If you’re asking “where is Marbella beach,” here’s the quick answer: Marbella doesn’t have just one beach. It has a string of beautiful beaches lining the Mediterranean Sea along the Costa del Sol, stretching roughly 27 km from the dunes of Cabopino to the promenades of San Pedro de Alcántara. In central Marbella and the city center you’ll find Playa de la Fontanilla and Playa de Venus (Venus Beach) a short walk from Marbella Old Town, while the Golden Mile (Milla de Oro), Puerto Banús, Río Verde, and the east side toward Los Monteros and El Rosario each offer a different vibe. This guide explains exactly where each area sits, how to get there, and how to pick the right beach for you, whether you want calm waters and shallow waters for kids, lively beach bars and beach clubs, or natural dunes and fine golden sand.
Quick Answer: Where Is Marbella Beach?
- Featured Snippet Answer: Marbella’s beaches run along Spain’s southern Costa del Sol, fronting the Mediterranean Sea, from Cabopino Beach on the east side to San Pedro de Alcántara on the west, with centrally located sands like Playa de la Fontanilla and Playa de Venus just a short walk from the city center and Marbella Old Town.
- Coordinates: Marbella city center approx. 36.510° N, -4.886° W.
- Main areas:
- Central Marbella (city center, Avenida del Mar, Alameda Park, Parque de la Constitución)
- Marbella’s Golden Mile (Milla de Oro) and Nagüeles Beach by Marbella Club Hotel
- Puerto Banús / Puerto Banus & Río Verde Beach
- San Pedro de Alcántara (broad, family-friendly promenade)
- East side toward Los Monteros, El Rosario, Playa Alicate, Playa del Pinillo, and Cabopino Beach
How to Get to Marbella and the Beaches
From Airports and Major Cities
Marbella sits about 40–50 minutes by car from Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), the region’s main hub. Most visitors arrive via the AP-7 toll motorway for speed or the scenic A-7 coastal road for views. From Málaga city center, there’s no direct train to Marbella; you can take the Cercanías train to Fuengirola then transfer to a bus or taxi, or hop on a direct intercity bus from Estación María Zambrano. Gibraltar Airport is an alternative gateway roughly one hour away by car, making a dual-country trip easy for those who want to cross the border. If you’re planning to visit Marbella during peak season in the summer months, build in extra travel time around weekends when traffic near Puerto Banús and central Marbella can slow.
Local Transport to the Sand
In town, local buses connect central Marbella, the Golden Mile, Puerto Banús, and San Pedro de Alcántara with frequent stops along the promenade. Taxis and ride-hailing are reliable, but demand spikes on sunny afternoons and in August. Parking varies by area: Cabopino Beach and San Pedro promenades usually have more free parking (arrive early), while central zones around Playa de la Fontanilla, Playa de Venus, and the fishing port by La Bajadilla Beach favor underground paid garages. A practical tip is to park once and walk the palm tree–lined promenade between beaches; many are only a short walk apart, and you’ll pass beach bars, kiosks, and public showers along the way.
Best Time to Visit and Weather
The Costa del Sol famously offers 300+ sunny days a year. Summer months bring bathtub-warm water, a lively atmosphere, and a busy beach scene. Spring and autumn are sweet spots for calmer days and clearer water, with fewer crowds and often better prices on sun loungers at beach clubs. Winters are mild and bright, making long walks from Playa del Cable to the marina or along San Pedro’s promenade a joy even if you’re not dipping in. Sunrise illuminates the Golden Mile’s palms and the luxury yachts in Puerto Banús, while sunsets glow over Río Verde and San Pedro de Alcántara.
Choosing the Right Beach in Marbella (By Vibe and Need)
Family-Friendly Options with Calm, Shallow Waters
- Playa de la Fontanilla (Fontanilla Beach): This centrally located favorite is close to the city center and Parque de la Constitución. With fine golden sand, shallow waters, seasonal lifeguard services, and lots of facilities, it’s ideal for first-time visitors and families.
- Playa de Venus (Venus Beach): Tucked by the marina and Avenida del Mar, this compact, popular beach offers calm waters thanks to breakwaters, sun loungers, and a short walk to restaurants. Expect a busy beach in peak season, but everything you need is steps away.
Lively Atmosphere, Beach Clubs, and People-Watching
- Nagüeles Beach (Playa Nagüeles) on Marbella’s Golden Mile: Sitting below iconic resorts like the Marbella Club Hotel, this strip pairs fine sand with refined beach clubs, daybeds, and polished service. Perfect for a stylish day and sunset cocktails.
