This is a small and secluded beach with two excellent restaurants and safe swimming. Plage Mala is a little haven.
Plage Mala Beach, Cap d'Ail
A find pebbly beach with a safe swimming area
The two staircases wind down through a cool fragrant forest of palm trees, yuccas and pines before coming out at either end of a crescent-shaped bay. Much of the beach is taken up with deckchairs and sun loungers from the two restaurants but there is still plenty of public beach available, with showers and toilets provided.
Neither of the restaurants are cheap, so if you are visiting “en famille” you may prefer to bring a picnic; there are no shops or snack bars within close distance. Both restaurants offer services such as sunbed rental, massage, boat-taxi (to bring you ashore if you arrive via boat), boutique, etc. Each one has a bar area where there are regular live music concerts.
There is no parking, access is via a lot of steps and hidden from view; but it rarely gets overcrowded.
Beach Bars & Beachclubs in Nice
If you want to treat yourself then nothing could be nicer than sitting in the shade of either La Reserve de la Mala or Eden Plage Mala with an ice cold glass of rosé and a plate of fresh seafood.
Setting & Location
This beach is within walking distance of Cap d’Ail town. Walkable from both the bus and train but due to the number of steps to access the beach it's not advisable for pushchairs/wheelchairs/etc.
Water Safety & Clarity
The safe swimming zone is marked out with yellow floats and there is a smaller area marked out in white to keep children near to the shoreline. Beyond the swimming zone there is usually a small flotilla of yachts and speedboats bobbing peacefully in the bay. There is a lifeguard on duty during peak season.
Beach Quality
The pebbles get smaller and smaller towards the water until they are almost as smooth as sand.
Watersports Nearby
You can also hire pedalos (with a slide!) or try your hand at paddle boarding - this is a great place to find your balance as the water is so calm and you won’t get any jet skis whizzing past.
Directions
The small bay is tucked away beneath the cliffs of Cap d’Ail; you can reach it via a short walk along the Sentier Littoral from the train station or from following the road down from Edmond’s bus stop. Either way, there are a few(!) stairs to navigate, so leave the heavy cool-box and enormous inflatable crocodile at home.
Villas nearby
Villas in Nice
See all Villas in Nice-
Enquire 
Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
4 bedroom Villa in La Roquette-sur-Var. Sleeps 8
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
-
Enquire 
Hsud0145 Villa
3 bedroom Villa in Nice. Sleeps 10
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
-
Enquire 
Aurelia Villa, Vence
5 bedroom Villa in Vence. Sleeps 10
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
-
Enquire 
Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
4 bedroom Villa in La Gaude. Sleeps 8
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
-
Enquire 
Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
3 bedroom Villa in Saint Paul de Vence. Sleeps 6
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
-
Enquire 
Hsud0081 Villa
4 bedroom Villa in Nice. Sleeps 8
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Nice
See all Hotels in Nice-
Check Booking.com 
Le Palais de la Mediterranee Hotel
Grand seafront hotel ideal for both business & luxury holidays alike
Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this contemporary hotel features a casino, an indoor & outdoor pool and spa facilities.
-
Check Booking.com 
La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
Charming Provençal retreat with luxury suites, panoramic terrace, and Michelin-starred dining
La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse sits within five hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. It overlooks the surrounding plains and the Bay of Cannes, offering stunning views and a feast for the senses.
-
Check Booking.com 
Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze
Charming Chateau hotel with stunning views & Michelin quality restaurant
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Château Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
-
Check Booking.com 
Cap-Ferrat Grand Hotel, Cap-Ferrat
Right on the waters edge with spa & Michelin starred restaurant
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
-
Check Booking.com 
Exedra Hotel, Nice Centre
Excellent location, close to all sights and shops within walking distance
The 5-star Luxury Boscolo Exedra Nice is located in the centre of Nice, a few minutes from the old town, the boutiques of Place Masséna, the famous Promenade Des Anglais and the Conference Center.
