How about discovering the Costa del Sol from the Mediterranean? Here are some ideas for boat itineraries departing from Malaga.
Malaga, a pretty city on the Costa del Sol, boasts magnificent beaches, authentic Andalusian culture and a hilltop Arab castle. It’s a great place to stroll from its old-fashioned historic center to its old fishermen’s quarter. With so much to offer, Malaga is sure to be a hive of activity in your spare time. One of the most popular is boat hire.
Before taking to the high seas or sailing along the coast, take a look at our itineraries for inspiration. Boat rental in Malaga: itinerary ideas along the Costa del Sol.
Itinerary 1: coves east of Malaga (one day to one week)
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Malaga’s coves, whether small, large, well-known or undiscovered, are ideal destinations for beach lovers. Whether it’s for a day or a whole week, the hardest part is choosing.
- Crique Peñón del Cuervo: the closest to Malaga. Divided in two, this protected beach is home to an endangered native plant: the Malaga siempreviva. It offers a wide range of entertainment and picnic facilities. In summer, you can even enjoy concerts and evening entertainment;
- Crique de Maro: sail towards the towns of Nerja and Maro. You’ll arrive in a cove tucked away in the cliffs, cradled by a wild, natural environment of elusive beauty. If you’d like to spend a little more time in the area, particularly in Nerja, you can also visit Calahonda beach and enjoy its turquoise anchorage;
- Crique del Pino: still near Nerja, this cove comprises two beaches separated by an easily crossed barrier of rocks. Sheltered by cliffs carpeted with flora, this cove is hemmed in by calm, crystal-clear waters teeming with wonderful fish;
- Cañuelo Beach: drop anchor and discover this beach on the border with the province of Granada. With few visitors and an idyllic setting, it’s even considered the most enchanting beach on the Costa del Sol. Marine life abounds and flourishes in the calm waters. It’s a favorite cove for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts;
- Cantarriján Beach: you’re already in Granada, but still in the waters of the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs Natural Park. In this enclave carved into the cliffs, home to a myriad of floral and marine species, bathers enjoy totally transparent water. There are two zones, one of which is reserved for nudists.
Itinerary 2: Malaga to La Caleta (one week)
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Rent a boat in Málaga and discover the Costa del Sol’s string of sparkling towns for an unforgettable experience in southern Spain. First, head for the famous Malagueta. Celebrate the start of your vacation in one of the famous open-air bars(chiringuitos).
Then let yourself be seduced by the natural charm of Benalmádena. Its marina has even twice been awarded the prize for the best marina in the world. The heart of Benalmádena is the sandy beach of Bil-Bil. But from the sea, the best option is to drop anchor in one of the town’s small, off-center coves. These will delight diving enthusiasts and lovers of incredibly photogenic settings. Indeed, these sublime beaches play hide-and-seek with Mediterranean palms and pines, creating pictures of great beauty.
If you’re looking for a specific name, there are the beaches of las Viborillas (guaranteed low tourist numbers, as there’s no access from land) and del Tajo de la Soga (very distinctive, with its black sand). Next, disembark at Fuengirola Marina. Close to the promenade that leads into town, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with the land without leaving the seafaring traditions behind.
Then you finally reach the famous town of Marbella. Dynamic, luxurious and lively, Marbella is known as one of the most exclusive towns on the Costa del Sol. The route ends near the port of Estepona. Finally, you moor alongside Caleta beach, as calm as it is beautiful, before setting off on your return journey.
Our tips for boating in Malaga
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For safe yacht charter in Malaga, make sure you have up-to-date map information. Calculate distances, anticipate natural barriers on your itinerary and find out about the ports you’ll come across. And don’t forget that, far inland, mobile coverage can be hard to come by.
Don’t forget to pack warm clothes: nights at sea can be wet.
Before you set sail, fill up with fuel. We even recommend taking on board a third more fuel.
Depending on the type of boat and your boating experience, don’t take any chances with the weather. Depending on sea conditions, you’ll need a certain type of hull, a minimum length and a certain amount of expertise for comfortable, safe sailing.
Finally, if you don’t have a boating license, or if you want to leave with a completely free mind, don’t hesitate to hire a skipper.
When is the best time to rent a boat in Malaga?
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Spain, and in particular the Costa del Sol, is renowned for its splendid weather and three hundred days of sunshine a year. This makes it a perfect destination for sailing almost twelve months of the year.
But if you can choose, aim for the months of May, June, September and October, when tourist numbers are down.
How much does a yacht charter in Malaga cost?
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Boat rental prices in Malaga fluctuate according to the season, the number of passengers and the type of boat. To help you plan your budget, here are some high-season prices.
Small motorboat rentals start at €50 per day, while sailboat rentals cost between €300 and €500 per day. To rent a catamaran in Malaga, expect to pay between €2 ,000 and €4,000 per week, while yachts, at between €2 ,000 and €5,000, are inevitably the most expensive option.
How to rent a boat in Malaga?
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For your yacht charter in Malaga, you can start by using a yacht charter agency based in the city. However, a less expensive option is to rent a boat in Malaga between private individuals.
Samboat, for example, will guide you step by step through your search and offer you the best boats for charter in Malaga according to your criteria. This market leader also offers skippered charters.
Which boat to rent in Malaga?
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There is a wide range of boats for hire in Malaga :
- Sailboats offer the advantage of independence at sea and comfortable, adrenalin-filled stays. However, these boats are slower and more technical. What’s more, the weather plays a more important role. Sailing is therefore the privilege of the initiated or of crews accompanied by a skipper;
- Catamarans, on the other hand, boast a combination of sea thrills, stability and user-friendliness;
- The yachts, perfectly equipped and designed to accommodate large groups, offer more a luxurious experience at sea than an adventure;
- Small semi-rigid motorboats are easy to handle and require no special facilities, making them ideal for day charter. They are fast and provide good sensations at sea. They also consume more fuel.