Mijas & Costa del Sol Beach Guide
The Costa del Sol stretches along just over 150 kilometres of Málaga province and is one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. With long hot summers merging into the mildest of winters it is possible to enjoy the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor activities such as sailing, fishing, scuba diving, windsurfing, and boating all year round. With its plentiful sunshine and sheltered coastline the Costa del Sol is a perfect family destination.
The Costa del Sol has numerous well-kept beaches and many of them have been awarded the European Blue Flag award for high standards of water and sand hygiene.
On the popular bathing beaches you will be able to hire shade and sun-beds as well as having shower facilities. Don’t forget to visit a 'Chiringuito', bars on the beach or sea front, they serve cold drinks and delicious food including fresh fish, try the char-grilled sardines they are fantastic.
Whether you are looking for a small, private cove or miles and miles of soft golden sand, the Costa del Sol has something for everyone.
Beaches east of Fuengirola
Torremolinos Beaches
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Torremolinos has several kilometers of beaches in excellent condition, which can be enjoyed nearly all of the year. But there is more to Torremolinos than the sun and golden sand. The long promenade which has been recently modernised separates the town center from the beaches. Most of the roads are now pedestrian-friendly, filled with souvenir shops and ice-cream parlors. Very picturesque and offering terrific views, the whole stretch is well worth a visit.
There are many restaurants and chiringuitos, sun bed and shade can be hired. If you want to miss the crowds arrive early, parking though can be difficult. Situated off the N340/A7, coast road between Fuengirola and Malaga.
Benalmadena Beaches
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Benalmadena enjoys 9 kilometers of attractive beaches with many water sport activities available as well as shade, sun beds, many restaurants and beach bars.
You can stroll down the attractive, modern promenade, which has a fine selection of shops and restaurants right along to the port and marina. The beaches are sandy, some shingle, some man-made, but they are all clean.
Situated off the N340/A7, coast road between Fuengirola and Malaga.
Fuengirola beaches
Los Boliches
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Los Boliches is located at the eastern end Fuengirola beach. This is a golden sandy beach which is well maintained and equipped with showers, sun beds and shade, sporting activities, chiringuitos, restaurants, hotels, shops, etc.
For those concerned about safety, from the 1st of July to 12th Sept there is a Red Cross lifeguard team on duty with a rescue launch. There are watchtowers, flags and signposts that are located along the beaches stating sea conditions. Situated 1km east of Fuengirola, off the N340/A7 coast road.
Fuengirola Beaches
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Fuengirola boast more than seven kms of beautiful and well-kept golden sand, which is equipped with showers, sun-beds and shade, many sporting activities, hotels and shops.
There are chiringuitos and a wealth of fish restaurants with local dishes freshly prepared using the catch of the day. Try the char-grilled sardine kebabs or spicy ‘pil-pil’ prawns. And for those who prefer a taste of home there are plenty of burger bars, pizza joints and English pubs with bangers-and-mash type food.
Most sporting activities take place from the Marina, from here you can go sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing and even charter a fishing boat for the day. From the 1st of July to 12th Sept there is a Red Cross lifeguard team on duty with a rescue launch. There are watchtowers, flags and signposts that are located along the beaches stating sea conditions.
Beaches west of Fuengirola
El Faro Beach
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El Faro beach is a rugged rocky part of the coastline leading to a long sandy beach that you can see from the main road.
There is a beach bar/restaurant and sun beds for hire in the summer. This is also a favourite for people who like to fish from the shore and you will often see the long fishing rods set up late into the night. Like other beaches in along Mijas Costa, this one is kept as clean as possible with regular collection from the litter bins.
Situated between Fuengirola and La Carla de Mijas off the N340/A7 coast road.
La Cala de Mijas Beach
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La Cala de Mijas lies on the coast between Fuengirola and Marbella. The beach is about 35 meters wide and almost 2,000 meters long and is ideal for children and families.
This is a lovely semi-urban beach in summer and winter alike, with a very nice promenade and plenty of good chiringitos and restaurants serving mouth-watering snacks and seafood. There are sun-beds and parasols for hire, public toilets and changing facilities available and showers at various points along the beach, as well as numerous public telephones.
In the summer months there are many water sports activities from the humble pedalo to the fast moving Jet Ski. In the summer period there is a lifeguard service and the beach is accessible to the disabled.
There is plenty of parking, but it can sometimes become difficult and congested at the peak of the high season in July and especially August.
Situated between Fuengirola and Marbella off the N340/A7, Coast Road.
Beach Club La Familia - La Cala de Mijas
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Beach Club La Familia on the beach at La Cala this is a great 'beach house on a budget'. We had a fabulous meal while my kids played on the sand, the staff were really friendly. They have sunbeds for hire as well as hammocks which is where we'll probably find Dad asleep next time we go!
You can find La Familia at the beach in Torrenueva (Exit km. sign 200 on the N340), La Cala de Mijas. Drive straight onto the beach, turn right, carry on for another 100m until you reach La Familia. Parking Available.
Open every day except Sunday & Wednesday evenings
Calahonda Beach
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Calahonda Beach is the longest of the Mijas Costa beaches at over 4,500 meters long and 25 meters wide. This beach has soft, clean sand.
