Costa del Sol: The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Sunshine Coast

Southern Spain entices with its stunning coastline. With over 125 beaches and a shoreline extending approximately 100 miles, the Costa del Sol offers just the right spot for your vacation.

Summer, sun, beach: As the sun shines on Spain's southern coast 325 days a year, Costa del Sol truly lives up to its name. On the 'Coast of the Sun', enjoy splendid days by the sea. We present you the most beautiful beaches at the Costa del Sol in Spanish Andalusia, from east to west, from Nerja to the southern tip near Gibraltar.

Playa las Calas del Pino was named for the many pine trees lining its bay. This beautiful natural beach, located within the Maro-Cerro Gordo nature reserve, is a hidden gem of the Costa del Sol, where tranquility, crystal-clear waters, and fragrant Mediterranean pines take center stage.

Note: To reach the beach, you have to climb down the coastal mountains. An adventurous path takes you through rough terrain to the sea. Once you arrive, a pebble beach surrounded by cliffs awaits you.

One of the quietest and most natural beaches is about two miles from Nerja on the Costa del Sol: Playa de Maro is a wild natural beach with 500 meters of sandy shore. It is bordered by rocks on both sides and is a hidden gem due to its secluded location.

If you enjoy snorkeling, be sure to dive in: A particularly rich underwater world awaits here, as the beach is within the Maro-Cerro Gordo protected area. There is a kayak rental, a beach bar, and a restaurant on site.

Playa Burriana is one of the largest and most popular beaches near Nerja, located in the eastern part of the Andalusian coastal town. The beach stretches about 700 meters and consists of dark sand and small pebbles.

Along the beach runs a palm-lined promenade with numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. If you're looking for action on the water, there are several watersports providers offering adventures: parasailing, banana boat, jet skiing, canoeing, stand-up paddling, and paddle boats.

Right next to Playa Burriana is the smaller and far less visited Playa Carabeíllo. The fine pebble beach is about 70 meters long and rests in a rock bay accessible by stairs.

There's always less going on here as there aren't the conveniences found at larger beaches in Nerja. While Playa Carabeíllo offers a shower, there are no toilets, restaurants, or beach bars, though a beach vendor occasionally passes by.

From Nerja's old town, you can reach Playa El Salón within a few minutes on foot. The sand bay is surrounded by rocks, stretching nearly 200 meters long and 20 meters wide. On-site, you'll find sun loungers, toilets, showers, and a small beach kiosk.

The bay is great for snorkeling and diving, as the underwater world around individual boulders is charming. The beach got its name from a few fishing families who settled along the rear rock wall, for whom Playa El Salón was essentially a 'living room'.

Calahonda Beach is located at the western end of Mijas in Málaga and is one of the longest beaches on the Costa del Sol. It stretches east of Marbella for about 2.8 miles.

Due to its length, you can choose whether to enjoy peace or action. Numerous hotels and apartment complexes line the beach, along with many restaurants and beach bars, but there are also beach sections where you can find a solitary spot.

Playa de Torre del Mar in the town of the same name is a beach for everyone. The wide sandy beach stretches over a length of more than three kilometers. The beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for its water quality and cleanliness.

At Playa de Torre del Mar, there's something for everyone: sun loungers and umbrellas, watersports providers offering paddle boats, SUP boards, canoes, or surfboards, plus playgrounds, fitness courses, and even a small amusement park. Additionally, there are many beach bars and restaurants lining the promenade.

In the heart of the tourist town Benalmádena is Playa Bil Bil, popular for its location. Above the beach stands the prominent, moorish-style Castillo Bil Bil built in 1927, where exhibitions and other cultural events regularly occur.

Playa Bil Bil is 400 meters long with dark sand. Numerous bars, restaurants, and shops are along the promenade. Many people like to stay until dusk since the colorful Castillo Bil Bil setting is quite beautiful.

The closer you get to vacation destinations like Mijas, Fuengirola, or Marbella, the more touristy the beaches become. It doesn't detract from their beauty; there's just more activity, especially in summer's peak season.

Playa Cabopino is one of the favorite beaches here - with restaurants, beach bars, and water sports rentals. The beach is divided into two sections: the family-friendly Cabopino and the nudist beach at the Artola dunes, where the gay community also likes to gather.

In Marbella, you can choose from no less than eight Blue Flag awarded beaches. One of these awarded beaches is Playa del Faro, situated just a five-minute walk from the city center and streets with the most exclusive shops and restaurants in the city.

Playa El Faro is named after the lighthouse from 1864 that towers above the promenade. While the beach is only 200 meters long, it's very popular for its proximity to the city and the many restaurants and bars on the promenade.

Close by is Playa de la Bajadilla. This beach marks the start of Marbella's promenade and sits right next to the fishing harbor. Like Playa del Faro, it holds a Blue Flag.

Playa de la Bajadilla is regarded as one of the most touristy beaches and is especially popular with families, as there are few waves and shallow water, making bathing safe for small children.

In Marbella, but not amidst the hustle lies Playa de Casablanca, known as the all-rounder among the region's beaches. Families, couples, watersports enthusiasts, and solo travelers all come here.

The sandy beach is spacious and lined with palms, plus there's a lovely promenade for jogging and an outdoor fitness course for working out. If you wish, you can rent bicycles or Segways. Also delightful are the countless beach bars and restaurants that line the beach.

The most exclusive harbor in the Mediterranean lies near Marbella on the Costa del Sol: Puerto Banús is known as a meeting point for the rich and famous. Here lie the most expensive yachts in the water, along with luxury stores by Gucci and more.

Puerto Banús beach is just as exclusive but in a stunning location with views of Mount La Concha. Numerous bars and beach clubs are on site - and of course, a lot of international celebrities.

Less elitist, but especially hip in the evening is Playa de Cortijo Blanco, located very close to Puerto Banús. The beach is approximately one mile long and lined with numerous palm trees. Restaurants, cafes, and bars line up along the promenade, some with sunbeds by their pools.

In the evening, people come to Playa de Cortijo Blanco to party because the nights along the promenade are long. The western beach section, also known as San Pedro, is famous as a party hotspot.

Estepona is surrounded by the Mediterranean on one side and the Sierra Bermeja mountains on the other. The town's beach has been awarded the Blue Flag.

The promenade stretches over its nearly two-mile length. It's only a few steps from the sea to the town's first streets, so you have all the amenities of a holiday town close at hand.

Besides Playa la Rada, Playa Padrón is particularly popular in Estepona. The beach is located one mile from the town and is about a mile long. A shopping center with restaurants, snack bars, and many shops is nearby.

Playa Padrón lies at the mouth of the Padrón River. Surrounding areas include green spaces with pine trees, eucalyptus, and Mediterranean shrubs and plants. Several beach clubs nearby make for a perfect sunset drink.

Near Spain's southern tip before the Strait of Gibraltar lies Playa de la Alcaidesa. With its mostly natural surroundings and impressive view of the Rock of Gibraltar, the beach is a highlight of the Costa del Sol.

The black sand and pebble beach stretches for about four kilometers, offering plenty of solitary spots. You'll find sun loungers and umbrellas, two beach restaurants, and a watersports provider where you can rent kayaks, paddle boats, or equipment for stand-up paddling. Kiting and windsurfing are also popular here.

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