We are Southern Californians who have also been to Hawaii and Florida, so going to the beach is not a high priority on a European trip! We've heard of lovely beaches in other countries, only to find they are nothing more special than we can visit here. That said, we do have the option to visit Samil Beach in Vigo, Spain, or one of the Costa del Sol beaches near to Malaga, and wonder if any are truly worth the while. Will they be too overcrowded in June? Do they have decent bathroom amenities and lifeguards? Is there anything to make them stand out from other beaches? Which are best for swimming, running alongside or lounging in restaurants? Worldwide beachgoers, chime in!

Forget it.
In June, the water will be rather cold.
I don't know Samil Beach (the Aatlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula would be too cold for me anyway).
There are some somewhat nice natural beaches in the provinces of Murcia (Calblanque and beaches West of Aguilas) and Almeria (Cabo de Gata Park), all without cabins, baywatch, etc.
The organized beaches are really nothing to write home about.

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain are on Islas Cíes a ferry boat ride from Vigo.

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...-francis-drake

But I thought you only had a few hours in Malaga. Are you considering going to the beach instead?

Ha! Not me! But my son might enjoy it.....

That all depends on what your criteria for a beach is. Personally I find the long expanse of sand of the likes of Floridian beaches flanked by hotels and condo's to be quite boring, plus I don't enjoy being in close proximity to sharks.

For me, a sheltered cove flanked by cliffs and with calm shallow waters (much of which can be found in Mallorca and other mediterranean islands) beats any Carribbean or American beach I've been to. That being said, the beaches around Malaga aren't of that kind but the best part of them are the vareity of excellent places to eat. I'm not going to go to Malaga to sit on the beach or even enter the frigid sea but rather sit outside on a beachfront resataurant and enjoy some excellent seafood.

Ah yes, you can't compete with a serviced resort beach whether it's in Mexico, Thailand, Barbados or Tahiti. Personally I prefer a pool, I find sand annoyingly intrusive, it gets everywhere but a good pool overlooking a good beach is a great compromise. I don't think there are any particularly good beaches anywhere along the Costa Del Sol. The best voted beach in Europe is actually in Wales......

From Sept 2018.


https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...hhbHJfOFNHS2VB

Thanks to all, this is just the kind of input I needed!

Opinion from a local to Travelerwife.

Estepona is the best beach of Malaga area. In June, not crowded.

Estepona, not only a nice beach. Good food ( pescadito frito ), nearby white villages, a perfect place to relax in June

I agree, Estepona is a very underrated area. A very good, long stretch of sandy beach with an excellent promenade complete with lots of activities to do along the beach. But what's best is the fantastic old town that is mere yards from the beach where fantastic restaraunts fill gorgeous squares. Often overlooked by nearby Marbella which is relatively poor in comparison.

We have a Marriott timeshare in Estepona which we return to year after year and never tire of the area.