Málaga beaches: the best beaches and coves in the province

Key points

The province has about 160 km of coastline, from Manilva to Nerja.
In 2026 Málaga was the Andalusian province with the most Blue Flags: 45.
To the west, wide urban beaches; to the east, coves and cliffs with clear water.
On almost every beach you will find a beach bar serving espetos.

La MalaguetaFive minutes from the centre; dark sand, beach bars and the giant "Málaga" letters.
Pedregalejo and El PaloSmall beaches between breakwaters in old fishing districts, with espetos.
La MisericordiaWide and family-friendly, to the west, next to the old Los Guindos chimney.

La Carihuela (Torremolinos)The fishing quarter, its promenade lined with seafood restaurants.
Santa Ana and Bil-Bil (Benalmádena)Next to the marina and Bil-Bil castle.
Los Boliches and Santa Amalia (Fuengirola)Town beaches with every facility.
Cabopino (Marbella)Next to the Artola Dunes natural monument and a small marina.
La Rada (Estepona)Almost three kilometres of beach by Estepona's town centre.
Costa Natura (Estepona)One of the longest-established naturist beaches on the coast.

Burriana (Nerja)Nerja's most popular beach: sand, promenade and paella by the sea.
Maro beach (Nerja)A cove with crystal-clear water at the foot of the cliffs; starting point for kayak trips.
Calahonda and El Salón (Nerja)Small coves below the Balcón de Europa.
Torre del MarA wide beach with a long promenade.
La Cala del Moral and RincónQuiet beaches a few minutes from the capital.

Swimming flagsGreen: safe to swim; yellow: caution; red: no swimming.
SunAvoid the middle of the day and use high-factor sun cream.
JellyfishSome summers bring jellyfish: check the lifeguards' warnings.
TerralThis hot northerly wind sends temperatures soaring on some summer days.

The list of Blue Flag beaches changes every year. Check the current season on the Blue Flag website.