12 Best Beaches In Marbella

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Are you ready for a beach adventure like no other? Then look no further than Marbella, where pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters await your arrival.

As someone who has experienced firsthand the magic of these stunning beaches, I can guarantee that Marbella is not just another tourist destination in Spain – it is an oasis of natural beauty and tranquility. Join me as we delve into the world of sun-drenched shorelines and uncover the best bays and coves that will leave you breathless. Get ready to dive into an unforgettable seaside experience as we unveil the best beaches in Marbella in this beach guide.

1. Bounty Beach (Playa del Cable)

I recently visited Bounty Beach, also known as Playa Del Cable, in the heart of Marbella and it was a great experience. It is one of the youngest and coolest places to be on the Costa del Sol. El Cable beach is officially known as Playa Del Cable, but over the years, the beach bar and the beach have become one in the same.

The beach is located near the center of Marbella and is a great place to spend a relaxing day. The atmosphere is very chilled out, with music playing in the background. The prices at the Bounty beach club are also reasonable, making it a great option for those on a budget.

Playa Del Cable is 1,300m long and 70m wide of fine, golden sand. The beach is cleaned regularly, making it a clean and safe place to swim. The waters are shallow, making it a great option for families with young children.

Bounty Beach offers a range of facilities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and showers. There are also several restaurants and cafes nearby, offering a range of food and drinks.

2. El Faro Beach

El Faro Beach is one of the most popular and most visited beaches in Costa Del Sol. It is located near the Marbella Marina and is easily accessible by foot. The name El Faro means lighthouse in Spanish, and it is named after the lighthouse that stands tall at the end of this fantastic beach.

The beach is relatively small but inviting, making it an ideal spot for families and couples. The water is calm and clear, and the sand is soft and golden. The beach is well-maintained and has all the necessary facilities such as showers, restrooms, and changing rooms.

One of the unique features of El Faro Beach is that it faces east, making it an excellent spot to watch the sunrise. The view of the sun rising over the Mediterranean Sea is breathtaking and is a must-see for anyone visiting Marbella.

The beach is surrounded by restaurants and cafes, making it easy to grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink. The area is also known for its vibrant nightlife, and there are plenty of bars and Marbella clubs nearby.

3. Cabopino Beach

Cabopino Beach is one of the best beaches in Marbella, located just 12 km east of the city centre of Marbella. It is a beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear water that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. This natural beach is surrounded by sand dunes known as Dunas de Artola, which are a protected natural area and offer a unique and beautiful landscape.

Cabopino Beach is a family-friendly beach that offers plenty of amenities, including showers, toilets, sun loungers, and parasols. There are also several beach bars and restaurants located along the promenade where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious meal.

If you are looking for things to do in Marbella together with some adventure, you can try your hand at water sports such as jet skiing, water skiing, and parasailing. There is also a camping site located nearby called Camping Cabopino, which is a great option for those who want to spend a night under the stars.

One of the highlights of Cabopino Beach is the Artola Sand Dunes, which are located just behind the beach. These sand dunes are a protected natural area and offer a unique and beautiful landscape. The dunes are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including many rare species, and are a great place to explore.

4. Puerto Banús Beach (Playa de Puerto Banus)

I have been fortunate enough to visit several beaches in Marbella, but Puerto Banús Beach (Playa De Puerto Banus) stands out as one of the best Marbella beaches on the Costa Del Sol. Located in the heart of Puerto Banús, this beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

One of the things that sets Puerto Banús Beach apart is its location. It is situated right next to the famous Puerto Banús Marina, which is home to some of the most luxurious yachts in the world. This creates a unique atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else.

The beach itself is clean and well-maintained, with soft sand and crystal-clear water. There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants nearby, so you can easily spend the whole day here. If you're looking for a more active day at the beach, there are also water sports available, such as jet skiing and parasailing.

5. Nagüeles Beach (Playa Nagüeles)

I had the opportunity to visit Nagüeles Beach during my recent trip to Marbella, and I must say it's a beautiful beach that is worth visiting. It's situated along the famous "Golden Mile" on the paseo maritimo in the Marbella city centre, and it's one of the most exclusive beaches on Marbella's best beach list.

Nagüeles Beach is approximately 800m long and 40m wide, with golden sand and moderate swell sea conditions. The beach has a semi-urban setting and is accessible by car. It's a popular beach that attracts both locals and tourists, including the rich and famous who come to Marbella.

The beach is well-maintained and clean, with plenty of space for sunbathing and beach games. The clear water is ideal for swimming, although waves may occur on windy days. Nagüeles Beach is a Blue Flag beach, which means it meets high standards of water quality, safety, and environmental management.

If you're looking for activities and attractions, Nagüeles Beach offers plenty of options right on the beach. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, or enjoy water sports such as jet skiing, paddle boarding, and parasailing. The beach also has a few beach bars and restaurants where you can grab lunch or a drink.

6. Playa de La Fontanilla

Last year I made a visit to Playa de la Fontanilla and was impressed with what I saw. The golden sand is clean and well-maintained, and there's plenty of space for sunbathing and beach games.

One thing to note is that the sand can get very hot, so it's a good idea to bring some shoes to protect your feet. However, this is a minor inconvenience when you consider the beautiful views and relaxing atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed watching the sunset over the water - it was truly amazing to watch.

