The 22 Best Beaches of the Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol, or ‘Coast of the Sun’ in Spanish, has proven to be an incredibly popular destination for beach holidays. But with an incredible 126 beaches to choose from, picking one might prove tricky! Luckily, we’ve rounded up 22 of the Costa del Sol’s best beaches, presented in all their sandy glory.

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Algarrobo

Along the coast to the east of Malaga, in the municipality of Algarrobo, you’ll find the magnificent Algarrobo Costa. A beautiful beach lined with palm trees and hotels overlooking the coast, it’s just 2 miles from the old town centre, which boasts white-washed Arabic architecture and is nestled in the Andalusian hills.

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Benalmádena

Benalmádena is home to the famous Tivoli World theme park, as well as three Blue Flag certified beaches: Torrevigia, Fuente de la Salud and Torrebermeja-Santa Ana. Benalmádena also boasts Europe’s largest Buddhist stupa and Castillo de Colomares, a fascinating and unusual castle that is well worth a visit!

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Marbella

You’ve almost definitely heard of Marbella, but did you know it’s the proud owner of five Blue Flag beaches? You’ll find clean, well maintained beaches at Artola, Guadalmina, El Cable, Casablanca and El Faro. Marbella today is a popular cosmopolitan hub for great beaches, food, shopping and nightlife, and one of the most popular spots along the Costa del Sol.

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Lonely sunbeds and umbrellas beach in a windy day in beach resort located in Marbella (Spain)

Casares

In Casares you can enjoy a stunning stretch of golden sand at Ancha beach, which is also a popular spot for snorkelling. The beach is overlooked by the 16th century watchtower Torre de la Sal, which is just a short walk from the Apartments Albayt Beach resort.

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Estepona

Estepona is a picturesque town, with over 325 days of sunshine a year shining down on its 13 mile stretch of coastline. The coast is also home to the three Blue Flag beaches of El Cristo, El Padrón and El Saladillo. Estepona isn’t just about beaches though, with a restaurant-lined marina, 8 golf courses and an old town centre to explore.

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Fuengirola

This popular beach town has also been awarded three Blue Flag beaches, at Boliches-Gaviota, Carvajal and the aptly named Fuengirola. The Costa del Sol is punctuated by castles, remnants of Spain’s past rulers. Fuengirola is no different, with the iconic Sohail Castle which dates all the way back to the 10th century! The 8km promenade at Fuengirola is one of the longest in Spain, with countless restaurants, bars, hotels and shops.

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Clear blue sky above beach parasols

Mijas

Fringing the whitewashed village of Mijas, you’ll find three Blue Flag beaches: La Cala, Del Bombo and Calahonda. The beaches are narrow, with calm waters; perfect for swimming or relaxing on the sand and listening to the waves. The area isn’t as busy as other spots along the Costa del Sol, so if it’s tranquillity you’re after, this may be the place.

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Torrox

An important trading outpost during the Moorish period, Torrox today is a popular beach escape, with a centre of whitewashed houses. Here the beach of Ferrara has been awarded a Blue Flag; its long stretch of sand is a popular spot especially for families.

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Parasols on beach at sunset, Torrox Costa, Costa Tropical, The Axarquia, Malaga Province, Andalucia, Spain, Western Europe.

Vélez-Málaga

Our final stop along the coast is at Vélez-Málaga, one of the largest cities in the area and steeped in history, with a combination of Moorish and Christian architecture. The beaches of Benajarafe and La Caleta have both been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag. With clean sand and lined with palm trees, they offer a chilled out alternative to some of the more well-known beaches, though they can still get quite busy in summer!

With so many beaches along the sunshine coast, you’re truly spoilt for choice. It’s clear that Costa del Sol is a great spot for beach holidays this summer.

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