If the Costa del Sol were a fashion magazine, it would undoubtedly have a guaranteed cover in the summer. With more than 160 kilometers of coastline bathed by the Mediterranean, this pampered part of Andalusia has become a true synonym for sun, joy, and incredible beach bars.
People come here to spend their vacations, eat fried fish with their feet in the sand, and, of course, show off postcard-worthy photos. But of course, it can be difficult to choose, so today we are setting out to explore the 10 best beaches on the Costa del Sol. Keep reading!
The Best Beaches on the Costa del Sol
- Maro Beach (Nerja)
- Burriana Beach (Nerja)
- La Malagueta Beach (Málaga)
- Los Álamos Beach (Málaga – Torremolinos)
- Bajondillo Beach (Torremolinos)
- La Carihuela Beach (Torremolinos)
- Carvajal Beach (Fuengirola)
- Cabopino Beach – Artola Dunes (Marbella)
- Puerto Banús Beach (Marbella)
- San Pedro de Alcántara Beach (Marbella)
- El Cristo Beach (Estepona)
- La Rada Beach (Estepona)
- Sabinillas Beach (Manilva)
- La Chullera Beach (Manilva)
- La Alcaidesa Beach (San Roque, next to Manilva)
Below, we detail each beach and which one is best for you based on what you are looking for.
Quiet and family-friendly beaches
Maro Beach (Nerja)
An almost secret corner that looks like it was painted with watercolors. Surrounded by cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and underwater caves, Maro Beach is a mini Caribbean hidden at the foot of the Axarquía. Ideal for a romantic getaway or a day of snorkeling. Don’t forget your diving goggles, because here the fish parade like on a catwalk.
El Cristo Beach (Estepona)
Looking for a paradise for the whole family? This is your beach. Its small cove shape protects from the wind and makes the water calm like a swimming pool. Perfect for going with kids, building sandcastles, or simply lying under an umbrella with a good book.
Cabopino Beach – Artola Dunes (Marbella)
Here, in addition to golden sand and transparent water, you are surrounded by a unique natural landscape among the Artola Dunes, declared a Natural Monument of Andalusia. It is a wide and relaxed beach, ideal for families and those looking for a wilder touch.
Sabinillas Beach (Manilva)
If you like strolling along the promenade with an ice cream in hand, you will love this beach. It is very popular with families thanks to its services, peaceful atmosphere and the proximity of the fishing village. Perfect for combining dips with tapas by the sea.
La Chullera Beach (Manilva)
Here things change a bit, since La Chullera is more wild than urban, with rock, coarse sand, and waters that dazzle with their transparency. If you are one of those who enjoy discovering hidden and uncrowded corners, add this to your list.
La Alcaidesa Beach (San Roque, next to Manilva)
Wide, quiet, and with a more relaxed atmosphere than other nearby beaches. In addition, from here you can enjoy some unparalleled views of the Rock of Gibraltar. Who said you had to get on a plane to travel?
Beach La Alcaidesa
Beaches for water sports
Burriana Beach (Nerja)
This beach is famous for many reasons such as its lively atmosphere, its beach bars where the sardine skewers take the grand prize, but above all, for being perfect for lovers of the active sea. Here you can sign up for paddle surfing, kayaking, or even boat trips to discover the cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo from another perspective.
Carvajal Beach (Fuengirola)
Another queen of water sports. Between jet skis, windsurfing lessons, and banana boat areas, entertainment is more than guaranteed. If you are one of those who can’t stand still on the towel, Carvajal will trap you.
Los Álamos Beach (Torremolinos)
If you prefer to combine your paddle surfing session with DJ music and a lively atmosphere, this is your option. During the day it is ideal for water activities, but in the afternoon it becomes a stage for beach clubs with a very Ibizan vibe.
Best urban beaches on the Costa del Sol
La Malagueta Beach (Málaga)
One of the most famous in all of Andalusia. Located in the heart of Málaga, it is perfect for those looking to have the city, the sea, and sardine skewers without moving from the spot. If you visit the capital, missing it is almost a crime.
Bajondillo Beach (Torremolinos)
Very wide, with all the services and a great atmosphere. Bars, shops, ice cream parlors, and a thousand leisure options around. Ideal for a practical vacation where you have everything at hand.
La Rada Beach (Estepona)
With its kilometers of sand and a promenade full of cafes and bars, La Rada is a true all-rounder. Perfect for an active day between dips, snacks, and bike rides by the sea.
Puerto Banús Beach (Marbella)
Here the beach and luxury go hand in hand. Movie yachts, exclusive shops, and international cuisine restaurants put the finishing touch on a sunny day. If you like the cosmopolitan and glamorous atmosphere, this is your scene.
Beaches with beach bars and a lively atmosphere
La Carihuela Beach (Torremolinos)
Probably the most famous place to eat “pescaíto frito” with the sea in the background. La Carihuela has history, atmosphere, and gastronomy of honors. If you come, save room for the anchovies.
San Pedro de Alcántara Beach (Marbella)
With a modern promenade, full of bars and terraces, and with a very family-friendly atmosphere, San Pedro is the relaxed version of Marbella glamour. Perfect for spending the day between baths, paellas, and dreamy sunsets.
Write down these tips to enjoy the Costa del Sol on another level
Remember to protect yourself from the sun, since the climate invites you to tan but without overdoing it, so you will have to have an umbrella, sunscreen, and fresh water on hand.
Dare to try water sports, since in many of these beaches you will have at your disposal water activities from paddle surfing to kitesurfing. And don’t forget to enjoying the beach bars because there’s no experience more authentic than eating skewered sardines with your feet in the sand.
And finally, we recommend exploring beyond the beach. Towns like Nerja, Estepona, or Mijas deserve a stroll or two at sunset.
Why do you have to visit the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol combines the best of everything, from endless beaches to history, passing through nature and local cuisine, but above all, the Andalusian joy will make you feel at home from minute one.
But, to really feel at home, what you need is to find accommodation that gives you everything you need. Contact us to find your apartment on the Costa del Sol, at the best price and with all the amenities.