Last updated on September 5, 2017
There are a staggering 23 beautiful beaches to choose from along Marbella’s sun-kissed coastline – here are five of the very best!
Marbella means “Beautiful Sea” in Spanish and this dazzling beachfront city has blossomed into one of the most glamorous destinations in Europe.
Located on the sun-kissed Costa del Sol, it’s a mecca for those with an appetite for the finer things in life. 27 kilometres of blue-flag Mediterranean beaches invite you to stretch out and soak up some rays, whilst the ritzy Puerto Banús marina is packed with chic boutiques, pulsating cocktail bars and ultra exclusive nightclubs.
These are the best beaches in Marbella!
1. Cabopino Beach ~ Go “Au Naturale”
Bordered by the breathtakingly beautiful Las Dunas de Artola Natural Park, Cabopino Beach is unquestionably one of the most naturally beautiful beaches in Spain. The sand and water here is particularly clean, and whilst it feels sheltered and protected from overdevelopment there are still plenty of facilities to keep you comfortable for a whole day at the beach. The best part of all, due its large scale — over a mile long and 25m wide — you can always find a quiet spot to claim as your own.
Top Tip: The neighbouring Artola Beach is a popular nudist beach, so be sure to cross the border if you want to get rid of this pesky tan lines.
2. Fontanilla Beach ~ Indulge in City Beach Luxe
One of Marbella’s most beautiful inner city beaches, Fontanilla is within walking distance from the city centre and popular with travellers and locals alike. Though it resides in a relatively populated area, its 1 km expanse of soft sands means you can almost always find space to stretch out. Rent a jet-ski and cruise the coast or slip on your sandals and seek out a cafe terrace with sea views to enjoy Spanish wine and tapas.
Top Tip: One of Marbella’s best “chiringuitos” (beach bars) is located in Fontanilla. If you can secure a table on the terrace at Chiriniguito La Ola, you’re in for a real treat.
3. Nikki Beach ~ Party with the Glitterati
Legendary for being with the rich and famous go to party, Nikki Beach is an ultra exclusive beach bar where you can dance the day and night away on the sand whilst. Splash out on a sun lounger (around €300 a day) and sip on a bottle of Champagne (€150) whilst enjoying music from some of the world’s best DJs.
Top Tip: If you are going to splurge then be sure to do it at the weekend, when the atmosphere is really at its peak. Saturday nights are all about Champagne and live jazz, and Sunday’s Full Moon Parties offer the ultimate Marbella experience.
4. Pinillo Beach ~ Family Fun in the Sun
Marbella might be best known for its shopping, dining and nightlife, but it’s also a fantastic place for families to cut loose and unwind. Pinillo Beach epitomises the laid-back way of life and offers all sorts of entertainment for little kids and big kids alike. “Funny Beach” theme park has everything from hoverboard rentals to parasailing and doughnutting and there’s even a full-size go-karting track for mini Hamiltons in the making.
Top Tip: Pinillo Beach is located about two miles out of Marbella’s city centre. Rent a car and take the N-340 eastbound for 5 minutes or jump on the L-7 bus.
5. Bajadilla Beach ~ Watersports Central
Just a short walk away from Marbella’s historic old town, Bajadilla blue flag sands harbour a plethora of enticing restaurants and beach bars, as well as other facilities such as showers, toilets, a Red Cross point and lifeguard stations. The protected shallow waters also makes it the perfect spot to try your hand at a new watersport — jump on a jet ski or, if there’s a breeze blowing, try your hand at kitesurfing.
Top Tip: Bajadilla is located next to the old fishing port and its rustic beach bars and surrounding tavernas are some of the finest places to eat fresh fish in Marbella.
Make it Happen
Get there: Marbella doesn’t have its own airport, but you can fly into Malaga airport, just 30 km and make the most of the bargain Malaga airport to Marbella taxi transfers.
Stay:
