Costa del Sol, or ‘The Spanish Riviera’, is known for its glitz and glam. While Marbella has plenty of that to offer, I’d rather find a bohemian-style beach club than a wild party at Nikki Beach. Costa del Sol has dozens of beach towns and all of them have something different to offer.

Playa Burriana (Nerja)

Burriana is the most popular beach in Nerja. It’s a big, beautiful white sand beach with clean, crystal clear water. If you can only visit one beach during your time in Costa del Sol, put this on the top of your list. It’s a perfect day trip from anywhere on the Costa del Sol.

During the day, it’s packed with tourists and locals, and Burriana offers all of the amenities you’ll want for a proper Mediterranean beach day: bathrooms, restaurants, grocery stores, water sports, and day bed rentals. At night, this beach will get incredibly quiet; it’s surrounded by homes and condos, so it won’t have the atmosphere provided by the hotels in Málaga or Marbella.

Play de Maro (Nerja)

Playa Maro is a small rocky cove close to the center of Nerja. On this beach you’ll find snorkeling and diving, but as it’s the preferred beach of Malagueños, you won’t find all of the amenities offered at Burriana.

La Malagueta (Málaga)

Malagueta is the most underrated and overlooked beach on Costa del Sol. It’s massive beach with numerous restaurants, public restrooms, and day bed rental kiosks. Nestled against the most lively cities on the Andalusian coast, this is a must see if you’re staying in Málaga proper. In fact, if you’re staying in the city center, don’t bother taking a day trip out of the city — everything you’ll need is right here.

Playa del Cristo (Estepona)

Playa del Cristo is a family-friendly, calm, sandy cove on the west side of Costa del Sol. If you have kids, this is one of the safest beaches you’ll find. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more lively, head towards Marbella or Málaga.

Cabopino Beach (Marbella)

If you’re looking to escape the crowded and resort-like feel of the Costa del Sol beaches, Cabopino is the place for you. On one side of the beach you’ll find the exclusive Cabo Pino Marina; however, to the west you’ll find the expansive and more deserted Dunas de Artola, which are accessible vai a small hike into a protected nature preserve.

Marbella Beach Clubs

Marbella is best known for its exclusive beach clubs, massive yachts, and wild parties. If that’s you’re seen, look no further and stay in Marbella. That being said, Marbella does offer beach scenes that cater to many, not just the young revelers:

  • Amare Beach Club (Playa de Venus)
    • Amare Beach Club is attached to a hotel but it’s open to the public. There’s a solid restaurant at the beach club and there are plenty of beach-front if all the day beds are taken.
    • There are live DJs playing mellow, deep house and is a perfect spot to chill for the afternoon.
  • Playa Padre (Playa del Cable)
    • Playa del Cable is the biggest beach in Marbella but there are few amenities outside of the beach club.
    • Playa Padres offers Mexican fare and is right in the middle of the beach so you can still put your feet in the sand. Many ‘beach clubs’ in Marbella are glorified pool parties, but at Playa Padre, you’ll get an experience similar to Tulum.
  • Nikki Beach & La Cabane Beach Club
    • Nikki Beach and La Cabane are the two most popular and expensive beach clubs in Marbella.
    • If you want to experience the day parties Marbella is known for, these are the spots for you.