Discover Paradise: The Best Beaches in Marbella for 2024

best beaches in marbella

Marbella, the jewel of Costa del Sol, has long been synonymous with luxury, glamour, and most importantly, stunning beaches. With its 27 kilometers of sun-kissed coastline, this Mediterranean paradise offers an array of sandy havens to suit every taste. From bustling urban stretches to secluded coves, Marbella’s beaches are a testament to the town’s diverse appeal.

In 2024, Marbella continues to shine as a premier beach destination, boasting an impressive 11 Blue Flag beaches. This prestigious eco-label is awarded to beaches that meet stringent standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, and services. It’s a testament to Marbella’s commitment to providing visitors with world-class beach experiences.

As we embark on this sun-soaked journey through Marbella’s coastline, prepare to discover the best beaches that cater to families, luxury-seekers, water sports enthusiasts, and those simply looking to bask in the Andalusian sun.

Golden Mile Beaches

The Golden Mile, Marbella’s most prestigious stretch of real estate, is home to some of the town’s most coveted beaches. Here, luxury and natural beauty intertwine to create truly memorable coastal experiences.

Playa Nagüeles stands out as one of the most beautiful beaches in Marbella. This Blue Flag beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering clean, calm waters perfect for swimming. The beach is well-equipped with sun loungers and parasols for rent, allowing you to relax in comfort as you soak up the Mediterranean sun.

What sets Nagüeles apart is its prime location along the Golden Mile. Here, you can indulge in celebrity spotting or simply admire the luxurious yachts anchored offshore. For those seeking a more active beach day, water sports rentals are readily available. When hunger strikes, head to one of the beachfront chiringuitos, such as the popular Trocadero Playa, known for its delectable Mediterranean cuisine and unparalleled sea views.

Just a stone’s throw away lies Playa del Ancón, another gem of the Golden Mile. This beach stands out for its darker sand and abundant vegetation, with palm trees and pine groves providing natural shade. Despite its proximity to Puerto Banús and Marbella town, Ancón beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for those seeking a bit more space and privacy.

Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do at Ancón, with options to rent catamarans, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. The beach is also home to Victor’s Beach, one of Marbella’s most famous beach bars, where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail with your toes in the sand.

Urban Beaches in Marbella Center

For those who prefer to stay close to the heart of Marbella, the town’s urban beaches offer a perfect blend of convenience and coastal charm.

Playa de la Fontanilla is perhaps Marbella’s main urban beach, stretching for about a kilometer along the town’s famous Paseo Marítimo. Its central location makes it easily accessible from many hotels and apartments in Marbella’s center. The promenade backing the beach is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, ensuring you’re never far from refreshments or beach essentials.

 

Fontanilla beach offers a wide range of amenities, including sun lounger and parasol rentals, showers, and lifeguard services during the summer months. Water sports enthusiasts can rent jet skis or try their hand at parasailing. As the sun sets, the chiringuitos along the beach come alive, offering everything from traditional Spanish paella to fresh grilled seafood.

Just a short walk east from Fontanilla, you’ll find Playa del Cable. This trendy urban beach got its name from the cable that once transported minerals to waiting freighters, a remnant of Marbella’s industrial past. Today, it’s known as one of the coolest beaches on the Costa del Sol, particularly popular among younger crowds.

Cable Beach, also known as Bounty Beach due to a popular nearby bar, offers a more modern beach experience. Here, you can enjoy chill-out music, beach volleyball, and a variety of water sports. Don’t miss the Sunday parties during the summer months, which have become a staple of Marbella’s beach scene.

For families looking for a beach day close to Marbella’s Old Town, Playa el Faro is an excellent choice. This small, sheltered beach is only 200 meters long and 30 meters wide, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm and convenience. The shallow, calm waters make it ideal for children, and there’s a large play area right on the beach.

El Faro beach, named after the lighthouse (“faro” in Spanish) at its eastern end, is well-equipped with showers, toilets, and lifeguard services. Its proximity to the Old Town means you can easily combine a beach day with some sightseeing or shopping in Marbella’s historic center.

Puerto Banús Beaches

No discussion of Marbella’s beaches would be complete without mentioning the glamorous Puerto Banús area. Known for its luxury yachts, high-end boutiques, and vibrant nightlife, Puerto Banús also boasts some of Marbella’s most popular beaches.

Playa Puerto Banús, also known as Playa de Levante, is a Blue Flag beach that stretches for about a kilometer along the eastern side of the marina. The beach features fine golden sand and calm, shallow waters, making it a hit with families. Despite its proximity to the glitz and glamour of Puerto Banús, the beach itself offers a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere.

Facilities at Puerto Banús beach are excellent, with plenty of sun loungers and parasols for rent, as well as showers, toilets, and lifeguard services. The promenade behind the beach is lined with chiringuitos and restaurants, offering everything from casual beach snacks to gourmet meals.

For those seeking a more upscale beach experience, the western end of Puerto Banús is home to several exclusive beach clubs. While these clubs come with a hefty price tag, they offer a level of luxury and service that’s hard to match, complete with designer sun loungers, gourmet restaurants, and world-class DJs.

East Marbella Beaches

As we move east from Marbella’s center, we encounter some of the area’s most stunning and diverse beaches.

