19th June 2026 
Leave a commentDon’t miss the big summer solstice celebration in Malaga and on the Costa del Sol. We’ve got the details on all the activities in the coastal towns!
Summer Solstice Malaga & Costa del Sol
Let’s start by saying this: the summer solstice officially falls on June 21st and is celebrated in many cultures.
In Malaga, however, this celebration to welcome summer takes place on a different date. Locals celebrate it on the night of June 23rd into the 24th – St. John’s Day.
Why you shouldn’t miss the St. John’s Celebration in Malaga
Malaga hosts numerous folk and religious festivals throughout the year that draw thousands of people. However, the Festival of San Juan is arguably the biggest celebration of the year, as it takes place in every municipality along 160 kilometres of coastline.
In other words, no matter which Costa del Sol town you are in, you can join the festivities. You simply have to head down to the beach!
Typical things to do on the Night of San Juan
People – including entire families and groups of friends – gather on the beach starting in the late afternoon. Many set up picnics, bringing food, drinks or musical instruments.
One of the typical dishes for the night is espetos. These are sardines roasted over hot coals which you can buy at many beach bars.
For many, this lively evening lasts all night, culminating in watching the sunrise on the beach.
The key elements of the night are fire and water.
Fire
Until a few years ago, you could light fires on the sand. It was a magnificent sight to see practically the entire coastline illuminated by countless fires.
Unfortunately, open fires on the beach are no longer permitted.
However, municipalities set up large, controlled “official” bonfires. At midnight, the so-called Juas are burned there. They are large effigies that parody current events or represent something one wishes to cast off.
It is also very popular to burn slips of paper on which one has written things one wants to “let go” of. Until recently, it was also common to see people jumping over the fires.
Water
At midnight, taking a dip in the warm waters – or at least wetting your feet to attract good luck – is practically a must.
So, remember to wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel to dry off. And if you plan to stay all night, keep in mind that it gets chilly by the water’s edge. Bringing a light jacket is a good idea.
Where to celebrate Summer Solstice in Malaga in 2026 – Town by Town
Nerja
We begin with Nerja, the easternmost municipality on the Costa del Sol. Burriana Beach is the epicentre of the festivities there.
You can enjoy live music starting at 10 pm, a large bonfire and fireworks at midnight, followed by more live music.
Beach Bonfires
You will likely be interested to know that in 2026, Nerja – along with Manilva – is the only municipality where lighting fires is permitted on certain beaches (though not at Burriana, La Torrecilla, or Maro).
You may light a fire during the night of the 23rd into the 24th, from 8 pm on the 23rd until 3 sm on the 24th. However, please note that you cannot build the fire directly on the sand. You must use a barbecue or similar device.
Torre del Mar
In Torre del Mar, people celebrate the summer solstice at El Copo Beach, with festivities lasting from the afternoon into the early hours of the morning. Live music begins at 9 pm.
Enjoy grilled sardines, the traditional midnight burning of handmade rag effigies, and a fireworks display.
Additionally, a maritime-themed market will be set up in the area from June 20 to 23.
Rincón de la Victoria
In Rincón de la Victoria, people celebrate the Night of San Juan with festivities in its two coastal areas. In both La Cala del Moral and Torre de Benagalbón, you can enjoy music, dancing, local cuisine and bonfires.
La Cala del Moral
Starting at 8 pm, you can enjoy live music, a bar, and Zumba, Salsa, and Bachata classes. At midnight, the Júa will be burned in the large beach bonfire, followed by live music until 2 am.
Torre de Benagalbón
Starting at 8 pm, you can enjoy various dance groups, grilled sardines served at a very affordable price, and live music sessions until 1:30 am. At midnight, the San Juan Bonfire is lit, featuring the traditional burning of the Júa effigy.
Malaga
In the city of Malaga, people celebrate by the thousands. La Malagueta and La Misericordia are popular beaches for the solstice celebration.
The program includes live music starting at 9:30 pm.
In addition, there is the traditional burning of the Júa and a spectacular 14-minute fireworks display at midnight.
