Discover Playa del Peñón del Cuervo, The Locals Beach

We didn't plan to fall in love with Playa del Peñón del Cuervo. But then again, the best things in Málaga never seem to be on the itinerary.

We found it on a slow Saturday, after scanning Google Maps for something new in the area.

No sunbeds.

No one yelling "massage" in Spanish. Just a curving patch of dark sand, a jagged sea rock splitting the bay in two, and a few locals unpacking beach gear, including barbecues, like they owned the place.

That's when we knew: this wasn't just another beach, it was the locals' beach.

Let's discover Playa Penon del Cuervo, one of the best beaches in Malaga.

And it's now one of our go-to escapes.

P.S.

This truly feels like a local hidden gem. If you go, be respectful. We saw people barbecuing directly on the beach, not in the designated area, and you know what? That's fine by me. The same goes for kids cliff-diving off the rock. Don't go if you're going to kick up a fuss.

Where is Playa Penon del Cuervo

Playa Peñón del Cuervo sits East, just outside the main Malaga city area.

Technically, it’s part of the Los Baños del Carmen–La Araña stretch, but it’s separated by a rocky headland and a coastal walkway that makes getting there feel like a mini-adventure.

You won’t stumble upon this beach accidentally. It’s not visible from the main road, it's past the cement factory, and there’s no flashy signage.

What Makes Peñón del Cuervo So Special?

Peñón del Cuervo, or "The Crow's Rock," isn't flashy.

It's framed by craggy cliffs and defined by the iconic sea rock that cuts the beach in two.

This natural landmark makes for incredible photos as well as some fantastic snorkelling. All around the rock, we saw schools of fish hugging the side, and just out and to the right is another reef, easily accessible to even novice snorkelers. This makes it one of the few beaches in Malaga where there is an actual reef you can easily access.

If you're brave and the tide is behaving, there is even a little tunnel you can swim through. Be careful, it's easy to come back with a few scratches.

The rock itself is also a favourite for kids to show off their courage, as they dive into the ocean.

Be warned, the water is shallow here, and there is some risk. I'm not against it, but it should be done with supervision, depending on the age.

It's also the start of an amazing section of walkway that stretches kilometres through cutouts in the rock, along the cliff's edge, and even through a few tunnels.

Why Locals Love It (And Tourists Miss It)

Locals love it because it's theirs.

It's not on the hotel handouts. You won't see tour buses nearby. It's nowhere near anything touristy. And that's the charm.

You'll spot older couples playing cards in the shade of a beach umbrella, kids chasing waves, and friend groups grilling lunch in the designated BBQ area(mostly).

Just a local restaurant with great options and value for money, although the locals prefer to eat what they brought.

If you want sangria and sunbeds, this isn't your place. But if you're after a beach that's more laid back than most, where you can cook what you bring, and snorkel until your back is red, this is the place.

How to Get to Playa Penon del Cuervo

Because it's a little remote, getting there can be a small adventure if you're riding a bike or on foot.

Here are your options:

• By Car: It’s about a 20-minute drive east from central Málaga. There’s a free parking area just off the N-340, but it fills up fast on weekends. Arrive before 10 am to get a good spot.

• By Bike: Our favourite way to get there. The coastal bike path hugs the sea the whole way, passing through El Palo and Pedregalejo. It’s about 35–40 minutes from the city centre, depending on your pace (and how many photo stops you make).

• By Bus: Hop on EMT Bus Line 3 and get off near the El Candado area. From there, it’s a short but scenic 10-minute walk along the waterfront promenade. You’ll pass cliffs, tunnels, and the sea stretching out beside you.

• On Foot: If you’re up for a longer coastal walk, start from Baños del Carmen and follow the path east. It’ll take about an hour, but it’s one of Málaga’s most underrated seaside strolls.

Heads-up: there’s no taxi rank or rideshare hub nearby, so if you’re not driving or biking, make sure you’re good with walking a bit.

Penon del Cuervo Parking Map

Beach Facilities

• Parking: Multiple parking lots with space for 200+ cars

• Public Transport Access: Accessible by bus (Line 3)

• Showers: Basic beach showers are available

• Toilets: On-site restrooms for public use

• BBQ & Picnic Area: Designated barbecue zones with tables and benches, although locals do barbecue on the beach(usually out of the way)

• Walkways & Accessibility: Beach with wooden walkways/passerelles and access for people with reduced mobility

• Play/Sports Area: Small sports and children's play zone

• Lifeguard: Watchtower and lifeguard service in summer only

• Waste & Cleaning: Daily cleaning of sand and water, with bins for trash

• Environmental Information: Protected biotope with signage highlighting the native "siempreviva malagueña"

Chiringuito El Cuervo

Until recently, Peñón del Cuervo had zero beach bars. Now it has El Cuervo, a wooden-structured, pop-up chiringuito.

Run by Carmen and Luis, two Málaga locals who spent nearly 20 years fighting for this spot, El Cuervo is the first-ever hospitality concession on this beach. It’s temporary; however, it is only open from March 15 to October 15 each year.

What’s on the menu? Burgers, salads, sandwiches, and a few seafood options like octopus, clams, and scallops. No espetos yet, but they’re working on it.

When to Go

Early mornings are ideal for more peaceful swims and finding parking spaces close to the beach, while late afternoons bring dramatic sunsets against the sea rock.

Best months? May to early July, and September to mid-October. It's still sunny and warm, and there are generally fewer people.

Yes, though the swell varies. It's generally calm enough for kids and older swimmers.

There's usually one watchtower during summer months, but don't rely on full supervision.

Yes.

Bus Line 3 drops you off close. The final stretch is a coastal walk.

Unfortunately, this is not a dog beach.

Final Thoughts on Playa Penon del Cuervo

We love it.

Playa del Peñón del Cuervo is what we point to when people ask about "the real Málaga." It's not manicured. It's not marketed.

And if you make the effort to find it, you'll probably end up coming back.

For more ideas on exploring the coast, check out our guides to things to do in Malaga and day trips from Malaga. Wondering what Malaga is really like? We've written about that too.