Beaches · Málaga · Spain
The best beaches in and near Málaga
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Fernando, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is La Malagueta (About 15 minutes' walk from the cathedral). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in July–September.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 5
- Swimming season
- July–September
- Warmest sea
- 23°C (73°F)
The beaches
About 15 minutes' walk from the cathedral · Beach time without leaving the centre
1.La Malagueta
The city's best-known beach next to the port, with dark sand, lifeguards and espeto restaurants.
About 25 minutes' walk from the centre · Quieter city swims
2.La Caleta
A calmer continuation of La Malagueta below El Limonar, with chiringuitos and fewer crowds.
About 20 minutes by bus from the centre · Families and seafood lunches
3.Pedregalejo
Small, calm beaches protected by breakwaters in front of the old fishing village's restaurants.
About 25 minutes by bus from the centre · Local atmosphere
4.El Palo
Traditional fishing beach with boats on the sand and some of the city's most authentic seafood restaurants.
About 20 minutes by bus from the centre · Space and long walks
5.La Misericordia
A long, wide beach west of the port with a promenade and space even in summer, backed by modern apartment blocks.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C (61°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| February | 15°C (59°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| March | 15°C (59°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| April | 16°C (61°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| June | 20°C (68°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| July | 22°C (72°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| August | 23°C (73°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| September | 22°C (72°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| October | 20°C (68°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| November | 18°C (64°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| December | 16°C (61°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for beach, families and first-timers
La Malagueta
La Malagueta is the closest beach district to the centre: a strip of hotels and apartment blocks along the sand, with chiringuito beach restaurants grilling espetos. The bullring, the Paseo del Parque and Muelle Uno are on its doorstep, and the cathedral is about a 15-minute walk.
- Good
- Beach and old town both walkable; Sea-view hotels; Easy for families
- Watch out
- Pricier in summer; Beach gets crowded on weekends
- Nearby
- La Malagueta beach, Muelle Uno, Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta, English Cemetery
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — EMT buses cover the city, including line 35 up to Gibralfaro and frequent services east along the coast to Pedregalejo and El Palo.
- Train — Cercanías line C1 runs from Málaga Centro-Alameda through María Zambrano station to the airport and on to Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola.
- Metro — Two metro lines run west from near the centre to María Zambrano station, the university district and the Carretera de Cádiz; they are useful mainly for residents and the railway station.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in May–October. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
Málaga is generally relaxed for visitors, but pickpocketing happens on Calle Larios, around the cathedral, on crowded buses and on the beach, so keep valuables close. In summer, heat and terral winds can be intense; carry water and avoid the midday sun. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Málaga have beaches?
Yes: La Malagueta, La Caleta, Pedregalejo, El Palo and La Misericordia.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Málaga?
Usually July–September, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Málaga?
La Malagueta: The city's best-known beach next to the port, with dark sand, lifeguards and espeto restaurants.