The gleaming Spanish coastline is world-renowned for its chunky golden beaches, perfect for passing a dreamy day on a sunlounger. Yet they are not all alike. In fact, our eight best beaches in Southern Spain each embody their own distinct character, reflecting the history and culture of their unique setting.
Children play on family-friendly beaches surrounded by plentiful amenities, while elsewhere, hip twenty-somethings flock to surfer havens. Otherworldly waterfalls cascade over hidden coves, bustling urban beaches sit against striking architecture, and local seafood delicacies are served up at renowned beach bars. Simply put, the Spanish coast offers something for every type of traveler.
Read on to discover the eight best beaches in Southern Spain.
Best beaches in southern Spain
1. Playa de Maro, Málaga
Rest and rejuvenate amidst sublime scenery at Playa de Maro, one of Spain’s favorite and most beautiful beaches. Find it just outside Nerja in Malaga province.
Swim or kayak to the ethereal Maro waterfall and explore the Blue Flag beach’s eye-catching rock formations. Snorkel amidst coral reefs and thriving schools of fish in the crystal clear water. Or simply sunbathe surrounded by natural beauty. For early risers, sunrise at Maro beach is particularly sublime.
Refreshments are available at a cafe on the beach, but it’s worth dining in Nerja’s Old Town–a five-minute drive away–to experience its traditional character and quaint charm.
2. Playa Zahara de los Atunes, Cádiz
With four miles of virtually untouched sand, Playa Zahara de los Atunes in Cádiz never feels crowded. Traverse the sand dunes to enter this Blue Flag beach and discover tranquil sands and glassy turquoise waters reminiscent of the Caribbean.
Foodies should take a moment to sample the local Atlantic bluefin tuna, famous for its red flesh and dubbed “the ibérico of the sea,” after which the beach is named.
Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing are extremely popular activities here, with courses available for beginners. In the summer, three beach bars and two restaurants cater to hungry sunbathers. Look out for the sunken remains of ‘El Vapor’–an old steamship–appearing at low tide.
3. Playa de Nagüeles, Marbella
Marbella’s exclusive ‘Golden Mile’ is the destination to embrace luxury, fine dining–and even celebrity spotting. Tranquil Playa Nagüeles is lined with high-end restaurants, hotels, and beach clubs.
Rent a lounger on the golden sand and spend an indulgent day soaking up the sun against the dramatic background of the Sierra Blanca mountains. The sand gently shelves into shallow waters at this Blue Flag beach, and lifeguards are on duty, making this a great option for young families. Jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are on offer, while the crystalline water is ideal for snorkeling. Hang around for sunset and watch as the sky is painted with vibrant pinks, purples, and oranges.
Nagüeles Beach is nestled between Marbella’s irresistibly charming Old Town and glitzy Puerto Banús. As night falls, stroll the narrow winding streets of the old town and dine in a bustling square, or dress up and hit Puerto Banús for cocktails and dancing.
4. Playa de la Malagueta, Málaga
Visitors to Malaga do not have to sacrifice beach days in pursuit of a city break–this vibrant destination offers both. One of Malaga’s most popular beaches, Playa de la Malagueta, is just a few minutes from the city center, yet it stretches 1km along the coast. The calm, shallow water and golden sands provide a welcome respite after a morning of sightseeing.
Malagueta’s proximity to the city center means there are countless amenities nearby, including restaurants, shops, bars and cafes. The sand becomes more crowded after working hours, when locals head to the beach to promenade, play beach sports, or simply enjoy the sunset.
5. Playa La Caleta, Cadiz
The crescent La Caleta Beach offers sunbathing with a slice of history. Beloved by locals and neighboring the historic old town, this urban beach epitomizes the culture of Cadiz.
La Caleta sits on the tip of the peninsula between Santa Catalina and San Sebastian castles and has been used to moor boats since Phoenician times. The striking architecture of Cadiz’s defensive fortifications provides a unique backdrop.
On sunny days, the golden sands are packed with locals sunbathing, swimming, and playing bingo. In the surrounding area, dine at local restaurants, sip cocktails at beach bars, and unwind at decadent spas. Pass a balmy night dancing at one of the nearby flamenco clubs.
6. Playa de Cabopino, Marbella
Marbella’s Playa de Cabopino regularly finds itself on lists of the best beaches in Southern Spain–and for good reason. This beach is located within the Dunas de Artola nature preserve–a national monument that features stunning sand dunes and greenery.
Rent sunbeds and relax on the spacious golden sands, cool off in the refreshing water, or enjoy seafood and beer at one of three popular beach bars, which often host live music in the afternoon. Explore the famous dunes with a stroll across the elevated boardwalks that connect them. High-octane activities on Cabopino Beach include wakeboarding and banana boating. Alternatively, rent a boat or opt for a dolphin-spotting tour. Bear in mind there is also a nude beach here.
Cabopino is a delightful location for a dinner with a view. The small, elegant town overlooks the marina, which shelters a fleet of small yachts and is home to a handful of restaurants, bars, and shops.
7. Playa de Valdevaqueros, Tarifa
The buzzy kitesurfing capital of Europe, adrenaline junkies flock to Valdevaqueros Beach for its famously windy weather, deep ocean, and monster waves.
Beginners can try their hand at kitesurfing, windsurfing, or surfing at one of the beach’s schools, which also rent out equipment, while experts may wish to enter the beach’s famous competitions. Away from the ocean, Valdevaqueros boasts over three miles of powdery white sand, with the monumental Punta Paloma dune rising in the distance.
The atmospheric beach predominantly attracts a younger crowd with its irresistibly cool, relaxed vibe. Head to one of the beach bars for a buffet lunch or cocktail as a booming playlist entertains the crowd.
8. Playa de Los Boliches, Costa del Sol
Comfortable sunbeds, waiter service, and plentiful amenities make this swath of golden sand the perfect place to spend an easy family day at the beach. Upscale beach bars punctuate the pink-tiled promenade, with cooks tending to sardine barbecues in old fishing boats docked in the sand.
Active beach-goers can enjoy paddleboarding, parasailing, and surfing at this Blue Flag beach, which stretches for over a mile along the famous Costa del Sol. At lunchtime, revelers dine on fresh seafood at a beach bar or order snacks and drinks directly to their sunbeds.
As the sun descends, cross the coast road to find a plethora of restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines, from Mexican and Indian to Greek and Italian. For fine dining, stroll towards the pretty backstreets of Fuengirola.
Is your heart in the south of Spain? Did we miss one of your favourite beaches? Let us know in the comments!
