Marbella offers 27km of coastline with a choice of 24 ‘Blue Flag’ beaches that are certified by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an independent non-profit organisation.
Stretching from Guadalmina in the west to Calahonda in the east Marbella's beaches are a mix of man-made and natural sand of volcanic origin, usually sun-bleached off-white, light golden brown or grey-tinged.
The beaches are all free, well maintained and clean, with a wide range of water sport facilities as well as amenities such as lifeguards, beach bars, restaurants and ramps for people with disabilities.
While the beaches around the centre of town can get crowded in summer, it is possible to meander along the uninterrupted shore for 10km east of Marbella and find your own more secluded spot to sunbathe and swim.
Chiringuitos (beach bars) and restaurants are dotted every 500m or so along the shoreline.
Here's a selection of the best beaches in and around Marbella…
Look out for celebrities on this 2.5km-long grey-sand beach that is frequented by guests of the exclusive Marbella Club Hotel, and also known as the Marbella Club Pier Beach.
The beach shelves into clean, calm water and is flanked by a palm-fringed promenade with a choice of upscale hotels, restaurants and beach clubs.
Enjoy a host of water sports including windsurfing, kayaking and jet skiing. Facilities include lifeguards, parasols, sun loungers, showers, toilets and regular police patrols.
Stroll along the palm-fringed beachfront promenade or enjoy a range of creature comforts at the exclusive Marbella Club Hotel.
Unwind on this 1km-long cream-sand beach that sits between palm trees and calm, deep water that is perfect for swimming. Also known as Playa del Venus, this is Marbella's most central beach, sitting just a short stroll away from the Old Town (above photo).
The 30m-wide beach is located between Marbella’s twin harbours with pretty views across to the marina.
Facilities include lifeguards, sun beds, parasols and regular police patrols, as well as bars and restaurants in the nearby marine building and along the beachfront Avenida Duque de Ahumada.
Pick your own spot to sunbathe on this 30m-wide, 800m-long, brown-sand beach conveniently located close to the town centre.
The beach is dotted with palm trees and provides parasols and sun loungers for hire as well as a good selection of bars, restaurants and shops on the beachfront promenade.
Facilities include lifeguards, showers, toilets, regular police patrols and several beachfront bars. The nearby 5-star Gran Melia Don Pepe offers a range of creature comforts.
This pleasant 1.5km-long, light golden-sand beach is linked by a raised boardwalk to Playa de la Fontanilla, stretching between Marbella and nearby Puerto Banús.
Facilities include umbrellas, sun loungers, toilets, showers, lifeguards and regular police patrols. Water sport facilities include kayaks and jet skis.
The beach is fringed with palm and pine trees.
Unwind on this crescent of brown sand that faces a small cove protected by an artificial breakwater.
The beach is conveniently located between the 5-star Hotel Don Carlos and Hotel Puento Romano.
Facilities include hammocks and sun umbrellas (supplied courtesy of the hotels), lifeguards and regular security guard patrols. Creature comforts are just a short stroll away.
Dig your toes into the soft cream coloured sand of this wide 1.3km-long beach that sits to the east of Marbella and is popular with locals.
Facilities include parasols, deckchairs, a snack bar and water sports such as jet skiing, banana boating, canoeing and wind surfing.
Adjacent to the beach is a fun park with restaurants and many activities for both children and adults, including go-karts, children's motorbikes, trampolines, miniature golf, pinball machines, video games, darts and a mechanical bull. Admission is free, but you pay separately for each attraction.
Unwind beneath gently swaying palm trees, among the rich and famous, on the best beach in Marbella.
This superb location provides a luxurious environment for sunbathing and swimming, as well as for enjoying a range of water sports such as kayaking, catamaran sailing, windsurfing and jet skiing.
For a fee (unless you are a hotel guest), the exclusive Beach Club provides creature comforts such as waiter service, towels and a swimming pool. An á la carte restaurant, bars, a chill-out lounge and spa are just a sort stroll away.
After sunset, the beach becomes a party scene until the early hours of the morning.
Nikki Beach is located in front of the manicured gardens of the luxury Don Carlos Beach Leisure Resort & Spa, which is located in Elviria, around 11km east of Marbella.
Latest update: Best Beaches in Marbella: 10 May, 2022
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