
Playa de Calahonda
A collection of beautiful beaches along the Costa del Sol, offering stunning sunsets, charming chiringuitos, and relaxing boardwalks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes

Playa de Calahonda
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A collection of beautiful beaches along the Costa del Sol, offering stunning sunsets, charming chiringuitos, and relaxing boardwalks.
"Beautiful sunsets!! The beach is not very busy (july), the views are stunning."

🌅 Sunset Magic
Catch the breathtaking sunsets; the sky's colors reflect beautifully on the calm waters.
🍽️ Dine on the Sand
Enjoy meals at beachfront restaurants; some offer service to sunbeds. Portions can be small but food is good.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Serenity
Along the boardwalk
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the Mediterranean horizon. A truly magical experience.

Chiringuito Charm
Beachfront restaurants
Enjoy delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks with your toes in the sand. Some offer service directly to your sunbed.

Coastal Boardwalk Stroll
From Cabopino towards La Cala de Mijas
A well-maintained, flat boardwalk perfect for a leisurely walk with stunning sea views and ample chiringuitos.

Iconic Nerja Views
Near Balcón de Europa, Nerja
This emblematic beach offers easy access and picturesque views, making it a photographer's delight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Calahonda Bliss
Know Your Calahonda
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Magic
Catch the breathtaking sunsets; the sky's colors reflect beautifully on the calm waters.
🍽️ Dine on the Sand
Enjoy meals at beachfront restaurants; some offer service to sunbeds. Portions can be small but food is good.
🚶♀️ Boardwalk Bliss
Stroll the extensive, flat boardwalk for scenic views and easy access to chiringuitos.
🏖️ Beach Access
Some Calahonda beaches offer excellent accessibility features, including reserved parking and amphibious chairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Magic
Catch the breathtaking sunsets; the sky's colors reflect beautifully on the calm waters.
🍽️ Dine on the Sand
Enjoy meals at beachfront restaurants; some offer service to sunbeds. Portions can be small but food is good.
🚶♀️ Boardwalk Bliss
Stroll the extensive, flat boardwalk for scenic views and easy access to chiringuitos.
🏖️ Beach Access
Some Calahonda beaches offer excellent accessibility features, including reserved parking and amphibious chairs.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be challenging in busier areas; consider arriving early or using public transport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa de Calahonda is widely loved for its beautiful scenery, especially the stunning sunsets, and its relaxed, less crowded atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the charming beachfront restaurants (chiringuitos) offering good food and service, with some even providing service to sunbeds. The well-maintained boardwalks are a significant plus for leisurely strolls. However, some reviewers note that portion sizes at restaurants can be small.
"Beautiful sunsets!! The beach is not very busy (july), the views are stunning."
evelyn lesan
"Nice beacht with a nice restaurant. You can order from the sunbeds. Very nice people. And good food. the portion was a bit small, but it was good."
Nicole Blum
"Beautiful little beach"
Kenn Madsen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access varies by location. The Calahonda near Mijas/Marbella is semi-urban with good road access. The one in Nerja is centrally located near the Balcón de Europa. Public transport options like buses are available, and parking can be found, though it might be limited during peak times.
Yes, but be aware there are multiple beaches with this name. Look for signs for 'Playa de Calahonda' in Mijas, Marbella, or Nerja depending on your destination.
If you're exploring multiple Calahonda locations, a rental car offers the most flexibility. Alternatively, local bus services connect coastal towns, and some stretches are walkable or bikeable.
The Calahonda beach in Nerja is very close to the Balcón de Europa, making it easily accessible on foot from the town center. Parking near the Balcón can be busy.
Yes, taxis are readily available in most coastal towns and can take you directly to the beach access points. This is a convenient option if you're not driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Playa de Calahonda is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access the sand and sea.
Beaches are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Restaurants and bars along the boardwalk will have their own operating hours, typically from morning until late evening.
While some chiringuitos offer sunbed rentals, booking in advance is usually not necessary unless you're visiting during the absolute peak of summer or have a large group.
There are no special tickets required for general access. However, some beach clubs or restaurants might have specific entry policies or minimum spend requirements if you wish to use their facilities.
To experience a less crowded Playa de Calahonda, aim for weekday mornings, especially outside of the main summer holidays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the sand. The boardwalks are great for walking or cycling, and some areas are popular for beach volleyball.
Yes, many sections of Playa de Calahonda are family-friendly with calm waters and amenities. Some locations offer accessible features like amphibious chairs for children with mobility needs.
