Mala Plage is Cap d'Ail's best beach and one of the most beautiful on the Riviera. This magnificent stretch of white sand and pebbles has the verdant Cap Mala on the eastern end and steeply rising cliffs on the western side. The seawater is consistently clean as harbours are far away. Lazing in this semicircle of Mediterranean greenery and gazing out over the rippling translucent water is the Cote d'Azur at its best. Couple the natural setting with two fine private beach-restaurants and you may never want to leave.

Access

But every silver lining has a cloud and in the case of Mala Plage that would be access to the beach. The only beach access is either via the coastal path that runs along Cap d'Ail's shore, or descending 100 steps from the Allée Mala near the Cap d'Ail train station. Needless to say, Mala Plage is unsuitable for the handicapped and families with small children.

Arriving by train makes sense as it eliminates the parking problem. There's a limited amount of parking at the train station and it fills up quickly in summer.

If you arrive by boat, contact one of the beach-restaurants below and they will shuttle you to the beach.

Facilities

The public portion of the beach is extensive and lies to the west of the privately-managed beaches at the foot of the staircase. Although more pebbly than sandy, there's a lifeguard from mid-June to mid-September and beach showers. There's also a net to protect against jellyfish. Either dine at one of the beach-restaurants or bring a picnic. There are no snack options.

Private Beach Restaurants

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The two private beach-restaurants on Mala Plage--Eden Plage and Cap Resort--are equally special. You'll find an array of services such as massage, taxi boat shuttles, wifi and fitness classes. You can have lunch or rent a lounge chair and umbrella from April to October. Dinner is served from late May through September.

Map

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Related Pages Cap d'Ail Beaches Plage Marquet Cap d'Ail Guide