La Rábita – Quiet, well maintained, the surface being of crushed stones and pebbles. Fishing boats are a prominent feature of the beaches of La Rábita.

Castell de Ferro/Gualchos – Again made up of volcanic sand, and with crystal-clear waters, the beaches of Castell de Ferro and Gualchos are ideal for scuba-divers.

Calahonda/Carchuna – With fine golden sand, the beaches of Calahonda and Carchuna are extremely popular, particularly with the local residents, some of whom actually have houses on the Carchuna end of the beach.

Torrenueva – A long, wide beach made up of fine volcanic sand that is relatively quiet. There are several bars and restaurants along the promenade.

Motril
Playa de Poniente – This is the most well-known beach of Motril. It is spacious, with grey sand and pebbles. It has a long promenade lined with bars, shops and restaurants, with excellent vehicle access. There is a sailing club, and sailing courses can be arranged here.

Playa de Granada – In direct contrast to its lively neighbour, Playa de Poniente, this fine sandy beach is very long and quiet. It has plenty of free parking and is situated next to the Costa Tropical's only golf course, Los Moriscos.

Playa La Joya – A not so well known nudist beach that is always quiet due to it only being accessible by a set of steep steps down the hill face. There are no facilities at all on the beach, which is made up of a combination of shingle and sand.

Salobreña
Playa del Peñon – The larger of the two beaches, along which can be found the many bars known locally as ‘chiringuitos’, that specialise in serving a range of typically Spanish food. Offering the best facilities and atmosphere, La Playa del Peñon is extremely popular with all ages and nationalities.

Playa de la Guardia – Pebble surface with fewer facilities, it is quieter than its neighbour.

Almuñécar
Barranco de Enmedio - A charming and calm cove, accessed on foot, it is the easternmost cove of Almuñécar

Curumbico -  Another cove accessed either by sea or by means of a path through the rocks from the beach of Cabria. The sand here is light and semi-fine.

Cabria - Calm cove, with good eating facilities, giving access to Curumbico beach.

Calabajio - An attractive beach with fine sand, easy access and very good for children as it is shallow and not too crowded.

Pozuelo - An attractive beach popular with young families due to the fine sand and shallow water. It does get busy in August as it is right next to a hotel.

El Tesorillo - Flanked by rocks, this is one of Almuñécar’s most beautiful beaches. Owing its name to the fact that gold coins were once found at the water’s edge, it is also the site of one of the ancient Moorish watchtowers.

Velilla - This is one of the main beaches of Almuñécar and perhaps because it is also one of the largest it becomes very crowded in the summer months. The sand is darker in colour and slightly coarser.

Puerta del Mar - Located right in the centre of Almuñécar and certainly the most popular. Easy access to the shops. The sand is quite dark.

San Cristobal - The far end of this lively beach is also known as La China. Numerous restaurants, beach bars and hotels are located nearby making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. The sand is quite fine and light in colour.

Cotobro – This quietly elegant beach has light-coloured, coarse sand and is home to some attractive restaurants and bars.

El Muerto - With light, semi-fine sand, this beach is used predominantly by naturists and is accessible either by sea or down a series of steps cut into the rocks.

Los Berengueles – Situated in the Leisure Port de Marina del Este, amongst a variety of bars and restaurants, this natural beach delights visitors with its attractiveness. It is very popular for scuba diving and snorkelling.

La Herradura – Flanked on either side by the hills of Punta de la Mona and Cerro Gordo, this picturesque horseshoe shaped bay, from where it derives its name, has wonderful facilities for nautical sports such as sub-aqua. Along the promenade is a wide range of restaurants catering to every taste.

Cantarrijan - The most western beach in Almuñécar, again popular with naturists. Accessible by car down a country track, there is a car park which charges a nominal fee, along with a beach bar.