Top hidden beaches and coves in Malaga, Andalusia: the best Costa del Sol beaches no one told you about
There are plenty of quiet, uncrowded beaches and coves to be found in Malaga province, Andalusia
Andalusia is a mecca for magical golden beaches, attracting lovers of sun, sea and sand from all over the world. So it's not surprising that at the height of the summer season, it can be a frustrating challenge trying to find a spot on one of the province's playas.
The rush of sun-seekers and bathers to Malaga's coastline has led to the hunt for alternatives further inland, with many people seeking out natural pools such as Alcazaba Lagoon.
However, Malaga province has plenty of hidden jewels, and beautiful, unspoilt, little-known stretches of coastline and coves are one of the best kept secrets on the Costa del Sol.
Here's a guide to some of the stunning and, as yet, undiscovered-by-the-masses beaches that offer peace and tranquility in Malaga.
Beaches of Maro, Nerja
Playa del Cañuelo is an isolated beach surrounded by an incredible natural environment with an unbeatable climate. It's not the easist beach to access, which perhaps explains why it isn't crowded meaning users can enjoy plenty of space to kick-back and relax.
- How to arrive to the Playa del Cañuelo beach
La Caleta de Maro is characteristic of the Maro area. Again, accessing the beach is somewhat complicated, but its landscape and cliffs make it well worth a visit.
- How to arrive to the Caleta de Maro beach
Las Alberquillas beach is a lush stretch of coastline with an abundance of vegetation and a beautiful natural setting. As it is not very crowded, nudism is practised here.
- How to arrive to the Las Alberquillas beach
Playa del Molino de Papel is another coastal area of Maro characterised by its cliffs and vegetation. The beach is made up of stones and dark sand and crystalline waters allow bathers, snorkelers and divers to enjoy an array of marine fauna.
- How to arrive to the Playa del Molino de Papel beach
Barranco de Maro is a small, pretty cove of pebbles, and like the other beaches in the area, is not easy to get to, which is why it never gets crowded.
- How to arrive to the Barranco de Maro beach
Beaches of Nerja
El Chorrillo in Nerja is a small cove nestled at the foot of the Sierra de Almijara surrounded by huge rocks where users can shelter from the sun and enjoy greater privacy.
- How to arrive to El Chorrillo beach
Carabeillo Chico beach is located between Carabeo and the popular Burriana, at the eastern end of Nerja. The small cove is surrounded by large rocks and vegetation, and difficulty in accessing the area means it has low occupancy even in high season.
- How to arrive to the Carabeillo Chico beach
Cala Torre del Pino cove is also difficult to access as it's located in a rugged landscape of pines and prickly pears. The waters are incredibly crystalline and nudism is a common practice.
- How to arrive to the Cala Torre del Pino cove
Beaches in Marbella
Cabopino Beach or 'Artola Dunes' is made up of fine golden sand dunes, more popularly known as 'barronales'. The playa is an environmentally protected Natural Monument within the Network of Protected Natural Areas of Andalusia (RENPA).
- How to arrive to the Cabopino beach
Playa del Cable beach has been awarded the Blue Flag by the European Foundation for Environmental Education. It's small, but charming with crystalline waters.
- How to arrive to the Playa del Cable beach
Playa de Chullera in Manilva is also known as Punta Chullera or Punta de Cala Sardina. The area is made up of pebbles, gravel and golden sand, and is renowned for its ecological richness and beautiful scenery.
- How to arrive to the Playa de la Chullera beach
Playa de Calaceite in Torrox is the ideal beach for those looking for peace and quiet in a natural environment. The sand is dark and the beach is sheltered by a mass of sinuous mountains.
- How to arrive to the Playa de Calaceite beach
Almayate beach in Vélez-Málaga is a natural area with dark sand, moderate waves and low occupancy. It's an almost virgin environment, and nudism is usually practised.
- How to arrive to the Playa de Almayate beach
Playa de las Viborillas beach in Benalmádena is a small cove that offers tranquillity in a natural environment in its purest state. It has very little tourist traffic and is more popular with locals.
- How to arrive to the Playa Las Viborillas beach
Peñón del Cuervo beach is located in Malaga city and takes its name from the large stone (the ‘Raven Rock’) that divides the beach into two areas. It´s a protected biological enclave but has a BBQ area with tables and benches.
- How to arrive to the Peñón del Cuervo beach
Image 1: Andalucia.org
Image 2: Diputación de Málaga
Image 3: Wikipedia
Image 4: Diputación de Málaga
Image 5: Diputación de Málaga
Image 6: Ayuntamiento de Málaga
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