Since it is right at the foot of the large urbanization, it is a well used and often busy. There are many beach bars and lots of activity, but it also has some quieter corners for those who prefer a bit of peace and quiet. This beach is perfect for the whole family and has plenty of sun-beds and parasols for rent and a good choice of lively beach bars for refreshment and entertainment.
Located off the N340/A7 coast road between La Carla de Mijas and Marbella, exit km 200 Calahonda.
Cabopino Beach
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Cabopino Beach - This is an attractive wide sandy, beach with a relaxed atmosphere and a pleasant marina.
This beach is well sheltered and has lifeguards on duty in the high season, as well as a gentle slope into the sea making this a perfect beach for young children and families. Also, this beach can be a quieter choice in the busy summer.
There are many chiringitos, bars and restaurants serving a variety of fresh food. Parking is easy and close to the beach.
An old fortified watchtower still stands proudly by the sand dunes alongside the beach, where it is possible to see all along the coast to Marbella and Gibraltar, even Africa on a clear day.
Situated off the N340/A7 coast road 12Km from Marbella and 14Km from Fuengirola.
Nikki Beach
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Nikki Beach (Marbella) with exotic bamboo beds, alcoves of tee-pees and gently swaying palms this is where the rich and famous like to hang out. This superb location provides a luxurious and relaxed sunbathing environment away from the bustling beaches.
During the day the atmosphere is one of pure relaxation enhanced by the luxury that Nikki Beach has become famous for. As the sun begins to set things take a slightly different turn as the music starts to increase in volume and the party really starts to get underway. Be prepared to party until the early hours of the morning.
Nikki Beach, luxury beach club is located at the Don Carlos beach resort in Elviria. Situated on the N340/A7 coast road between Calahonda and LosMonteros, Marbella.
Funny Beach
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(East of Marbella) is located on the coast-side of the entrance arch to Marbella, Km 184. This beach does have the regular sea, sand, deckchairs and a snack-bar, but for the more energetic ones there are jet skis, banana boat, canoes, wind surfing, go-karts, trampolines, miniature golf, pinball machines, video games, darts and even a mechanical bull!
Open Hours: Summer: 11.00 am - 03.00am, Winter: 4pm-8pm. Admission: Free, but you will have to pay separately for each attraction.
Playa Puerto Banus
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(Puerto Banus). Situated to the East of the marina and is protected by a jetty. This is a popular beach and a luxurious cosmopolitan resort that is the place to be seen, if your lucky you may get the chance to rub shoulders with the rich and famous!
The beach offers great views of the ocean and Gibraltar, with a backdrop of La Concha mountain range. There are many international bars and restaurants for all budgets close by, as well as art galleries, designer boutiques, beauty centers and department stores.
Playa El Saladillo
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(East of Estepona) This is a lovely long, wide beach that doesn't get to over crowded in the high season.
Situated next to the Costalita apartment development, take the Cancelada exit off the coast road.
There are two great beach restaurants 'La Antigua' (fantastic mussels with chopped leeks in a cream sauce!) and 'Pepe's Beach' which serves excellent paellas; both also hire sun beds & parasols.
El Padron Beach
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(East of Estepona at Km 159.5 on the coast road), near the Kempinski Resort Hotel. There is a car park and a few chiringuitos. This is a lovely small beach, but is often very busy in the summer.
This is also home to the Purobeach Club - a hang out by the sea, with a lifestyle concept including food & drinks, a lounge, terrace, pool & yoga – in short, everything to satisfy body, mind and soul.
La Rada Beach
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(Estepona Town) This is a large popular beach (2.4km long) with golden sand, it has a lovely promenade with gardens and children's play areas. All kinds of sports are enjoyed here such as windsurfing and kayaking.
There are many Chiringuitos serving a wide variety of traditional food such as paella and fresh fish to fast-food such as burgers & french fries. Facilities include water-sports, life guards, restaurants, cafes, toilets, showers and deck chairs. (The Marina is located at the western end of La Rada beach).
El Cristo Beach
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(West of Estepona) - just outside town. Perfect for families with children .... the beach is in a delightful sheltered cove, gently sloping into the sea.
There are two great beach chiringuitos that serve mouth-watering snacks and seafood.
Sabinillas Beach
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(West of Estepona) A Spanish fishing village where you can see the daily catch of the local fishermen as they pull their boats up the beach.
Long sandy beaches that are popular with the locals.
Duquesa Beach
Info & Reviews » (West of Estepona) Probably my favourite beach in this area, with several really good beach bars (Chiringuitos) that as well as serving great food & drink hire out sunbeds & umbrellas.
Sotogrande Beach
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(West of Estepona) On El Cucurucho beach you may find well known personalities taking a stroll along the beach.
There are two beach clubs: El Octógono and El Cucurucho, both offer a wide range of beach-side facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants, activities for youngsters.
Costa de la Luz
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Costa de la Luz beaches between Cadiz and Tarifa, have wide, remote golden sand beaches backed by sand dunes.
The winds make it a wind & kite surfers paradise. East of the Costa del Sol is the "Costa Tropical" with pretty coves, reached by paths and tracks down cliffs. The water here is clearer making it the best area for snorkeling and diving.