La Malagueta

What makes it special

Between the port and La Caleta beach, the sand stretches for 1.2 kilometres. It sits at the end of the Muelle Uno marina, between the historic lighthouse and the bullring, and a promenade lined with palms runs along the whole seafront.

The port breakwater shelters the beach on one side, so the water is usually calm and the waves moderate. That makes it an easy swim for children.

A strip of chiringuitos along the promenade plays music, and the smell of grilled fish carries onto the sand. Espetos are the Málaga coast's own way of cooking sardines: each fish is threaded whole on a long, thin cane, rubbed with coarse sea salt and stuck upright in the sand around a wood fire. The heat crisps the skin, and olive wood gives the flesh its smoky taste.

Visiting

Each lounger is rented for the whole day with a parasol, so pick your spot once, when you arrive. If you would rather not hire one, spread a towel on the sand or sit on the grass under the palms.

Showers, footwashes and toilets are on the beach, and children have a play area and a sports zone between swims.

For lunch, walk up to the chiringuito strip on the promenade, or head back into Muelle Uno for a wider choice of food and drink.

Tips

Eat espetos the local way, with your hands: peel away the skin as you go, and order a cold beer or a glass of white wine with them.

In July and August, come early in the morning or in the evening, when there is room to claim a comfortable spot on the sand.