Which beach suits you best? A day at the coast from Comares
- Casita Comares
- May 16
- 3 min read
From our quiet, hilltop village of Comares, the contrast with the coast is surprisingly big - and that’s exactly what makes it such a refreshing change. In just under thirty minutes, you drive from winding mountain roads straight into the lively atmosphere of the Mediterranean. We’re happy to share a few of our favourites so you can decide which beach suits you best.
Torre del Mar (Vélez-Málaga)
The beach here is wide and straightforward, without any fuss. No hidden coves or dramatic cliffs - just a long, practical stretch of sand. You can almost always find a spot, even in high season, and the water deepens gradually, making it relaxed and accessible for everyone.
What makes Torre del Mar pleasant is the atmosphere: lively, but not overly touristy. The promenade sits directly behind the beach and is used exactly as intended - for walking, cycling, or simply sitting down to enjoy the sea view. Along the promenade and on the beach you’ll find various chiringuitos where the pace naturally slows down.
We always enjoy Bahía Beach Jazba and Berebere Oasis de Mar. If you prefer something less upscale, walk a little further along the promenade and look for a chiringuito where they grill fresh fish on the BBQ. Portions are generous, so sharing a main dish is easy - and keeps the bill friendly.
Practically speaking, Torre del Mar is also a good choice: parking is usually easy, and facilities such as showers, sunbeds and restaurants are plentiful. It may not be the most photogenic beach in the region, but it is the place where you can enjoy a relaxed, uncomplicated beach day with the least effort.
Caleta de Vélez: harbour and beach
Right next to Torre del Mar lies Caleta de Vélez - smaller in scale and with more character. The small fishing harbour is the heart of the village, where you can still see real work being done: boats arriving, nets being prepared, and restaurants sourcing their fish directly from the harbour.
Next to the harbour is a quiet, easy-to-navigate beach. Simpler than Torre del Mar, but ideal if you want to avoid the crowds. You still have everything you need, just at a calmer pace.
Caleta is perfect if you want to combine the beach with a more local atmosphere: a stroll around the harbour, lunch with fresh fish. Our favourite here is El Camarote - simple, but absolutely delicious. It’s an easy drive from Comares, and it feels distinctly different from the larger coastal towns.
Playa de Cantarriján: raw and pure
If you drive a little further from Comares towards Nerja, you’ll find one of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the region: Playa de Cantarriján. Hidden between steep cliffs on the border of Málaga and Granada, it immediately feels different from the wider, busier beaches nearby.
The descent to the beach is already special. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll notice the calm, almost natural atmosphere right away. No big promenades or mass tourism - just a beach that has largely kept its original character. It’s made up of coarse sand and pebbles, with crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming or snorkelling. Thanks to the sheltered location between the rocks, it often feels intimate and peaceful.
On both sides of the beach you’ll find simple beach restaurants. Part of the beach is known as a naturist area, but it’s relaxed and low-key - everyone mixes naturally, and the atmosphere is open and respectful.
Cantarriján is not a place you stumble upon by accident: you go there deliberately. And that’s exactly why it remains one of the most special beach experiences near Comares - and convenient if you happen to have forgotten your swimsuit... 😊
A day at the beach from Comares is an ideal day trip. The beaches are never far away, and the drive there is an experience in itself. All that’s left is choosing which beach will be your favourite today…
