Welcome to our guide to the top Malaga Beaches. From local favourites in Malaga to the golden sands of Marbella, the Costa del Sol has a beach for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re after relaxed family-friendly days, scenic coves or a spot with DJ music and mojitos, here are some of the best beaches in Malaga and Marbella worth visiting.
6 Best beaches in Malaga province
The province of Malaga boasts a variety of beaches, each offering something unique. Here are a handful of the Rincón team’s favourites:
1. Benajarafe Beach, Axarquía
One of the widest beaches on the eastern coast, Benajarafe offers long stretches of sand, plenty of space, and a relaxed, local feel. It’s ideal for families, long walks, and low-key beach days away from the crowds. You’ll find a few beach bars and restaurants dotted along the promenade, with a very laid-back atmosphere.
2. El Morche Beach, Torrox Costa
Nestled between Torrox Costa and Algarrobo Costa, El Morche Beach is a sandy, lesser-known spot that’s great for swimming and sunbathing. Popular with locals, it has a natural, open feel and is ideal if you’re looking for a calm, uncrowded beach day.
3. Playa de La Carihuela, Torremolinos
Once a humble fishing village, La Carihuela is now one of Torremolinos’ most inviting beach spots. Its wide sands are ideal for sunbathing and the palm-lined promenade is full of great tapas bars, ice cream stands — and seafood restaurants serving pescaíto frito (fried fish).
4. Playa de Carvajal, Fuengirola
Stretching from the Torreblanca pier to La Cubana beach bar, Carvajal Beach is a local favourite for its soft sand, small surfing waves, and a relaxed atmosphere. Quieter than central Fuengirola beaches, it’s great for bodyboarding, pier fishing and enjoying quality seafood at the shoreline restaurants.
5. Playa Malapesquera, Benalmádena
Just west of the marina, Malapesquera beach offers activities from watersports to leisurely beach lounging. Sunbathe, rent a paddleboard, book a whale-watching tour or grab a drink at one of the many bars on the promenade. It’s a lively spot with something for everyone.
6. Playa de Burriana, Nerja
Surrounded by cliffs and dotted with palm trees, Burriana is Nerja’s most emblematic beach. It’s spacious and sociable, lined with restaurants serving paella straight from the pan. Don’t miss Restaurante Ayo – a local institution known for its open-fire paellas and relaxed ambiance. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards along the shore. The view is spectacular, so that alone is worth the trip.
Best beaches in Marbella
Marbella’s coast is dotted with stunning beaches that cater to all preferences. Here are three of our favourites:
1. Playa Nagüeles, Marbella
Set along Marbella’s upscale Golden Mile, this wide stretch of sand is lined with palm trees and elegant beach clubs. It’s a quieter alternative to popular beaches like Puerto Banús, ideal for those who want calm waters, clean facilities and refined surroundings.
2. Playa de Cabopino, Marbella
Backed by sand dunes and pine trees, this beach is next to the protected Artola Dunes nature reserve and therefore offers a more natural, laid-back experience. Its shallow shoreline and off-the-beaten-track feel make it popular with families and locals, while the small marina nearby offers a range of restaurants and beach bars that serve seafood, international cuisine and more.
3. Playa de Puerto Banús, Marbella
Just steps from the designer shops and luxury yachts of the famous Puerto Banús marina, this beach is perfect for people-watching and sunbathing. Expect soft sand, clear water and, in the summer, a lively scene with chic beach bars on the promenade.
Best beach club Marbella
Choosing the best beach club in Marbella is almost impossible because the coastline is packed with so many stunning spots. But if we had to choose one that balances location, good service and a fantastic atmosphere, then Dune Beach Club Marbella stands out.
Why Dune Beach? First, it’s the setting. El Rosario Beach is one of Marbella’s quieter, more natural stretches of coast with a relaxed, wild feel. Picture rolling waves, sand dunes and parasols swaying in the breeze.
Second, it’s the vibe. Dune Beach is both stylish and genuinely welcoming. There’s no velvet rope or dress code – just a beautifully designed beach club that caters to everyone from couples to groups of friends.
The club boasts a modern Mediterranean restaurant which gets high reviews for fresh seafood, creative cocktails and great service. You can dine on the shaded terrace or sip a drink on your sunbed, while the resident DJ plays soft, beachy tracks in the background.
All in all, Dune Beach Marbella offers the best of both worlds: it’s stylish and refined — yet relaxed and a little off the radar.
Where to stay: Best holiday rentals near top Malaga Beaches
Whether you’re after tranquil coves, lively promenades or a stylish beach club, our list of top Malaga Beaches contains the best spots on the Costa del Sol.
Dreaming of a beach break in Malaga or the Costa del Sol? We offer a huge range of seaside accommodation, from sleek penthouses to cosy family apartments just steps from the sand. Browse our beach holiday rentals via this curated list, ideal if you want to stay within walking distance of the sea.
