The five beaches in Malaga that travel experts recommend for this summer 2025:

There's no doubt that Andalusia is a summer paradise, with its significant coastline stretching over a thousand kilometers of sandy beaches catering to all tastes, from family-friendly to the most secluded, crowded, and pristine beaches, whether sandy or rocky. It's the travel experts at National Geographic who compile a list of about twenty of the best beaches in all of Andalusia, including no less than five beaches in Málaga, one out of every four in Andalusian territory. Not bad at all.

"A coastline that is a true paradise of beaches, both for travelers looking for places to rest and relax in contact with nature and its landscapes, as well as those who travel to enjoy the adrenaline of water sports," they mention about the Andalusian coast, before naming the twenty selected beaches, including Calahonda Beach (Nerja), Maro Coast (Nerja), La Caleta Beach (Málaga city), Bajamar Beach (Vélez-Málaga), and Burriana Beach (Nerja).

Calahonda Beach

Calahonda Beach, in Nerja. / Andalucia.org

"This small beach of dark sand and gravel is located in the center of Nerja, in the province of Málaga, next to the Balcony of Europe, a viewpoint with panoramic views over the sea, stretching along 120 meters," they mention about Calahonda Beach, in Nerja, one of the most beautiful beaches in the province "from where you can also access Caletilla Beach, continuing along the promenade that skirts the base of the Balcony of Europe".

Maro Coast

A view of Maro Beach. / malaga.es

Choosing from the numerous coves offered by the cliff coast of Maro is difficult for a local from Málaga, imagine for the experts at National Geographic, who do mention some but embrace the whole natural landscape: "The beaches of Nerja regularly appear among the best in Spain, including Maro Beach, also known as Maro Cove, one of the best beaches in Andalusia. It is easily accessible, has crystal clear waters, vegetation reaching the edge of a coarse and dark sand. This peculiar cove is located in the Natural Park of the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo, a protected strip of coast that extends towards the sea and offers travelers some of the most spectacular landscapes of the region.

La Caleta Beach

La Caleta Beach. / Javier Albiñana

"The neighborhood of La Caleta, as well as El Limonar, appeared in Málaga at the end of the 19th century when the Malaga bourgeoisie began building palaces and villas to escape the city center," they mention about another select beach in Málaga, not as bustling as La Malagueta but equally central, La Caleta Beach: "The beach is one kilometer long with fine sand and usually fills up with bathers due to its easy access and proximity to the historic center of Málaga. It has adapted access and is equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant beach day".

Bajamar Beach

Bajamar Beach, in Vélez-Málaga / Malaga.es

They go as far as Vélez-Málaga to include another incredible beach, Bajamar Beach: "It is a beach located in the tourist municipality of Vélez-Málaga. It is a beach with dark sand of small dimensions (just 800 meters long and 25 meters wide). On the other hand, its level of occupancy is low, making it ideal for spending a beach day away from the bustle found on other beaches in the area. It is one of the beaches in Málaga where nudism is allowed".

Burriana Beach