It’s one of the beaches furthest from central Fuengirola, but it tends to be busy even outside the summer season. Carvajal Beach is a hit not only with visitors to the Costa del Sol but also with locals, who love how easy it is to reach, its calm waters and its long-standing Blue Flag status.
- About the beach: dark sand and a perfectly calm sea
- Services and facilities: colourful parasols and everything you need
- Sports and water activities to enjoy the beach
- Beach bars and places to enjoy some fried fish with a view
About the beach: dark sand and a perfectly calm sea
Right on the border between Fuengirola and Benalmádena, Carvajal Beach is a go-to for anyone heading to the Costa del Sol to enjoy the still waters and near-constant sunshine.
Each town has over half a kilometre of beach around 25 metres wide, and together they form one of the largest stretches of sand for strolling by the water.
This beach holds all the official awards that back up its reputation, like the Q for Quality and its Blue Flag, which it has proudly flown for years.
It’s a very safe beach for all kinds of swimmers thanks to the calm sea, and it’s especially popular with families with young children.
The sand is dark and mixed with gravel and pebbles, but it’s a real treat for anyone who enjoys basking in the sun, a seaside walk or a relaxing dip. That said, Carvajal can get very busy in summer, so it’s worth getting there early to grab a good spot.
You can walk there from the centre along the Seafront Promenade or take the train, which stops right in the same residential area. There’s also parking nearby if you’re coming by car.
Services and facilities: colourful parasols and everything you need
Carvajal Beach is one of the safest beaches in Fuengirola and one that offers the most amenities in the area. One of its standout features is the rows of colourful parasols that line the sand and are available to rent all summer. They’ve become something of an iconic sight in the area.
The beach is easy to reach on public transport. There’s a train stop right opposite, and you can also walk there along the Seafront Promenade. It’s fully accessible for people with reduced mobility thanks to walkways that go right to the water’s edge.
You’ll find toilets, showers, bins and a cleaning service that’s helped the beach win awards for its water quality and upkeep.
There’s also a mooring area where boats can drop anchor and enjoy the beautiful water and stunning views, especially at sunset.
Sports and water activities to enjoy the beach
This part of Fuengirola is great for grabbing a drink at a beach bar, soaking up the sun and enjoying a peaceful swim. It’s also perfect for trying out different water sports and other activities.
Carvajal is a paradise for fans of surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding. The calm sea makes it perfectly safe for snorkelling for people of all ages.
There’s even a kids’ play area that’s perfect for little ones to burn off some energy and enjoy the beach regardless of their age.
Beach bars and places to enjoy some fried fish with a view
The Carvajal area is full of beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy tapas and a cold beer while watching one of the Costa del Sol’s best sunsets.
Top picks include El Lotero, a favourite for kicking off the evening thanks to its incredible views.
Then there’s Los Andaluces, a beachside restaurant that specialises in fresh seafood and serves fantastic fish dishes at great prices, or Los Marinos Paco, which is a very popular spot known for its blue tablecloths and salt-baked fish.
Locals also love La Mar Salá, a charming spot where you can order a delicious seafood soup with the breeze in your hair and the sun on your face, a reminder of why Fuengirola is such a top holiday destination on the Malaga coast.
