The iconic land of sun, sea and sand, the Costa del Sol’s a mecca for beach lovers. And it’s easy to see why – Spain’s sunshine coast clocks up 325 days of sun a year!

If you’re after a holiday that involves little more than relaxing in the sizzling Spanish heat, turn your attention to the Costa del Sol’s best beaches.

Playa de Fuengirola

Palm trees sway in the breeze and the sandy shore shelves gently into the sea – welcome to Playa de Fuengirola. This clean patch wins hearts with its good looks and long, wide nature. If you’re here for the day, there are sunbeds for hire. You can also take a flip-flopped amble along the promenade, which winds for more than 7km along the seafront. There are plenty of buzzing bars and cafés if you fancy a pitstop.

Playa de la Cala Mijas

Unroll your towel at sandy Playa de la Cala Mijas. This Blue Flag beach is long and wide, so it’s easy to find somewhere to set up camp for the day, even in the busier summer months. Once you’ve had your fill of sunshine, meander along the boardwalk and enjoy cocktails in one of the beachfront bars.

Playa La Carihuela

Want to get away from the crowds? Make a beeline for this beach, just west of Torremolinos. Stone breakwaters create a calm setting for splashing and paddling, while banana boat rides are also on the cards. A long promenade backs the beach too, with bars and restaurants to devour fresh seafood when hunger strikes.

Playa El Bajondillo

If you’re after bustling beach vibes, this urban plot in the heart of Torremolinos will do just the trick. Palm trees and dark sands create an exotic setting, while all the amenities you’d need for a day out are available – showers, toilets and sunbed rental included. Holidaying with the kids in tow? There’s a children’s playground to conquer and a beach volleyball pitch to try out. Grown-ups will be happy to hear that there are pubs peppered along the promenade, known locally as chiringuitos, for sundowners.

Playa Calahonda

This teeny cove is a charmer, tucked along the coast in Nerja. Follow the wooden boardwalk to you find your spot for the day on the golden sands. Playa Calahonda’s a proud Blue Flag patch, so you can expect a pristine shore and lovely waters to swim in. Rent sunloungers and parasols and settle in for a day of sunshine.

Playa La Herradura

Venture to Playa La Herradura to experience this dazzling horseshoe bay’s shingle shore and azure waters. Locals mainly relax here, so you can expect it to be a little quieter than some of the other top beaches along the Costa del Sol. Hire a pedalo for an aquatic adventure, feast on freshly netted seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants and take the little ones to the playground.