- Río Verde Beach: Between the Golden Mile and Puerto Banús, Río Verde has chic beach clubs, upscale chiringuitos, and views of luxury yachts cruising in and out of the marina. Culture bonus: the Roman villa mosaics are an easy stroll away.
Natural Vibes, Dunes, and Space to Breathe
- Cabopino Beach (Artola Dunes): A protected nature area with boardwalks winding through dunes and golden sand, Cabopino feels wilder than central Marbella. You’ll find family-friendly zones to the west and a nudist-friendly section toward the dunes. Free parking fills early in summer.
Budget-Friendly and Easygoing
- Playa del Cable (aka Bounty Beach): Laid-back music, beach bars, and more wallet-friendly loungers make this stretch a go-to for a relaxed day without the Golden Mile price tag.
- La Bajadilla Beach (Bajadilla): Next to the fishing port, Bajadilla is a foodie paradise for fresh seafood, with dark sand and an authentic local atmosphere.
Long Walks and Wide Promenades
- San Pedro de Alcántara beaches: Often awarded Blue Flag status in various seasons, San Pedro offers wide sands, playgrounds, and kilometers of promenade that are perfect for cycling, jogging, or pushing a stroller. It’s one of the best beaches areas for space in peak season.
- East side (Los Monteros to El Rosario): Playa del Pinillo and Playa Alicate deliver quieter corners with fine sand, making them great for morning walks and low-key days.
Culture by the Sea
From Marbella Old Town’s Plaza de los Naranjos with its orange trees and whitewashed lanes, stroll through Alameda Park and along Avenida del Mar, where bronze sculptures by Henry Moore lead you down to Playa de Venus and Fontanilla Beach. History fans can seek out the Roman Villa of Río Verde (near Río Verde Beach) and the Roman baths (Las Bóvedas) near San Pedro de Alcántara, transforming a beach day into a cultural walk.
Marbella’s Main Beaches Explained (East to West)
Cabopino Beach (Artola Dunes)
Cabopino Beach marks Marbella’s eastern gateway with a protected dune system and boardwalks that snake through golden sand and coastal scrub. The vibe is relaxed, with a mix of family-friendly pockets and designated naturist sections further into the dunes. Several beach bars serve simple Mediterranean plates, and seasonal lifeguard services keep swimmers safe. Aim to arrive before 10 a.m. in peak summer for free parking near the marina; otherwise, park a bit farther and enjoy the scenic walk.
Playa del Pinillo
Stretching along the east side, Playa del Pinillo is a long, open beach where you can always find a patch of sand, even in August. The sand varies from fine to slightly darker patches, and the shallows are welcoming on calm days. It’s a top pick if you prefer a less crowded scene within easy reach of central Marbella.
Playa del Cable (Bounty Beach)
A favorite among locals and younger travelers, Playa del Cable blends affordable sun loungers, a couple of music-forward chiringuitos, and a casual feel. It’s close enough to central Marbella to walk or bike, making it a convenient alternative to the busier Playa de la Fontanilla during peak season. Expect a lively atmosphere on summer evenings.
La Bajadilla Beach (Bajadilla) and the Fishing Port
Hugging the fishing port, La Bajadilla Beach offers dark sand, gentle waves, and unbeatable access to seafood. If your ideal beach day ends with grilled sardines and a cold drink, this is your spot. The adjacent neighborhood feels authentic and unpolished in the best way, with working boats and nets lending character to your photos.
Playa de la Fontanilla (Fontanilla Beach)
Playa de la Fontanilla is the heart of central Marbella. With fine golden sand, showers, ramps, and a dense lineup of restaurants and cafés, Fontanilla Beach makes logistics easy. The water is typically calm, there are lifeguard services in the summer months, and sun loungers are plentiful. Because it’s centrally located and a short walk to the city center and Parque de la Constitución, it’s a busy beach in July and August—arrive early or come for a golden-hour swim.
Playa de Venus (Venus Beach)
Small but strategically placed, Venus Beach sits next to the marina and the bottom of Avenida del Mar. Breakwaters help maintain calm waters, and the proximity to shops and ice cream stands makes it popular with families. If you’re staying near Marbella Old Town, this is the shortest and simplest walk to the sea.
