10 Best Beaches in Costa del Sol

Nerja’s Burriana Beach is a lovely 800-metre strip of lush dark sand, conveniently located just a 15-minute stroll from Nerja town centre. You can enjoy the pleasant walk down the seafront promenade as you breathe in the fresh, salty air.

You can easily spend the day here, visiting the many shops that line the promenade, having lunch at a typical Spanish restaurant, sipping a cocktail at one of the beach bars and, of course, relaxing on the beach. There’s public parking at the entrance and there are lots of activities available like paddle-boating and jet-skiing. Take in the tranquil vibe of Costa del Sol as you wiggle your toes in the warm sand.

Visit Playa del Cristo in Estepona for a lovely day relaxing on the dark sands and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. It’s a beautiful and sheltered cove close to the marina, with an area of natural shade provided by the wooded area. Families will enjoy the easy-going atmosphere here, as it’s not too crowded and there are play parks for the kids.

There are a couple of beach bars where you can have lunch, or you can opt for bringing your own picnic to enjoy in the shaded area. Be sure to take a dip in the beautiful unclouded waters and see what marine life you can see.

Playa Las Viborillas appears like a gorgeous oasis and gives the feeling of being on your own private tropical island near Benalmádena. It’s not so well-known, being a little secluded from the main road and only accessible by a staircase. Once you pass the cliffs and lush vegetation that keep it hidden, you will find a little paradise beach with stunning views and calm waters.

There are handy services here, like umbrella and sunbed rentals, as well as showers and toilets. This beach is excellent if you like a little adventure but less hustle and bustle. You’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated after spending the day relaxing in this little piece of heaven.

Escape to Cabopino Beach (sometimes known as Artola Beach) for a tranquil day soaking up the Costa del Sol sunshine and listening to the waves quietly lap the shore. This is a fantastic place for some time to yourself, to read a good book, meditate, or just laze about and enjoy the sunshine.

This special beach is located within a protected area of the Artola dunes, so it is pristine and most definitely spectacular. You’ll appreciate the true beauty of your surroundings and feel totally relaxed in the unique natural landscape. If you are feeling adventurous, check out the nearby nudist area, where you can enjoy nature in your most natural state – and work on a full-body tan, of course.

This coarse-sand beach, also called Maro Cove or Playa de Maro, is surrounded by woodlands and rugged cliffs. You’ll experience a sense of awe as you take in the breathtaking landscape and the crystalline waters.

If you want a little adventure and another spectacular view, take the kayak tour from this cove to an impressive 15-metre waterfall. You’ll remember this special experience, as you traverse small passages between the cliffs in your kayak to arrive at the site where the waterfall crashes into the sea. Return to Maro Beach from your adventure to recover your muscles in the hot sand, relax and enjoy the unmatched views.

Las Acacias Beach is an urban beach located just a few minutes´ walk from Málaga’s port and is quite spacious, so you’ll easily find room for your towel or sunbed. The beach is super clean, and the sand is such a rich dark brown colour that it’ll remind you of brown sugar.

Follow the lovely promenade to the old fisherman´s village of Pedregalejo just next door and you’ll find restaurants and stalls serving fresh fish and seafood. Take a seat on one of the terraces and enjoy the locals´ favourite espetos de sardinas, which is skewered sardines. At night, this area takes on a more upbeat vibe, and you can party in the nearby bars and clubs.

Playa de la Cala del Moral is super family friendly as it’s easily accessible, there are many leisure activities available and the water is very calm. It’s a popular destination, but also quite spacious, so you can easily find a place to plant yourself for the day and take it all the fun that this beach has to offer.

Enjoy the floating water park and splash in the clean and clear waters. For trekking lovers, you’ll love the gorgeous views along the coastal path of roughly 10 km that leads you to Málaga city.

Malapesquera Beach is fun and bustling with activities. It’s great for water sports enthusiasts as you can enjoy the clean waters by renting a stand-up paddleboard, kayak or pedal boat here. If you’re feeling adventurous, join the surf school and learn something new. There are also sporty options on land, with volleyball and football pitches.

Families will enjoy the grassy areas with large palms, where kids can play in the shade and take a break from the hot sun. Pack a picnic and enjoy the day here – you’re sure to leave tanned and tired but smiling.

El Faro Beach is small and busy, but has a pleasant and upbeat atmosphere. It’s uniquely and conveniently located right in heart of Marbella, next to the old and elegant lighthouse that looks over the beach. There’s a breakwater and the area is sheltered, so the water here is safe and calm.

Enjoy a morning relaxing on the sand and taking a dip to cool off, then head to one of the nearby seafront restaurants for tapas or paella. Just a short stroll away are many luxury shops and also the main square of Naranjos, named for the surrounding orange trees.

Playa de La Araña is a family-friendly beach that invites the whole family, including your pet. It stretches for almost 1.5 km of soft sand and pebbles, so it’s great for your dog to have a good run. While your pet runs free, you can enjoy the healthy walk, the salty air and the beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea.

The beach is kept clean and there are showers where you can rid your dog of sand before you leave. You’ll delight in the experience at this beach and the satisfaction that your 4-legged friend enjoyed a day out at the beach as well.