The best beaches near Fuengirola you can only reach by car
The Costa del Sol coastline stretches over 160 kilometres. Most tourists stay on the central Fuengirola beaches — which are fine, but packed in summer. With a rental car in Fuengirola, you can reach corners that bus travellers never see.
This is our selection of the best nearby beaches, ordered by distance from Fuengirola.
1. Mijas Beach — 10 minutes
La Cala de Mijas is the first open secret of the area. Less crowded than the central beaches, with authentic beach bars and calm waters. Perfect for families.
Photo: majaiva on iStock
How to get there: Take the A-7 towards Marbella and exit at Cala de Mijas. 10 minutes from Fuengirola town centre. By public transport it would take twice as long with connections.
Parking: Free parking 5 minutes walk from the beach. In July and August arrive before 10am.
2. Cabopino Beach — 25 minutes
One of the hidden gems of the Costa del Sol. Cabopino combines a fine sand beach with a small protected dune forest and a marina with quality restaurants. The water here is noticeably cleaner than at the urban beaches.
Photo: infotourmalaga
How to get there: A-7 towards Marbella, exit 194. Without a car it's practically inaccessible — the nearest bus stop is 3 km away.
Tip: Bring a snorkel. The seabed near the rocks on the western side is spectacular.
3. El Saladillo Beach — 30 minutes
Between Estepona and San Pedro de Alcántara, El Saladillo is a long, uncrowded beach even in the height of August. Dark sand, gentle waves and beach bars with no waiting list. If you're looking for real peace and quiet, this is your beach.
Photo: villanoble
How to get there: A-7 towards Algeciras, Cancelada exit. Impossible without a car — there is no direct public transport.
4. Maro Beach — 1 hour
Worth every kilometre. Maro is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Andalusia — crystal clear waters, cliffs, and surrounded by sugar cane fields. It's right next to the Nerja Caves, so you can combine both in the same day.
Photo: Andalucía Viajes on Youtube
How to get there: A-7 to Nerja, then local road towards Maro. The last stretch is a steep descent — you need your own car, there is no alternative.
Perfect combination: Nerja Caves in the morning → Maro Beach in the afternoon. A perfect day out.
5. Calahonda Beach — 15 minutes
Less well known than its neighbours, Calahonda has something special: a quiet residential feel, shallow waters and several beach bars with terraces directly over the water. Ideal for those looking for comfort without the crowds.
Photo: Luna Beach on TripAdvisor
How to get there: A-7 towards Marbella, Calahonda exit. 15 minutes from Fuengirola, easy parking outside high season.
6. Guadalmina Beach — 40 minutes
In San Pedro de Alcántara, Guadalmina is a wide beach with fine sand and moderate surf — perfect if you enjoy bodyboarding or simply walking along the shoreline for kilometres without finding crowds. The residential setting keeps it well away from mass tourism.
Photo: terramarbella
How to get there: A-7 towards Algeciras, San Pedro de Alcántara exit. Free parking next to the beach.
How long do you need at each beach?
| Beach | Distance from Fuengirola | By car | By public transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Cala de Mijas | 9 km | 10 min | 25-35 min |
| Calahonda | 12 km | 15 min | No direct route |
| Cabopino | 22 km | 25 min | Not accessible |
| El Saladillo | 28 km | 30 min | No direct route |
| Guadalmina | 35 km | 40 min | 55 min + walk |
| Maro | 65 km | 60 min | Not accessible |
Tips to make the most of your day
Leave before 9am in July and August. Parking at Cabopino and Maro fills up before 11am in high season. With a rental car you can leave whenever you want without depending on bus timetables.
Bring water and a cool box. Some of these spots have limited facilities. A small cooler in the boot makes a real difference on a long beach day.
Combine two beaches in one day. La Cala de Mijas in the morning and Cabopino in the afternoon, for example, is a perfect route of just 45 minutes in total. Something impossible without your own car.
Book your car in Fuengirola
All these beaches have one thing in common: without a car, you don't get there. Or you arrive late, sweaty and having wasted half the morning on bus connections.
At 7Rent a Car we have fleet available 7 days a week, 24 hours — including compact cars perfect for beach trips, and vans if you're travelling as a group. No queues, no transfers, direct pick-up in Fuengirola.
🚗 Book online at 7rentacar.es and have your car ready when you arrive.
The Costa del Sol has far more to offer than what you can see from the first row of sunbeds. You just need the keys.