The Best Beaches in Marbella: The Mediterranean Dream
The Best Beaches in Marbella: A Complete Guide for Sea Lovers and Future Residents
Marbella is synonymous with sunshine, luxury, and a refined seaside lifestyle. With no fewer than 24 beaches along 27 kilometers of coastline, this Costa del Sol city is a paradise for beach enthusiasts. It’s no coincidence that Marbella was chosen as the Best European Destination 2024, and its beaches boast a record 11 Blue Flags for their cleanliness, safety, and service quality. Below, we present a guide to the best beaches in Marbella, organized by visitor profile and activity type, to help you find your ideal seaside spot.
Beaches for Families with Children
If you're traveling with kids, beaches with calm waters, easy access, and full services are ideal. Highlights include:
El Faro Beach. Located right in the city center, this small cove protected by breakwaters offers shallow waters, a play area, lifeguards, and direct access to the promenade. Perfect for families with young children.
Venus/Bajadilla Beach. Just steps from the old town, this urban beach features a playground, showers, sunbeds, and lifeguard services. It’s next to the Marbella Marina, allowing easy anchoring for small boats.
San Pedro de Alcántara Beach. Wider and quieter, this beach includes a promenade, green areas, and beach bars. Ideal for families seeking space and calm, and it proudly displays a Blue Flag.
Cabopino Beach (Artola). With clean, shallow waters and proximity to the Cabopino Marina and the natural setting of the Artola Dunes, it’s perfect for combining relaxation, nature, and family safety.
Beaches for Water Sports and Adventure
For those who love action, Marbella offers excellent alternatives:
Los Monteros Beach. Ideal for kitesurfing, paddleboarding, or jet skiing. It features water sports schools and is often frequented by small boats coming close to shore.
Cable Beach (Bounty Beach). The widest beach in Marbella. It’s perfect for beach volleyball, snorkeling, and recreational fishing. Its proximity to La Bajadilla Marina also allows easy access for boats and dinghies.
Nagüeles Beach. Located in the heart of the Golden Mile, this beach offers access to kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing. Companies like Aquatime Marbella operate in the area.
Cabopino Beach (Artola). From here, you can join boat excursions, dolphin watching trips, or diving tours to the El Placer de las Bóvedas reef.
Beach Bars and Beach Clubs
Marbella is also renowned for its seaside gastronomy:
Nagüeles and the Golden Mile. Home to iconic beach clubs like La Milla Marbella, Trocadero Petit Playa, and MC Beach. Luxury is living with your feet in the sand.
Alicate / Costabella. In this stretch of eastern coastline, you'll find over 15 beach bars catering to all tastes. Highlights include La Plage Casanis, El Arenal, and Los Sardinales.
Cable Beach. From the classic Bounty Beach to the upscale Playa Padre and Opium Beach Club, this area blends local charm with international glamour. Perfect for transitioning from sunbathing to sunset cocktails without leaving the sand.
Luxurious and Exclusive Beaches
If you're seeking a more sophisticated lifestyle, these beaches are ideal:
Puerto Banús. Next to Spain’s most luxurious marina, this beach offers full services and a high-end atmosphere. Yachts, designer boutiques, exclusive clubs like Ocean Club, and fine dining with sea views.
Nagüeles. Surrounded by five-star hotels, private villas, and lush gardens, this beach has an authorized anchoring zone, calm waters, and some of Marbella’s most prestigious beach clubs.
La Víbora / Nikki Beach. Glamour defines this stretch of sand, home to the iconic Nikki Beach Marbella. Expect DJ sets, champagne, and a cosmopolitan summer scene.
Guadalmina. More discreet but equally exclusive. With views of the Rock of Gibraltar, this beach stands out for its tranquility, limited access, and elegant beach clubs like Bora Bora.
Natural and Peaceful Beaches
If you prefer to connect with nature:
Artola Beach (Dunas de Cabopino). Declared a Natural Monument, its dunes and native vegetation create a truly unique setting. It also has a nudist area and a 15th-century watchtower.
El Ancón Beach. Located on the Golden Mile but with a more laid-back vibe. Victor’s Beach, its bohemian-style beach bar, is a local favorite with history.
Hermosa Beach. Near San Pedro, this lesser-known beach offers peace, clean waters, and two charming beach bars. A popular spot among locals.
Boat-Accessible Beaches
Nautical life is part of Marbella’s unique charm:
Nagüeles / Puente Romano. Authorized anchoring zone. Frequently used by visitors arriving by boat from other parts of the Costa del Sol.
Puerto Banús. Offers nearby anchorage and a marina with 915 moorings. Perfect for those who want to combine sailing and luxury living.
Venus / La Bajadilla. The Marbella Bay allows anchoring just six meters from shore. Convenient access to the city center.
Cabopino Marina. Perfect for small boats. Its cozy size and excellent seafood restaurants make it a favorite for maritime getaways.
Events and Social Life
During summer, Marbella’s coast comes alive:
San Juan Night (June 23): Bonfires, concerts, and fireworks on beaches like El Cable and Alicate.
Beach club parties: Nikki Beach, Playa Padre, and Ocean Club lead the summer event calendar.
Outdoor activities: Volleyball tournaments, yoga classes, and fitness sessions on beaches like Fontanilla or Casablanca.
Night markets: Set up along the promenade during the summer, especially in central Marbella and San Pedro.
Conclusion
If you want to explore the best property options near these beaches, visit our updated selection at FM Properties Marbella Real Estate.
The best beaches in Marbella offer more than just sun and sea—they embody the lifestyle that draws new residents every year. If you're considering a second home here, remember that living near the beach is an investment in well-being and quality of life.
Whether you prefer the energy of beach clubs or the serenity of a natural setting, Marbella offers the perfect backdrop. And best of all, you can enjoy it now while you decide. Because often, the best investment begins with enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best beach in Marbella for families with children?
El Faro Beach, thanks to its central location, safety, and shallow waters.
Are there any nudist beaches in Marbella?
Yes, the Artola (Cabopino) beach includes a traditional nudist area.
Can you anchor a boat near the beach?
Yes, controlled anchoring is allowed in areas like Nagüeles, Puerto Banús, and La Bajadilla.
Which beach is best for water sports?
Los Monteros is ideal for surfing, paddleboarding, and other aquatic sports.
Where can I find the best beach bars in Marbella?
Along the eastern stretch between Alicate Beach and Costabella, you'll find a great variety and quality.