Nagüeles Beach (Playa Nagüeles) on Marbella’s Golden Mile
Set beneath the Marbella Club Hotel, Nagüeles Beach epitomizes Marbella’s Golden Mile with manicured sands, elegant service, and beach clubs where a daybed can easily turn into a full-day experience. It’s also a scenic section of promenade for a morning run under palm trees before breakfast. Prices are higher, but the polish is noticeable.
Río Verde Beach
Bordering Puerto Banús, Río Verde mixes upscale sunbed zones with public spaces and quick access to the archaeological site of the Roman villa of Río Verde. The mosaics offer a glimpse of Roman-era coastal life right beside modern-day beach clubs. On clear days, the water is strikingly turquoise, and the backdrop of luxury yachts near Puerto Banus makes for postcard photos.
Puerto Banús Beaches
To the east and west of the Puerto Banús marina are compact beaches serviced by chiringuitos and clubs. If you want a beach day tied to shopping, dining, and nightlife, this is the strongest all-in-one location. It’s also where you’ll see the most designer handbags and supercars rolling by the promenade.
San Pedro de Alcántara Beaches
Broad, clean, and family focused, San Pedro’s beaches anchor a long, flat promenade dotted with playgrounds, fitness stations, and cafés. The sands here are often recognized among Blue Flag beaches in the region (verify the current year), and there’s usually more free parking than in central Marbella. It’s an excellent “set up camp and stay all day” area with a calmer feel than Puerto Banús.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Key Beaches
Snapshot; conditions vary by season.
| Beach | Vibe | Sand | Waters | Services | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabopino Beach (Artola Dunes) | Natural, dunes | Golden sand | Generally calm | Beach bars, seasonal lifeguards | Some free parking early |
| Playa del Pinillo | Quiet, spacious | Fine/dark mix | Calm–moderate | Basic | Street/nearby |
| Playa del Cable | Lively, budget-friendly | Fine/dark mix | Variable | Beach bars, loungers | Easier than center |
| La Bajadilla Beach | Local, foodie paradise | Dark sand | Gentle | Restaurants by fishing port | Garages + limited street |
| Playa de la Fontanilla | Central, full-service | Fine golden sand | Calm, shallow | Lifeguards, showers, sun loungers | Paid garages nearby |
| Playa de Venus | Compact, family-friendly | Fine sand | Calm | Sunbeds, marina amenities | Limited; walk from center |
| Nagüeles Beach | Chic, premium | Fine sand | Calm–moderate | Beach clubs, daybeds | Hotel/valet/paid |
| Río Verde Beach | Upscale, cultural | Fine sand | Clear, moderate | Clubs, loungers | Limited; walk from Banús |
| Puerto Banús Beaches | Glamorous, convenient | Fine sand | Calm in coves | Many | Paid garages |
| San Pedro de Alcántara | Relaxed, family | Fine to darker | Calm | Promenade, playgrounds | More free options |
Blue Flag Beaches, Water Quality, and Safety
What Blue Flag Means
A Blue Flag signals excellent water quality, safety standards, and services like clean toilets and lifeguard coverage. Marbella and nearby towns regularly achieve Blue Flag recognition, though the list can change from year to year. For the most accurate, up-to-date information, check the official Blue Flag website before you go. It’s a handy way to identify the best beaches if water quality is your top priority.
Safety on Marbella Beaches
During the summer months, most central beaches provide lifeguard services and use flag colors to indicate conditions: green for calm waters, yellow for caution, and red for no swimming. Jellyfish (medusas) can appear, especially on very warm, still days; local authorities often post warnings when swarms are present, and chiringuitos sometimes display medusa alerts on boards. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, fresh water, and a hat; the Andalusian sun is intense, and breaks under a parasol or the palm trees are smart.
What to Expect: Facilities, Food, and Access
Loungers, Showers, and Accessibility
Most beaches in Marbella offer sun loungers, parasols, and showers. Prices vary by location—Golden Mile and Puerto Banús command higher rates than Playa del Cable or San Pedro de Alcántara. Many sections have wooden walkways and ramps, and some beaches provide amphibious chairs on request with lifeguard assistance; ask at the first-aid post. Families often choose Fontanilla or Venus Beach for the straightforward access and facilities.
Food and Drink: Beach Bars vs. Beach Clubs
- Beach bars (chiringuitos): Casual spots serving grilled sardines (espeto), paella, salads, and cold drinks. Examples line Playa del Cable and Cabopino Beach, where the vibe is relaxed and prices are moderate.
