Last updated: July 2026
One of the best things about flying into Malaga Airport (AGP) is how quickly you can be on the beach. The Costa del Sol lives up to its name — within 20 minutes of collecting your bags you can have your feet in the Mediterranean. Here are the best beaches near the airport, how to reach them, and what to expect.
Beaches at a Glance
- La Malagueta (Malaga city) — 8 km, 15–20 min. Urban, lively, walkable from city centre
- Torremolinos — 5 km, 10 min by train. Wide sandy beaches, resort town
- Benalmádena — 12 km, 15 min by train. Family-friendly, marina nearby
- Fuengirola — 25 km, 25 min by train. Long beach, good amenities
- El Palo / Pedregalejo (Malaga east) — 10 km, local feel, great fish restaurants
- Nerja (Maro) — 65 km, 1 hour. Crystal water, quieter coves
1. La Malagueta — Malaga City Beach
Distance from AGP: 8 km · Getting there: C1 train to Centro Alameda (18 min) + 10 min walk, or taxi (15 min)
La Malagueta is Malaga's main city beach — a long stretch of dark sand right next to the port and the historic centre. It is not the most beautiful beach on the coast, but it is incredibly convenient if you are staying in Malaga city or want a quick dip after landing.
- Best for: city breaks, a quick swim after sightseeing, evening paseo along the promenade
- Facilities: sunbed hire, chiringuitos, showers, lifeguards in summer
- Tip: combine with a morning at the Alcazaba and an afternoon on the sand. See our first 24 hours guide.
2. Torremolinos
Distance from AGP: 5 km · Getting there: C1 train to Torremolinos station (10 min), 5–10 min walk to beach
Torremolinos is the closest resort beach to the airport and one of the most popular on the Costa del Sol. The beaches are wide, sandy and well-equipped with sunbeds, water sports and beach bars.
- Playa de la Carihuela: the best section — long, sandy, with the famous Carihuela fish restaurants behind the promenade
- Playa de Bajondillo: central, busy, good for people-watching
- Best for: families, first-time Costa del Sol visitors, easy airport-to-beach transfer
- Tip: the Carihuela restaurant strip is excellent for lunch — try pescaíto frito (fried fish) and espetos de sardinas.
3. Benalmádena
Distance from AGP: 12 km · Getting there: C1 train to Arroyo de la Miel (15 min), 10 min walk
Benalmádena offers a more relaxed alternative to Torremolinos. The beaches at Santa Ana and Arroyo Hondo are clean and family-friendly, and the marina (Puerto Marina) is a pleasant place for an evening stroll.
- Best for: families with children, couples wanting a quieter resort feel
- Nearby: Selwo Marina, cable car to Mount Calamorro, Tivoli World amusement park
- Tip: the cable car views over the coast are worth the trip even if you skip the beach.
4. Fuengirola
Distance from AGP: 25 km · Getting there: C1 train to Fuengirola (25 min), beach is right outside the station
Fuengirola has one of the longest urban beaches on the Costa del Sol — nearly 7 km of sand backed by a palm-lined promenade. The town is less touristy than Torremolinos and has a good local market (Tuesday and Sunday mornings).
- Best for: longer stays, combining beach with day trips to Mijas Pueblo
- Tip: see our Fuengirola transport guide for getting there from AGP.
5. El Palo and Pedregalejo — Local Malaga Beaches
Distance from AGP: 10 km east of city centre · Getting there: bus 11 from Malaga centre, or taxi (20 min from airport)
East of the city centre, the neighbourhoods of El Palo and Pedregalejo have a completely different feel from La Malagueta. These are where Malagueños go to the beach — pebbly coves, traditional fisherman houses, and some of the best seafood on the coast.
- Best for: authentic local experience, excellent fish restaurants, quieter than central beaches
- Do not miss: lunch at a pedregaleño chiringuito — espetos (sardines grilled on a cane skewer over open fire)
- Tip: the beaches here are pebbly, not sandy. Bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet.
6. Nerja and Playa de Maro
Distance from AGP: 65 km east · Getting there: car (1 hour) or bus from Malaga (1 hour 15 min)
If you are willing to travel further, the beaches around Nerja are the most beautiful on the eastern Costa del Sol. Playa de Maro is a small cove with turquoise water, backed by cliffs — regularly rated among Spain's best beaches.
- Best for: a day trip, snorkelling, photography, escaping the resort crowds
- Tip: parking at Maro is limited. Arrive before 10:00 in summer. See our day trips guide.
Beach Straight from the Airport: Is It Doable?
Yes — many travellers head straight to the beach after landing, especially on afternoon arrivals. The fastest route:
- Clear arrivals and follow signs to the Cercanías train
- Take the C1 westbound to Torremolinos (10 minutes)
- Walk 5 minutes to Playa de la Carihuela
Total time from landing to sand: about 45–60 minutes. Store luggage at your hotel first if you can — dragging suitcases across the sand is no fun.
Practical Beach Tips
- Blue Flag beaches: most main Costa del Sol beaches carry Blue Flag certification for water quality and facilities
- Sunbeds: expect to pay €10–15 per day for two sunbeds and a parasol at popular beaches
- Season: lifeguards operate roughly June–September. Water is warmest July–September (24–26°C)
- Jellyfish: occasional blooms in late summer — look for purple flags on the beach
- Nudist beaches: Playa de Artola (Cabopino, near Marbella) is the nearest official nudist beach