As a real estate agent based in Marbella, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the stunning coastline of Andalusia. This region in southern Spain is famous for its sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture.
Whether you’re considering a move to the Costa del Sol, looking for a vacation home, or just visiting, knowing where to find the best beaches is a must. Let me take you on a tour of some of the finest beaches in Andalusia, from my local beaches here on the Costa del Sol, the wind-swept shores of Tarifa, and the lesser-known gems stretching west along the coastline towards Portugal and east towards Roquetas de Mar and Almería.
The Costa del Sol: Nerja to Manilva.
The Costa del Sol is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Spain, each offering its own unique charm, from lively, bustling shores with plenty of amenities to quieter, more secluded spots perfect for relaxation. Here are some of the best beaches along the Costa del Sol, spanning from Nerja in the east to Manilva in the west.
Playa de Burriana – Nerja.
Located at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol, Playa de Burriana is one of the most popular and well-known beaches in Nerja. It’s a Blue Flag beach, known for its fine golden sand and clear, calm waters, making it a family-friendly destination. Burriana is perfect for water sports, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. The beach is also lined with chiringuitos (beach bars), offering delicious seafood, including the famous paella.
Playa de Maro – Nerja.
Just outside Nerja, Playa de Maro is a small, picturesque beach that feels like a hidden paradise. It’s surrounded by rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, making it a favourite for snorkelling and kayaking. The underwater scenery here is spectacular, with marine life and natural rock formations to explore. Its secluded feel and natural beauty make it one of the Costa del Sol’s best-kept secrets.
Playa del Cañuelo – Nerja.
Another hidden gem in the Nerja area, Playa del Cañuelo is located at the foot of steep cliffs, making it more remote and less accessible, but incredibly beautiful. You’ll need to park at the top of the cliffs and take a shuttle bus down to the beach, but the effort is well worth it. The beach is pristine, with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling, and the surrounding nature reserve adds to its secluded, untouched feel.
Playa de La Malagueta – Málaga.
Playa de La Malagueta is the most famous beach in the city of Málaga, located just a short walk from the city centre. It’s a Blue Flag beach, offering clean, dark sand, calm waters, and plenty of amenities. The beach is especially popular with locals and tourists due to its proximity to the city, making it a great spot to relax after exploring Málaga’s cultural attractions, like the Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum. You’ll find plenty of chiringuitos serving fresh fish and traditional espetos de sardinas (grilled sardines on skewers).
Playa de Bil Bil – Benalmádena.
Playa de Bil Bil, located in Benalmádena, is named after the nearby Bil Bil Castle, an iconic building that adds a touch of historical charm to this beautiful stretch of sand. The beach is wide and sandy, with plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The promenade behind the beach is lively, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. Its proximity to Benalmádena’s marina and Selwo Marina makes it a popular beach for families and tourists looking for convenience.
Playa de Carvajal – Fuengirola.
On the eastern edge of Fuengirola, Playa de Carvajal is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and wide, sandy shores. The beach is popular with locals and tourists alike, offering excellent facilities, including sunbeds, water sports rentals, and beach bars. The water here is calm and shallow, making it a great choice for families with children. It’s also a fantastic spot for paddleboarding and sailing.
Playa de Cabopino – Marbella.
Playa de Cabopino, located east of Marbella, is a more laid-back beach that is ideal for families and nature lovers. It’s part of the Dunas de Artola, a protected area of natural sand dunes, which adds a unique beauty to the beach. The shallow waters and soft sand make it great for children, while the surrounding pine forests and the nearby Cabopino Marina offer plenty of spots to explore. This beach is also popular with nudists, especially towards the dunes.
Nikki Beach – Elviria.
For those who love a bit of glamour with their beach experience, Nikki Beach in Elviria, just east of Marbella, is the place to be. Known for its high-end beach clubs and exclusive parties, this beach offers soft sands and clear waters. It’s the ideal spot for people-watching or indulging in a luxurious beach day.
Playa de Puerto Banús – Marbella.
