Hidden Gem Beaches in the Costa del Sol and Andalusia
We rank the 4 hidden gem beaches in the Costa del Sol and Andalusia. Playa de los Muertos, Carboneras (Spain) comes first with 4.6 / 5, followed by Playa de Monsul, Playazo de Rodalquilar.
The sea reaches about 23 degrees C in season, and most of these beaches are at their best from June to September. 2 of the 4 have easy access, and 4 are hidden gems.
1Playa de los Muertos, Carboneras
Carboneras, Almeria, Andalusia · 4.6 / 5 · Moderate access · about 23 °CPlaya de los Muertos is a wild beach of pale pebbles and sand near the Cabo de Gata-Nijar natural park, reached down a steep path from a car park.
2Playa de Monsul
Cabo de Gata, Almeria · 4.6 / 5 · Moderate access · about 22 °CA wide golden beach of fine sand backed by dunes and a striking volcanic rock, set inside the Cabo de Gata-Nijar natural park.
3Playazo de Rodalquilar
Rodalquilar, Cabo de Gata-Nijar, Almeria · 4.5 / 5 · Easy access · about 22 °CEl Playazo is a long beach of sand and fine gravel near Rodalquilar, in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar natural park in Almeria, with the ruined Castillo de San Ramon at the north end.
4Playa de Salobrena, Granada
Salobrena, Costa Tropical, Granada · 4.2 / 5 · Easy access · about 23 °CPlaya de Salobrena is a beach of dark sand and fine pebbles on the Costa Tropical, a short drive from the white hill town of Salobrena and its Moorish castle.
Quick comparison
| # | Beach | Country | Score | Water | Best season | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Playa de los Muertos, Carboneras | Spain | 4.6 | 23 °C | June–September | Moderate |
| 2 | Playa de Monsul | Spain | 4.6 | 22 °C | May–October | Moderate |
| 3 | Playazo de Rodalquilar | Spain | 4.5 | 22 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 4 | Playa de Salobrena, Granada | Spain | 4.2 | 23 °C | June–September | Easy |
How we picked these beaches
Included when we flag the beach as a hidden gem, meaning it is quieter than the headline beaches nearby, then ranked by editorial score. See how we rate beaches for the full method.
Frequently asked questions
Which are the top-rated hidden gem beaches in the Costa del Sol and Andalusia?
Our top three are Playa de los Muertos, Carboneras (4.6 out of 5), Playa de Monsul (4.6 out of 5), Playazo de Rodalquilar (4.5 out of 5). Scores are editorial ratings from the EuroShores team.
When is the best time to visit these beaches?
Most are at their best from June to September. Water temperatures average about 23 degrees C in season. Each beach page lists its exact season.
Which of these beaches are easiest to reach?
Playazo de Rodalquilar, Playa de Salobrena, Granada have easy access. The others need a walk, stairs or a rougher road, so check the access note on each page.
More lists
- Best Sandy Beaches in the Costa del Sol and Andalusia
- Best Family Beaches in the Costa del Sol and Andalusia
- Easiest Beaches to Reach in the Costa del Sol and Andalusia
- Hidden Gem Beaches in Spain
- Hidden Gem Beaches in Greece
- Hidden Gem Beaches in Italy
- Hidden Gem Beaches in France
- Hidden Gem Beaches in Portugal