Discover Costa del Sol's Best Beaches: Sun, Sand, and Serenity Await

Looking to visit Andalusia but want to avoid the crowds? The months of April and May are the ideal time to visit. The weather during the spring is picture-perfect, not too hot and with little chance of rain. For sun worshippers, the summer months offer sizzling temperatures as well as blue skies that stretch as far as the eye can see. If you want to travel like a local, don’t visit the beaches in Andalusia during the middle of the day, as the sun is very strong and can cause damage, especially to those not used to being exposed to such strong rays. But, if you fancy spending the entire day visiting the best beaches in the Costa del Sol, most offer rental services for sun loungers, umbrellas and other services for a comfortable day at the beach. 

For those enjoying exclusive holidays in Marbella, a trip to Cabopino on the Costa del Sol,  located just thirteen kilometres from the town centre, is a must. The beach is split into two sections, offering visitors the chance to explore the port of Cabopino on one side, and the Artola Dunes, home to a nudist bathing area, on the other. While it is one of the top beaches in Marbella, its distance from the city centre makes it less crowded. Families adore this stretch of sand thanks to its clean, shallow waters and comfortable amenities like bathrooms, showers, and a parking lot. Soak up the Spanish rays during the day and at sunset, admire the changing sky against the picturesque silhouette of the watchtower.

If you are visiting Malaga and want to experience a slice of beach life, head to Fuengirola. It is the top destination to eat the local delicacy of ‘Espetar’ - sardines on sticks roasted over an open fire. But what really pulls the crowds to this beach is the young, fun vibe. It is the perfect place to throw down your towel and enjoy a weekend in the sun. 

Every kind of watersport can be practised here, but this is separated from those wanting a gentle swim. Just head to the central office to reserve the equipment. Fuengirola is also one of the more spacious beaches in Malaga, with 5 miles of sand just waiting to be enjoyed. It is divided into various smaller beaches, all connected by an iconic seafront promenade. While this is not the most virgin of beaches in Andalusia, it provides a really fun day out. 

If you want to go where the locals go, head to the town of Benalmádena, between Playa el Arroyo de la Miel - Los Melilleros and Playa de Santa Ana. This beach offers almost half a kilometre of dark sand, calm sea and moderate waves, perfect for a family day out. Surrounding the beach is a beautiful promenade, dominated by the castle that gives it its name. While this beach provides all the trimmings for a dreamy day spent soaking up the Spanish sun, if you want to truly feel like a local, stay until sunset. This is when the outdoor gardens are lit up, creating a very picturesque (and Instagrammable) atmosphere. If you want a romantic day out on the beaches around Málaga, this is your best bet.

Spending your holidays in Torremolinos? You will want to pin Playamar on your map. Its proximity and easy access (even on foot) from the centre of Torremolinos, via Avenida de Benyamina, make Playamar a must-visit if you are in the area. One of the best sandy beaches on the Costa del Sol, it stretches over one kilometre, accompanied by a selection of restaurants and beach bars offering tasty snacks such as the typical sardine skewers and other local dishes. Sporty souls will feel at home at this beach with activities from beach volleyball to windsurfing taking place on a daily basis. Playamar is an ideal spot for those looking for a day spent relaxing on a lounger or a day spent having fun with friends.

Considered by many to be one of the best beaches in Nerja on the Costa del Sol, the golden sands of Maro are a must-visit. Nestled between the cliffs of the Sierra de Tejeda (Maro), it's a perfect option for escaping the typical summer crowds common in more central coves, such as Calahonda. Stretching just 500 metres in length, this is a natural paradise where you can find local vegetation and reef beds along the coast.

If you enjoy snorkelling or swimming in the sea, here the ocean is crystal-clear, enough that you can see the corals and fish that live amongst the rocks. While this natural paradise may sound remote, it's surprisingly easy to reach, even for people with mobility issues and offers parking for visitors. Arrive early to enjoy the spectacular sunrise and avoid the heat of the day. No wonder it's considered one of the Costa del Sol’s best beaches.

We cannot talk about the Costa del Sol’s best beaches without mentioning La Malagueta Beach in Málaga. Sandwiched between the Port of Málaga and the La Caleta beach, those exploring the top things to do in Málaga will enjoy this beach’s strategic location. One thing that stands out about La Malagueta is its vast expanse: approximately 1,200 meters long and 45 meters wide. The beach’s dark sand and calm waters, amenities such as sun loungers, a children’s area and water sports equipment rental, make it a popular choice for people of all ages. Of course, one of the star attractions of La Malagueta is the pleasant promenade that surrounds it, lined with palm trees and beach bars where you can sample fresh fried fish (calamari, lemon anchovies, sardines) and other typical Malaga delicacies, such as white shrimp or cockles. 

The beach of Pedregalejo is without a doubt one of the Costa del Sol’s best beaches, despite it getting overcrowded on weekends and holidays. It is especially popular among young people thanks to its lively atmosphere, Balinese beds, flea market, children’s parks and green spaces. If you are a solo traveller or travelling with friends, this is a great meeting spot for getting to know like-minded people. Located between the El Palo beach and the Baños del Carmen, this 1200 metre long beach offers one of the oldest beach walks in the city, taking visitors through the old fishing neighbourhoods, home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Málaga. So, it is easy to see why this is one of the top beaches on the Costa del Sol.