Best Beaches of the Southern Coast
Tourists have been coming to the Costa del Sol since the 1950s, attracted by its magical combination of brochure-blue sea, miles of beaches, and reliably sunny weather.
The beaches here range from the gravel-like shingle in Almuñécar, Nerja, and Málaga to fine, gritty sand from Torremolinos westward. The best (and most crowded) beaches are east of Málaga and those flanking the most popular resorts of Nerja, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, and Marbella. For more secluded beaches, head west of Estepona and past Gibraltar to Tarifa and the Cádiz coast. The beaches change when you hit the Atlantic, becoming appealingly wide with fine golden sand. The winds are usually quite strong here, which means that although you can't read a newspaper while lying out, the conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding are near perfect.
Beaches are free, and busiest in July, August, and on Sundays May–October when malagueño families arrive for a full day on the beach and lunch at a chiringuito.
Over the Topless
In Spain, as in many parts of Europe, it is perfectly acceptable for women to go topless on the beach, although covering up is the norm at beach bars. There are several nude beaches on the Costas; look for the playa naturista sign. The most popular are in Maro (near Nerja), Benalnatura (Benalmádena Costa), Cabo Pino (Marbella), and near Tarifa.
La Carihuela, Torremolinos
This former fishing district of Torremolinos has a wide stretch of beach. The chiringuitos here are some of the best on the Costa, and the promenade, which continues until Benalmádena port, with its striking Asian-inspired architecture and great choice of restaurants and bars, is delightful for strolling.
Carvajal, Fuengirola
Backed by low-rise buildings and greenery, the beach here is unspoiled and refreshingly low-key. East of Fuengirola center, the Carvajal beach bars have young crowds, with regular live music in summer. It's also an easily accessible beach on the Málaga–Fuengirola train, with a stop within walking distance of the sand.
Playa Los Lances, Tarifa
This white sandy beach is one of the least spoiled in Andalusia. Near lush vegetation, lagoons, and the occasional campground and boho-chic hotel (see listing for the Hurricane Hotel), Tarifa's main beach is famed throughout Europe for its windsurfing and kiteboarding, so expect some real winds: levante from the east and poniente from the west.
Cabo de Gata, Almería
Backed by natural parkland, with volcanic rock formations creating dramatic cliffs and secluded bays, Almería's stunning Cabo de Gata coastline includes superb beaches and coves within the protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The fact that most of the beaches here are only accessible via marked footpaths adds to their off-the-beaten-track appeal.
Puerto Banús, Marbella
Looking for action? Some great beach scenes flank the world-famous luxurious port. Pedro's Beach is known for its excellent, laid-back Caribbean-style seafood restaurants, good music, and hip, good-looking crowd. Another superb sandy choice are the coves west of the marina, so-called boutique beaches, with club areas and massages available, as well as attractive beaches and tempting shallow waters.
El Saladillo, Estepona
Between Marbella and Estepona (take the Cancelada exit off the A7), this relaxed and inviting beach is not as well known as its glitzier neighbors. It's harder to find, so mainly locals in the know frequent it. There are two popular seafood restaurants here, plus a volleyball net, showers, and sun beds and parasols for rent.
