10 Best Beaches in Marbella (A Local’s Favourites)

With over 20 beaches, Marbella is a fantastic destination for travellers looking for a summer holiday.

Playa de Puerto Banús, Playa Cabopino and Playa de la Fontanilla are a few of the many incredible beaches in Marbella that I love visiting every summer as a local.

Whether you want a relaxing day at a beach surrounded by nature, a beach with adrenaline activities or just a beach with good facilities, you’ll find the one for you.

Summers in Marbella are busy, but if you love a lively atmosphere, you’ll absolutely love the town.

There’s nothing better than wandering the old town, enjoying a delicious meal and heading to the beach until sunset. Marbella’s sunsets always amaze me.

In this blog, I’ll tell you the best 10 beaches in Marbella, their facilities, and some things worth knowing.

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1. Playa Cabopino

Best for nature lovers

Playa Cabopino, also known as Playa de Artola, is the best beach in Costa del Sol for nature lovers. It’s located between Marbella and Mijas Costa.

Cabopino Beach is surrounded by protected dunes and beautiful vegetation that connect you with nature.

It has golden and fine sand and shallow water, making it ideal for families and older adults.

Despite being a more deserted beach, it’s easy to access, and there are good facilities, such as public toilets and showers, chiringuitos (beach bars), and sunbeds. In addition, you can do water activities, such as hiring a pedal boat.

Cabopino Beach isn’t as crowded as the beaches in the centre of Marbella, but it has become more popular, so don’t expect it to be very quiet, especially on weekends during the summer.

However, it’s quiet outside the peak season, and actually, hiking in Cabopino is one of the best things to do in Marbella in winter.

📍 Location: Diseminado Poligono 15, 1, 29604 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

2. Playa de la Venus

Best for families

Playa de la Venus is another convenient beach if you’re staying near Alameda Park and Marbella Old Town. It’s one of the best beaches in Marbella, and its Blue Flag award proves this.

It’s a lovely beach with dark sand and good facilities – public toilets, showers, restaurants, bars and sunbed rentals. It’s a popular beach among families with children, since it also has a playground.

La Venus Beach also has lifeguards and fun water sports activities during the summer months.

Due to its location, it’s a trendy beach and gets busy quickly, so it’s your best option if you’re looking for a tranquil beach.

There’s free parking near the beach, but if you visit it in the summer, you’ll probably need to park in a private car park.

If you like a good sunset, you’ll love watching it from this beach or a restaurant like Calma By Kopparberg. There’s nothing better than seeing the candy-cotton sky and listening to the waves hitting the shore with a special person.

📍 Location: Av. Duque de Ahumada, 357, 29602 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

3. Playa del Faro

Best for an accessible beach

If you’re looking for a beach next to the centre of Marbella, Playa del Faro is it. This beach is in a very convenient location on the west side of Marbella Marina and offers fantastic facilities.

Despite not being a very big beach, it’s one of the best beaches in Marbella, and it has been awarded a Blue Flag.

Due to its only 200 metres long and 30 metres wide, the sea is shallow and tranquil, making it perfect for families with children.

Regarding facilities, Faro Beach has public toilets, showers and sunbeds. The beach is also close to a wide variety of restaurants, beautiful outdoor terraces where you can enjoy a drink, and shops.

It’s a lovely beach; however, it isn’t the best for relaxing because it can get crowded. Overall, it’s a famous beach for locals and tourists.

📍 Location: Av. Duque de Ahumada, 29602 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

4. Playa de Puerto Banús

Best for a laid-back but luxurious vibe

As its name suggests, Playa de Puerto Banús is next to Marbella’s famous and luxurious port.

It’s an extensive golden sand beach with shallow waters. It’s perfect if your accommodation is next to Puerto José Banus or if you’re visiting the marina for the day and would like to cool down on a summer day.

Although it’s a good beach, I wouldn’t travel from the centre to visit this beach because you can find quieter ones near the centre.

It has many facilities, including a public toilet, showers, sunbed rental and free parking. Puerto Banús Beach also has lifeguards during the summer months.

When it comes to food options, you can find various Spanish beach bars and international restaurants (Italian, Irish, American and more!) within a short walking distance.

📍 Location: Muelle de Levante, S/N, 29660 Puerto Banus, Málaga, Spain

5. Playa del Cable

Best for a quieter atmosphere

Playa del Cable is one of the beaches at the beginning of Marbella. It’s also known as Bounty Beach, which is named after the famous restaurant on the beach.

It isn’t as developed as other beaches in Marbella, and you won’t find a beach promenade. Although it’s considered one of the best beaches in Marbella, it isn’t my favourite. I prefer the area that leads to Playa del Pinillo, the beach on the east side.

Cable Beach includes public toilets, showers, sunbeds, and pedal boats for hire. The beach is also surrounded by great chiringuitos and popular restaurants, such as Bounty Beach.

📍 Location: s/n, Calle playa del cable, 29603 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

6. Playa de la Fontanilla

Best for water sports

A short walk from Puerto Deportivo de Marbella, Fontanilla Beach is a popular choice among locals and tourists.

Fontanilla Beach is characterised by its golden and fine sand, and the dikes implemented on the beach helped reduce strong waves.

There are many things to do on this beach, from riding a jet ski to getting a paddle boat with friends and enjoying a meal or drink at one of the seafront restaurants.

The beach also has excellent facilities: public toilets, showers, lifeguarding services, and plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops on the beach promenade.

I love this beach for its location, cleanliness, and lovely promenade, which is amazing to walk along at sunrise or sunset.

📍 Location: P.º Marítimo, 2, 29602 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

7. Playa de Nagüeles

Best for couples, families and those looking for beaches in exclusive areas.

