Latest news with #destination expert

Telegraph

The 10 best beaches in the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol's almost 100 miles (160km) of coastline gives plenty of scope for beaches, and there are over 100, ranging from barely accessible coves to long stretches of sand. Don't expect golden or white sands – you need to head west to the Costa de la Luz for those, but do expect clean and safe beaches with reliable weather almost all year. Most also have facilities such as showers, toilets, restaurants and cafés, plus lifeguards and accessible bathing points (available in summer only). The Mediterranean here is mostly friendly, but be aware of shelving beaches in some areas and occasional rip currents. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best beaches in the Costa del Sol. Find out more below, or for more Costa del Sol inspiration, see our guides to the hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs and things to do. Los Boliches Blue-flag status, shallow bathing and playparks make this mile and so (2 km) stretch a hit with families. This sea is home to a surprising variety of sea life, so pack goggles and a snorkel. Too windy or chilly? Admire the beach from the promenade as you stroll, run or cycle. Insider tip: Visit on 16th July for the Virgen del Carmen celebrations, featuring a marine procession and fireworks. Area: Fuengirola How to get there: By train on the Malaga-Fuengirola line. Burriana One of Nerja's larger beaches, these fine shingle sands have blue-flag status and boast stunning views of the coast. A favourite with families – but watch out for the shelving beach; there's room to lay our towel, even in high summer. Watersports galore for all energy levels and wallet sizes. Insider tip: Even if you don't fancy rice for lunch, peek into Restaurante Ayo to see possibly the world's largest paella pans bubbling on the stove. Area: Nerja How to get there: Park for free on the seafront or, if busy, on one of the adjoining streets. Cala el Cañuelo In a coastal nature reserve, this small cove is only accessible on foot or via a shuttle minibus that runs daily from June to mid-September; £1.90 (€2.25) return (cash only). The pebbled beach makes for clear waters and excellent snorkelling. The restaurant opens during the summer only. Insider tip: it's a steep 20-minute walk down (longer up), so wear sturdy shoes. Area: Nerja How to get there: Park in Playa del Cañuelo car park off the N340 and follow the Sendero Bajada del Cañuelo. La Carihuela A classic since the 1960s, these blue-flag sands offer the quintessential Spanish day out at the seaside. Think sun beds and parasols, pedalos and water sports, fried fish at the beachfront restaurants and ice cream from the kiosks. Insider tip: if you haven't got your own shade and don't want to rent a parasol, set up camp in one of the palm tree oases. Area: Torremolinos How to get there: Get off at Montemar on the Malaga-Fuengirola train. Casablanca Quieter than other central beaches in Marbella, these blue-flag sands flank the swanky mansions and luxury hotels on the Golden Mile. Keep things real by taking a picnic and your own shade; enjoy mountain and Morocco views by walking the Marbella Club pier or, if closed, the nearby breakwater, for free. Insider tip: Include this beach on a seafront walk from Marbella to Puerto Banús (4.3 miles or 7km). Area: Marbella How to get there: Free parking on nearby streets. La Caleta Not as well-known as La Malagueta next door, but quieter and with better views of Malaga Bay, this blue-flag beach is perfect for a time out from sightseeing. Children will love the inflatable water park in the summer, and bathing is shallow year-round. Insider tip: start your day with a Malaga-style breakfast (coffee and bread with olive oil and tomato) on the sand at Chiringuito Nuevo Mediterráneo. Area: Malaga How to get there: Walk from the city centre. Peñón del Cuervo At the eastern end of Malaga, this secluded cove is dominated by a rocky outcrop (squint to almost see the likeness to the crow it's named for). Snorkelling is good around the rock, and it's a top spot for a winter sunrise. Insider tip: Hire a bike and venture further east along the cycle lanes to the resort of La Cala del Moral. Playa de la Rada These long blue-flag sands offer safe bathing, a long list of facilities and good restaurants serving some of the best fried fish and sardine skewers in town. In addition, their proximity to the town centre makes them an ideal pitstop before or after you explore central Estepona. Insider tip: Discover all the beaches in Estepona by walking along the Sendero Litoral coastal path. Area: Estepona How to get there: There's free parking nearby or visitors can walk from the town centre. Playa Real de Zaragoza/ Playa de Costa Bella Easily the best sands on the Costa del Sol, these stretch for over 8 miles (13km) from the dunes in Cabo Pino almost to Marbella itself. There are reasonable facilities and safe bathing, plus perhaps the most eclectic collection of beach restaurants anywhere, from the cheap and cheerful Restaurante Las Flores to the uber-chic Nikki Beach. Insider tip: Enjoy Cuban food and salsa Sundays at the Ranchón Cubano, mid-May to mid-September. Puerto Banús These blue-flag sands on either side of the marina suit everyone: families love the safe, shallow bathing, while beach bunnies hop to the west end to Ocean Club, with its younger vibe and famous themed parties, and La Sala by the Sea, with a more mature and sophisticated appeal. Insider tip: Dress codes apply at most beach clubs; some have a minimum spend. Area: Marbella How to get there: Park in nearby car parks or bus from central Marbella. How we choose Every beach in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser-known corners, to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations. About our expert Joanna Styles I have been championing the Costa del Sol since 1990. When I'm not waxing lyrical about my forever home, you'll find me running on the Malaga promenade or catching up on new art in the city.