We are wrapping up a bike tour in Granada and were looking to add 2 nights along the coast before traveling back to Madrid from either Granada or Malaga. I prefer not renting a car but will do it if necessary with pick-up in Granada and drop-off in Malaga. A friend suggested Nerja, but I read a few comments in another post that it was not the best for beaches. Other suggestions are welcome. Would even consider heading up to Murcia or Valencia if that offers better beaches. Recommendations appreciated!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6574 posts
About an hour south of Granada are Motril and Salobreña. Each has nearby beaches. I remember the Salobreña beach as being pretty. From it, it should be easy to get to Malaga. For only 2 days I wouldn’t head east from there just to turn around to go west.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5274 posts
Estepona has a number of nice beaches and the old town is conveniently located alongside the coast. It's a very attractive town and is a better option than Nerja in my opinion. It doesn't feature a lot in recommendations because it's not somewhere that's on the radar for many Americans unlike Nerja which is why you find it is frequently suggested.
Posted by
4434 posts
Since you said you were willing to travel as far as Valencia, look at returning from Cadiz and the beaches close to Vejer de la Frontera. I saw this area from afar on a day trip to Vejer, but the orange sand looked quite inviting, and the tuna in the area is supposed to be outstanding if you are a seafood fan (Zahara de los Atunes). I believe Los Canos de Meca was the beach I found so pretty. There are some Roman ruins in Bolonia.
Posted by
BC Canada
79 posts
We were just in Malaga and the beaches were very nice with good selection of seaside seafood places. We rented bikes and rode 8km east and passed several nice beaches including Playas del Palo. I wouldn’t think you need to go much further! Lots of things to see, eat and do in Malaga. Recommended!
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1613 posts
I second CLKR's recommendation of Malaga! Nice beaches, lovely old town city center, and lots to do and see there. I like Rick Steves, but don't judge Malaga by his guidebook, which treats Malaga as a transportation hub. It is so much more than that!
Posted by
363 posts
Best beach ever: Playa del Canuelo just east of Nerja (there are two with the same name so East). No cars allowed on the road down the hill so a taxi can drop you at the top of the hill to walk down or there is a bus from the parking lot. Tell your taxi driver what time to return and pick you up. Two places to eat, however very few people make the effort to get to the beach, it's wonderful. In April there was about 4 people on the beach and in September about 20 people. Warm water, clear but nothing to see under the water but small silver fish. Above water the sunsets, rock towers and sail boats are beautiful. Since you bike you might want to look into hiking the Caminito del Rey. J