Most come to the Costa del Sol with a simple goal in mind- hitting the beach! Here are a few tips before you do, and descriptions of each of Marbella's playas.
First, a few things to help you find your perfect spot on the sand:
Blue Flag Beaches
Many beaches and marinas on the Costa del Sol fly a blue flag that indicates they are participating in a global program for sustainable management of coastal resources. Beaches identified with the Blue Flag (Sendero Azul) must meet certain criteria for environmental education, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services. This may help you to identify some of the coast's cleaner spots for bathing and recreation. Only two of Marbella's beaches are currently Blue Flag qualified: Casablanca and El Cable. Go to their website to find out more about Blue Flag beaches around the world.
Chiringuitos and Cabanas
El Faro: the Lighthouse beach is the most easily accessible from Old Town Marbella and the hotels around the city center, making it the most crowded with tourists.
La Fontanilla: this beach is a long walk from the main strip of Venus, but it is more peaceful. You'll enjoy the marble boardwalk will great views looking down the beach back into Marbella. The beach has good facilities and is the start of the Golden Mile area.
Casablanca: welcome to the Golden Mile. You will find just a few expensive Chiringuitos here, and a natural dirt path walkway (Via Verde) preferred by runners. The beach here is wide and a bit more quiet, but still offers facilities and has a few offerings for kids.
First, a few things to help you find your perfect spot on the sand:
Many beaches and marinas on the Costa del Sol fly a blue flag that indicates they are participating in a global program for sustainable management of coastal resources. Beaches identified with the Blue Flag (Sendero Azul) must meet certain criteria for environmental education, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services. This may help you to identify some of the coast's cleaner spots for bathing and recreation. Only two of Marbella's beaches are currently Blue Flag qualified: Casablanca and El Cable. Go to their website to find out more about Blue Flag beaches around the world.
Chiringuitos and Cabanas
On most beaches, you will find charming palmfrond umbrellas over pairs of lounge chairs. For a fee (3-5 Euros usually) you can relax here and order anything from drinks to massages, depending on the location. These are operated by the nearby Chiringuitos. Chiringuitos are small bars and restaurants located right on the sand, where you can also sit and sip a drink or enjoy a meal while looking at the water.
What to Bring
You don't have to rent the cabanas, you are welcome to set yourself up anywhere on the sand. Bringing your own towel, chairs, umbrella are all recommended for a long day. The water is quite clear on some beaches and many bring goggles or snorkelling gear for swimming. There are plenty of shops along the walkway in case you forgot your sunscreen, as well as restaurants and those chiringuitos to offer you a snack or meal. Most of the beaches have good facilities that include outdoor showers and drinking fountains, though you may want to scope out the nearest restrooms.
Ok, now to the beaches! There are many along the coast, the ones I describe here are the beaches walkable from Marbella city center and the Golden Mile. The sand here is not ideal, kind of gray and fine with lots of pebbles. However, they are fairly clean with only a few sad cigarette butts and other trash to spoil the experience. The views of the blue Mediterranean waters are enchanting from any beach you choose.
Beaches of Marbella
El Cable: this beach is east of the Marbella fishing port and the farthest from the main tourist zone, but still offers chiringuitos and other services. It is given high marks from visitors and is currently a Blue Flag beach. This is a good option for getting away from the bustling areas of Venus Beach though it is still full of visitors in summer months.
La Bajadilla: this small bay along the west side of the Marbella fishing port is most frequented by local families after the school day ends. There are no chiringuitos here and only a few restaurants in the nearby apartment buildings.
Venus: this beach marks the beginning of the more visitor-oriented beaches, with lots of facilities nearby. The boardwalk is lined with dozens of restaurants and bars and always busy, especially at night. There are also sometimes concerts and other special events held here in the evenings. Also lots of areas for children.
Casablanca: welcome to the Golden Mile. You will find just a few expensive Chiringuitos here, and a natural dirt path walkway (Via Verde) preferred by runners. The beach here is wide and a bit more quiet, but still offers facilities and has a few offerings for kids.
Final Recommendations:
Marbella's beaches and beach walks are ideal for people watching and partying, with so many places to stop for a drink. If you're looking for a peaceful beach experience, you might want to try other spots on the Costa del Sol. If you just want to get a tan and drink sangria before a night of bar hopping, you'll find plenty of British friends here to join you.
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