The Málaga coast offers remarkable variety within a relatively short stretch of shoreline, from cliff-backed coves in the Axarquía region to long urban beaches in the capital and expansive sandy shores alongside dune systems in the west. In 2026, more than 40 beaches across the province were awarded Blue Flag status. While choosing the very best is no easy task, some stand out for their scenery, distinctive character and overall visitor experience. Discover the 8 best Blue Flag beaches in Málaga.
Maro Beach (Nerja)
East of Nerja, close to the border with Granada, Maro Beach retains a far more natural character than many other beaches on the Costa del Sol. Nestled between vegetation-covered slopes and the cliffs of the Sierra de Almijara, it is known for its crystal-clear waters that reveal the seabed below.
Access descends from the small village of Maro to a sheltered cove of sand and pebbles. Relatively modest in size, it is particularly appealing in the early morning. From here, kayak and paddleboarding excursions depart towards the Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs, where visitors can discover small caves and seasonal waterfalls.
Artola-Cabopino Beach (Marbella)
Artola-Cabopino is one of Marbella's most impressive coastal landscapes. Located on the eastern side of the municipality beside the Cabopino Marina, it combines a long sandy beach with the protected Artola Dunes, an environmentally important area crossed by wooden walkways.
The surroundings provide a striking contrast to Marbella's more urbanised beaches, with pine forests, dune vegetation and open Mediterranean views. Closer to the marina, the atmosphere becomes livelier, with restaurants and other amenities nearby.
Burriana Beach (Nerja)
Burriana is one of Nerja's most popular beaches and a focal point of the town's summer life. Its long, sheltered bay is framed by the Axarquía mountains and is distinguished by its dark sand, generally calm waters and lively promenade.
Visitors will find beach bars, sports facilities, boat hire services and seafront restaurants. It also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Nerja's coastline by sea.
La Malagueta Beach (Málaga)
Just a short walk from Málaga's historic centre and adjacent to the port, La Malagueta is an essential part of the city's urban and Mediterranean identity. It is a wide, dark-sand beach, easily recognised by its iconic oversized sign that has become a favourite photo spot.
Its greatest attraction is its location. After a morning on the beach, visitors can walk to Muelle Uno, Málaga Park, the Alcazaba or the restaurants lining the Pablo Ruiz Picasso promenade.
Los Monteros-Adelfas Beach (Marbella)
Los Monteros-Adelfas lies in the eastern part of Marbella, surrounded by residential areas and characterised by a more open coastline than the city centre. The beach features fine, light-coloured sand and a strong sense of space.
Its promenade provides pleasant seaside walks with mountain views in the background, while nearby beach bars add a culinary element to the experience. It is a particularly attractive spot at sunset.
La Carihuela-Montemar Beach, Torremolinos
La Carihuela is one of the areas with the strongest maritime heritage on the Costa del Sol. Situated between central Torremolinos and the border with Benalmádena, it retains the character of the former fishing quarter that shaped this coastline before the rise of mass tourism.
The beach features dark sand, typically calm waters and a lively promenade throughout the year. Its restaurants are among its main attractions, with grilled sardines and freshly cooked fish remaining local favourites.
Chaparral Beach (Mijas)
El Chaparral offers a more peaceful side of the Mijas coastline. Located between La Cala de Mijas and Fuengirola, it borders a pine forest that extends almost to the shoreline and defines the character of the area. Vegetation and small rocky sections add variety to the landscape.
It lacks the feel of the Costa del Sol's larger urban beaches, and that is precisely part of its appeal. Visitors have ample space to combine swimming with leisurely walks through the surrounding area.
La Caleta Beach (Málaga)
La Caleta occupies a privileged stretch of Málaga's coastline between La Malagueta and Baños del Carmen. It is located within the La Caleta neighbourhood, an elegant residential district close to the beginning of the Pedregalejo promenade.
The sea here is often more sheltered than on other open beaches, and the atmosphere is less crowded than at La Malagueta, while still offering all the conveniences of an urban beach. From the shore, visitors can see the outline of the port, while to the east a coastal promenade lined with palm trees, terraces and historic seaside villas stretches along the waterfront.
Which beaches in Málaga will have Blue Flag status in 2026?
In 2026, Málaga province will have 45 Blue Flag beaches. Marbella is the municipality with the highest number of awards, followed by Málaga city. Below is the full list of Blue Flag beaches, organised by municipality:
- Algarrobo: Algarrobo Costa.
- Benalmádena: Carvajal, Torre Bermeja-Santa Ana and Fuente de la Salud.
- Casares: Ancha.
- Fuengirola: Boliches-Gaviotas, Carvajal, Castillo El Ejido and Fuengirola.
- Málaga: La Caleta, El Dedo, El Palo, La Malagueta, La Misericordia, Pedregalejo and San Andrés.
- Manilva: Sabinillas and La Duquesa-El Castillo (Las Gaviotas).
- Marbella: Artola-Cabopino, Casablanca, El Cable, El Faro, La Fontanilla, Nagüeles, San Pedro de Alcántara-Guadalmina, Venus-Bajadilla and Los Monteros-Adelfas.
- Mijas: Calahonda I (Royal Beach-La Luna), El Bombo, La Cala, El Chaparral and Calahonda-Riviera.
- Nerja: Burriana, Maro, Torrecilla and Playazo-Chucho.
- Torremolinos: Los Álamos, El Bajondillo, Playamar and La Carihuela-Montemar.
- Torrox: El Morche, Ferrara and Cenicero-Las Dunas.
- Vélez-Málaga: Benajarafe, La Caleta de Vélez-Paseo and Torre del Mar.
