Between the very central La Malagueta and the old fishing districts of Pedregalejo and El Palo there’s a middle stretch, La Caleta, that tends to go unnoticed and offers exactly what many people are after: a city beach with fewer people.
Getting there
From central Málaga, EMT city bus route 11 (the one running along the whole eastern seafront to El Palo) or about twenty minutes on foot along the promenade from La Malagueta. Metered parking and a few paid car parks.
Facilities
- ✓ Lifeguard during the bathing season
- ✓ Beach bars serving espeto
- ✓ Showers and public toilets
- ✓ Sunbed and parasol hire
- ✓ Adapted access
- ✓ Continuous promenade
What it’s like
Around 1,200 metres of dark, coarse sand, with breakwaters and calm water. It’s a wide beach with a good space-to-people ratio compared with La Malagueta, which is overwhelmed in August. Gradual entry into the water, suitable for families.
Málaga’s eastern seafront
This stretch forms part of the Paseo Marítimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso, linking the centre with Pedregalejo and El Palo. It’s an excellent route by bike or on foot, with the Baños del Carmen — a 1918 bathing club surrounded by century-old ficus trees — roughly halfway along. One of the most charming corners of the city.
Eating
You’re a step away from Pedregalejo and El Palo, the best beach-bar district in Málaga city: espeto, fried fish, clams and coquinas. The classic plan: beach in the morning, sardines at lunchtime and a walk to El Palo in the afternoon.
