Playa de Malagueta, in Malaga, Andalucia, is a beach we really enjoyed. Its proximity to the city center and lively atmosphere make it a must-see. See our article for a selection of photos of Playa de la Malagueta, to give you a clear idea of this cult Malaga beach. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit: map, access, sand, conditions…
This review is completely independent, we visited the area anonymously and paid our bills in full.
Why visit Malaga’s Playa de Malagueta?
In the heart of the sunny Costa del Sol and close to vibrant Malaga, La Malagueta beach boasts a lively atmosphere. This urban beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the city center, offers the perfect conditions for a relaxing afternoon after a busy day of cultural visits. Holidaymakers and locals alike can enjoy a variety of activities, from children’s games to water sports, while relaxing in one of the many bars and restaurants lining the waterfront.
Is Playa de Malagueta worth it?
Yes, absolutely! Playa de Malagueta is one of Malaga’s most beautiful beaches. We were won over by the beautiful stretch of sand it offers and the joyful atmosphere it exudes. Walking or swimming here is a real pleasure!
Why choose this beach?
In our opinion, here are 3 reasons to choose Playa de Malagueta:
- Its ideal location near the city center
- A festive atmosphere with many bars and restaurants
- A pleasant stroll along the seafront, elegantly topped with palm trees
Access and map – Playa de Malagueta(Andalucia)
Where to find Playa de Malagueta
Plage de la Malagueta is just 500m from Paseo del Parque, the city’s central park.
- From downtown: 15 to 30 minutes on foot
- From Malaga airport: approx. 20min by car
- From Malaga-María Zambrano station: about 20 min by bus
Here’s a map to help you find your way:
How to get there – access road
Playa de Malagueta is within easy reach of Malaga city center. It’s about a 30-minute walk from Malaga Cathedral. The walk is very pleasant, as it takes in the Paseo del Parque, a very green park, and the Palmeral de las Sorpresas, a stroll along the port of Malaga.
To get to Playa de Malagueta by public transport, you can take the following bus routes: route 8 (Paseo Marítimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso-Bellavista stop) and route 32 (Paseo de Reding – Hotel Miramar).
Parking de la Playa de Malagueta
Pay parking spaces are available in the streets around Malaga’s Playa de Malagueta. What’s more, you can park in the underground parking lot at the Muelle Uno shopping center for €2 an hour. Electric recharging points and paid parking spaces can also be found along the Paseo de Sancha promenade.
Access to the beach from the parking lot
Access to the Playa de Malagueta from the parking lots is quick and easy, with only a few minutes’ walk from the two available parking lots.
On the sand and in the water…practical advice
Best time to visit
Playa de Malagueta is a great place to spend a day all year round! Temperatures remain mild in Malaga in winter and there are slightly fewer tourists. In summer, prefer the morning or late afternoon, as temperatures can be stifling. Weekdays are also preferable to avoid the crowds, as the beach is very popular.
Beach type and size
The ground at Playa de Malagueta in Andalucia is made up of fine blond sand, with a few pebbles at the water’s edge. Playa de Malagueta beach is 200 metres long and 45 metres wide.
Conditions for swimming
Playa de Malagueta has a gentle slope ideal for children and a shallow shoreline. The water is quite clean, despite the beach being so busy. However, there is sometimes a risk of dangerous bathing, indicated by flags.
Facilities and activities
Monitoring
Swimming at Playa de Malagueta is supervised all year round, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in high season and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in low season.
Showers, toilets, deckchairs…
We found free toilets at several points on the beach and the possibility of renting deckchairs and umbrellas at reasonable prices.
Please note, however, that there are no changing cubicles, and while there are free outdoor showers, most are closed to the public due to drought.
Shadow
At Playa de Malagueta, there are few shady areas, despite the few palm trees offering natural shelter. Hammocks and sunshades are available for hire.
Nautical activities
During the tourist season, you can rent water sports equipment at Playa de Malagueta. What’s more, you’ll find several adult sports facilities on the seafront promenade.
Catering
A number of bars and chiringuitos are open on Playa de Malagueta all year round from 11am to midnight, including Restaurant El Cachalote and Restaurant La Farola, for a lunch with your feet in the sand. We recommend the Restaurant Trocadero Casa de Botes for its beautiful view of the port at dusk.
Information for children, mobility, dogs, naturism…
Playa de Malagueta with children
Playa de Malagueta has a children’s playground with swings, a zip line and other fun activities!
Playa de Malagueta with a dog
Playa de Malagueta is pet-free.
Playa de Malagueta for the disabled
Playa de Malagueta has a ramp for disabled access, as well as wooden decking for wheelchair access to the sea.
Playa de Malagueta and naturism
Naturism is not permitted on Playa de Malagueta.
What to see on and around the beach
You won’t find any particular vantage point from Playa de Malagueta, except for the many ferries arriving at the port of Malaga.
We do, however, recommend the pleasant seafront promenade that runs along the entire beach (with a bike and rollerblade lane) to the port and the Malaga lighthouse.
Sea excursions depart from Playa de la Malagueta for incredible memories: see prices, photos and availability!
Other beautiful beaches nearby
Málaga offers other, quieter beaches, such as Penon del Cuervo, which you can find in our article on the most beautiful beaches in Málaga. And Andalucia also boasts some sublime landscapes to be discovered without delay!
FUN in Andalucia: activities
- Cooking course in Sevilla
- Canyoning from the Costa del Sol
- Caminito del Rey guided hike
