Marbella isn’t just yachts, boutiques and glamour in the sun. Its 27 kilometres of shoreline is a mosaic of beaches that go far beyond the tourist clichés. Here, where the Mediterranean meets the sand under the watchful eye of the Sierra Blanca, each stretch of coast has its own personality, from family-friendly beaches with full facilities to almost hidden spots where nature still hums in peace. This beach tour invites you to rediscover the Costa del Sol’s Mediterranean side, stroll barefoot along wooden walkways through protected dunes and take in the changing textures of Marbella’s landscape, where luxury and authenticity sometimes come together in the same cove.
- Marbella’s natural setting: a microclimate between the Mediterranean and the Sierra Blanca
- Best beaches in the city: urban treasures close at hand
- Nagüeles Beach: understated elegance beneath La Concha
- Fontanilla Beach: the heart of beach life in Marbella
- Guadalmina Beaches: traces of the past by the sea
- San Pedro de Alcántara Beach: long, revamped and full of amenities
- Nueva Andalucía Beach: picturesque coves with views of Puerto Banús
- Río Verde Beach: where archaeology meets modern luxury
- Bounty Beach: Marbella’s bohemian corner
- Real de Zaragoza Beach: space and nature at their best
- Top beaches nearby: coastal escapes with charm
- Things to do: more than just sun and sand
Marbella’s natural setting: a microclimate between the Mediterranean and the Sierra Blanca
Marbella sits in a unique spot where geography shapes not just the climate but also the town’s character. Behind it, the Sierra Blanca, with its iconic La Concha peak rising over 1,200 metres, acts as a barrier against northern winds, creating a stable, mild microclimate that’s been one of the city’s main draws for decades. Temperatures rarely drop below 10°C in winter or climb above 30°C in summer, making beach life a year-round option.
Marbella’s coastline is impressively diverse. It isn’t one uniform shore, but a patchwork of seaside scenery: golden-sand city beaches packed with amenities sit alongside secret coves, low cliffs and dune systems of high ecological value like those of Artola and Alicate. These natural spaces, partly protected by regional initiatives, are home to native plants like marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) and sea daffodils (Pancratium maritimum), and serve as sanctuaries for migratory coastal birds.
The beaches, therefore, aren’t just leisure spaces but also biological and scenic sanctuaries that connect visitors with the Mediterranean’s timeless soul. Marbella’s coast is more than a summer scene. It’s a place where history, nature and contrasts all meet. Whether you’re after a cocktail on a sun lounger or a quiet walk through the dunes, you’ll find what you need here, maybe even from the top of a 16th-century watchtower.
Best beaches in the city: urban treasures close at hand
Nagüeles Beach: understated elegance beneath La Concha
Located on the Golden Mile, Nagüeles is one of Marbella’s most refined and well-balanced beaches. Its location between the town centre and Puerto Banús gives it an exclusive feel without being over the top. The sand is light and well cared for, the water is usually calm and the seabed is great for safe swimming. Several of Marbella’s best-known beach clubs offer sun loungers, cocktails and Mediterranean food without any fuss along this beach. The seafront promenade, flanked by oleanders and palms, offers unique views of La Concha’s mountain outline.
Fontanilla Beach: the heart of beach life in Marbella
Just a few steps from the town centre, Fontanilla is the go-to beach for many locals. People come here not just to sunbathe, but to enjoy daily life by the sea. Its proximity to cafés, shops and public amenities makes it one of the busiest spots, especially for families and older people. Despite being an urban beach, La Fontanilla has great water and sand quality, and the promenade, dotted with sculptures, fountains and gardens, is a lovely spot to enjoy a walk at any time of day. It’s also the starting point for one of the most walked stretches of Marbella’s coastal path.
Guadalmina Beaches: traces of the past by the sea
Set on Marbella’s western edge, Guadalmina’s beaches are perfect for those looking to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. They’re known for darker, more compact sand and natural coves protected by rocky outcrops. A short walk brings you to the Roman baths of Las Bóvedas and the Almenara watchtower, part of the coastal defence system from Nasrid and later Castilian times.
