Discover the beauty of the beaches on the eastern Costa del Sol, with some of the most charming coves in the province.
The Costa del Sol has more than 160 km of coastline with beaches for all tastes, occupancy rates, accessibility and services.
However, when we think of “Costa del Sol”, in reality almost everyone is thinking of the strip of coast that stretches from Malaga to Manilva, that is, the western Costa del Sol.
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The best beaches on the eastern Costa del Sol
The beaches of the eastern Costa del Sol are an open secret. This area of the region called Axarquia, which extends from Malaga to Nerja, where it borders our neighbouring province Granada, has a special charm and has so far escaped from the overcrowding of the western Costa del Sol.
While the beaches of the western Costa del Sol are mostly wide and sandy, the beaches of the eastern Costa del Sol are characterized by small coves surrounded by rocky formations in the vicinity of the foothills of Sierra Nevada.
The beaches are also pebblier as we get closer to Granada. Although not as comfortable for walking barefoot, these beaches usually have much clearer waters, as well as underwater rock formations that are a paradise for diving or snorkelling lovers.
Maro Beaches
These coves are characterized by a special charm and for decades were very private places due to their difficult access.
Even today some of them have no parking or infrastructure and you have to access them by walking down between cliffs and crops. Thus we recommend that you bring good shoes and something to eat and drink if you want to spend the day there.
The reward are almost virgin beaches, mainly of stone, crystalline waters ideal for snorkelling or canoeing, located in the natural area of Los Acantilados in Maro – Cerro Gordo.
Cala de la Doncella
Cala de la Doncella is the last beach in the province of Malaga, bordering the province of Granada. It’s barely 50 meters long and about four meters wide, making it one of the smallest beaches on the Malaga coast.
Hidden among the imposing cliffs of the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park, this wild beach is not for the faint of heart: if you want to get there, you have to be prepared to walk for half an hour over steep, rugged terrain (and then climb back up!).
The second option is to approach by kayak or paddleboard from one of the nearby beaches. Either way, it takes some effort to reach Malaga’s most secluded beach, and hopefully it will remain so for a long time. As part of a protected natural area, access by motorized boats, including jet skis, is prohibited.
You’ll be rewarded with a small natural paradise of crystal-clear turquoise waters, sand, sea, rocks, and sky.
Playa del Cañuelo
Cañuelo Beach is located about 13 km from Nerja. It is located in the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs Natural Area, surrounded by a natural setting of great beauty.
Cañuelo Beach is a sandy and gravel cove with crystal-clear waters, so don’t forget your snorkel. Among the wonderful marine fauna in this area is the orange coral, a species classified as Vulnerable to Extinction.
Access to this beach almost year-round requires parking on the hill and a 20-minute walk down a fairly steep, cobbled path. Therefore, you can safely enjoy a very relaxed atmosphere, except during peak season.
Minibus service
During the summer months, a minibus service runs from the N-340 road car park to the beach (fare: €2.30). Cash only; card payments are not accepted. The journey takes about 10 minutes, and tickets are purchased directly upon boarding. The bus operates from mid-June to the end of September, running continuously from 10 am to 8:30 pm.
This beach has several amenities, including a beach bar, restrooms and showers, and a lifeguard team.
Cala Torre del Pino
Cala del Pino is also located in the protected area of the Maro Cliffs Natural Park.
This long, narrow cove is another one characterized by difficult access on foot between cliffs along a steep path, so it’s never overcrowded.
Although you can park relatively close, the path leading to the beach is quite steep for about a kilometer. It’s not accessible to everyone, especially the elderly or children, so even in the height of summer you can enjoy a sense of tranquility.
Cala del Pino is surrounded by pine trees and consists of two sandy coves divided by rockfalls, and part of it is often used for nudism.
A small paradise with crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling or diving.
We recommend wearing good shoes and everything you need to have a fantastic day at this beach, as it doesn’t have any services.
Playa de Maro
You have probably already seen this beach in some photo, or rather, its impressively beautiful waterfall.
