Welcome to the Sunshine Coast

With over 320 days of sunshine a year, the Costa del Sol is synonymous with beautiful beaches. Its 150-kilometre coastline offers something for everyone, from bustling urban beaches packed with amenities to secluded, natural coves perfect for escaping the crowds. This guide will take you on a tour of 18 of the very best beaches the region has to offer, ensuring your next trip is unforgettable.

Top 18 Beaches on the Costa del Sol

Playa de Burriana

Nerja's most famous beach, offering a wide, sandy expanse with a lively promenade, water sports, and renowned paella restaurants.

Area: Nerja

Playa de Maro

Often voted one of Spain's best beaches. A stunning, natural cove with crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkeling and kayaking.

Area: Nerja

Playa de la Malagueta

The main city beach of Málaga. Easily accessible with dark sand, palm trees, and a vibrant atmosphere close to the port and city centre.

Area: Málaga

Playa de la Carihuela

A long, wide beach famous for its traditional chiringuitos serving the best fried fish in the region. A classic Spanish beach experience.

Area: Torremolinos

Playa de Bil Bil

Known for its iconic, Arabian-style Bil Bil Castle. This popular, dark-sand beach has a lovely promenade and great facilities.

Area: Benalmádena

Playa de Carvajal

A fantastic family beach with calm, shallow waters and excellent amenities. It seamlessly connects Benalmádena and Fuengirola.

Area: Fuengirola

Cabopino Beach

Protected by the Artola Dunes, this beautiful beach has fine golden sand, a relaxed vibe, and a charming marina nearby.

Area: Marbella East

Playa Real de Zaragoza

A huge stretch of fine, golden sand considered one of Marbella's best. Home to great beach clubs but also has quiet spots.

Area: Marbella East

Nikki Beach

The world-famous luxury beach club experience with DJs, fine dining, and champagne parties on a beautiful stretch of white sand.

Area: Marbella East

Playa de la Fontanilla

Marbella town's main beach. A bustling Blue Flag beach with a fantastic promenade lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Area: Marbella Centre

Playa de Nagüeles

Located on Marbella's prestigious Golden Mile. An exclusive beach with calm waters, soft sand, and the famous Marbella Club pier.

Area: Marbella (Golden Mile)

Playa del Duque

A glamorous beach in Puerto Banús, perfect for celebrity spotting. Offers golden sands and views of luxury yachts.

Area: Puerto Banús

Playa de la Rada

Estepona's main Blue Flag beach, stretching for over 2.5km right alongside the town's beautiful promenade.

Area: Estepona

Playa del Cristo

A sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay just outside Estepona marina. Its calm, shallow waters make it perfect for families with small children.

Area: Estepona

Playa de Bolonia

A bit of a drive, but this unspoiled, wild beach near Tarifa with its huge sand dune is consistently ranked among Europe's best.

Area: Tarifa (Cádiz)

Playa de los Álamos

The trendiest part of Torremolinos' coastline, famous for its cool beach clubs, kite surfing, and youthful, energetic vibe.

Area: Torremolinos

Playa El Salón

A charming, picturesque cove nestled below the Balcón de Europa, offering a more intimate beach experience in Nerja.

Area: Nerja

Playa de Calahonda (Mijas)

A beautiful Blue Flag beach known for its well-maintained facilities and the wonderful wooden boardwalk that runs along the coast.

Area: Mijas Costa

Conclusion

From the lively atmosphere of the main town beaches to the tranquil beauty of its hidden coves, the Costa del Sol truly has a beach for every mood and occasion. After a long day soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea, come home to a clean and relaxing sanctuary. Sparkling Homes Marbella offers professional cleaning services for your home or holiday rental, ensuring your space is always as refreshing as a dip in the Mediterranean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The main beach season runs from June to September when the weather is hottest and the sea is warmest. However, May and October also offer beautiful sunny days with fewer crowds.

The Costa del Sol offers a mix. Most of the popular beaches from Marbella westward have fine, golden or dark sand. Beaches east of Málaga, especially around Nerja, can have more pebbles and shingle.

A Blue Flag is a prestigious award given to beaches that meet high standards for water quality, safety, environmental management, and services. The Costa del Sol has dozens of them.

Yes, many beaches are perfect for families. Look for beaches like Playa del Cristo (Estepona) or Playa de Carvajal (Fuengirola) which have very calm, shallow waters and plenty of amenities.

Almost all main beaches offer sunbed (hamaca) and umbrella (sombrilla) rentals. Prices vary, but you can typically expect to pay between €6 and €15 per sunbed for the day.

A chiringuito is a beach bar or restaurant right on the sand. They are a quintessential part of the Costa del Sol experience, serving everything from drinks and snacks to fresh grilled fish (espetos).

Yes, the vast majority of developed beaches have public toilets and freshwater foot showers (lavapiés) available for public use, especially during the high season.

During the main season (typically June-September), dogs are not allowed on most public beaches. However, the Costa del Sol has several designated dog-friendly beaches (playas caninas) that are open year-round.