Bahia de Casares, parhaat rannat

We've been going as a big group every Sunday for a few years now, and it's an absolutely fantastic spot to relax with family and friends. The restaurant and bar are both amazing.

This beach near Estepona is not a great choice for relaxation. It is one of the least attractive beaches in the region, with grimy sand and a rundown, budget-style resort atmosphere. It is definitely not worth the effort.

Calita Playa is absolutely stunning.

That place is your typical seaside spot, but one thing that really stands out is the lack of showers. You'll need to bring your own water if you want to rinse off after a dip in the sea. Another thing to note is that the sand is gray. Otherwise, it's an average beach.

This location is a real gem. It's spotless, with great amenities and the water is shallow for a long stretch, which is not typical for the region. The temperature here is higher than other nearby beaches. The views of the coast are stunning - on a clear day you can make out Gibraltar and Morroco. Access isn't easy as it's somewhat tucked away, but it's worth the effort.

A late November stroll with the pups was far from fabulous. The weather was uninviting and the beach was desolate. The experience failed to live up to expectations.