For those seeking luxury and glamour, Playa de Puerto Banús in Marbella is the place to be. This beach is right next to the world-famous Puerto Banús marina, where you’ll find luxury yachts, high-end boutiques, and upscale beach clubs. The beach itself is sandy, clean, and lined with sunbeds, while the water is ideal for swimming. It’s a favourite spot for those looking to mix beach time with a luxurious lifestyle and nightlife.
Playa El Saladillo – Estepona.
Playa El Saladillo, located between Marbella and Estepona, is one of the longest beaches on the Costa del Sol, offering a more tranquil atmosphere. The beach is known for its natural beauty, with soft golden sand and fewer crowds, making it a great spot for a peaceful day by the sea. It is also popular with kite surfers due to the steady winds in the area.
Playa de la Rada – Estepona.
Located in Estepona, Playa de la Rada is one of the longest and most well-maintained beaches on the Costa del Sol. Its wide expanse of fine, golden sand is perfect for sunbathing, and the calm waters make it great for swimming. The beach is family-friendly and offers excellent facilities, including showers, sunbeds, and chiringuitos. The adjacent promenade is lively with restaurants, bars, and shops, making it easy to spend an entire day enjoying the beach and the town.
Playa del Cristo – Estepona.
For a quieter, more sheltered beach experience, Playa del Cristo in Estepona is a top choice. This small, crescent-shaped beach is tucked away from the main town and offers shallow, calm waters, making it perfect for families with young children. The beach is less crowded than others in the area and has a few laid-back beach bars where you can relax and enjoy a drink with a view of the sea.
Key features of the Senda Litoral.
This section of the coastline is also home to the Senda Litoral (Coastal Path) an ambitious and scenic coastal trail project in the province of Málaga, designed to connect the entire Costa del Sol along a continuous route, stretching for approximately 180 kilometres from Nerja to Manilva.
The path allows walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts to travel the length of the coastline, passing through popular beach towns like Málaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Marbella, and Estepona, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s perfect for those who love outdoor activities and want to take in the region’s beauty beyond the beaches.
Connecting towns and villages: The Senda Litoral serves as a connective route between numerous towns, villages, and tourist hotspots along the coast. It enhances access to hidden coves, beaches, and natural landscapes, making it a great option for those who want to explore the region’s coastal beauty beyond just the well-known tourist areas.
Diverse scenery: The path takes you through a variety of landscapes—from urban promenades lined with beach bars and restaurants, to more remote and untouched sections with cliffs, dunes, and natural parks. The diversity in scenery makes it an exciting experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
Sections of the path: Not all parts of the Senda Litoral are completed yet, and some sections of the path may vary in terrain and accessibility. In more developed areas, the trail is well-paved and easy to follow, while other sections are more rugged or require detours along roads. Despite this, local governments are working to complete the remaining gaps and improve infrastructure.
Hiking, walking, and cycling: The Senda Litoral is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more active hike, and it’s also ideal for cycling. Some parts are family-friendly, while other sections offer more challenging terrain for seasoned hikers or cyclists. As you travel the path, you’ll discover beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean.
Points of interest along the way: As you walk the Senda Litoral, you’ll pass by several points of interest, including:
- Dunas de Artola: A natural dune reserve near Cabopino Beach, offering a unique landscape of sand dunes and maritime pine forests.
- Torre del Mar: A charming seaside town with a wide, sandy beach and a lively promenade.
- Puerto Banús: The famous luxury marina in Marbella, where you can admire yachts and upscale boutiques.
- Roman ruins: In some areas, the path leads to archaeological sites, such as the Roman villa near Estepona.
The wild beaches of Tarifa.
Heading west from the Costa del Sol, you’ll come across the unique coastal area of Tarifa, known for its rugged beauty, golden sands, and powerful winds. The beaches here attract both nature lovers and thrill-seekers, particularly windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Playa de Bolonia.
One of the most unspoiled beaches in Spain, Playa de Bolonia is a true gem. Located in the heart of a protected natural park, it offers vast stretches of white sand, turquoise waters, and impressive sand dunes. Bolonia is also famous for its Roman ruins, Baelo Claudia, which are just a short walk from the beach, making this a perfect mix of history and natural beauty.