San Pedro de Alcántara Beach: long, revamped and full of amenities
San Pedro’s seaside area has had a major facelift in recent years, turning it into a model of sustainable urban living. The beach stretches for over a kilometre and features a modern promenade lined with gardens, a cycle lane and play areas for kids. The sand is golden and mid-grain, perfect for strolls or sandcastles, and the generally calm water makes for safe swimming. Classic beach bars rub shoulders with more modern spots, creating a multigenerational vibe that’s very Marbella.
Nueva Andalucía Beach: picturesque coves with views of Puerto Banús
Just west of glitzy Puerto Banús, this stretch of coast is made up of small dark-sand coves tucked between low rock formations. Its natural shape creates sheltered corners where the water tends to be exceptionally clear. From the beach, you get unbeatable views the marina skyline of Puerto Banús, with its sailing boats, yachts and beach clubs. Some of these clubs have made this a luxury destination, but there are still quiet, accessible spots for casual swimmers. The sunsets here, with the sun slipping behind the mountains, feel like a perfect Mediterranean scene.
Río Verde Beach: where archaeology meets modern luxury
Very close to Puerto Banús, this beach is named after the river that flows into it just metres away, where the banks have been fitted with wooden walkways and native plants. Just steps from the shore sits the Roman villa of Río Verde, an archaeological site with beautiful mosaics that reveal the coast’s ancient past. The beach blends this legacy with modern comforts: showers, sun loungers, lifeguards, watersports and restaurants that mix Andalusian tradition with international flavours.
Bounty Beach: Marbella’s bohemian corner
Officially called El Cable Beach, everyone knows it as Bounty Beach, thanks to the Caribbean-style beach bar that sets the tone. It’s a favourite among younger locals for its chilled vibe, affordable prices and music-filled calendar. Colourful sun loungers, chill-out music playing all day long and shallow waters make this spot the ideal place to spend a carefree summer afternoon. There’s a different feel here; more alternative, less pretentious than other parts of the coast.
Real de Zaragoza Beach: space and nature at their best
East of the town centre, Real de Zaragoza is one of Marbella’s longest and widest beaches. Its sheer size means you can enjoy the sea even on busy days without feeling overwhelmed. Its clean sand and water, plus the peaceful surroundings, make it a favourite for those looking to relax with a few comforts. It’s home to some of the area’s most iconic beach bars, known for sardine skewers and classic seafood dishes. Nearby, partially protected dune systems add scenic and ecological value to the area.
Top beaches nearby: coastal escapes with charm
Beyond the centre, Marbella has beaches that feel like hidden treasures. Artola Beach, also called Cabopino, is a prime example of this. Next to the Cabopino Marina, it’s known for its protected dunes, declared a Natural Monument. The fine sand and native vegetation make for a one-of-a-kind Costa del Sol landscape. The historic Torre Ladrones, a defensive tower from Islamic times, stands watch over the area, adding a touch of history.
Another gem is Alicate Beach in Las Chapas. With golden sand and clear water, it’s popular with both locals and visitors looking for a quiet, family-friendly setting. Nearby beach bars and restaurants let you enjoy local dishes without straying too far from the sea.
Things to do: more than just sun and sand
Marbella’s beaches are perfect for relaxing, but they also offer plenty of ways to stay active. Watersports lovers will love beaches like Los Monteros and Nagüeles, great for windsurfing, paddleboarding or diving into the region’s rich marine life.
If you prefer land-based activities, the seafront promenade that connects many city beaches is perfect for evening walks or bike rides, always with the Mediterranean by your side. What’s more, internationally renowned golf courses nearby let you mix beach time with a tee time in scenic surroundings.
Nature lovers can head out on hiking trails that begin near the shore and lead into the hills, offering panoramic views of the sea and the city. These walks are a chance to discover local wildlife and soak up the calm of Marbella’s natural surroundings.
