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Marbella has 27 kilometres of coastline and the beaches vary greatly from one end to the other: urban in the centre, lively in Banús and with dunes in Cabopino.
Eight beaches from west to east, along with what you need to know about each one.
Cabopino is a nudist beach across much of its length, specifically on the section to the right of the ancient monument. It is highly recommended for families and is hardly ever mentioned.
It’s not a problem, but it’s worth bearing in mind: If you’re travelling with children and would rather avoid it, stay put on the left-hand side, next to the bar, which is the family area.
4.1 out of 348 reviews. The city’s premier beach, just minutes from the old town and right on the seafront.
The best thing: the shade provided by the trees along the promenade, which is very welcome in August.
It is the smallest: 200 metres long by 30 metres wide. It’s tucked away next to the harbour breakwater, which is why the water there is very sheltered.
That is precisely what makes it suitable for young children, although at that size it fills up quickly. 4.3 out of 138 reviews.
A word of warning from the reviews: the showers are advertised but don’t always work.
4.3 out of 538 reviews, and the one most closely linked to the old town: it takes just a few minutes to walk up to Plaza de los Naranjos.
Avenida del Mar is in front of it, with the sculptures by Salvador Dalí scattered across the esplanade. It is the most photographed promenade in Marbella.
And a specific note: When you go into the water, there are shells and stones. If you have sensitive feet, wear socks.
Approximate price: palapa around €10 per person.
4.3 out of 261 reviews, y It’s on the Golden Mile, between the town centre and Puerto Banús, near the Marbella Club and the Roman Bridge.
It is the quietest of those that are accessible: Soft sand, clean water and fewer people than on city beaches, with beach clubs and good restaurants nearby.
A practical tip: All along the seafront between Banús and Marbella there are free public toilets, which is rather unusual.
People come here for the atmosphere as well as for a swim: the beach is right next to the harbour, with its yachts, shops and beach clubs Levante Quay.
The problem is parking. The reviews all agree: There are only expensive car parks and it gets tricky during the peak season. Arrive early or use public transport.
It’s one of the dog-friendly beaches of the municipality.
4.3 out of 262 reviews. Spacious, open and considerably less crowded than those in the city centre, with the Cable Tower as a visual reference.
It has volleyball nets and plenty of space to lay out your towel.
Two honest warnings: There’s nowhere to buy a drink except for the beach clubs, which are usually packed; and several reviews point out that the water is less clean than in others.
Here is the Bounty, which is the name the area is commonly known by: it’s a beach restaurant, not the beach itself. On Sundays they serve live music, salsa and Latin music.
Vast sandy areas surrounded by pine forests, in the area of housing estates to the east. 4.3 out of 132 reviews.
Important notice: depending on the wind and the water temperature, jellyfish may be present. This is the area where they are mentioned most often.
Good for watching the sunrise: Several reviews recommend it for a run first thing in the morning.
By far the most popular: 4.4 out of nearly 4,800 reviews. It is about 16 kilometres from the city centre, next to the port of Cabopino.
What makes it different are the Artola Dunes, a protected Natural Monument, with wooden walkways which cross the dune ridge to the shore. Among the dunes lies the Torre Ladrones, a 16th–17th-century watchtower.
Four things you should know before you go:
It’s dog-friendly, and has lifeguards and toilets.
From west to east: Puerto Banús → Nagüeles → Fontanilla → El Faro → Venus → Cable → Las Chapas → Cabopino.
We are a local tour operator based in Málaga with over 50 years’ experience organising trips around Andalusia. Marbella and Puerto Banús by day, with Mijas as a bonus:
And from Marbella, to travel to other destinations:
For the rest of the plan: Marbella in a day, where to eat, Puerto Banús y what to see near Marbella.
Yes, for much of its length: the section to the right of the old monument is a nudist beach. It’s worth bearing this in mind, as it’s often recommended as a family beach without this being made clear. Anyone wishing to avoid it should head to the left-hand side, next to the bar, which is the family area.
It depends on your plans. Cabopino is the highest-rated — 4.4 out of nearly 4,800 reviews — for its protected dunes and its spaciousness, although it is 16 kilometres from the centre. If you want to walk from the old town, try La Fontanilla and Venus; and for a peaceful spot with good amenities, try Nagüeles, on the Golden Mile.
Faro Beach, due to its small size — 200 metres — and the fact that it is sheltered behind the harbour breakwater, which keeps the water calm. La Fontanilla is also a good choice because of its facilities. At Cabopino, it is worth bearing in mind that there is a nudist section and that there may be waves.
They may appear, particularly in the Las Chapas and Elviria areas, depending on the wind direction and water temperature. This isn’t always the case, so it’s best to ask at the beach bar or check the flags before going for a swim.
The sun lounger and parasol set at La Fontanilla costs around 18 euros a day, and the palapas at Venus cost around 10 euros per person. At the beach clubs on the eastern beaches, there are more expensive options that include a drink.
This is the weak point of the Marbella coastline. In Puerto Banús, there are only pay-and-display car parks with high charges; in Cabopino, there is a large car park which is overflowing in summer. The beaches in the town centre are best reached on foot or by public transport from the town centre.
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