Playa de Los Lances.
If you’re into water sports, Playa de Los Lances is the go-to destination in Tarifa. It’s one of the windiest spots in Spain, and its vast shoreline is dotted with colourful kites as surfers and kitesurfers ride the waves. The beach itself is wide and spacious, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and, on a clear day, even the coast of Africa.
The coastline towards Portugal: Huelva and Cádiz.
As we continue west along Andalusia’s Atlantic coastline, the province of Huelva and parts of Cádiz offer some of the most pristine beaches in Spain, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the Costa del Sol.
Playa de Matalascañas – Huelva.
Located near Doñana National Park, Playa de Matalascañas is a long, sandy beach that stretches for kilometres. This beach is perfect for those who love nature, as it’s adjacent to one of Europe’s most important wetland reserves. The area is quieter than the Costa del Sol, making it a great escape for those seeking tranquillity.
Playa de La Barrosa – Cádiz.
In the province of Cádiz, Playa de La Barrosa near Chiclana de la Frontera is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Andalusia. It’s a family-friendly beach with golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and an array of beachfront restaurants. The beach stretches for about 8 kilometres, offering plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports.
Staying in Andalusia, journeying east towards Roquetas de Mar and Almería.
As we travel further east along the Andalusian coastline, the landscape begins to change, offering a quieter, more rugged beauty compared to the bustling Costa del Sol. The beaches around Roquetas de Mar and Almería are perfect for those seeking a more tranquil and unspoiled experience. This area boasts stunning natural parks, dramatic cliffs, and secluded coves that make it a paradise for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.
Playa Serena – Roquetas de Mar.
One of the best-known beaches in Roquetas de Mar, Playa Serena offers a long stretch of golden sand with calm, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families. The area is less crowded than the Costa del Sol, providing a peaceful environment to relax and unwind. Playa Serena is also adjacent to a golf course, making it a great destination for those looking to combine beach time with a round of golf.
Playa de Aguadulce.
Located just outside Roquetas de Mar, Playa de Aguadulce is a Blue Flag beach known for its clean, clear waters and fine sand. The beach is backed by a lively promenade with bars and restaurants, offering a perfect balance between relaxation and local amenities. The nearby marina is a great place to enjoy seafood or take a leisurely walk along the harbour.
Cabo de Gata Natural Park – Almería.
As we move closer to Almería, we reach the stunning Cabo de Gata Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most pristine coastal areas in Andalusia. The park is famous for its dramatic volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a paradise for hikers, snorkelers, and those who appreciate untouched natural beauty.
- Playa de los Muertos: One of the most famous beaches in Cabo de Gata, Playa de los Muertos is often listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Its remote location, turquoise waters, and unique rock formations make it a must-visit, though it does require a bit of a hike to reach.
- Playa de Mónsul: Another gem within the park, Playa de Mónsul is characterised by its golden sand, volcanic rock formations, and calm waters. The beach has been used as a filming location for movies such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, adding to its allure.
Playa de San Miguel – Almería.
Located in the city of Almería, Playa de San Miguel is a wide, sandy beach with excellent facilities and a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s perfect for a relaxing day by the sea, and its proximity to the city centre means you can easily explore Almería’s historical sites, such as the Alcazaba, after a morning on the beach.
Andalusia’s coastline is a breathtaking tapestry of diverse beaches, each offering its own unique appeal. Whether you’re drawn to the glamour of the Costa del Sol, the untouched beauty of Tarifa, the serene stretches of Huelva and Cádiz, or the rugged charm of Roquetas de Mar and Almería in Eastern Andalusia, this region of Spain promises an unparalleled lifestyle of sun, sea, and serenity.
As a real estate agent in Marbella, I’ve seen how the region’s beaches not only attract tourists but also offer incredible investment opportunities for those looking to buy a home in one of Spain’s most desirable areas.
If you’re thinking about making Marbella or the surrounding areas of San Pedro Alcantara, Estepona or Benahavis your home, feel free to reach out. There’s a beach waiting for you!
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