Facilities typically include public restrooms, showers, and lifeguard services during the summer season. Some beaches have accessible toilets and parking.
Yes, you can usually rent sunbeds and umbrellas from chiringuitos or dedicated rental points along the beach.
Several Playa de Calahonda locations are noted for their accessibility, offering reserved parking, accessible restrooms, and even amphibious chairs for assisted bathing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find numerous 'chiringuitos' (beach bars and restaurants) lining the boardwalk, offering fresh seafood, tapas, and drinks.
Yes, many chiringuitos offer service to sunbeds, allowing you to enjoy a meal without leaving your spot on the sand.
Prices are generally moderate, typical for a beachside location. Expect to pay around €10-€15 for a main dish and €3-€5 for a drink.
While seafood is prominent, many restaurants offer salads, vegetable dishes, and other options that can be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets. It's best to ask.
Reviews suggest a positive experience with friendly staff and good food, though portion sizes might be on the smaller side.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic view near the Balcón de Europa in Nerja is a must-capture. Sunsets over the Mediterranean are also spectacular.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant blue of the water.
Look for the charming houses by the sea in Nerja, the unique rock formations, and the local life around the chiringuitos. The boardwalk also provides great perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and coastline. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant views. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies and water.
Drone regulations vary by location and municipality. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over the beach or surrounding areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many chiringuitos are family-friendly, offering a relaxed setting for meals. You can often find simple, crowd-pleasing dishes that kids will enjoy. The sand itself provides endless entertainment, and the generally less crowded nature of some Calahonda beaches compared to larger resorts means more space for kids to run around safely.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Solo travelers will appreciate the laid-back vibe and the safety of these coastal areas. It’s easy to find a quiet spot on the sand to read a book or simply soak in the Mediterranean sun. The friendly nature of the beach bars also makes it easy to strike up a conversation if you wish.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Beyond the scenic beauty, the beach life itself provides ample subject matter – from the bustling chiringuitos to people enjoying the sun and sea. The accessible boardwalks offer excellent vantage points for capturing panoramic shots of the coastline. Remember to check local drone regulations if you plan on aerial photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Multiple Calahondas
Understanding which Calahonda you're heading to will help manage expectations regarding crowds, amenities, and the overall vibe. For instance, the Mijas/Marbella stretch is longer and more developed, whereas the Nerja version is a more compact, cove-like beach. Social media often showcases the beauty of all these locations, so cross-referencing images and descriptions is key to finding your perfect spot.
Travelers often highlight the boardwalk as a significant feature, particularly the one stretching from near Cabopino towards La Cala de Mijas. This well-maintained path is ideal for leisurely strolls, offering continuous sea views and access to numerous 'chiringuitos' (beach bars and restaurants). This makes it a great option for those who enjoy a walk with amenities readily available.
Accessibility and Inclusivity at Calahonda
Beyond specific facilities, the generally flat and wide boardwalks found along some stretches of Playa de Calahonda, such as the one between Cabopino and La Cala de Mijas, provide a smooth and accessible surface for wheelchairs and strollers. This makes it easier for families and individuals with mobility challenges to explore the coastline and enjoy the sea views without significant barriers.
When planning your visit, it's advisable to check the specific amenities available at the Calahonda beach you intend to visit. While many are well-equipped, the level of accessibility can vary. Online reviews and local tourism websites can provide the most up-to-date information on accessible parking, restrooms, and any specialized equipment available for rent or use.
The Chiringuito Experience: Dining by the Sea
Travelers often praise the convenience of being able to order food and drinks directly from their sunbeds, allowing for a truly leisurely beach day. While the portions might sometimes be described as modest, the overall consensus is that the food is good and the experience is highly enjoyable. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle.
When choosing a chiringuito, consider looking for those that are well-integrated with the beach environment. Some are known for their vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings, while others offer a more tranquil setting. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from locals or check online reviews for specific culinary highlights.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit