Marbella is one of Spain’s most popular destinations, its appeal is easy to understand. It is also a beach lover's paradise. There are a staggering 23 beaches along its 27kms of coastline.
Marbella’s beaches gained another three Blue flags in 2012, bringing the total number of Blue Flag beaches in Marbella’s immediate vicinity to seven.
No other coastal town in the province of Andalucia has as many.
The best beaches in Marbella
What makes Marbella’s beaches so special? Blue flags aside - what are the best beaches to visit when holidaying in Marbella?
Everyone has their favourites, here are ten of ours.
For convenience purposes, the beaches have been listed by the ones that are east of Marbella's city centre, followed by the ones that are west of the centre.
All the beaches fall within a 20kms radius from Marbella's centre.
1. Bounty Beach
One of the youngest and coolest places to be on the Costa del Sol.
If you are looking for a good beach near the centre of Marbella, chilled out music, a relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices - look no further.
For more information on Playa del Cable and Bounty beach Marbella
2. Playa de Rio Real
Five minutes away from Bounty beach you have the beautiful Playa de Rio Real.
Situated right at the beginning of Los Monteros and part of the same extension of beach as Alicate and Costabella. Its another fantastic beach right on Marbella's doorstep.
For more information on Rio Real beach
3. Playa de Alicate
Playa de Alicate is one of Marbella's most popular beaches.
Long, sandy beaches and all the amenities you could hope for. Alicate beach is a popular choice for residents and holidaymakers alike.
For more information on Alicate beach
4. Playa Hermosa
Going eastwards a couple of kilometres - just off the El Rosario exit you have a beach that really lives up to its name - Playa Hermosa.
A beautiful spot and less than 15 minutes from the centre of Marbella
For more information on Hermosa beach
5. Playa Real de Zaragoza
Playa Real de Zaragoza is quite simply a gem.
Fine, golden sand, clean waters and some fantastic chiringuitos - what more could you ask for?
For more information on Real de Zaragoza beach
6. Nikki Beach
Nikki beach needs very little introduction.
Known throughout the World for its prestige, its parties and high rollers.
Champagne, sunsets, beach parties.....for more information on Nikki beach
7. Cabopino Beach
An increasingly popular place to be and understandably so.
Cabopino beach borders the picturesque Cabopino port and the protected Las Dunas de Artola natural park - you couldn't hope for a better place to spend the day.
For more information on Cabopino beach
8. Playa Fontanilla
The nicest of Marbella's inner city beaches.
Playa de la Fontanilla is within easy walking distance from the centre of Marbella and is a popular destination for those looking to soak up some Spanish sun.
For more information on Fontanilla beach
9. Playa Nagüeles
They don't come much more exclusive than Playa Nagüeles.
Situated on Marbella's Golden Mile, Playa de Nagueles is somewhere that needs to be seen.
Clear waters, clean sandy beaches and some of the Costa del Sol's most exclusive names...for more information on Nagüeles beach
10. Playa de Nueva Andalucia
Starting from Puerto Banus's exclusive Marina and running westwards are the beaches of Nueva Andalucia.
Offering a very different feel than the ones closer to Marbella. They are most definitely high on anyone's 'best beach' list.
For more information on Nueva Andalucia's beach
We would like to thank our home-owners and friends who helped us compile this ‘Top ten beaches in Marbella list’ - in particular Marbella Family Fun - without your help and insider tips this list would not have been possible.
For more Marbella information and Spain's Holiday's Marbella video