This small beach has parking on the cliffs, and you have to walk to the beach hidden between cliffs and crops. The reward is crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
You can also rent a kayak in Maro and discover the beautiful waterfall from the water. We highly recommend Educare.
It’s a guided tour lasting approximately two hours in turquoise waters along the spectacular cliffs of Maro.
During the tour, they take photos with GoPro cameras, which they then upload for free to their website for download.
The 500-meter-long beach is equipped with a beach bar, sun loungers, wheelchair access, showers, restrooms, and lifeguards during the summer months.
Nerja Beaches
Nerja’s beaches are renowned for their spectacular landscapes shaped by cliffs. Their medium-grained dark sand or fine gravel allows for excellent water filtration, resulting in crystal-clear waters that—depending on the specific beach—take on a stunning turquoise hue. The coastline features a mix of spacious, fully serviced urban beaches and picturesque coves tucked beneath rocky outcrops.
Playa de Calahonda
You’ve probably seen this beach in photos, as it’s the most photographed beach in Nerja. It’s located in the city centre, next to the Balcón de Europa.
Due to its central location, this beautiful 120-meter-long cove surrounded by cliffs is highly occupied.
Please note that it’s not accessible for disabled guests, as access to the sand involves descending a zigzag ramp with steps.
Torrox Beaches
Unlike the cliffs and deep coves of neighboring Nerja, the Torrox coastline is characterized by broad, flat beaches. The surf is generally moderate, the sand is fine and dark, and the beaches tend to have a family-friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, access is much easier, and there are spacious seafront promenades that are ideal for walking.
Playa de Vilches
Vilches Beach is located in the Torrox Costa area. It’s a hidden cove of just 150 meters with fine, dark sand surrounded by mountains.
Although it’s located next to the N-340 highway and easily accessible, it’s not usually one of the busiest beaches in the area.
The beach has a designated free parking area. There’s also a beach bar that offers umbrella and sun lounger rentals.
Playa de Calaceite
Calaceite Beach is located next to the N-340 national highway. This beach, 400 m long and 40 m wide, is far from any type of construction.
Calaceite has no services and has a low occupancy rate even during the high season.
Although it may not have the same charm as other coves, it can be a good alternative for taking a dip without the crowds.
Playa de las Lindes
Las Lindes Beach, also known as Ferrara Beach, is a long, dark-sand urban beach next to the Torrox Costa promenade. This beach is ideal for a day out for families with small children. The shore is not too steep, and the sand is finer than at Torre del Mar.
There is parking nearby and a parking space reserved for people with reduced mobility. The beach offers assisted swimming, a shaded area, an adapted shower and toilet.
It is a family-friendly beach with all the amenities and several beach bars.
Playa el Morche
This extensive beach, 1 km long and 50 m wide, with fine, dark sand is very popular with families.
During the high season, it is very busy due to its proximity to various residential areas, easy access, and easy parking.
El Morche is also very popular with people practicing kitesurfing and windsurfing in Malaga.
The Blue Flag-awarded beach has wheelchair-accessible facilities.
There are also fitness, soccer, and volleyball areas, a playground, and paddleboard and kayak rentals. There are also beach bars with sun lounger rentals.
Velez-Malaga Beaches
The beaches of Vélez-Málaga (whose main coastal hub is Torre del Mar) are extensive and very wide. They feature a mix of fine dark sand and pebbles, along with moderate surf. In general, these beaches boast excellent facilities, including beach bars, sun loungers, and accessible entry points. Being completely flat, they are ideal for family tourism, sports, and leisure activities.
At the edges of the municipality, there are quieter spots, including a dog-friendly beach and protected dune areas.
Playa de Benajarafe
Benajarafe Beach is a very long and wide, dark-sand beach, almost 1,600 meters long, located between Rincón de la Victoria and Torre del Mar.
Due to this spaciousness, there will never be crowds. It has beach bars and sun lounger and umbrella rentals, a small playground, a Red Cross post, and is wheelchair accessible. There is free on-site parking.
Insider Tip: One of the best beaches to enjoy the spectacular sunsets!
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