Sitio de Calahonda Beaches

Overview

Sitio de Calahonda is a popular destination for memorable beach holidays on Spain's Andalusian coast. You'll discover a variety of coastal settings here, from long stretches of golden sand to more secluded coves. Many local beaches are praised for their quality and cleanliness, offering clear waters generally ideal for swimming and enjoying the Mediterranean.

Key beaches include Playa de la Calahonda, the main and most accessible stretch of sand. The beautiful Cabopino Beach is an all-round favourite, known for its family-friendly shallow waters. For a vibrant scene, Playa de las Chapas offers lively golden sands. Nature lovers will appreciate Playa de Artola-Cabopino, with its protected dunes and a designated clothing-optional area. Parts of the Calahonda coastline are also connected by the Senda Litoral, a scenic coastal path.

Calahonda's beaches offer a distinct charm, often highlighted as some of the finest in the broader Marbella region and appealing to families and water sports enthusiasts alike. While the main beaches can be lively, quieter spots can usually be found. To discover even more options, from bustling shores to hidden gems, please see our full guide to beaches in the area.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Sitio de Calahonda good for a beach holiday?

Yes, Sitio de Calahonda is a popular destination for beach holidays. It offers a variety of beaches, from long sandy stretches to more secluded coves. Many beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for their quality and cleanliness, making them ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, perfect for a beach vacation much of the year.

What are the beaches like in Calahonda? Are they sandy?

Calahonda's beaches generally feature golden or dark golden sand, and some areas can be a mix of sand and pebbles. Playa de Calahonda, the main beach, is over 4 kilometers long and known for its soft, clean sand. Other nearby beaches like Cabopino also boast appealing golden sand. The sand is typically medium grain.

Playa de Calahonda

Cabopino Beach

Can you swim in the sea at Calahonda beaches?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at Calahonda's beaches. The waters are generally clear and moderate, with many beaches having a gentle slope into the Mediterranean Sea, making them suitable for swimming. Some beaches also have lifeguards on duty during peak season. However, wave height can sometimes exceed 1 meter, making swimming dangerous, so always check local conditions.

Which is the best beach in Calahonda for families?

Playa de Calahonda itself is considered family-friendly due to its amenities, gentle slopes, and clear waters. Puerto Cabopino, a short distance away, is also very popular with families due to its sheltered, safe waters and lifeguard services. It also has plenty of restaurants and facilities nearby.

Playa de Calahonda

How does Calahonda compare to Marbella for beaches?

Calahonda offers long, often busy beaches with a mix of developed and more natural areas, popular for families, scuba diving, and fishing. Marbella's coastline is extensive, with many popular beaches offering a wide array of watersports and facilities, often with a more bustling atmosphere, especially around Puerto Banús. Some rate Calahonda's beaches, along with nearby Artola/Cabopino and Las Chapas (east of Marbella), as among the best in the broader Marbella area. Both have Blue Flag beaches.

Playa de Artola - Artola

Cabopino Beach

Playa de las Chapas

Are there any nudist beaches near Sitio de Calahonda?

Yes, there are nudist beach options near Sitio de Calahonda. Cabopino Beach, which is close by, has a designated clothing-optional area popular with naturists. Playa Naturista de Playamarina is another option, described as a hidden gem despite its proximity to a freeway. Playa de Benalnatura is noted as an official nudist beach in the wider area.

Cabopino Beach

Playa Naturista de Playamarina

Is there a boardwalk or promenade along Calahonda beaches?

While Playa de Calahonda itself doesn't have a continuous beachfront promenade directly along its entire length, there is a coastal path (Senda Litoral de Mijas) that runs along parts of the Calahonda coastline and connects to other areas. This path is great for walking and enjoying sea views. Nearby La Cala de Mijas has a very nice promenade.

Playa de la Calahonda

Playa La Cala

What's the best time of year to visit Calahonda for a beach holiday?

The summer months, from June to September, are generally considered the best time for a beach holiday in Calahonda, with warm, sunny weather and ideal sea temperatures for swimming. Average summer temperatures are around 27-30°C. Spring and autumn also offer pleasant weather, though rainfall is more likely from November to March.

People Also Ask

Are Calahonda beaches usually crowded?

Playa de Calahonda can have a high level of occupancy, especially during peak season, as it's located at the foot of a large urbanisation. However, due to its length (over 4km), it's often possible to find quieter spots, particularly towards the western end. Some smaller nearby beaches like La Luna or Riviera beach may offer a less crowded experience.

Playa de Calahonda

Is parking available near Calahonda beaches?

Yes, parking is generally available near Calahonda beaches. Playa de Calahonda offers free, secure parking. However, at popular spots like Puerto Cabopino, parking can become congested during peak high season (July and August). For some beaches like Riviera, it might be recommended to park on the other side of the main road and use an underpass.

Cabopino Beach

Are there many beach bars (chiringuitos) in Calahonda?

Yes, Calahonda Beach and the surrounding Mijas Costa area have a good selection of chiringuitos (beach bars) and restaurants. These offer refreshments, snacks, and often fresh seafood, with many providing sunbeds and parasols for rent.

Playa de Calahonda

What water sports are available at Calahonda beaches?

A variety of water sports are available in and around Calahonda. Popular activities include scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Nearby Cabopino Beach and its marina are hubs for these activities, offering rentals and lessons. Windsurfing is also possible in the wider Mijas Costa area.

Cabopino Beach

Are dogs allowed on Calahonda beaches?

While general rules for dogs on beaches can be restrictive, especially during high season, there are dog-friendly beaches in the wider area near Sitio de Calahonda. For example, Playa de Carvajal (Benalmádena), Playa del Ejido (Fuengirola), and Playa de Tajo de la Soga (between Fuengirola and Benalmádena) are known to be dog-friendly or have dedicated dog areas. It's always best to check local signage and current regulations.

Playa de Carvajal

Playa del Ejido

Playa de Tajo de la Soga

Is seaweed a problem on Calahonda beaches?

Like many Mediterranean coastal areas, Calahonda can occasionally experience seaweed (algae) washing ashore, particularly after storms or due to invasive species like Rugulopterix okamurae, which has affected the Andalusian coast. Local authorities undertake cleaning efforts to remove seaweed, especially in preparation for and during the high season. The amount can vary depending on currents and time of year.

Are there any quieter, hidden gem beaches near Calahonda?

While Calahonda's main beach can be busy, there are quieter spots and smaller coves in the vicinity. La Luna beach is described as not too busy and offers a more private feel. Playa Naturista de Playamarina is also referred to as a hidden gem. Exploring the coastline towards Marbella or further along Mijas Costa can reveal less crowded options, especially outside of peak summer months.

Playa Naturista de Playamarina