There are plenty of bars and cafes on the promenade behind the beach, so you can easily grab a drink or a bite to eat if you get hungry. I found the sellers to be friendly but not pushy, which was a nice change from some other beaches I've visited.

7. Las Chapas Beach

Las Chapas Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Marbella, known for its golden sand and moderate waves. It is located next to the Las Chapas housing development on the west side of Marbella. This quiet beach is approximately 650 meters long and has an average width of 25 meters.

During the summer season, Las Chapas Beach attracts a relatively high number of visitors, but it maintains an average level of occupancy all year round. The sand on this beach is soft and comfortable for walking barefooted, making it a great spot for sunbathing and relaxing.

There are several sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, providing a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the sun. The beach also has a cleaning service, ensuring that the area is always clean and well-maintained.

Las Chapas Beach is home to several of the best restaurants and prestigious beach clubs, including the famous Nikki Beach. Visitors can enjoy the finest food and the best music while taking in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

8. El Alicate Beach (Playa del Alicate)

El Alicate Beach, also known as Playa Del Alicate, is a beautiful beach situated just two kilometers east of Marbella in the resort of Alicate.

Playa Del Alicate is 850 meters long and 25 meters wide, making it one of the narrower beaches in Marbella. The sand is dark and coarse, typical of Mediterranean beaches. The beach is surrounded by dunes, which give it a natural and unspoiled feel.

One of the things I appreciated about Playa Del Alicate was its cleanliness. The beach is regularly cleaned and offers all services, including showers, toilets, and lifeguards. There are also beach loungers available for rent.

If you're planning a visit to Playa Del Alicate, I recommend going in the months of May, June, September, or October. These months offer warm temperatures and fewer crowds. However, keep in mind that there are no guarantees when it comes to crowds.

9. Real de Zaragoza Beach (Playa Real de Zaragoza)

Real De Zaragoza Beach, also known as Playa Real De Zaragoza, is one of the most popular beaches in Marbella. It is located 13 kilometers from the city center and is easily accessible by car or public transport. This beach is one of the largest in the area, and it is famous for its white and fine sand.

The beach is approximately 1500 meters long and 50 meters wide, providing ample space for visitors to enjoy the sun and the sea. Real De Zaragoza Beach is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts, as there are plenty of activities available, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing.

Real De Zaragoza Beach is also known for its excellent facilities. There are several restaurants, bars, and cafes nearby, offering a wide range of food and drinks. The beach is also equipped with showers, toilets, and changing rooms, making it convenient for visitors to freshen up after a swim.

If you're looking for a quieter spot, Real De Zaragoza Beach has a more secluded area towards the eastern end. It is perfect for those who want to relax and unwind in a peaceful environment.

10. Nueva Andalucía Beach

Nueva Andalucía Beach, also known as El Duque, is located just west of Puerto Banus and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.

One of the things that sets Nueva Andalucía Beach apart from other Marbella beaches is its calm waters. The beach is formed by four small bays that are artificially created by sea walls, which helps to keep the water calm and safe for swimming. This makes it a great option for families with children or anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the water without worrying about rough waves.

Nueva Andalucía Beach also offers a wide range of facilities and amenities to visitors. There are plenty of water sports available, including water bikes, pedaloes, and kayaks, which can be rented on-site. The beach also has wooden ramps that provide easy access for visitors with disabilities.

In terms of atmosphere, Nueva Andalucía Beach has a relaxed and laid-back vibe. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, but it never feels too crowded or overwhelming. The beach is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including palm trees and lush greenery, which adds to its charm.

11. El Ancón Beach

El Ancón Beach is one of the best beaches in Marbella, Andalucía. This semi-urban beach is known for its dark sand typical of the Mediterranean, surrounded by abundant vegetation of palm trees and pine groves.

With a length of 1200 meters and a width of 15 meters, El Ancón Beach offers plenty of space for visitors to enjoy the sun and the sea. The moderate waves make it an ideal spot for swimming and water sports.

One of the highlights of El Ancón Beach is the rock that juts out above the water, which is a popular spot for fishing. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of services and facilities, including showers, toilets, sun loungers, and parasols.

El Ancón Beach is located between Marbella and Puerto Banus, next to the El Ancón Urbanization. It is easily accessible by car or public transport, and there are several spots to parking near the beach.

12. La Bajadilla Beach (Playa de La Bajadilla)

I have visited many beaches in Marbella, but Playa De La Bajadilla (La Bajadilla Beach) is one of my favorites. Located to the west of Marbella's Fishing Port, this beach is popular among tourists and locals as it’s one of the best beaches in Marbella for families.

One of the reasons I love this beach is its convenient location. It is situated near the city center, making it easily accessible by foot, car, or public transportation. The beach is also surrounded by a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it an ideal spot to spend a day at the beach.

The sand on La Bajadilla Beach is soft and golden, and the water is clear and refreshing. The beach is relatively wide, providing plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxing. I also appreciate the shallow slope into the water, which makes it a great beach for families with young children.

La Bajadilla Beach also offers a range of amenities and services, including showers, toilets, and sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. The beach is also monitored by lifeguards during the summer months, ensuring the safety of swimmers and beachgoers.