Calahonda (Riviera)
Andalusia, Spain: Excellent water quality
Calahonda (Riviera) is a beach on Spain's coast that holds the Blue Flag award for environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety. The beach is open throughout its operating season, though visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out. April, May, and June are…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Calahonda (Riviera)
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Calahonda (Riviera)?
Calahonda (Riviera) is a beach on Spain's coast that holds the Blue Flag award for environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety. The beach is open throughout its operating season, though visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out. April, May, and June are the best months to visit. The Blue Flag designation means the beach meets standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making it a reliable choice for families and travelers concerned about environmental practices.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Andalusia, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Spain certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Calahonda (Riviera) faces south toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Feb | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Mar | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Apr | 16°C | 13°C | Med |
| May | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jun | 23°C | 20°C | Med |
| Jul | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Aug | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Nov | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Calahonda (Riviera) is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 25.3°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 22.3°C in July.
How crowded does Calahonda (Riviera) get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Spain, Calahonda (Riviera) sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Calahonda (Riviera) open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Calahonda (Riviera)
Is Calahonda (Riviera) safe to swim?Calahonda (Riviera) is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Calahonda (Riviera)?Peak water temperature at Calahonda (Riviera) reaches around 22.3°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.7°C.
What is the beach like at Calahonda (Riviera)?Calahonda (Riviera) on the Andalusia coast of Spain. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Calahonda (Riviera) have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Calahonda (Riviera) meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Showers are available. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Calahonda (Riviera) sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Spain? Blue Flag Beaches Spain 2026 , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Calahonda (Riviera)
How do I get to Calahonda (Riviera) by car?Calahonda (Riviera) is approximately 13.46 km from Marbella. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Calahonda (Riviera)?The nearest airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), approximately 91.8 km away.
Can I get to Calahonda (Riviera) by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Marbella. The nearest recorded bus stop is 296 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Calahonda (Riviera)?Calahonda (Riviera) lists Fuengirola as the nearest railway station, 11.96 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Calahonda (Riviera)
Open the map or get directions to the Calahonda (Riviera) pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | July – August |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 900 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 296 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 36.4855°N, 4.7380°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Spain |
Frequently Asked Questions
Calahonda (Riviera) FAQ
Is Calahonda (Riviera) suitable for children?
Calahonda (Riviera) has a child-friendly score of 4/10. Facilities include showers, toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Spain.
Is Calahonda (Riviera) free to access?
Access to Calahonda (Riviera) is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Andalusia, Spain, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Calahonda (Riviera)?
The best time to visit Calahonda (Riviera) is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 22.3°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Calahonda (Riviera)?
Calahonda (Riviera) is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Calahonda (Riviera)?
Calahonda (Riviera) is located in Andalusia, Spain. It is approximately 13.46 km from Marbella. The nearest airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), 91.8 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Spain, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore SpainWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Calahonda (Riviera)
- ADEAC (Asociación de Educación Ambiental y del Consumidor)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.