- Beach clubs: Premium venues with daybeds, DJs, and bottle service—think Nagüeles Beach, Río Verde Beach, and Puerto Banus. These are great for celebrating or people-watching with a splurge.
Parking and Transport Tips by Area
Central Marbella has several paid garages near the promenade. In peak season, aim for garages if you’re staying in the city center. For free parking, your best bets are early mornings at Cabopino and the San Pedro promenade, or residential streets near Playa del Pinillo and Playa Alicate on the east side. If you plan to beach-hop, consider using public buses between central Marbella, the Golden Mile, and San Pedro to skip the parking shuffle.
Neighborhoods and Landmarks Near the Sand
Marbella Old Town and City Center
Marbella Old Town is a maze of white lanes that opens into Plaza de los Naranjos, shaded by orange trees and flanked by cafés. From here, it’s a short walk to the sea through Alameda Park and down Avenida del Mar, where Henry Moore sculptures guide you to the marina and Playa de Venus. Parque de la Constitución sits just above the promenade with a small auditorium that hosts summer concerts—ideal for an evening after a beach day at Fontanilla Beach.
Golden Mile (Milla de Oro)
Between central Marbella and Puerto Banús lies the Golden Mile, home to iconic hotels like the Marbella Club Hotel and elegant residences such as La Virginia. The promenade is flanked by palm trees and manicured gardens, and the beachfront around Nagüeles Beach is where you’ll find some of the most polished service, from beach clubs to fine dining.
Puerto Banús / Puerto Banus
Puerto Banús is synonymous with luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and late-night dining. Beaches here are compact but convenient, turning a swim into a shopping-and-sushi afternoon within minutes. It’s also a transport hub for buses and taxis along the coast.
East Side Enclaves: Los Monteros and El Rosario
The east side is dotted with residential areas and golf course access, including Rio Real Golf inland. Beaches like Playa Alicate, Playa del Pinillo, and stretches near Los Monteros are calmer and less commercial than central zones, making them a smart pick during peak season.
Sand Types, Water Conditions, and When It’s Best
Golden Sand vs. Dark Sand
Marbella’s coastline alternates between fine golden sand, especially around Nagüeles and Fontanilla, and darker, volcanic-tinged sand near La Bajadilla Beach and some east-side stretches. Grooming is frequent, particularly on central beaches, so even darker-sand areas are usually clean and comfortable for sunbathing or long walks.
Calm Waters vs. Open Swell
Breakwaters near central Marbella and Venus Beach create calm waters suited to children and casual swimmers. On windier days, open stretches like Playa del Pinillo can have light swell, which is still manageable for most swimmers but worth noting if you prefer very calm conditions. Early mornings typically bring the glassiest water.
Rules, Etiquette, and Practicalities
Local Beach Rules Worth Knowing
Smoking restrictions are increasingly common on Andalusian beaches; look for “Playa sin Humo” signage. Dogs are generally restricted during summer months but may be allowed off-season—confirm locally. At Cabopino’s Artola dunes, stay on marked walkways to protect the fragile ecosystem, and respect the designated naturist areas.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a brimmed hat
- Water shoes for the occasional pebbly patch
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash or card for sun loungers and beach bars
- Light layers for evening breezes
- A small dry bag if you plan to wade or rent a paddleboard
2–3 Perfect Beach Days in Marbella (Sample Itineraries)
Day 1: Central Marbella Highlights
Start at Playa de la Fontanilla for a swim in shallow waters and unhurried coffee at a beachfront café. Break for lunch at a chiringuito or pop up to the city center for tapas. Late afternoon, wander through Alameda Park, follow Avenida del Mar past the Henry Moore bronzes, and finish with a sunset dip at Playa de Venus. Dinner in Marbella Old Town around Plaza de los Naranjos is a perfect cap.
Day 2: Golden Mile and Puerto Banús
Walk or bike along Marbella’s Golden Mile to Nagüeles Beach and settle into a beach club daybed. After lunch, head west to Río Verde Beach to visit the Roman villa mosaics and enjoy a late afternoon swim. Stroll on to Puerto Banús to photograph the luxury yachts and enjoy dinner with a marina view.
Day 3: Nature and Culture Mix
Drive to Cabopino Beach and explore the Artola dunes via the wooden boardwalks. Bring a picnic or choose a casual chiringuito for lunch with your feet in the sand. In the afternoon, continue to San Pedro de Alcántara for a promenade walk, or detour inland to the Roman baths (Las Bóvedas) to complete your time-traveling seaside day.