-
Check Booking.com 
Suisse Hotel
Exclusive establishment with a unique location on the French Riviera
The Hotel Suisse is ideally situated between right on the beach front and offers fantastic, uninterrupted sea views right in the heart of Nice.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Eze
See all Things To Do in Eze-
Visit website 
Solar Powered Boat Trip
6 person Motor Boat tours along the French Riviera
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
-
Visit website 
Sunset Boat Trip
Sunset motor boat tour along the French Riviera
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
-
Cote d'Azur Luxury Motor Boat Trip 
Cote d'Azur Luxury Motor Boat Trip
7-10 person motor boat with snorkelling
This boat trip departs from Beaulieu-sur-Mer and can run for 2, 3 or 4 hours - so you can choose whether you want a quick spin along the coast or a more extended trip.
-
Enquire 
Mediterranean Sport Fishing Trip
Recreational sport fishing trip from Nice, Cannes & Monaco
Based in Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, this company can offer fishing trips from Beaulieu and also Nice, Cannes and Monaco out into the Mediterranean for all levels of fisher, from complete beginner to expert. They are also family friendly so those who would like an outing with their children can join one of their trips.
-
Enquire 
Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip
10 person motor boat with whale & dolphin watching
Departing from Beaulieu-sur-Mer, this fantastic boat trip lets you observe some of the most beautiful marine wildlife that live within the Mediterranean.
-
Cannes & Islands Luxury Motor Boat Trip, Beaulieu 
Cannes & Islands Luxury Motor Boat Trip, Beaulieu
7-10 person Boat trip exploring Cannes & the Islands
This is a four hour coastal trip departing from Beaulieu-sur-Mer to explore the gems of the Cote d'Azur with opportunities to swim and snorkel in the glistening Mediterranean.
Read more about Cannes & Islands Luxury Motor Boat Trip, Beaulieu
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Eze
See all Restaurants in Eze-
Enquire 
Restaurant des Rois, Beaulieu Sur Mer
Described as "The restaurant of kings & the king of restaurants"
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
-
Enquire 
Chateau Eza Restaurant, Eze
Luxury restaurant serving French and Mediterranean cuisine
Château Eza offers a Michelin recommended restaurant serving à la carte French and Mediterranean cuisine against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera.
-
Enquire 
La Table de Patrick Raingeard Restaurant, Eze
Excellent food showcased directly from the kitchen garden
The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
Read more about La Table de Patrick Raingeard Restaurant, Eze
-
Enquire 
La Chevre d'Or Restaurant, Eze
Michelin-starred restaurant serving sophisticated, fresh tasting cuisine
This gourmet restaurant offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean and gained two Michelin stars in 2011.
-
Enquire 
Le V Restaurant, Eze
Modern French cuisine in the Hotel Eze Hermitage
Bar, restaurant and terrace set in a lush Mediterranean garden just 15 minutes from Nice or Monaco.
-
Enquire 
Eden Plage Mala Beach Club, Cap d'Ail
Excellent beach club nestled in a spectacular setting amongst the rocks
Peace and tranquillity on this private beach that is hidden away in an intimate cove. You have to walk a bit to get to this beach club, but the welcome and calm environment is well worth the effort.
Sights nearby
Sights in Nice
See all Sights in Nice-
Visit website 
Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
Museum tracing the history of evolution through the ages
The area around the Cote d'Azur is rich in prehistoric artefacts, many of which can be found in this fascinating museum.
-
Visit website 
Parfumerie Fragonard, Eze
Factory and museum of one of the leading producers of perfume in France
This factory for perfume, soap and cosmetics, has very modern laboratories and workshops. Discover the secrets of manufacturing perfumes and cosmetics.
-
Visit website 
Exotic Garden, Eze
Exotic garden created in the castle ruins of Eze offering stunning views
Eze's exotic gardens were created after the Second World War, in the ruins of Eze castle. Located on steep terrain, it boasts wonderful panoramic views of the sea, the Esterel mountains and the Saint-Tropez gulf.