- How to get there La Misericordia I La Malagueta
Torremolinos
In Torremolinos, people celebrate the Night of San Juan in the popular old fishing district of La Carihuela. There, you can enjoy a great Moraga – a Malaga tradition featuring fish roasted over a wood fire by the sea – starting at 8:30 pm.
There is also a bar serving food and drinks at affordable prices, live music, the burning of Júas (traditional effigies), and a large bonfire at midnight.
Benalmadena
In Benalmadena, starting at 7 pm, you can enjoy traditional dancing, a bar with affordable prices, a sardine roast, live performances by local dance schools and groups and face painting.
In Benalmadena, this celebration also coincides with the fair held in honour of the town’s patron saint, which begins at 10 pm with the lighting of the fairgrounds.
At midnight, the burning of the Júas will take place, followed by a spectacular pyromusical show near Bil Bil Castle.
Fuengirola
In Fuengirola, the solstice festivities take place on San Francisco Beach. There, you can enjoy live music starting at 9:30 pm, as well as the burning of the Júas effigies and fireworks at midnight.
Marbella
In Marbella, the celebration takes place at Cable Beach. From 8 pm until 2 am, you can enjoy live music and various DJs, side activities, and the burning of the Júa at midnight.
Estepona
In Estepona, people celebrate at La Rada Beach starting at 9 pm. There will be a DJ, live music, and the burning of the Júas at midnight.
Casares
Casares has an extensive program for the solstice celebration taking place at Ancha Beach. The fun begins at 5 pm with a “Holi Colours” party and inflatable attractions. There is also a large play area on both the sand and in the water, as well as organized water activities.
Starting at 9 pm, there will be a flamenco performance followed by live music, culminating in the traditional lighting of the great San Juan bonfire.
Manilva
In Manilva, celebrations take place at Plaza de Manuel Luna starting at 10 pm, featuring live music. At midnight, the San Juan effigy will be burned, followed by a fireworks display. The party then continues with live music.
Beach Bonfires
Bonfires are permitted on Manilva’s beaches, but you must obtain prior authorization from the Town Hall. Telephone: +34 952 89 00 65.
FAQ
Are beach bars and restaurants open that night?
Yes, actually ist probably their busiest night. You will be able to get fast food (sandwiches, skewered fish) and drinks to take down to the sand, as many of them set up outddor counters.
Yet please keep in mind that is is absolutely essential too book in advance if you want to dine out by the sea during this special evening.
Can I light a little bonfire on the beach?
No. Unfortunately these times are over, at least for now. Almost all the municipalities along the Costa del Sol are now banning fires on the beach, exept for Nerja and Manilva, but with special rules.
In which municipalities can I make a bonfire on the beach?
For Summer solstice 2026, the only municipalities on the Costa del Sol where you can make a fire at the beach are Nerja and Manilva.
- Nerja allows bonfires, except on the beaches of Burriana, Torrecilla, and Maro. You can make a fire during the night of June 23–24, from 8 pm on the 23rd until 3 pm on the 24th. Important: Under no circumstances can you light bonfires directly on the sand. They must be contained within barbecues, metal bins or similar receptacles.
- Manilva does permit beach bonfires, but you have to obtain prior authorization from the Town Hall. Telephone: +34 952 89 00 65.
What should I bring to the beach for the celebration?
Wear comfortable beach clothes with your swimsuit underneath, and bring a towel and something warm, as it gets chilly by the sea at night.
What will traffic be like, and where is the best place to park?
If you plan to drive to the celebrations, it is best to arrive very early. Keep in mind that thousands of people travel along the Costa del Sol throughout the afternoon to attend the festivities. Consequently, traffic becomes very heavy since early evening due to the large number of people on the move.
The same applies to parking. Finding a parking spot near the beach after 8 pm is virtually impossible. We recommend using public underground parking garages. Or park in residential areas further away from the seafront and walking the rest of the way.
Also, be prepared for traffic jams on the main access roads to the beaches.
Is St. John’s Day a public holiday in Malaga?
No, June 24th (St. John’s Day) is a regular working day in Malaga and along the Costa del Sol, and shops and services operate as usual.
