Beaches near Malaga

Many of Spain's best cities are located on the coast. That's definitely true of Malaga, an ancient city founded all the way back in 770 BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. It was the presence of the Mediterranean Sea that brought the first Phoenician traders here to establish a colony, and it's still that sea - and the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol - that bring millions of tourists to this city every year.

Malaga beaches are easy to access, with some of them reachable by public transit from the city centre. This is a city that really embraces beach life, so whether you want to stretch out on the sand, spend some time at one of the beach bars, or even hang loose at the nudist beach, you'll be able to do it at the best beaches Malaga has to offer.

Speaking of nudity, remember that in Spain, public nudity on the beach is far more accepted than it is in some other parts of the world. Even if you're not on a nudist beach, don't be surprised if you see topless women, for example. You're not obliged to join them but respect the culture and don't make a scene. Besides, you'll be surprised how quickly you get used to it.

Visit the 4 best beaches near Malaga

Honestly, there are so many great beaches near Malaga that any list like this is going to have to leave off a few. Malaga beaches run the full gamut from secluded coves where you can enjoy a peaceful swim to party beaches where you can dance on fine sand until the sun comes up. So picking the best beach view is going to depend on how you want to spend your time on the Costa del Sol.

With that said, here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Playa de la Malagueta

La Malagueta Beach is the most famous and central beach in Málaga, located just a short walk from the city center and the port. It’s easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transportation, and is only about a 10-15 minute walk from Málaga’s historic Old Town. The beach stretches for 1.2 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea and is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Malagueta Beach has an eye-catching sandy shore and palm-lined promenade, offering a perfect blend of city and beach life. The sand is dark and somewhat coarse, typical of Mediterranean beaches, but the beach is well-maintained, clean, and equipped with plenty of amenities. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and family-friendly beach activities. The beach’s iconic Malagueta sign, spelled out in large, sandy letters, is a popular spot for photos and is easily recognizable.

One of the best things about Malagueta Beach is its proximity to the city, meaning visitors can easily transition from sightseeing to relaxing by the sea. The beach is backed by a lively sea promenade, Paseo del Muelle Uno, where you’ll find plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. You can enjoy a walk along the waterfront while taking in views of Málaga’s port and the surrounding mountains.

This beach is so close to the center of town that it's easy to visit after enjoying morbid activities. For example, you could do some shopping at the market or the designer stores, then leave your shopping bags behind with a Bounce luggage storage where they will be safely looked after while you enjoy the beach.

El Palo Beach

El Palo Beach is located in the eastern district of Málaga, just six kilometers from the city center. It’s easily accessible by car, bike, or bus, with buses running frequently from Málaga’s city center to El Palo. You take the #8 bus from Paseo del Parque - Plaza de la Marina and ride to Juan Sebastián Elcano - Iglesia. The beach is about a 15-minute drive from central Málaga, and there’s plenty of parking available along the coast.

El Palo Beach is known for its relaxed and local vibe, offering a more authentic beach experience compared to some of the busier and more tourist-centric beaches in the region. The beach features fine, dark sand and calm, shallow waters. The breakwaters along the coast help keep the waves gentle, providing safe swimming conditions. The beach is also lined with palm trees, adding to its laid-back Mediterranean charm.

One of the highlights of El Palo Beach is the vibrant chiringuitos (beach bars) that line the promenade. These beachfront restaurants are famous for their fresh seafood, particularly the espetos de sardinas (sardines grilled on skewers over an open fire), which is a traditional dish of Málaga. Many of the chiringuitos offer outdoor seating where you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in views of the sea. El Palo is a great place to indulge in authentic Andalusian cuisine, from fried fish to seafood paella, all served right on the beach.

On a hot day, heading to the beach may be the first thing you want to do. But what if you have to check out of your hotel early?

That's where Bounce comes in. By partnering with local businesses, we make sure you always have a place to leave your things at a luggage storage location in Malaga so you can enjoy the outdoors.

Playa Peñón del Cuervo

Playa Peñón del Cuervo is a small and secluded beach located about eight kilometers east of Málaga’s city center. It is easily accessible by car or bike, with a drive from central Málaga taking around 15-20 minutes. Parking is available near the beach, and for cyclists, there is a coastal bike path that leads directly to the beach. Though public transportation is limited, the beach is close enough to reach via a short taxi ride or bike ride from the nearby areas.

Playa Peñón del Cuervo is remarkable for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, offering a more secluded and less crowded alternative to the busier beaches in Málaga. The beach is named after the Peñón del Cuervo, a large rock formation that sits in the middle of the bay, giving the beach its distinctive look. The beach is a mix of dark sand and pebbles, and the waters are generally calm, so you can expect to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing by the sea.

The rock formation of Peñón del Cuervo is not only an iconic landmark but also a popular spot for climbing and exploring, particularly for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The beach’s surrounding natural landscape, which includes cliffs and green areas, adds to its tranquil and scenic appeal.

One of the unique aspects of Playa Peñón del Cuervo is its relaxed, untouristy vibe. It’s popular with locals, especially for picnics and barbecues, as the beach has dedicated barbecue areas and picnic tables, which is uncommon for many urban beaches. The beach’s spacious layout and peaceful setting make it perfect for families or groups of friends looking to spend a more leisurely day by the sea.

If you want to take a stroll along this beautiful unspoiled stretch of coastline – and why wouldn't you? – You'll also want to leave your bags behind. Take advantage of Bounce luggage storage so that you can enjoy one of the most natural beaches in the area as you stroll the palm tree-lined promenade.

Pedregalejo Beach

Pedregalejo Beach is located just four kilometers east of Málaga’s city center, so you can get here pretty quickly by car, bike, or public transportation. It’s about a 10-minute drive or a 15-minute bus ride from the center of Málaga, with regular bus services available. You take the #3 bus from the same stop as for El Palo and get off at Juan Sebastián Elcano - Pez Plata. The beach is situated in a former fishing district that retains much of its local charm, offering visitors a more laid-back and authentic Andalusian beach experience compared to the bustling la Malagueta Beach.

Pedregalejo Beach is composed of a series of small coves with dark sand and calm, shallow waters, making it perfect for swimming and wading. The bay is protected by breakwaters, so the waves are gentle and therefore suitable for most swimmers. The beach’s divided nature, with separate coves, gives it a cozy and less crowded feel, even during peak summer months.

Pedregalejo Beach is well known for its lively and traditional atmosphere, especially along its famous promenade. The Paseo Marítimo de Pedregalejo is lined with seafood restaurants, which serve some of the best fresh seafood in Málaga. The promenade also features a mix of trendy cafes and ice cream shops, creating a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.

Whether you're visiting popular beaches in Malaga like the ones we've mentioned or others like El Salón Beach, Burriana Beach, or Playa de la Misericordia, Bounce has your storage needs covered!