Discover the Best Beaches in Marbella: A Tour along the Costa del Sol

Welcome to this guide to the best beaches in Marbella. The Costa del Sol is known for its spectacular beaches and Marbella is no exception. With more than 20 beaches, this Andalusian town has a lot to offer for those looking to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. From the urban area, where you can find family beaches and beach parties to natural and wild corners, where you can practice water sports or moor your boat.
Marbella has beaches to suit all tastes.
In this Marbella Beach Guide we will differentiate between the beaches in the east, west and centre of Marbella, so that you can find the best options according to your preferences. Let’s start our tour of the beaches of Marbella!

Beaches in Marbella – West Zone

Nagüeles: Marbella’s most exclusive beach

Nagüeles Beach, located on Marbella’s exclusive Golden Mile between the Marbella Club Hotel and the Puente Romano Beach Resort, offers a luxurious and sophisticated setting for those looking for a unique beach holiday on the Costa del Sol.

With a length of 1.6 km and an average width of 400 metres, it offers enough space to enjoy a day at the beach without having to worry about finding a spot. Its fine golden sand and the absence of stones, offers comfort for strolling along the shore.

Although it is easily accessible from Marbella’s promenade, it is not so easy to find parking.

However, for those who have a boat, the area has an anchorage where you can drop anchor.

It is known to be a favourite destination for celebrities who stay in the nearby hotels and villas, so it is very likely that you will cross paths with a celebrity in the summer months.

As well as enjoying crystal clear waters and golden sand, Nagüeles offers a wide variety of exclusive restaurants such as La Milla, Trocadero Petit Playa, MC Beach and El Chiringuito, where seafood dishes predominate.

There is also the possibility of renting hammocks and equipment for water sports. A few minutes away is Samoa Surf Shop, where you can book private or group lessons for all levels of windsurfing or kitesurfing.

In the area you can find an open air gym on the sand of the beach, a massage area and the famous Marbella Club jetty, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset.

This beach has the prestigious Blue Flag, which guarantees the quality of its waters and services. If you are looking for a relaxing day in an exclusive and sophisticated atmosphere, Nagüeles is the ideal beach for you. Come and enjoy the most exclusive beach in Marbella!

Discover the exclusivity of Puerto Banús Beach in Marbella

If you’re looking for a glamorous and exclusive beach, Puerto Banús beach is the perfect choice in this guide. One of the best beaches, located just 7km from Marbella, this 1.5km long and 40m wide beach is one of the most luxurious areas in the Mediterranean. It allows you to enjoy a stroll along the beach while watching the most luxurious yachts moored in the harbour. It is undoubtedly one of the top beach destinations in Spain.

Famous for the luxurious harbour it has been home to since 1970. Cívitas Puerto Banús has 915 berths and offers all kinds of services and facilities for your comfort.

The beach of Puerto Banús has beach clubs and restaurants of the highest level, such as the Ocean Club, Restaurante Camuri or SLVJ Marbella that offer a wide variety of services for you to enjoy your day at the beach in an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.

Although access on foot is easy, parking is paid and it can be difficult to find a parking space in high season due to the high number of people.

As in Nagüeles beach, you can find an area where you can anchor your boat.

Children can enjoy themselves in the recreational areas and playgrounds in the surrounding area. The beach also has lifeguards and lifeguard posts to ensure everyone’s safety.

To rent sun loungers and deckchairs, you must be prepared to pay high prices. The beach offers calm waters thanks to its protection with breakwaters and has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, which guarantees the quality of its waters and services.

In addition, this year the Marbella Town Hall has implemented a new system of cameras on the beaches that will allow you to consult the degree of occupation and other indicators of interest, from a web application. It is the first city in Andalusia to implement this initiative.

In short, Puerto Banús beach is the perfect place to enjoy luxury and exclusivity in a privileged setting. Come and spend your holidays on the most glamorous beach on the Costa del Sol!

 

Enjoy a family day of sun and beach in the peaceful San Pedro Alcantara

San Pedro Alcántara beach is an attractive option for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. Despite not having the best quality sand, with some rocks present, it offers a very pleasant promenade and a good amount of gastronomic options in the surrounding area. It is also one of the most accessible beaches in the area, with free and easy parking.

The atmosphere is familiar and relaxed, and it is an ideal place to enjoy a day at the beach in a natural and quiet environment. In addition, the beach has some shaded areas thanks to the nearby palm trees, which makes it even more comfortable for those who wish to spend a whole day enjoying the coast. It is worth mentioning that the beach of San Pedro Alcántara has had the Blue Flag since 2018, every year maintenance and care tasks are carried out on the beaches, in order to maintain this recognition.

The best beach bars that stand out in the area are: Bora Bora Beach Club, La Pesquera and Marisquería El Ancla. All of them specialise in fish and seafood typical of Andalusian cuisine.

In short, if you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy a day at the beach in a family atmosphere, San Pedro Alcántara beach is an excellent choice. With its easy access, good gastronomic offer and pleasant natural surroundings, it is one of the most recommended beaches in the area.

