While Malaga boasts a unique heritage, it’s also a must-see seaside resort on the Costa del Sol. As well as being bathed in sunshine for much of the year, Malaga’s beaches are sure to delight all holidaymakers.
Whether you’re with the family, looking for a festive atmosphere, want to relax or enjoy water sports, there’s something for everyone!
Here’s our selection of Malaga’s most beautiful beaches, with map and useful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Malaga’s most beautiful beaches – map
In this article, we have selected the most beautiful beaches in Malaga. They are distinguished by their golden sands, calm waters and above all their vibrant atmosphere, attracting locals and visitors alike all year round.
Map
Here’s a map of the beaches listed in this article, to help you find your way around:
Where to go in Malaga for the best beaches
What better way to balance out a day of intense cultural sightseeing than an afternoon lounging on the beach? For us, it’s a must-do in Malaga!
If you’re looking for a beach within easy walking distance, head for Malagueta Beach, Málaga’s most famous and urban beach. Easily accessible by bike or public transport, but a complete change of scenery, you can also opt for Playa de Pedregalejo.
Sports enthusiasts will love Guadalmar Beach, renowned for its ideal kitesurfing conditions, while families will love the many games available on the beaches. Those who prefer tranquillity will opt for Peñon del Cuervo Beach and its mysterious rocky spur, or Guadalhorce Beach for its natural setting.
Note, however, that it can be difficult to find completely undeveloped sites close to the city center. If you prefer wild beaches, you’ll have to head off in the direction of the unspoilt beaches around Nerja.
1. La Malagueta beach (the most popular in town)
Why we love it
This is undoubtedly the most famous of Malaga’s beaches, simply because it’s so close to the city center and the port. Whether you want to bask in the warm sand, indulge in water sports or enjoy the lively atmosphere, this beach has something for everyone! In fact, we consider it one of the most beautiful beaches in Andalucia, with its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful seafront promenade.
Find out more about this beach in our dedicated article.
Tempted by an unforgettable experience? Check out our sunset boat trips – see prices, info and availability
Access and useful information
- Location: in downtown Malaga, 500m from Malaga Park
- Driving time from Malaga: 30min walk from Malaga Cathedral or 15min walk from Malaga Port
- Parking nearby: yes, at the Muelle Uno shopping center or along Paseo de Sancha
- Type of sand: white sand
- Monitoring: yes on several stretches of beach
- Toilets: free at several points on the beach
- Facilities: children’s playground, nautical center, rescue center
- Dining: several bars and chiringuitos (fish restaurants) along the beach
- Other observations: little shade on the beach
Did you know? If you walk 10min along the Malagueta beach to the east, you’ll come across Playa La Caleta, a good alternative if you want to enjoy the bustle of Malagueta and then enjoy a little more peace and quiet.
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2. Pedregalejo Beach
Why we love it
This beach is well worth a visit for both its bucolic setting and its history. In fact, Pedregalejo Beach is an old fishermen’s haunt and retains a peaceful charm from that era. One of the must-do experiences on this beach is to try espetos, grilled sardine skewers! After your meal, take a stroll down Calle Pepote to see the charming, low, colorful fishermen’s houses.
Find out more about this beach in our dedicated article.
Access and useful information
- Location: east of Malaga city center
- Driving time from Malaga: 20min by bus from the city center or 10min by car
- Nearby parking: yes, along Calle Bolivia street
- Type of sand: fine, dark blond
- Surveillance: yes, in high season
- Toilets: yes
- Facilities: children’s playground, boat rental
- Eating out: yes, many chiringuitos, Malaga’s typical beach bars serving seafood specialities.
- Other observations: no dogs allowed but open to fishing from 10am to 9pm
3. Penon del Cuervo Beach
Why we love it
We fell in love with this beach and its mysterious rocky outcrop! We enjoyed our lazy afternoon on this beach away from the city center as much as our walk to get there! In fact, the beach is located at the end of a seafront with a signposted path for cyclists and walkers. The more athletic can try the Penon del Cuervo-Olias hiking trail, a 7-hour loop that climbs to Cantagrulla hill for a 360°c panorama between sea and mountains.
Remember to bring an umbrella or hats, as the beach has no shade!
