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 on the province of Granada.
If you like to enjoy a virgin and lonely cove, put on some good shoes, as this beach is hidden between cliffs and with steep access.
Another option would be to approach it from the sea, renting a kayak.
Playa del Cañuelo
The Cañuelo beach is located about 13 km from Nerja. It is a long and wide cove.
There is a minibus service during the summer months to facilitate access for families with small children or people with disabilities.
Cala Torre del Pino
This long and narrow cove is another that is characterized by a difficult access on foot between cliffs by a steep path.
Thus it will never suffer overcrowding. We can enjoy clean and crystalline waters for snorkelling and diving in a part of the beach is allowed nudism.
We recommend to bring good shoes and everything you need to spend a fantastic day on this beach, as it has no 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 snorkelling and diving.
You can also rent a kayak in Maro and discover the beautiful waterfall from the water.
The beach is equipped with a beach bar, sunbeds, access for the disabled, showers, toilets and lifeguards during the summer months.
Nerja Beaches
Playa de Calahonda
You have probably already seen this beach in some photos. It is the most photographed beach in Nerja, located in the centre of the city, next to the Balcon de Europa.
Due to its central location this beautiful cove surrounded by cliffs has a high occupancy rate.
It has easy access and is equipped with everything you need to spend a perfect day at the beach.
Playa de Vilches
Vilches beach is a hidden cove only 150 m long, surrounded by mountains and located next to the N-340 road.
It has an average occupation and has parking, easy access on foot, a beach bar and sunbeds.
Playa de Calaceite
Located next to the N-340 national road, this long and narrow beach of dark sand has no services.
Although it may not have the same charm as other coves, it can be a good alternative for a swim without crowds.
Torrox Beaches
Playa de las Lindes
This beach is ideal to spend a day with the family and with small children. It is an extensive urban beach of dark sand next to the promenade of Torrox Costa.
There is a parking nearby, and finer sand than in Torre del Mar, a nice sea promenade and there is not too much slope on the shore.
A beach with a family atmosphere with all the services and several beach bars.
Playa el Morche
This extensive beach is 1 km long and 50 m wide and has fine dark sand. It is a very popular beach for families.
The beach has access for the disabled, a promenade, parking, beach bars, sunbeds, parasols, water sports.
There is also and a children’s playground and therefore it has a high level of occupancy.
Velez-Malaga Beaches
Playa de Benajarafe
Benajarafe beach is a long, wide, dark sand beach located between Rincon de la Victoria and Torre del Mar.
Due to this spaciousness there will never be crowds of people. It has beach bars, sunbeds and parasols, a Red Cross stand and is adapted for the disabled.
Insider Tip: One of the best beaches to enjoy the spectacular sunsets!
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