty of restaurants, chiringuitos (beach bars), and cafes that offer a diverse range of dining options, from fresh seafood to traditional Andalusian tapas.
The area is also known for its nightlife, with many bars and clubs providing entertainment late into the night.
Playa La Malagueta is well-equipped with facilities like showers, restrooms, and rental sunbeds and umbrellas.
For families, the beach is appealing due to its playgrounds and safe swimming areas, making it a suitable choice for visitors of all ages.
The beach is just a short walk from the city centre, making it easy for visitors to explore famous sites like the Picasso Museum, the Alcazaba, and the Málaga Cathedral.
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3. Playa de Cabopino, Marbella
Playa de Cabopino, located in the sophisticated town of Marbella, is a serene and picturesque beach.
It is distinguished by its natural dune landscape and a designated nudist area.
This beach is a blend of natural beauty and secluded tranquillity, making it a unique spot on the Costa del Sol.
The beach is flanked by the Artola Dunes, part of a protected natural area.
These sandy dunes provide a stunning and rare coastal landscape, offering a sense of seclusion and connection with nature.
The wooden walkways through the dunes allow visitors to explore this unique ecosystem without disturbing it.
Playa de Cabopino is known for having one of the best natural beaches in Spain.
This section of the beach offers a comfortable and respectful environment for naturism enthusiasts.
The clear demarcation ensures that visitors can choose whether or not to visit this part of the beach.
In contrast to many of the bustling beaches of Marbella, Playa de Cabopino offers a more peaceful and intimate beach experience.
Its location, slightly removed from the main tourist areas, makes it a perfect escape for those seeking tranquillity.
Despite having a nudist section, the beach is also family-friendly. The calm and shallow waters make it safe for swimming, and there is plenty of space for children to play on the sand.
The beach also has lifeguard services during the high season, ensuring safety for all bathers.
Playa de Cabopino is equipped with essential amenities such as showers, restrooms, and sunbed rentals.
There are also several restaurants and chiringuitos nearby, offering a variety of dining options.
Parking is available close to the beach, making it easily accessible for visitors.
If you want a more fun side of Marbella, try staying or enjoying Marbella Beach Clubs.
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5. Playa de Calahonda, Mijas
Playa de Calahonda in Mijas is a picturesque and serene beach known for its charming rocky coves and clear waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling and nature lovers.
Nestled away from the bustling beaches of the Costa del Sol, it offers a more intimate and tranquil seaside experience.
The beach is distinguished by its beautiful rocky coves and small inlets, which create a secluded and natural atmosphere.
These formations not only add to the scenic beauty of the beach but also provide excellent spots for snorkelling and exploring marine life.
Playa de Calahonda is a haven for snorkelling enthusiasts.
The clear, calm waters and the rocky seabed make it an excellent location for spotting a variety of fish and other marine species.
Unlike many of the more commercialized beaches on the Costa del Sol, Playa de Calahonda offers a peaceful retreat.
It’s a perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet day by the sea.
Despite its more secluded location, the beach is equipped with essential amenities, including showers and restrooms.
Access to the beach is relatively easy, with pathways leading down to the shore.
Visitors should note that the terrain may not be as accessible as more urban beaches, adding to its untouched charm.
While offering a sense of seclusion, Playa de Calahonda is also conveniently close to local attractions in Mijas.
After a day at the beach, visitors can explore the nearby traditional Andalusian village of Mijas Pueblo, known for its white-washed houses and artisan shops.
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5. Playa El Bajondillo, Torremolinos
Playa El Bajondillo, nestled in the heart of Torremolinos, is celebrated for its expansive sandy shoreline, dynamic promenade, and convenient accessibility.
This beach is a perfect mix of leisure and activity, embodying the lively spirit of the Costa del Sol.
Playa El Bajondillo boasts a long and wide stretch of fine, golden sand, inviting visitors to relax and soak up the sun.
The beach’s spaciousness makes it ideal for beach games, sunbathing, and seaside strolls, accommodating a large number of visitors without feeling overcrowded.
The beach is lined with a bustling promenade, Paseo Marítimo, which is a hive of activity.
The promenade is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering everything from traditional Spanish cuisine to international dishes.
It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals to wander, dine, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
One of the key appeals of Playa El Bajondillo is its accessibility. Centrally located in Torremolinos, the beach is easily reachable by foot, car, or public transport from different parts of the town.
There is ample parking available, and the beach is well-signposted and easy to find.
The beach is well-suited for families, equipped with facilities such as showers, public restrooms, and rental sunbeds and umbrellas.
For those with children, there are play areas on the sand, and the shallow waters near the shore are safe for swimming.
Playa El Bajondillo is not just about relaxation; it also offers a range of activities. Water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding are available, catering to adventure seekers.
Additionally, the promenade hosts various entertainments, from live music to street performers, especially during the summer months.
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6. Playa de Burriana, Nerja
Playa de Burriana is one of Nerja’s most popular and vibrant beaches, celebrated for its expansive stretch of golden sands.
The beach has wide, sandy shores that are ideal for sunbathing and leisurely strolls.
Playa de Burriana is a hub for water sports enthusiasts. Activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are readily available.
The beach is well-equipped with various amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and public restrooms.
It is easily accessible, with ample parking nearby, making it a convenient choice for families and groups.
Along the promenade, visitors can find a wide selection of restaurants and bars. These establishments offer a variety of cuisines, ranging from traditional Spanish dishes to international fare.
The beachside dining experience, with views of the sea, adds to the charm of Playa de Burriana.
The scenic backdrop of cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea makes Playa de Burriana picturesque and photogenic.
Additionally, its proximity to the town of Nerja means that visitors can easily explore local attractions, such as the famous Caves of Nerja and the Balcony of Europe.
It’s surely one of the best Costa Del Sol Beaches.
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