Between Estepona and Nerja: the Costa del Sol's beaches and poetry

In the shade of palm trees and Mount Gibralfaro, Málaga stretches languidly along the Mediterranean coast. Known for its almost eternal sunshine, relaxed lifestyle and whitewashed streets, this Andalusian city is also the perfect starting point for exploring beaches with a thousand faces: urban and lively, wild and secluded, mysterious and steeped in legend.

Forget the big tourist resorts for a moment: around Málaga, there are hidden coves, fishing villages frozen in time and unexpected panoramas. Follow the guide!

Playa de Maro – Nerja's hidden gem

About a 50-minute drive east of Málaga, this turquoise-water beach is nestled at the foot of cliffs, surrounded by terraced crops and sugar cane. Maro is a small farming hamlet, and its beach, although accessible, remains surprisingly peaceful.

Atmosphere: natural, authentic, almost tropical

Activities: kayaking to waterfalls cascading into the sea, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, exploring sea caves

Don't miss: the orange cliffs at sunset and the view from the avocado plantations suspended above the sea.

Fun fact: according to local fishermen, Maro Beach is home to an ancient ‘cueva del tesoro’ (treasure cave) that was swallowed up by an earthquake and has never been found...

Playa del Cañuelo – The wild cove

Further east, on the border with the province of Granada, this beach is well worth the effort: it is only accessible on foot or by shuttle bus during the summer. Crystal-clear waters, rich marine life and no modern buildings in sight: it is a little paradise for those seeking to escape the crowds.

Atmosphere: silence, unspoilt nature, bohemian spirit

Activities: snorkelling, swimming, reading in the shade of the pine trees

Playa Peñón del Cuervo – For solitary poets

To the east of the city, this beach takes its name from a large solitary rock emerging from the waves. Uncrowded during the week, it attracts morning walkers, sunset painters... and sometimes impromptu evening concerts.

Atmosphere: melancholic, inspiring, timeless

Activities: bike ride from the city centre, writing by the sea, seabird watching

Note: alternative festivals are held here in summer, in a hippie chic atmosphere.

La Malagueta – The lively heart of Málaga

More central, this is the city's iconic beach. Lined with fish bars (chiringuitos), doughnut sellers and domino players, it buzzes from morning to night.

Atmosphere: festive, local, colourful

Activities: sunbathing, beach volleyball, tasting espetos (grilled sardines on wooden skewers)

Playa de la Caleta – Elegance and relaxation

Right next to La Malagueta, this beach is quieter and frequented by residents of the chic neighbourhood of the same name. Its sand is more golden, the water is often clearer, and the atmosphere is subdued.

Atmosphere: elegant, peaceful, refined

Activities: reading, sunrise yoga, quiet swimming

Ideal for: a slow afternoon, couples looking for peace and quiet, or those who enjoy a siesta in the shade of palm trees.

Unusual seaside locations

Bil-Bil Castle in Benalmádena

A blood-red neo-Moorish building by the sea... Today it hosts art exhibitions and intimate concerts in summer. The nearby beach is perfect for a swim at sunset.

The Nerja caves and the hidden beach of El Molino de Papel

A little wilder than Maro, this secluded cove offers access to the remains of ancient mills and rock cavities bathed by the sea.

El Palo and Pedregalejo – Málaga's old fishing villages

Now bohemian neighbourhoods, these two places have retained their colourful little houses and blue boats. In the evening, the smell of grilled fish and sweet wine fills the streets.

In conclusion...

The beaches around Málaga are not just about sand and sun. They are fragments of the Andalusian soul, where you can meet fishermen in the morning, dreamers in the evening, young lovers and visiting artists. They tell the story of a simple, sensual way of life, deeply rooted in the land and the sea.