Playa de La Carihuela is the main beach of the former fishing quarter of La Carihuela in Torremolinos, on the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga, Andalusia, Spain. It runs along the Paseo Marítimo de la Carihuela, about 13 km south-west of Málaga city centre, and combines a long, wide stretch of fine, darker sand with a lively promenade. The Mediterranean water is generally clear and calm in summer, with a gradual entry that suits families and casual swimmers, although the open, straight beach can see small waves when the wind rises, and jellyfish occasionally appear in warm months. La Carihuela has a more traditional, local character than the high-rise centre of Torremolinos, and the beach reflects that. Restaurants and bars along the Paseo Marítimo serve seafood, espetos, fried fish and paella, and the district is known across Andalusia as a place to eat fish by the sea. The crowd mixes international holidaymakers, Spanish families on weekend trips from Málaga and residents, so the atmosphere is sociable and family-oriented rather than a party scene. Facilities include lifeguards in season, showers, sunbed rental, accessible access to the sand and a wide promenade for walking and cycling. The setting is easy to reach without a car. The Renfe Cercanías line C-1 runs from Málaga Centro-Alameda or María Zambrano towards Fuengirola and stops at Torremolinos and La Carihuela stations, with a journey of roughly 20 to 25 minutes (fares and timetables on renfe.com). The beach is then a short walk away through the neighbourhood. Parking is possible in paid and unpaid streets nearby, but it fills quickly at summer weekends. The best months are June to September, when the water is warm and all services are open, but the promenade is pleasant year-round, with restaurants staying open through mild winters. Weekday mornings are the quietest, and August weekends are the busiest. La Carihuela suits travellers seeking a convenient half-day or full-day beach trip from Málaga with good food close to the sand.
| Distance | About 13 km south-west of Málaga city centre |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Renfe Cercanías line C-1 (Málaga Centro-Alameda or María Zambrano towards Fuengirola) to Torremolinos or La Carihuela station, roughly 20–25 minutes (fares and timetable on renfe.com) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | June–September |
| Address | Paseo Marítimo de la Carihuela, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain |
Amenities
- Lifeguards in season
- Showers
- Sunbed rental
- Seafood restaurants along the Paseo Marítimo
- Wide promenade
- Accessible access
Good to know
- Best for
- families, couples, swimmers, sunbathers
Location
Paseo Marítimo de la Carihuela, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
36.6199, -4.5003 View on map
Highlights
- Wide sandy beach in a traditional former fishing quarter
- Seafood restaurants along the Paseo Marítimo serving espetos and paella
- Direct train from Málaga on Renfe line C-1, about 20 to 25 minutes
- Lifeguards, showers, sunbed rental and accessible access in season
Tips for visiting
- Take the Cercanías C-1 train from Málaga to avoid parking problems at weekends.
- Arrive before late morning in July and August to secure space and a table for lunch.
- Walk the promenade in the evening, when the restaurants are at their liveliest.
- Check lifeguard flags before swimming on windy days.
- Weekday visits are noticeably calmer than weekends.
When to visit
June to September for swimming, with weekday mornings the quietest. The promenade and restaurants are enjoyable year-round.
Accessibility
Accessible access to the sand is provided, and the Paseo Marítimo is wide and flat. Adapted bathing services vary by season.
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Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get from Málaga to La Carihuela?
Renfe Cercanías line C-1 runs from Málaga Centro-Alameda or María Zambrano towards Fuengirola, stopping at Torremolinos and La Carihuela stations in roughly 20 to 25 minutes.
What is La Carihuela known for?
It is a former fishing quarter known for its seafront restaurants serving fresh fish, espetos and paella.
Is the beach suitable for children?
Yes, as the beach is wide with a gradual entry into the water, and lifeguards operate in season.
Are there facilities on the beach?
Lifeguards, showers, sunbed rental, accessible access and a wide promenade with restaurants are available.