Playas del Palo in Málaga, and why we Love It
Playas del Palo – a gem in Málagas east We have enjoyed several beaches in Málaga throughout the years and Playas…
Playas del Palo - a gem in Málagas east
We have enjoyed several beaches in Málaga throughout the years and Playas del Palo is a beach area which still makes it to our top 3. Find out why.
Located between the Pedregalejo and El Chanquete beaches, El Palo beach is situated on the eastern part of the Malaga coast. It is a beach that has a length of 1,200 meters with an average width of 25 meters. The place is slightly east and outside of Malaga, easily accessible by public transportation, and for good runners, even on foot. If you go by car you will easily find several parking spots along the street and in the side streets. There is also public parking available for a few Euro a day – until maximum 20:00/8:00pm. The promenade is lined with small old houses in different styles and conditions, a charming mix.
Its wide range of services, fine sand, moderate waves, and shallow waters make this beach a perfect place for a family day out. To escape the high temperatures, the beach features a vast palm grove with small islands of natural grass, allowing visitors to lie down and enjoy the shade. El Palo is also a good spot to enjoy beautiful sunsets with a view onto the “bay” of Málaga.
The beach is very beautiful and “natural” but generally clean. There are showers, gym equipment, and toilets here and there. Dogs are not allowed on the most parts / bays of the beach, but unfortunately, quite a few dogs are walked there without cleaning up after them. Above El Palo, there are many single-family houses and urbanizations – quite new and well-maintained. As mentioned at the beginning, not much has changed, which is nice, but on the other hand, I miss a bit of future orientation – it’s starting to become somewhat morbid.
Situated in a cozy residential area, El Palo beach is more frequented by locals than tourists, which helps to keep prices lower compared to more popular beaches. The promenade surrounding the beach offers a variety of traditional beach bars, known as “chiringuitos,” perfect for savoring a delicious “espeto.”
For a beer, it’s perfectly okay, but for a meal, we sought out other locations to get authentic food or simply better quality.
If you’re in the area on July 16th, don’t miss the celebration of the Virgin del Carmen. In addition to the traditional procession, there are concerts, attractions, and markets that turn El Palo beach into a lively festival.
Furthermore, this beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, a distinction granted by the European Foundation for Environmental Education.
Image Credit: Travel Spain /// J.C. García Arrocha
