Located on Spain’s golden Costa del Sol, Marbella is a high-end destination popular with travelers from all over the world. Located on the coast between Malaga and Gibraltar, the city puts visitors within easy reach of the large cities, quiet villages, and everything in between.
To enjoy Marbella beaches at their best, surf and sunshine, you’ll want to plan a summer visit.
Summer is the peak season, so expect a lot of activity and crowds everywhere. Marbella is relatively small compared to Malaga, so the presence of tourists can be really felt. Don’t let that put you off, though – there is plenty of space on the beaches to enjoy what Marbella does best – the sun and the sea.
If you’d rather visit in the off-season, come in spring or fall when the weather is almost perfect. No matter when you visit this coastal gem, it’s bound to be a great introduction to Spain’s iconic southern coast.
Why Visit Marbella?
One of the best things about Marbella is its uniquely convenient placement. Directly on the Mediterranean Sea, the city has direct beach access, great weather, and urban activities. The city also sits at the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountains, meaning there are plenty of natural attractions to enjoy between the mountains and the sea.
Its proximity to Malaga, and Gibraltar, makes it easy to plan fulfilling day trips from Marbella to many destinations in the autonomous community of Andalusia and others nearby. Local cuisine, high-end accommodations, and countless excursions are just a few of the characteristics that make Marbella a Costa del Sol staple.
If you don’t want to stray from Marbella, the town offers plenty to do over the course of your trip, from wine and tapas tours to art exhibits and souvenir hunting.
Guide to Marbella Beaches: Best Picks For 2023
Marbella’s beaches are one of the area’s greatest draws.
There are many to choose from, and you might have difficulty deciding which ones to dedicate your stay to.
The following Marbella beach guide is meant to help you narrow down your choices based on factors like location and amenities.
Playa de Venus
Playa de Venus, or Venus Beach, is an urban beach right in the center of Marbella. While this does mean it gets quite crowded in the summer, it also makes it an easily accessible choice just steps from many Marbella hotels. Small and family-friendly, Venus Beach offers water activities and plenty of amenities.
Playa de Bajadilla
Playa de Bajadilla sits to the east of Venus Beach, placing it remarkably close to Marbella’s town center. Calm yet conveniently located, this beach offers amenities and access to a waterfront promenade. Bars, restaurants, boutique shopping destinations, and Marbella’s busiest streets are a short walk away from Playa de Bajadilla’s shoreline.
Playa del Cable
Sitting just east of town, Marbella’s Playa del Cable is easy to get to. Beach bars and restaurants on the sand invite visitors to cool off with a drink or enjoy a fresh lunch steps away from the sea. The beach is within walking distance of the town center, making it a great choice in any season.
Playa de la Fontanilla
If you’re on Marbella’s west side, you’ll love Playa de la Fontanilla. Busy and measuring 1,000 meters in length, the beach is one of the area’s most popular summer destinations. Surrounded by hotels and restaurants, Playa de la Fontanilla encompasses Marbella’s peak season spirit.
Playa de Nagueles
Located on Marbella’s Golden Mile, Playa de Nagueles is a less crowded, family-friendly haven west of town. The beach is home to a jetty and a small pier, and visitors can enjoy mountain views from the sand. There are a number of hotels and lauded restaurants nearby, meaning you can plan your entire stay around Playa de Nagueles.
Playa Rio Verde
Located near Playa de Nagueles, Playa Rio Verde is another beach to add to your list. Closer to Puerto Banus than Marbella, the beach is popular and near some of the enclave’s wealthiest areas.
This beach stands out for its proximity to the ruins of a Roman Villa dating back to the 1st century. A short walk away, the ruins make a great afternoon break from the sand.
Playa del Pinillo
Connected to Los Monteros beach, Playa del Pinillo is located to Marbella’s east. Watersports, kids’ activities, and even kite and windsurfing keep this beach busy. This is a great choice for guests looking to get out on the water, or just sit back and watch the action unfold against a sparkling sea.
Marbella Beach Guide: Facilities & Restaurant Options
When narrowing down your beach choices, you likely want to know what amenities each beach offers. Whether you need a great place to eat nearby or convenient parking, planning ahead ensures a perfect day. Use the following tips to find out what facilities and restaurants each beach offers before you visit.
