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Discover the Best Beaches in Marbella
14 Dec 2018
By Adele Grant
Home to an impressive 23 beaches, Marbella is a sunbather’s paradise. Each bringing something unique to Costa Del Sol’s lengthy coastline, stretch out on flawless Blue Flag shores equipped with a list of first-class facilities, or hunt down secluded stretches ideal for relaxing under the Spanish sun.
Also renowned for its popularity with the rich and famous, this holiday hotspot is filled with swanky beach clubs. This is where you can enjoy Marbella’s most exclusive shoreside experiences with Champagne and cushioned loungers setting the scene.
So, if you’re thinking about planning a holiday to Marbella, grab your towel and sunscreen as we reveal the best beaches in Marbella.
Puerto Banus Beach
Location: Found on the east of Puerto Banus’ luxurious marina and around a 10-minute walk from Playa Rio Verde, this popular stretch isn’t far from the main town.
Why visit: Often considered one of Marbella’s finest beaches with a Blue Flag to its name, you can relax along a body of sand which expands for over one kilometre. Not only is it in tip-top condition, but it’s filled with amenities from showers to toilets and snack options.
Holidaying with kids? This spot’s protected position means the water is fantastic for mini swimmers. But it’s not all about unwinding, this shore also dishes out its fair share of watersports, which is a welcome addition when you’re craving an adrenaline rush.
Best for: Families and watersports
How to get here: You can reach the sand from its lengthy promenade, or if you’re staying a little further out, the beach also has free parking should you decide to rent a car. Depending where you’re coming from it’s basically one straight road with the sea on your right and mountains on the left. Taking the toll road is also an option in the busier summer months, however this will come with a small fee of around 8 euros.
Hotels close to Puerto Banus Beach:
If you’re looking to stay near Puerto Banus Beach, we suggest choosing accommodation within walking distance so you can take full advantage of its countless perks. Here are some of the best hotels which sit close to this first-class shore –
- Park Plaza Suites: This 4 star hotel places you close to Puerto Banus’ sizzling sands and comes equipped with a whirlpool bath and free Wi-Fi.
- PYR Marbella Apartments: Standing a convenient 7-minute walk away from the beach, these apartments are a front-runner in terms of location.
- H10 Andalucia Plaza: From its seaside location to its a la carte dining options, we highly recommend this adult only stay.
Playa de Alicate
Location: This shore takes around 13 minutes to reach when you travel by car from Marbella centre.
Why visit: Playa de Alicate remains one of Marbella’s most popular beaches, and for good reason. Praised for its good looks, this narrow, sandy stretch lures in streams of holidaymakers with its enticing Mediterranean ripples.
There are a good choice of services here too – a great addition when you need a break from sunbathing with bars, restaurants and even a beach club to keep you feeling refreshed.
Best for: Families, paddleboarding, pedal boat rides
How to get here: Bordered by stunning sand dunes, this beach can be easily accessed from its car park. If you’re travelling from Marbella’s centre, we suggest taking the N340-A7 eastwards and then heading for the second exit onto Av del Gaviero. Finally, you’ll continue straight over three roundabouts before reaching Playa de Alicate.
Nikki Beach
Location: You’ll find Nikki Beach just a short drive from Costabella in the nearby seaside town Elviria.
Why visit: Nikki Beach is so much more than a shore. Despite its obvious beauty, it’s the lifestyle attached to its premium beach club which pulls in the crowds. Days here are all about sipping Champagne, dancing to world-class DJ sets and watching impressive aerial shows – it’s the ultimate VIP sunbathing experience.
Over on the sand, you’ll find a whole host of cushioned day beds and the clearest waters tempting you in with their lapping waves. And you don’t have to leave the shore when the sun goes down, the party is just getting started!
Best for: Beach parties
How to get here: As part of an exclusive venue, this sand spot is typically accessed via the entrance of the beach club. You can either travel here by car from the main road or you can arrive by boat if you’re staying further out. There are plenty of water transfers to choose from if you don’t have the luxury of a car.
Hotels close to Nikki Beach:
There are a number of options if you want to stay near Nikki Beach. To help you out, we have listed some of our favourites –
- Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa: Adjacent to the beach, this deluxe hotel has a choice of swimming pools, free Wi-Fi and sweeping sea views from its swanky cocktail bar.
- Hacienda Playa: Situated in Nikki Beach, these cosy apartments are adored for their stunning gardens and quiet setting, away from Marbella’s vibrant centre.
- Ona Alanda Club Marbella: Fully equipped with a spa, gym and pool, while sitting inches away from the beach, Ona Alanda Club Marbella is a top pick.
Playa de Rio Real Beach
Location: Making up a two kilometre stretch known as Los Monteros, Playa de Rio Real Beach can be found between Playa de Alicante and Bounty Beach. That said, it is less than 10 minutes from the centre of Marbella.
Why visit: Celebrated for its flawless surroundings, it’s no surprise this beach gets busy during the summer. If you’ve come here to relax, we suggest heading to the west side of the shore as it tends to be quieter.
This is also where you’ll find Marbella’s only windsurf club. This will go down a treat with watersport enthusiasts much like its jet skis and banana boats. After all that excitement, you won’t be able to resist a kip on one of the many sunloungers scattered along the sand.
Best for: Families, windsurfing, kitesurfing
How to get here: To access Playa de Rio Real Beach you can either walk from the neighbouring shore or take the N340-A7 eastwards. After this, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the Torre Real exit on the right, which is just 5 kilometers further. Keep to the right and head over the roundabout, then follow the road to the beach.
Bounty Beach
Location: Depending how you plan on getting there, Bounty Beach can be reached by foot or car from the centre of Marbella. It will take around 5 minutes if you drive and over 20 minutes if you walk.
Why visit: Nicknamed Bounty Beach, after the stylish beach club which occupies the sand, this golden stretch has a fantastic atmosphere hence its popularity with young locals. Dubbed ‘the coolest beach in Costa Del Sol’, expect relaxing beats and swinging hammocks.
When the hunger sets in, don’t forget to visit the spot’s popular beach club. Serving a choice of affordable dishes, snack on the tastiest Spanish food, before moving onto the cocktail menu. This is the kind of place where you can either take it easy under a palm tree or get involved in waterside activities like beach volleyball.
Best for: Relaxed atmosphere and volleyball
How to get here: You can reach this beach from its lengthy promenade or its large car park. Travelling from Marbella’s centre? Then we suggest taking Calle de Ricardo Soriano, which eventually turns into Av de Severo Ochoa. Just before you reach Marbella head for the exit on the right and look out for the local police station, this means you’re on the right track. Keep following the road and you’ll find the beach on the right.
Need to know: To avoid any confusion, this shore is officially named Playa del Cable. It was dubbed Bounty Beach after the spot’s beach bar grew to become one of Marbella’s most popular hang outs.
So, where will your next holiday to Marbella take you?
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