Access and useful information
- Location: east of Malaga
- Driving time from Malaga: 30min by bus or bike from Malaga center
- Parking: on site, at the beach entrance
- Type of sand: white and fine
- Monitoring: no
- Toilets: yes
- Facilities: picnic tables, children’s play area
- Restaurants: no, but a few options at Port El Candado
- Other observations: no dogs allowed but open to fishing from 10am to 9pm
WHERE TO STAY IN Málaga
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the historical center
Hotel Palacio Solecio – see photos and availability
Near the sea, Playa de la Magualeta
Gran Hotel Miramar – see photos and availability
In the Soho district
Hotel Only You Malaga – view photos and availability
4. Guadalhorce Beach (quiet)
Why we love it
We loved this tiny beach at the end of the Guadalhorce estuary for its wilderness. Getting to the beach is an adventure in itself, and you’ll have to cross the Rio Guadalhorce footbridge and follow a rocky path to get there. But what we really liked about this beach was its direct access to the Guadalhorce Natural Park walks. Several loop trails (1 to 2 hours) offer a chance to immerse yourself in the wildlife (waders, gulls) and beautiful flora!
Access and useful information
- Location: at the end of Misericorda Beach
- Driving time from Malaga: 1h by bus from Malaga city center or 20min by car, but we recommend you opt for cycling to reach this beach.
- Nearby parking lot: no, the nearest parking lot is at Guadalmar Beach, a 15-minute walk away.
- Type of sand: fine
- Monitoring: no
- Toilets: no
- Equipment: none
- Catering: no
- Other comments: this is a protected area (more information here).
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5. Guadalmar beach (kitesurfing)
Why we love it
An ideal beach for kitesurfers! Indeed, Guadalmar beach offers a 300m2 area reserved for water sports activities, with favorable conditions for kitesurfing. Golf enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the beach is located right next to a golf club, which is very pleasant because it faces the sea.
Access and useful information
- Location: 5km from Malaga airport
- Driving time from Malaga: 40min bus ride from downtown (line 5)
- Nearby parking: yes, at the beach entrance
- Type of sand: pebbles
- Monitoring: no
- Toilets: no
- Facilities: kitesurfing school
- Catering: yes, two beach bars are available
- Other observations: there’s no room for shade, and note also that a portion of the beach is reserved for nudists!
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Other best beaches around Malaga
Torremolinos
Just a 20-minute drive away, the seaside town of Torremolinos is renowned for its relaxed lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of Málaga. With over 7km of coastline, you can enjoy golden sandy beaches and palm trees at Plage del Bajondillo, Plage de La Carihuela or Plage de Los Álamos, also known as a popular kitesurfing spot.
Nerja
Nerja is a pretty village of Moorish origin, clinging to the sides of a cliff and particularly well preserved from gigantic tourism. This seaside resort, 1 hour’s drive from Malaga, offers beaches set in steep coves. Among the most famous:
- Burriana Beach boasts fine sand and crystal-clear waters.
- Maro Beach, ideal for swimming and seabed observation.
- Canuelo Beach, with its pebbled sand and magnificent surrounding mountains.
Need more inspiration? Read our article on Andalucia’s most beautiful landscapes.
Cabo de Gata
Just 2h30 from Malaga, Cabo de Gata Nature Park is one of our must-sees in Andalucia. It’s home to a variety of spectacular, unspoilt beaches, each with its own special features:
- Plage de los Muertos stands out for its long, straight stretch and crystal-clear waters.
- The famous Monsul Beach is famous for its eroded lava formations and its appearance in theIndiana Jones film.
- The Beach del Arco at Los Escullos impresses with its fossilized dune sublimated by erosion.
- The more isolated Crique Enmedio rewards hikers with its unspoilt natural beauty and eroded fossil dunes.
FUN in Andalucia: activities
- Cooking course in Sevilla
- Canyoning from the Costa del Sol
- Caminito del Rey guided hike
Frequently asked questions
How far are the beaches from Malaga city center?
Most of Malaga’s beaches can be reached by bus from the city center. Journey time varies from 20 to 40 minutes. La Malagueta beach is about 830m from Malaga city center, a 10-minute walk.
What are the best spots for waterside strolls in Malaga?
If you’re not the type for a dip, we recommend Malaga’s seafronts. The quays along the coastline have been particularly well laid out and are ideal for walking and cycling. Many iodized walks are also available.
Let us guide you: see more info and availability.
We also recommend a stroll around the Port of Malaga to observe its many yachts, ending at the lighthouse with its beautiful view over the whole of Malaga Bay. And, if you go to Torremolinos, don’t miss the Benalmádena Marina and its stunning, pristine white architecture.
What are the family-friendly beaches?
With your children, we particularly recommend Malagueta Beach and Plage de la Misericordia, both in Malaga, renowned for their calm waters and numerous children’s play areas. We also recommend the white sandy beaches of Torremolinos (a 30-minute drive from Malaga) and their many facilities for children.
What are Malaga’s coves?
There are no coves on Malaga’s beaches, but if you like to venture out among the rocks, we recommend those of Nerja, such as Crique de Cañuelo, Crique de Las Doncellas or Crique du Barranco del Maro. Less crowded than the beaches, they offer an idyllic setting for bathing.
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