The expansive Playa Carihuela, found near Rincón de la Victoria
Costa del Sol is lined by loads of sandy beaches — the kind where warm waves wash onto the shores, water sport opportunities are plenty, and often a restaurant- and bar-filled promenade sits just steps away. The truth is, though, that the best of these idyllic shorelines aren’t really located just steps away from the biggest cities, such as Málaga and Marbella. Instead, visitors would be wise to venture a little outside of town to the east or west, where one can find better shores, with the added bonus of fewer people.
Playa el Cristo — Estepona
Let’s start in the far west, beyond Marbella, with a beach just past Estepona’s port: Playa el Cristo. This kid-friendly shore covers a long stretch of sand and is protected by a cove, which lends to tranquil, warm, and shallow waters. Add to that the easy access to parking, as well as two nearby beach bars, and you’ve got yourself an ideal beach getaway suitable for the whole family.
La Carihuela — Torremolinos
This long stretch of beach is pretty darn popular, and for good reason. Situated in front of an old fishing village, La Carihuela has all the beach amenities, including loads of bars and restaurants, lots of lounge chairs for rent, and a picturesque promenade that stretches all the way to the resort town of Benalmadena.
La Cala del Moral — Rincón de la Victoria
Moving eastward, and past Málaga, you’ll come across the fishing village of Cala de Moral, situated just west of Rincón de la Victoria. Not only will you get a taste of “less touristy” in these parts, but its beach has everything you might be looking for in a little Costa del Sol shore, from a beachfront promenade to a handful of beach bars (called chiringuitos). What it doesn’t have: as many people.
Playa del Cañuelo — Nerja
Continuing still farther east to the area around Nerja (famous for its caves, which you can explore on a Frigiliana and Nerja day trip from Costa del Sol), and quite a bit more removed from civilization. This picture-perfect cliff-lined cove wraps itself around turquoise blue waters. Take to the sea, ideal for snorkeling and such, or stay on shore, where you can sip on drinks at the nearby chiringuito. Sound enticing? Getting there is a little more complicated since you must park near the main road (the N-340), and then catch a minibus down a windy path to the beach.
If you’d like to discover Costa del Sol, as well as more of inland Spain, then join a 5-Day Spain tour from Madrid, during which you’ll make stops by the sea but also in major cities such as Granada, Ronda, Córdoba and Toledo.
-Contributed by Erin Ridley
Best Beaches in Costa del Sol from Andalucia & Costa del Sol Things to Do