Fodor's Expert Review El Saladillo

Something of a Costa del Sol secret, this quiet 4-km (2½-mile) beach of gray sand has long, empty stretches with plenty of room for towels, even in high summer, making it a great place to relax, walk, or swim. The water's safe for swimming when waves are low, but watch out for the undertow when it's windy. Between San Pedro and Estepona, and flanked by residential developments, El Saladillo has the occasional beach bar. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (mid-June–mid-September); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.