The Best Beaches Near Puerto Banus

The Costa del Sol is famous for its beaches, and Marbella sits at the heart of the best of them. With 27 kilometres of coastline and 24 named beaches — more Blue Flag awards than any other municipality in Andalucia — the choice can be overwhelming. This guide covers the best beaches near Puerto Banus, from the glamorous sands adjacent to the marina itself to the secluded calas that can only be reached by private boat.

The Beaches Right Next to Puerto Banus Marina

Puerto Banus is home to three distinct beaches, all within walking distance of Berth 092 where Maia Fair is berthed:

• Playa Puerto Banus (Playa de Levante) — The most famous, sitting east of the marina between the harbour and the mouth of the Rio Verde. Approximately 1km long and 50 metres wide, with Golden sand, calm shallow water protected by the breakwater, and a Blue Flag. This is the beach most associated with the glamour of Puerto Banus — beach clubs, chiringuitos, and the mountain of La Concha rising dramatically behind it.
• Playa Nueva Andalucia — West of the marina, a wider, less crowded stretch with a more local feel. Popular with families and those who want a quieter day without the beach club scene.
• Playa Rio Verde — Running east along the Golden Mile, slightly more secluded and quieter. The site of Roman villa ruins nearby makes this one of the more historically interesting stretches of coastline.

The Golden Mile — The Most Exclusive Beaches in Marbella

The stretch of coastline between Puerto Banus and Marbella town centre is known as the Golden Mile — 6.4km of the most exclusive real estate on the Spanish coast. The beaches here are some of the finest in Marbella, set against a backdrop of five-star hotels, private estates and the Sierra Blanca mountains.

• Playa Nagüeles — The jewel of the Golden Mile. Clean, calm water, immaculate facilities, and the proximity of Puente Romano Beach Resort and the Marbella Club creates an atmosphere of effortless luxury. Approximately 1.5km long, never crowded, and arguably the most beautiful stretch of sand in Marbella.
• Playa Ancón — Between Puerto Banus and Marbella, bordered by pine trees and palm groves. One of the least crowded beaches in the area, home to the famous Victor's Beach bar and offering a genuinely peaceful escape from the busier stretches.
• Playa Casablanca — Well-maintained Blue Flag beach on the Golden Mile, bordered by luxury resorts. Good facilities, loungers and restaurants, with a promenade ideal for walking in both directions.

West of Puerto Banus — The Quieter Beaches

Heading west from Puerto Banus, the coastline quickly becomes quieter and more authentic. These beaches are a 10-minute drive or a short boat ride from the marina and offer a very different experience to the glam of the Golden Mile.

• Playa San Pedro de Alcantara — 10km west of Puerto Banus, this is a long, wide beach with a beautifully landscaped promenade. Authentic Spanish atmosphere, excellent chiringuitos serving fresh fish, and far fewer tourists than the beaches closer to Puerto Banus. Blue Flag awarded.
• Playa Guadalmina — At the mouth of the Guadalmina river, this beach has an archaeological significance — the Roman baths of Las Bovedas and a 4th-century Early Christian basilica are located nearby. The beach itself is wide, calm and much quieter than its neighbours closer to Puerto Banus.

The Beaches Only a Boat Can Reach

The most spectacular beaches near Puerto Banus are not on any tourist map. The calas — hidden coves and anchorages — along the 44km Marbella coastline are accessible only by sea. On a Marbella luxury boat charter aboard Maia Fair, the crew navigate to the most beautiful spots based on conditions on the day: clear turquoise water, complete privacy and a shoreline that most visitors to Marbella never see.

A full-day charter from Puerto Banus marina typically covers 60km of coastline, anchoring at two or three locations — watersports in open water, a quiet lunch at anchor and an afternoon swim in a secluded bay before returning to Berth 092 at sunset. It is, without question, the best way to experience the beaches of the Costa del Sol.

Marbella Beach Guide — Key Facts

• Marbella has 24 named beaches across 27km of coastline
• 11 Blue Flag beaches in 2024 — more than any other Andalucian municipality
• Puerto Banus is home to three beaches: Playa de Levante, Playa Nueva Andalucia and Playa Rio Verde
• Playa Nagüeles on the Golden Mile is widely considered the most exclusive beach in Marbella
• The most secluded beaches are only accessible by private yacht from Puerto Banus
• Best beach for families: Playa de Levante (calm, shallow, Blue Flag)
• Best beach for seclusion: the private calas accessible by yacht charter