When summer is in full swing in the South of Spain, there is only one place to go to escape the heat (and get a great tan!): the beach. Families residing all-year-long in Marbella have compiled a list of the top 10 beaches to visit while on the Costa del Sol. Actually, a couple of them are technically located on the Costa de la Luz, but it could not be avoided... They are truly great beaches!
Here is the top 'must go to' beaches:
#10. Carvajal Beach, Benalmadena
It is a large urbanized beach (1600m in length) with lots of services nearby. It has fine golden sand with moderate waves. Located 35 minutes from Marbella center, it can be quite busy in summer as it is frequented mostly by families.
#9. Alcaidesa, Cadiz
This semi-urbanized beach is enormous, reaching 4,300 meters in length and 60 meters in width.
#8. Pinomar, East Marbella
This small semi-urbanized beach located east of Marbella is only 350 meters wide. With golden sand and moderate waves you will find this beach just next to Costa Bella beach, located only 10 minutes from Marbella center just off the N340, at exit km. 189.
#7. Estrella del Mar, East Marbella
Another fabulous east Marbella beach, the Estrella del Mar offers golden sand and clear water. It is located just near the Hotel Vincci in the Urbanizacion Estrella del Mar of Las Chapas. Take the N340 to exit km. 191.
#6. La Rada, Estepona
La Rada beach is the most central beach in Estepona. It is very large offering 2630 meters of golden sand, great chiringuitos (beach restaurants) and a beautiful board walk.
#5. El Alicate, Elviria
A long strip (1900m) of beach with golden sand and moderate waves. It can get crowded in the summer. Lots of chiringuitos to choose from offering chilled sangria and typical Spanish tapas. Take the exit El Rosario, peel off to the first right at the sign El Alicate and head towards the beach.
#4. Nueva Andalucia
A long (1050m) and popular strip of fine sand which includes El Duque and La Siesta beaches. Located in front of the Guadalpin Hotel you will find this beach has a little cove and shallow water. It is perfect for small children. Take the exit for the Hotel Guadalpin off the N340.
#3. Las Chapas, East Marbella
This semi-urban beach is 750 meters long and gets very crowded in the summer. It has beautiful sand and clear water. It is located in the Urbanization Las Chapas. Take N340, exit at Las Chapas and head towards the sea.
#2. Tarifa, Cadiz
There are many beautiful beaches in Marbella, but a favorite is a little further west. It is Punta Paloma near Tarifa, on the Costa de la Luz. This beach is truly unspoiled and its sand dunes are so exceptional, it had to make this list! Punto Palomar does not offer typical Marbella services such as showers, toilets and lounge chair rentals. Follow road signs to Algeciras, then Tarifa. Ignore the road to the town center and continue to Punta Paloma at km. 74.
#1. Cabopino, East. Marbella
Another great east Marbella beach, Cabopino, is the winner of this list. Its clean sand and clear water, stretching over 1200 m, make it a very popular beach all summer long! Just be aware that there is a nudist beach, Dunas de Artola, neighboring it to the west.
Costa Del Sol - Top 10 Beaches Around Marbella, Spain