La Misericordia beach is a family beach in Malaga, Andalucia. We liked it for its calm and authentic atmosphere, far from the tourist hustle and bustle of the city center. Slightly off-centre, it offers a long stretch of sand and shallow waters ideal for children. This is one of Malaga’s most popular beaches, ideal for those looking for a family bathing spot in Malaga.
In this article, we share all our useful tips for making the most of Misericordia Beach in Malaga.
Is Misericordia Beach worth it?
Yes, the Plage de la Misericordia is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere than the touristy beaches of central Malaga. Located in an authentic residential area, it’s a very popular square, not least for its children’s facilities and proximity to cultural venues such as La Termica, the Automobile Museum and the Russian Museum collection.
However, this is an urban beach, and the view is somewhat spoiled by the bustle of the ferries in the background…
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The Misericordia beach has dark blond sand. This sand provides a pleasant surface for lying down and walking barefoot. The beach stretches for over a kilometer and is around 30 meters wide, giving you all the space you need to make yourself comfortable.
Swimming conditions and supervision
The gentle slope of the beach facilitates gradual entry into generally calm water. The depth increases gradually, which is perfect for children. The beach is supervised by lifeguards in high season. Several lifeguard posts are dotted along the beach, and a system of flags clearly indicates swimming conditions.
Please note, however, that the Malaga-Melilla ferries create surprise waves as they slow down, regularly soaking the belongings of bathers sitting near the water.
Installations
We found that the Misericordia beach is well equipped for the comfort of visitors. There are free public toilets at several locations, as well as deckchair and parasol hire at reasonable prices. Outdoor showers are available, although availability may vary according to water restrictions.
In summer, we even organize open-air cinema sessions.
The real attraction of this beach is the many children’s play areas dotted along the beach, with swings, slides and more. The promenade also features sports facilities and a bicycle path.
FUN in Andalucia: activities
- Cooking course in Sevilla
- Canyoning from the Costa del Sol
- Guided Hike on the Caminito del Rey
Access to Misericordia Beach in Malaga
Where to find Misericordia Beach
Misericordia Beach is located in Malaga, Andalucia, in the residential district of Misericordia. It lies around 6km west of the historic city center.
You can reach the beach in around 15 minutes by bus or 35 to 45 minutes on foot from the heart of Malaga.
Access by car and parking
By car, the beach is easily accessible from the center of Malaga by following the coastal road westwards. Free parking is available along Avenida Velázquez and adjacent streets. You’ll usually find places fairly easily, especially on weekdays. It’s a lot easier than downtown! Be careful, however, in high season and at weekends, as the beach is very popular with Malagasy families.
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
Access from the parking lot
From Avenida Velázquez, which runs directly along the beach, access is immediate. It’s only a minute’s walk, which is very convenient with children and beach equipment. Unlike some Malaga beaches, there are no endless stairs here!
Public transport access
The beach is well served by public transport.
From Malaga city center, several bus lines (40, 7, 3) serve the Pacifico stop, close to the beach.
From the airport, the A Express line is another convenient option.
Special features
Dog
Misericordia Beach is closed to pets during the high season. In the off-season, check with local authorities for any areas or periods where dogs are allowed.
Reduced mobility access
The Misericordia beach is accessible to people with reduced mobility. It has adapted access with ramps and wooden decking to enable wheelchair users to reach the bathing area. Reserved parking spaces are also available nearby.
With children
The Misericordia beach has many advantages: a gentle slope, shallow waters suitable for swimming, lifeguard surveillance in high season, and above all several play areas spread along the beach with swings, slides and more. Kids love it!
Naturism
Naturism is not permitted on Misericordia beach.
Eating out
Several chiringuitos and beach bars are open during the summer season, offering tapas and fresh dishes to enjoy with your feet in the sand.
You can also bring your own picnic: supermarkets and bakeries are available in the neighborhood.
What to see around
The great advantage of Playa de la Misericordia is its proximity to interesting cultural sites. You can easily combine a morning of swimming with an afternoon of culture:
- La Termica, a 22-minute walk away, is a contemporary cultural space offering exhibitions, concerts and activities.
- Malaga’s Automobile Museum, a 10-minute drive away, boasts an impressive collection of vintage and haute couture cars.
- Russian Museum Collection, a 10-minute drive away, offers a tour of 19th- and 20th-century Russian art in a historic building.
The long promenade along the beach is also ideal for a walk or bike ride, especially at sunset. You’ll come across mostly locals, which creates an authentic Malagasy atmosphere. For our part, we really enjoyed the street art on the beach.
Hotels
La Misericordia beach is located in a residential area west of Malaga city center. There are a few hotels in the area, such as the Hôtel Vincci Malaga, but most visitors prefer to stay in the city center and take the bus to the beach.
See our selection in our article Where to sleep in Malaga.
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