Playa de Nagüeles is the meeting point for celebrities and rich people. The beach is located on Marbella’s Golden Mile (Milla de Oro), the most exclusive area in the town.

Therefore, don’t be surprised if you see anyone famous while sunbathing or swimming in the sea.

The beach is approximately 1.5 km long, it has fine golden sand, and the water is clean and mostly shallow. Nagüeles Beach is beautiful, and you can admire excellent views of La Concha Mountains.

Facilities on this beach are good too. It’s accessible for those who have disabilities, close to many high-quality restaurants and reputable hotels, such as the 5-star Puente Romano Beach Resort, and there are sunbeds and sports equipment rental.

It’s a busy beach in the summer but has a laid-back atmosphere. However, you can find it very quiet at other times of the year.

I absolutely love walking on its beach promenade and contemplating the sea and the surrounding natural setting.

If you love photography, you’ll also find the popular Embarcadero, a picturesque pier between Playa Casablanca and Playa Nagüeles.

📍 Location: Diseminado Von Bismark, 1, 29602 playa, Málaga, Spain

8. Playa de la Bajadilla

Best for families

Playa de la Bajadilla is the beach between Playa la Venus and Playa el Cable, next to the former fishing port in Marbella.

This is a cosy beach with beautiful golden sand and tranquil and shallow waters, making it one of the best beaches in Marbella for families. It also offers all the facilities you need for the ultimate day at the beach.

La Bajadilla Beach has public toilets, showers, wheelchair access, lifeguard services, sunbed and parasol rentals, cafes, and restaurants.

It’s easy to visit this beach on foot as it is a short walk from the old town. If you come by car, there’s also free parking, but it fills up quickly.

📍 Location: C. Fuengirola, 1, 29603 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

9. Playa Nueva Andalucía

Best for couples and families

Nueva Andalucía Beach, also known as Playa El Duque, is close to the famous Puerto Banús, specifically on the west side.

It’s a beautiful beach with coves, dark sand and shallow waters, making it perfect for those visiting the area with children.

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Marbella and awarded a Blue Flag due to its high standards and facilities, it’s unsurprising that it’s a popular choice in the summer months, and therefore, it can get a bit crowded.

Regarding facilities, you can find public toilets, wheelchair access, lifeguards (during the summer months), sunbed rental and watersport activities.

You can find free parking in Avenida Lola Flores, but finding a spot during the peak season can be challenging.

Next to Playa Nueva Andalucía, you can see the Lola Flores statue and spend the day partying at the luxurious Ocean Club Marbella, one of the best beach clubs in Marbella.

📍 Location: Av José Banús, 29660 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

10. Playa de Río Real

Best for water activities

Playa del Río Real is just a small area inside Playa de los Monteros. It’s a fantastic beach for anyone who loves water sports. You can hire a jet ski, windsurf or go on a boat trip, among other fun water activities.

This 400-metre beach is characterised by its golden sand, and it’s connected to the Rio Real golf course, one of the best in Marbella.

Rio Real Beach has sun lounger rentals and is close to several beach bars and restaurants, including the popular Trocadero Arena Restaurant.

The only con of visiting this beautiful beach is parking in the summer.

📍 Location: Arrabal P Golf Rio Real, 8, 29603 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

Map with the best beaches in Marbella

Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the beaches mentioned in this article.

A local’s tips for visiting the beaches in Marbella

• Avoid visiting the beach on weekends, especially Sundays, if you don’t want to be surrounded by big crowds. Many locals don’t work on Sundays and head to the beach with friends or family.
• Be careful when parking your car on more remote beaches. You’ll probably park on the sand, and some vehicles don’t really mind parking very close, making it difficult to get out. Consider parking in a private car park if you’re renting a car.
• If you’re on a budget, pack some food and drinks. Great but expensive restaurants and bars surround beaches like Nagüeles. By packing a few snacks and sandwiches, you’ll save a lot.
• Are you planning to visit a famous beach club like Nikki Beach Marbella? Book a table or get your tickets to the special event in advance. There’s a high chance you won’t get in without a reservation.

Hotels in Marbella next to the beach

If you’re looking for accommodation next to the beach, these are some of the travellers’ favourites:

Hotel Amarè Marbella

🏖️The closest beaches are Playa Venus and Playa de la Bajadilla.

Hotel Amare Marbella is the best adult-only hotel in Marbella, next to the beach.

With simple, modern and beautiful rooms, there’s no doubt that it’s perfect for couples. Some rooms overlook the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.

It also has fantastic facilities – from spa treatments to Michelin-star restaurants and night entertainment.

Puente Romano Beach Resort

🏖️The Closest beach is Playa de Nagüeles.

Puente Romano Beach Resort is perfect for couples and families looking for a resort holiday. It has beautiful Andalusian-style villas, more than 15 restaurants, a lavish spa and wellness centre, a golf course and much more.

Frequently asked questions about the best beaches in Marbella

Conclusion on Marbella beaches

If you’re up for a beach holiday, Marbella has some of the best beaches in Costa del Sol, so you can’t go wrong with choosing it as your summer getaway.

Whether you love tranquil beaches with beautiful vegetation, an atmosphere or fantastic water activities, you can find them all in Marbella.

Another coastal town to consider when choosing your summer holiday is Nerja, as Nerja’s Beaches are outstanding, especially Maro Beach, one of my favourites. It has crystal clear waters and beautiful coves.

Enjoy your trip to Marbella!

Cristina xx

Read more about Marbella

• How To Get From Malaga to Marbella Guide
• The Best Things to Do in Marbella
• A Guide To Marbella Old Town (With Local Tips)
• Fantastic Day Trips From Marbella
• The Ultimate Weekend in Marbella
• Best Places to Eat in Marbella
• Best Hotels in Marbella For a Memorable Holiday
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