-
Visit website 
Parfumerie Galimard, Eze
Perfume factory & museum with guided visits & workshops
Free guided tours of a historic perfume factory in the medieval village of Eze.
-
Visit website 
Kerylos Villa
Recreation of a Greek Villa built by Theodore Reinach & his wife
At the edge of the sea, facing the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, the villa is a magic place that takes you back in time. Discover this French Riviera seaside palazzo, a luxurious recreation of an Ancient Greek villa.
-
Visit website 
Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Stunning villa of Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, a wealthy French socialite
This impressive villa was built in 1906 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. It overlooks the Mediterranean sea from Cap Ferrat and it is full of antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures and a collection of rare porcelain, while the gardens are classified as Notable Gardens of France.
Read more about Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Nice
See all Golf Courses in Nice-
Enquire 
Royal Mougins Golf Course
Luxurious golf course that forms part of the Royal Mougins Resort & Estate
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
-
Enquire 
Cannes-Mougins Golf Country Course
All the features one can expect from a modern golf club
The Cannes-Mougins Golf Club provides all features you are expecting from a modern golf within an historical environment. The Cannes Country Club was founded in 1923 by a group of illustrious gentlemen such as Aga Khan, Prince Pierre of Monaco and Baron Edouard de Rothschild.
-
Enquire 
Golf Course de Villeneuve-Loubet, Villeneuve Loubet
A 9 hole course close to the town of Grasse in the heart of the Riviera
A great course for beginners to experienced players, slightly hilly, the greens are linked in a calm and exotic atmosphere in the heart of the Riviera.
Read more about Golf Course de Villeneuve-Loubet, Villeneuve Loubet
-
Enquire 
Claux Amic Golf Course, Grasse
17th century hunting estate offering a technical 18-hole golf course
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
-
Enquire 
Old Course Golf Course, Cannes-Mandelieu
Oldest golf course on the French Riviera, dating back to 1891
The Cannes-Mandelieu Old Race golf course was drawn and traced by Harry Colt in 1891 at the request of Grand Duke Michel of Russia.
-
Enquire 
Biot Golf Course, Biot
Beautiful golf course close to the coast near Antibes
The course of Biot Golf Club extends over 4511m, and has been designed so that it is suitable for players of all levels, but also to enhance the beauty of the site.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Nice
See all Towns & Villages in Nice-
Cap d'Ail 
Cap d'Ail
Friendly seaside resort with a splash of old school glamour
A friendly seaside resort with a splash of old-school glamour, Cap d'Ail has several beaches ranging from fine sandy beaches with elegant restaurants, to remote and rocky coves.
-
Eze 
Eze
An incredible little village perched by the sea
A wonderful medieval village, Eze is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Riviera with a ruined 12th century castle at its pinnacle. It's actually split into two very distinct areas - Eze-Sur-Mer and Eze Village.
-
Beaulieu-sur-Mer 
Beaulieu-sur-Mer
An old-fashioned Riviera town between Nice and Monaco
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is filled with Belle Époque buildings, cafés and restaurants.
-
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Small village surrounded by luxury villas
Sitting on a beautiful rocky peninsula of pine trees and palms just to the east of Nice is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This area is the epitome of elegance and old Riviera glamour: from the small, chic harbour to the palatial gated villas and magnificent gardens of celebrities, oligarchs and famous family dynasties.
-
Villefranche-sur-Mer 
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Pretty medieval coastal town to the east of Nice centre
Just to the east of Nice lies the coastal town of Villefranche-sur-Mer; with its little cobblestone lanes and 16th century citadel.
-
Cap de Nice 
Cap de Nice
Wonderful national park area with a hilltop fortress
Cap de Nice and Mont Boron is a peaceful exclusive area to the east of Nice and is a mix of affluent residential properties and a national park.