Playa de Venus
Facilities:
- Free parking
- Loungers
- Umbrellas
- Water activities
Nearby Restaurants:
- Soleo Marbella Beach Club
- Pepes Bar
- The Harbour Bar & Restaurant Marbella
- Mimo By the Sea
Playa de Bajadilla
Facilities:
- Free Parking
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Children’s Playgrounds
Nearby Restaurants:
- Restaurante Puerto Playa
- Restaurante Varadero Marbella
- Restaurante la Relojera
Playa del Cable
Facilities:
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Loungers
- Umbrellas
Nearby Restaurants:
- Restaurante Playa Padre (on beach)
- Restaurante Sacay (on beach)
- La Dolce Vita Beach Chiringuito en Marbella (on beach)
- Chiringuito KonKalma (on beach)
Playa de la Fontanilla
Facilities:
- Free parking
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Hammocks
- Umbrellas
- Water activity rentals
Nearby Restaurants:
- Restaurante la Navilla
- Diblu Beach
- Restaurante la Red
Playa de Nagueles
Facilities:
- Free parking
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Umbrellas
- Bike Rentals
Nearby Restaurants:
- Chiringuito Puente Romano
- Sea Grill
- Restaurante Rachel’s Eco Love
- Beach Club de Marbella Club
Playa Rio Verde
Facilities:
- Free parking
- Showers Restrooms
Nearby Restaurants:
- Restaurante Camuri las Cuchis
- Chiringuito Azucar Beach
- Besaya Beach
Playa del Pinillo
Facilities:
- Free parking
- Water sport rentals
Nearby Restaurants:
- La Dolce Vita Beach Chiringuito in Marbella
Go Beyond Marbella Beaches
While Marbella’s beaches will draw you in, be sure to venture past the seashore to explore the rest of Marbella and the Costa del Sol.
The following activities and destinations are certain to keep you coming back to Marbella season after season.
Walking Tour of Marbella
When it comes to small, tight-knit cities like Marbella, the best way to get around is on foot- a slower pace allows you to capture all the city’s nuances.
Consider booking a private or group walking tour through town with a local tour company. Tours often have themes, so look for ones focused on Marbella’s historic and cultural curiosities.
Wine & Tapas Tour
If you research Marbella’s tour offerings, you’re bound to come across wine & tapas tour options. These are a great way to tour the city with the added elements of wine tasting and tapas.
Sampling local wines and cuisine is a great way to get to know other guests and enjoy Marbella’s unique cultural influences. If you’re craving an evening introduction to Marbella’s one-of-a-kind flair, consider booking a wine and tapas tour before you arrive.
Plaza de los Naranjos
No visit to Marbella is complete without some time spent at the town’s Plaza de los Naranjos.
Located in Marbella’s Old Town district, the plaza has been around since the 15th century and was once the city center. Today, the plaza features a fountain, surrounding restaurants, and clusters of orange trees that have watched over the square for nearly six decades.
Plaza de los Naranjos is a great starting point for a walk around Marbella’s Old Town- be sure to also stop by nearby Alameda Park.
Museo Ralli Marbella
Art lovers are sure to be inspired by Marbella’s Museo Ralli. Located steps away from Rio Verde Beach, the museum holds collections of contemporary Latin American art. A permanent collection and rotating exhibits make this museum an interesting stop any time of year.
This is also a great option if you’re looking for a break from the beach, or if the weather isn’t ideal. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Dunas de Artola o Capobino
Located a short drive east of central Marbella, the Dunas de Artola is a protected natural area overlooking the Mediterranean. Made up of sweeping sand dunes, the dunes are a great example of a natural coastline and home to a variety of native flora.
Footpaths guide visitors around the dunes and a nude beach is located nearby. Guests may also want to stop by the Los Ladrones Tower, a Roman-era cultural monument.
Paseo Maritimo
Marbella’s Paseo Maritimo runs along the city’s shoreline all the way to Puerto Banus in the south. The beachfront boulevard offers an easy, leisurely way to walk along the sand without settling down for a beach day.
The street is lined with shops and restaurants, meaning you can score unique souvenirs and sample local flavors as you meander down the Paseo.
Tour operators and rental services can also be found along the boulevard. The Paseo also offers a paved way to get from beach to beach.
Thank you for joining me on this virtual tour of Marbella’s stunning beaches and the Costa del Sol. Whether you crave sun-soaked relaxation or thrilling adventures, this iconic region of Southern Spain offers something for everyone. Don’t forget to continue exploring other Spanish Mediterranean coastal areas like Costa Blanca in Alicante and Costa Brava in Catalonia, each with its own unique charm and beauty. So pack your sunscreen, grab your beach towel, and embark on a journey to discover the breathtaking coastal wonders of Spain. Wishing you happy travels and endless seaside adventures!
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Lucia is a travel blogger living in Southern Spain, sharing her discoveries of beautiful locations, hidden gems, and stunning historic sights on her travel blog Viva La Vita.
