Beaches, Costa Del Sol

Arroyo Hondo beach

Arroyo Hondo Beach is in the town of Benalmadena, about 20km from Malaga and is named after the river of the same name, which after crossing through the town, flows into the sea at the beach. 400 metres long and 20 metres wide, Arroyo Hondo beach is known for its coarse dark sand and calm, clear blue sea.

It is very easy to reach as it runs alongside the main road and is split into two parts, one that follows the natural line of the sea and the other, which has been regenerated to make a wider beach area. This beach is quieter than some others in this area, especially in the mid to low season, which is lovely if you want to just relax and soak up the sun. There is car parking, a cafeteria, and restaurant and you can hire hammocks, sun loungers and parasols.

Benalmadena Marina Beach

Benalmadena Marina beach situated at the eastern end of the marina, towards Torremolinos has continually been awarded the European Blue Flag for its excellent services and clean water since 1987. It is a beautiful beach area where you can hire sun loungers and parasols, try out one of the numerous water sports, including sailing, scuba diving, kayaking and water skiing.

If you want a break from the beach, take a stroll through the busy port where there are a variety of bars and cafes where you can sample the local cuisine. For those who want to try out the Spanish ‘tapas’, there are at least 20 little terrace bars to choose from, where you can sample many types of fish and other delicacies while soaking up the atmosphere of the port and looking out over the Mediterranean. Absolute bliss.

Bil-Bil beach

Bil-Bil beach is beautiful sandy beach approximately 400 metres long and 20 metres wide, has a great central location alongside the Paseo Maritimo and is surrounded by a pretty promenade dotted with palm trees. The calm water, fine sand, and many facilities make it a great family beach where you can hire the usual sunbeds, hammocks and parasols. There is ample parking, access for the disabled and cafes, bars and restaurants.

This beach is home to the famous Chiringuito Maracas Beach Bar, a place to enjoy the sun and delicious food during the day but also during the evening; at sunset, it is a perfect place to enjoy the Malaga nights with the rhythm of some good music, delicious cocktails and mojitos served in a fabulous atmosphere.

Bil-Bil castle is situated right next to the beach and well worth a look if you get tired of soaking up the sun.

Carvajal beach

Carvajal Beach belongs to the district of Fuengirola and is 450 metres long and approximately 35 metres wide. The receipt of the Blue Flag Award in 2016 makes it a beach of unquestionable quality, known for its coarse dark sand and pebbles and its calm waters.

The beach is quite busy, especially on the western side, and is very family orientated with a play area on the sand and a water playground in the sea. There are lifeguards present on the beach and public showers and toilets are available.

A coastal road, which ends in a cul-de-sac, runs along most of Carvajal beach and the pathway between the road and the beach is broad like a promenade and planted with palm trees. There are also cafe/bars here, which mainly serve fish grilled on wood fires in the typical local style along with cold beers and local wines.

Los Boliches

Los Boliches Beach, right in the heart of Fuengirola, is definitely one of the liveliest beaches in the town. It has a wide expanse of dark sand and is visited by large numbers of people, especially in the summer. It was awarded the Blue Flag in 2016.

The quality of the beach is excellent with soft, fine sand and beautiful blue waters. You can hire the usual sunbeds and parasols and you can also rent jet skis, canoes, pedal boats and SUP boards for stand-up paddling.

For children, there’s a play area on the beach and even one in the water, which is popular with the mums and dads as well. A lifeguard is in attendance to keep an eye on you, which makes for safe bathing

The area around the beach has free showers and public toilets and large parts of the beach are wheelchair accessible.

Malapesquera Beach

Malapesquera beach is around 700 metres long and 50 metres wide and is located beside the Benalmadena Marina area. The central location and large green areas draw many people to this beach, especially during the summer months. The shaded areas are great for when you need a break from the burning Spanish sun.

On the beach; you can hire sun loungers and parasols, if you enjoy beach games there are designated sports areas, you can rent equipment like kayaks and paddleboards if water sports are your thing, or you could hire a boat from the Nautical Club, which is right beside the beach.

Due to its central location, this beach is accessible by foot, road and bus. There is car parking, facilities (including ramp) for the disabled and a Red Cross presence in the event of emergencies.

Playa Arroyo de la Miel

Playa Arroyo de la Miel is so named because of its position at the foot of Arroyo de la Miel village. The beach has a long promenade, which runs right along to the port and the Marina. Because of its high standards of cleanliness and excellent facilities, it has been recognised by the European Blue Flag award.

The beach is a lovely long stretch of coarse sand and is very popular with serious swimmers because of its clear, calm blue water. There are plenty of water sports and inflatables if you want some fun and sun loungers and parasols if you just want to relax. Car parking is not a problem and there is access for the disabled.

The many bars and cafes nearby offer a choice of food and drink and there are market stalls for you to wander around and hopefully grab a bargain.

Playa de la Cala Mijas

The Costa Del Sol (Coast of the Sun), with more than 325 sunny days per year, is a great destination all year round. The Playa de la Cala Mijas is a popular beach both summer and winter alike and is 35 metres wide and almost 2,000 metres long, with a beautiful promenade.

There are sunbeds and parasols for hire along with water sports equipment, public toilets and changing facilities, showers at various points along the beach and there is plenty of parking, but it can sometimes become difficult during the peak months of July and especially August. The beach has disabled access and during the main holiday period, there is a lifeguard service.

The area itself has a lovely village feel to it and the long promenade is lined with delightful shops, cafes and bars.

Playa Los Alimos

Playa Los Alamos is situated not far from Malaga airport in the Andalusian tourist area of Torremolinos and is approximately 1km in length. The beach has grey sand and there are sunbeds and umbrellas to hire if required. Unfortunately, many planes fly over each hour and because of its proximity to the airport the noise is quite loud. Definitely not the best beach for relaxation and peace and quiet.

Despite this, the beach is still a favourite with families, probably because of its gentle slope down to the water, the lovely children’s playground, barbeque areas and the many sports activities.

On the promenade that runs along the beach you will find restaurants, bars, and cafes and at night this is a popular spot where the youngsters gather to have a drink. The high point of the party season is the annual Los Alamos Beach Festival including a DJ contest

Santa Ana Beach

Sant Ana beach is located in the Cabo Busto area in Benalmadena, it’s 500 metres long and 20 metres wide and has protected, shallow waters and gentle sloping banks. A man-made wall separates this beach with that of Torre Bermeja.

This is a fairly busy beach, especially in the high season, with plenty of games to play including volleyball and football plus many water sports to choose from. There are sun loungers and parasols for hire, showers and public toilets as well as facilities for the disabled. Access to the beach is easy and there are car parks close by.

This whole stretch of beach is where the locals go for their evening stroll (paseo). It is ideally suited to wandering up and down or to sit and have a drink or a bite to eat, in one of the many the bars and restaurants that run its length.