 

Beaches in Marbella – Center Zone

El Cable: the widest and most peaceful beach in the city

El Cable beach, located right in the centre of the city and with a curious history behind its name, cannot be missing in this Marbella Beach Guide, a perfect place to enjoy the sun, sports and partying.

Its name is due to the remains of a loading dock built in 1957 that provided a transport system to take the minerals extracted in the mountains to the ships that docked at sea.

It does not have a promenade, but it is 400 metres long and 1250 metres long. This beach is the widest in the city and has a low level of occupation, which makes it a quiet and pleasant place. It also has easy access and parking, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to leave your car.

It also has the port Marina la Bajadilla, with mooring for 395 boats and basic services for the care of the boats.

 

This beach is especially popular during the festival of San Juan, when a large bonfire is held on the sand. It is also an ideal place for moragas, an Andalusian tradition in which sardines are grilled and a good meal is shared on the beach.

In terms of sports, El Cable beach is perfect for playing beach volleyball, football or frisbee, thanks to its wide expanse of sand. It is also a good place to exercise on the beach, such as jogging or walking.
However, there is a lack of sun loungers and umbrellas for rent.

El Cable beach is also known for being home to two of the most emblematic and exclusive beach clubs in town: Playa Padre and Opium Beach Club Marbella. Both are famous for their musical atmosphere and vibrant energy. They are also essential destinations for summer beach parties, where you can enjoy the best music and the liveliest atmosphere. If you like music and good food, you should definitely visit Playa Padre and Opium Marbella on your next trip to this beach.

 

El Faro: Enjoy the sun and the sea in the heart of Marbella

El Faro beach, located next to the Marbella Marina, is named after the lighthouse that presides over its promenade. It is one of the most popular beaches due to its proximity to the city centre and its wide range of entertainment in the surrounding area. It has fine, white sand and two breakwaters that prevent high waves, making it easy for children to swim.

Aunque su acceso es fácil, puede resultar complicado encontrar aparcamiento en temporada alta. Con una longitud de 200 metros y una anchura de 30 metros, esta playa reúne una amplia oferta gastronómica la mayoría de los chiringuitos ofrecen alquiler de hamacas. Los cuales te dan la opción de sentarte a comer en sus restaurantes o pedir desde tu propia tumbona para disfrutar comiendo con vistas al mar.

En resumen, una playa ideal para disfrutar del sol y el mar en un ambiente urbano, rodeado de una amplia oferta de ocio y diversión en sus alrededores.

 

Venus – Bajadilla Beach: a family destination in the heart of Marbella

If you are looking for a beach in Marbella to enjoy with your family, the beach of Venus – Bajadilla is an excellent choice. In the heart of the promenade, with a length of 400 metres and a width of 40 metres, on this beach you can enjoy a quiet and safe environment to spend the day with the youngest members of the family.

In addition to the sun lounger and parasol rental area, the beach has a children’s playground, toilets, showers and the constant presence of lifeguards and lifeguards, which guarantees peace of mind for parents while the children are having fun on the beach.

This beach has the Ensenada de Marbella, where you can anchor your boat 6 metres from the sand.

Like the beach at Puerto Banús, this year a new surveillance system was implemented which allows you to check the occupancy rate at any given moment via a web application.
Although parking can be difficult due to the beach’s location in the city centre, the promenade offers many terraces and restaurants to enjoy a good meal or a drink at sunset.

If you are looking for a family destination in the heart of Marbella, the beach of Venus – Bajadilla is an excellent choice. With everything you need for a family day out, and a good range of leisure and dining options in the surrounding area, this beach is a must on your visit to the city.

 

Beaches in Marbella – East Zone

Alicate Playa: Marbella’s hidden jewel

To the east of the city, we find a quiet beach away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Located just 7 km from the centre of Marbella, Alicate Playa is 1,850 metres long and is known for its fine sand and dunes, which create a natural and relaxed atmosphere.

As well as enjoying the sun and sea, Alicate Playa offers a wide variety of dining options in its area of restaurants and beach clubs. Some of the recommended places are La plage Casanis, Luuma Beach, NOSSO Summer Club, Hipopotamos Beach, Restaurante Los Sardinales or Aquí te quiero ver.

But that’s not all: Alicate Playa has sun lounger and parasol rental services, an area for water sports, as well as showers and parking, making your visit even more comfortable and pleasant.

Bonfires are allowed in this area to celebrate the night of San Juan.
If you visit the beach at the end of June, don’t miss out on a unique experience that will allow you to experience the most magical night of the year on the beach.

Are you ready to discover Marbella’s hidden gem? Visit Alicate Playa and be amazed by its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere!

 

Los Monteros: the ideal destination for water sports lovers.

 

If you are looking for a beach in Marbella that allows you to practice water sports, Los Monteros is the perfect place for you.