FAQs for Featured Snippets
Where is Marbella beach located?
Marbella beaches line Spain’s Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Sea, with centrally located sands like Playa de la Fontanilla and Playa de Venus a short walk from the city center and Marbella Old Town, and wider beaches stretching east to Cabopino and west to San Pedro de Alcántara.
Is there a beach near Marbella Old Town?
Yes. From Old Town, walk through Alameda Park and down Avenida del Mar to reach Playa de Venus and Fontanilla Beach in 10–15 minutes.
Which are the best beaches in Marbella?
Top picks include Playa de la Fontanilla (central, family-friendly), Nagüeles Beach (Golden Mile chic), Río Verde Beach (clubs + Roman villa), Cabopino Beach (dunes and nature), Playa del Cable (lively and budget-friendly), and San Pedro de Alcántara (space and promenades).
Are Marbella’s beaches Blue Flag beaches?
Some beaches in and around Marbella frequently earn Blue Flag awards, but designations are updated annually. Check the official Blue Flag site for the current list.
Which beach is best for families with shallow waters?
Fontanilla and Venus Beach are great for calm, shallow waters and lifeguards in season, with facilities close by.
Where can I find beach clubs in Marbella?
Beach clubs cluster around Nagüeles on the Golden Mile, Río Verde, and near Puerto Banús.
Where is there free parking by the beach?
Try Cabopino and San Pedro promenades early in the day, or the east side near Playa del Pinillo and Playa Alicate. Central Marbella generally relies on paid garages.
What’s the closest beach to Puerto Banús?
Río Verde Beach lies just east of the marina, and small beaches sit on both sides of Puerto Banús itself.
Which Marbella beach has Roman ruins?
Río Verde Beach is home to the Roman villa mosaics; the Roman baths (Las Bóvedas) sit closer to San Pedro de Alcántara.
What’s the difference between beach bars and beach clubs?
Chiringuitos (beach bars) are casual, often family-friendly, and affordable. Beach clubs are premium, with daybeds, DJs, and higher prices.
Seasonal Snapshot: Water and Weather
Simple Month-by-Month Overview
- April–May: Mild air, cooler water; quieter beaches in central Marbella and the east side near Los Monteros.
- June: Warm water arrives; beach clubs in full swing along the Golden Mile and Río Verde.
- July–August: Peak season, busy beach vibe; book loungers at Nagüeles or Puerto Banús, or head to San Pedro for space.
- September–October: Warm sea, softer crowds; great time for Cabopino’s dunes and long swims.
Water Temp Quick Chart (approximate)
| Month | °C | °F |
|---|---|---|
| May | 18–20°C | 64–68°F |
| June | 20–23°C | 68–73°F |
| July–August | 23–25°C | 73–77°F |
| September | 22–24°C | 72–75°F |
| October | 20–22°C | 68–72°F |
Authority Resources and Further Reading
- Official Marbella Tourism: current events, beach facilities, and live updates.
- Junta de Andalucía Beaches Info: regional rules, accessibility, and seasonal lifeguard schedules.
- Blue Flag Official: verify which Blue Flag beaches are recognized this season.
- Google Maps: search “Playa de la Fontanilla,” “Playa del Cable,” “Río Verde Beach,” “Cabopino Beach,” “San Pedro de Alcántara” for exact pins and parking notes.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Stretch of Sand
To recap, if you’re wondering where is Marbella beach, think of a coastline of options rather than a single spot: centrally located sands like Playa de la Fontanilla and Playa de la Venus near the city center and Marbella Old Town; polished stretches on Marbella’s Golden Mile around Nagüeles Beach and the Marbella Club Hotel; upscale-lively corners by Puerto Banús and Río Verde Beach; natural dunes and fine golden sand at Cabopino; and family-friendly promenades in San Pedro de Alcántara. The east side around Los Monteros, El Rosario, Playa Alicate, and Playa del Pinillo offers calmer, less commercial corners, while the fishing port at La Bajadilla Beach is a foodie paradise with fresh seafood. Whether you prefer beach bars or full-service beach clubs, calm waters or a lively atmosphere, there’s a right beach for every mood on the Costa del Sol. Visit Marbella, explore its beautiful beaches, and you’ll quickly see why “Marbella beaches” and “best beaches” lists so often start here.