Playa de Alicate, also known as Playa Pinomar, is often cited as one of Marbella’s most beautiful beaches. Its golden, soft sand and clear waters make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Although it’s one of the narrower beaches in Marbella, at just 25 meters wide, it stretches for 850 meters along the coa

What truly sets Alicate apart is its impressive concentration of beach bars. With 18 chiringuitos dotting its length, you’re never far from a cold drink or a delicious meal. Popular spots include El Arenal, Bono’s Beach, and Aquí te quiero ver. The beach is located next to the exclusive Los Monteros urbanization, adding a touch of celebrity allure to its already considerable charm.

Further east, we find Playa el Pinillo, a spacious beach stretching over 1.5 kilometers. What makes El Pinillo unique is its large areas of sand dunes, providing a more natural beach experience. The western end of the beach is popular for beach sports, with several football pitches marked out in the sand.

 

El Pinillo is also a hotspot for water sports, particularly kitesurfing. The beach is home to several kitesurfing and water sports schools, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. After an active day on the water, don’t miss the chance to refuel at El Kiosko KiteSurf, known for its excellent Argentinian meat and empanadas.

Last but certainly not least in our tour of East Marbella is Playa Cabopino. This family-friendly beach is renowned for its fine sand and shallow waters, making it perfect for children. The beach has received a Blue Flag award in 2024, recognizing its cleanliness and excellent facilities.

Cabopino offers a wide range of water sports, from jet skiing to stand-up paddleboarding. You can also embark on dolphin-watching trips from the nearby marina. History buffs will appreciate the Torre Ladrones (Thieves Tower), a 16th-century watchtower that stands guard over the beach.

As the day winds down, Cabopino beach treats visitors to some of the most spectacular sunsets on the Costa del Sol. For a perfect end to your beach day, head to Cocoa Beach Marbella for innovative cocktails and a bohemian-chic atmosphere.

West Marbella Beaches

The beaches west of Marbella town offer a more secluded experience, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

Playa Guadalmina, located between Puerto Banús and San Pedro de Alcántara, is a quiet stretch of coastline that exudes an air of exclusivity. The beach runs alongside Marbella’s first golf course, which has attracted numerous celebrities and royals over the years.

What sets Guadalmina apart is its secluded nature. With limited car access and fewer facilities than some of Marbella’s more central beaches, it offers a peaceful retreat for those in the know. The beach boasts spectacular views of Gibraltar and the Moroccan Rif Mountains on clear days. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Roman baths ruins and the Almenara Watchtower that can be found nearby.

Further west, we find Playa San Pedro de Alcántara, a long and wide beach that rarely feels crowded due to its size. The beach is backed by a seafront promenade and cycle path, making it popular among locals for morning jogs or evening strolls.

San Pedro beach offers plenty of chiringuitos and restaurants along its promenade, as well as ample space for beach sports. One quirky feature is the life-size elephant sculpture that doubles as a shower – a hit with children and the young at heart alike.

Specialty Beaches

For those seeking a more unique beach experience, Marbella has you covered.

The eastern end of Cabopino beach connects with Playa Artola, home to the protected Dunas de Artola. This is the only beach in Marbella not backed by urban development, offering a truly natural coastal experience. It’s also home to Marbella’s official nudist beach, for those who prefer to sunbathe au naturel.

Dog owners will be pleased to know that Marbella offers two dog-friendly beach areas: a section of El Pinillo beach near Trocadero Arena, and a stretch at Ventura del Mar in Nueva Andalucía. These areas allow dogs to run free and enjoy the sea without restrictions.

Beach Safety and Etiquette

While enjoying Marbella’s beautiful beaches, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect for the environment. Always heed lifeguard warnings and pay attention to beach flags indicating water conditions. Protect yourself from the strong Mediterranean sun with high-SPF sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

Remember to respect local rules and the environment. Take your litter with you or use provided bins, and avoid removing sand or shells from the beach. By following these simple guidelines, we can all help preserve Marbella’s beautiful coastline for future generations.

Best Times to Visit Marbella Beaches

While Marbella enjoys a mild climate year-round, the best time for beach-going is typically from May to October. July and August are the hottest months and also the busiest, with beaches reaching peak capacity. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of May-June or September-October, when the weather is still warm but the crowds are thinner.

From the glamorous shores of the Golden Mile to the natural beauty of Cabopino, Marbella’s beaches offer something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly spot with calm waters, a trendy beach club for people-watching, or a secluded cove for quiet relaxation, you’ll find it along Marbella’s diverse coastline.

Each beach in Marbella has its own unique character and charm, reflecting the town’s multifaceted appeal. From urban beaches with all the amenities to more natural stretches where you can connect with the Mediterranean landscape, Marbella’s coast is a treasure trove of sandy delights waiting to be explored.

So grab your sunscreen, don your favorite swimwear, and prepare to discover why Marbella’s beaches are considered among the best in Spain. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Marbella aficionado, the town’s stunning coastline never fails to impress, offering new experiences and unforgettable memories with every visit. Welcome to beach paradise – welcome to Marbella!

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Jimmy Widén

Founder / CEO

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Get in touch if you would like further guidance on this subject or want to know anything else about the lifestyle you could have living in Marbella

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