With a length of 1,300 metres and an average width of 10 metres, this beach is known for being one of the most suitable for water sports, such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing or jet skiing. Or even enjoy a stroll along the coast watching the sun set over Marbella town.

Although parking in the area can be limited, Los Monteros offers you exclusive scenery, as the Rio Real golf course backs onto the beach. In addition, the gastronomic offer in the area is select and of high quality, with Trocadero and La Cabane as the main references.

Anchoring is permitted in the area and there are boat accesses from the shore.

Just 5 km from the centre of Marbella, Los Monteros is an excellent option for those looking for a more exclusive and sporty beach experience. Come and enjoy the sun and sea while having fun with your favourite water sports.

 

Artola beach – Cabopino: a natural paradise in Marbella.

Situated in a privileged natural enclave, Artola beach is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Marbella. Surrounded by the protected dunes of Artola, this beach has native vegetation and paths that offer an oasis of tranquillity on the coastline.

Its fine golden sand and medium-temperature waters attract many tourists and residents.
Although it has several parking areas, in summer it can be difficult to park here due to its great popularity.

Unlike other beaches, Artola has fewer beach bars, but instead offers the charming marina of Cabopino, where pleasure boats dock. It is a must for boat and water sports enthusiasts.

On this beach, we can also find an area oriented towards naturism, for those who wish to practice nudity.

In short, Artola beach is the perfect place to enjoy nature and disconnect in a serene and relaxing atmosphere.

 

FAQS

 

• Which are the most exclusive beach bars and restaurants on the beaches of Marbella?

Marbella has numerous beach bars and restaurants along the coast. Among the most highly rated are: La Milla, Trocadero, El Chiringuito (Puente Romano), MC Beach, Playa Padre.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make your stay in Marbella even more exclusive by renting a luxury villa nearby that gives you easy access to these fabulous beaches and establishments.

• Which of Marbella’s beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status?

The city retains the distinctions on the beaches of Casablanca, El Cable, El Faro, Puerto Banús-Levante, San Pedro Alcántara-Guadalmina, Venus-Bajadilla and Adelfas-Alicate, as well as on the Virgen del Carmen Marina.

Access these paradisiacal beaches from your luxury home. Check our properties for rent.

• Which are the best beaches in Marbella to practice water or beach sports?

Nagüeles beach is best suited for water activities such as paddle surfing, kayaking, jetskiing or jet skiing, among others.

At Samoa Surf Shop, you can book private or group lessons for all levels of windsurfing or kitesurfing.

Aquatime Marbella offers all kinds of water activities as well as boat and jet ski hire.

To make the most of your Marbella experience, consider renting a nearby villa that allows you to enjoy these exciting activities and explore the area’s wonderful beaches with ease and comfort.

• Where can I moor or anchor my boat on the beaches of Marbella?

There are several anchorages and harbours from San Pedro to the port of Cabopino. In the area of Puente Romano, anchoring is permitted at Punta de los Nabules and Playa de Nagüeles.

• What is the best time of year to visit the beaches of Marbella?

Although many visitors choose the summer to visit Marbella, it is perhaps not the best time, due to the intense heat and the large number of tourists. However, in the months of May and September, temperatures tend to be more moderate and, as it does not coincide with the holidays, it is possible to enjoy the beaches almost on your own.
There is still time to rent a property for your next holiday.

• Are there beaches in Marbella ideal for scuba diving or snorkelling?

Marbella has more than 30 km of coastline, where you can find fascinating places for scuba diving, especially in the areas near San Pedro de Alcántara. In fact, in this area is the diving site called Placer de las Bóvedas, a narrow reef considered the best place for diving in the municipality of Marbella and one of the most renowned in Spain, located about 6 km off the coast of San Pedro de Alcántara.

 

• How many beaches are there in Marbella?

Marbella has 25 beaches along 27 kilometres of coastline.

• What are the beaches of Marbella called?

In order from West to East:
Guadalmina, Linda Vista, San Pedro de Alcántara, Cortijo Blanco, Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banús, Río verde, El Ancón, Nagüeles, Casablanca, La Fontanilla, El Faro, La Venus, La Bajadilla, El Cable, El Pinillo, El Realejo, Los Monteros, El Alicate, Real de Zaragoza, La Víbora, Las Chapas, Las Cañas, Artola/Cabopino and Calahonda.

 

• How do you know if there are jellyfish on the beach?

There are several ways to find out if there are jellyfish on the beach before you get stung. One is to consult the Meduseo website, which displays a map showing the areas where jellyfish are present, along with a density graph. Another option is to use the mobile application Medusapp, which collects information on sightings and has automatic species recognition based on artificial intelligence.
However, the beaches themselves warn of the presence of jellyfish with yellow flags. Some beaches have a specific flag to warn about the appearance of jellyfish.

• Where can I party on the beach in Marbella?

The most popular and crowded places for beach parties in Marbella include: Playa Padre, Opium Beach Club, Ocean Club, Nikki Beach, El Chiringuito (Puente Romano) and La Plage Casanis.