The beach

Torre del Mar has one long urban beach: roughly 2.5 km of dark, medium-grain sand facing the Alborán Sea, backed by a promenade the whole way. It holds a Blue Flag, which in Spain covers water quality, services and environmental management.

The sand is dark. That surprises visitors who expect Caribbean white, and it is simply the volcanic geology of this coast. It also means the sand gets hot in August, so bring something for your feet.

What you will find

• Lifeguards in season, showers, foot rinses and accessible toilets.
• Sun loungers and parasols for hire along the central stretch.
• Chiringuitos, the beach restaurants, where the sardine skewers are grilled in the open from spring to autumn.
• A dog beach at El Mortero, the western end, open all year.

Choosing your stretch

The centre of the seafront has the services and the crowds. The two ends are quieter. Poniente, to the west, leads to the lighthouse and the dog area. Levante, to the east, is the calmer side for a long walk. Before you set off, the town has a live beach camera, which is genuinely useful here: the afternoon wind can change the sea completely in half an hour.