Calahonda
Andalusia, Spain: Excellent water quality
Calahonda is a beach on the Spain coastline with a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before visiting. April through June are the best months…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Calahonda
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Calahonda?
Calahonda is a beach on the Spain coastline with a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before visiting. April through June are the best months to visit. The Blue Flag certification comes from the Foundation for Environmental Education, a global program that verifies these standards annually.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Andalusia, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Spain certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Calahonda 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 | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jun | 23°C | 20°C | Med |
| Jul | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Calahonda is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 25.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 22.8°C in July.
How crowded does Calahonda get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Spain, Calahonda sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Calahonda 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
Is Calahonda safe to swim?Calahonda 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?Peak water temperature at Calahonda reaches around 22.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.8°C.
What is the beach like at Calahonda?Calahonda on the Andalusia coast of Spain. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Calahonda have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Calahonda 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 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
How do I get to Calahonda by car?Calahonda is approximately 10.6 km from Motril. 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?The nearest airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), approximately 28.8 km away.
Can I get to Calahonda by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Motril. The nearest recorded bus stop is 138 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Calahonda
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Calahonda. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Calahonda
- Public toilets Public toilets 33 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 490 m
Bus near Calahonda
- Bus stop Bus stop 138 m
- Calahonda Bus stop 147 m
Cafés near Calahonda
- El Ancla Restaurant 81 m
- La media luna Café 99 m
- Bar Calasol Restaurant 109 m
- Chiringuito El Rebalaje Playa Restaurant 119 m
- Chococó Gelato Ice cream 136 m
Parking near Calahonda
- Parking Parking 6 m
- Parking Parking 26 m
- Parking Parking 35 m
- Parking Parking 40 m
- Parking Parking 55 m
Supermarket near Calahonda
- Supermercado Covirán María José Supermarket 89 m
- Covirán Supermarket 296 m
- Covirán Supermarket 339 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
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 – September |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (street-side parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 90 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 138 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 36.7006°N, 3.4156°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Spain |
Frequently Asked Questions
Calahonda FAQ
Is Calahonda suitable for children?
Calahonda has a child-friendly score of 4/10. Facilities include showers, toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Spain.
Is Calahonda free to access?
Access to Calahonda 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?
The best time to visit Calahonda 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 22.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Calahonda?
Calahonda 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?
Calahonda is located in Andalusia, Spain. It is approximately 10.6 km from Motril. The nearest airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), 28.8 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Calahonda?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 2 toilet locations near Calahonda, including 33 m away and 490 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Calahonda?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 138 m from Calahonda (Bus stop), plus 1 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Calahonda?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Calahonda, including El Ancla (81 m), La media luna (99 m), Bar Calasol (109 m), and Chiringuito El Rebalaje Playa (119 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Calahonda?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 6 m from Calahonda, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Calahonda?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 89 m from Calahonda (Supermercado Covirán María José). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
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
- 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.