When it comes to great beaches on the Costa del Sol, Marbella boasts some of the best. And even better, three with blue flag status are within easy reach of Rio Real Golf. Read our guide to the best blue flag beaches in Marbella and make a note to visit them during your next stay. 

Most Costa del Sol blue flag beaches 

This year, Marbella has six blue-flag accolades, the highest number in any of the municipalities on the Costa del Sol. With 27km of coastline, Marbella has plenty of beaches to choose from and this year, five have blue-flag status. Marbella Marina completes the six blue flags in 2020 for Marbella. 

Visiting Marbella beaches safely 

This year, safety on the beaches is more important than ever before. To this end, the Costa del Sol tourist board has just launched a mobile phone app that offers visitors comprehensive information about all the beaches on the Costa del Sol

It tells you how many people can safely social distance on the beach and how many are on a particular beach in real time. You can also find out the temperature (air and sea), state of the sea and if there are jellyfish. The app is available for Android and iOS or you can consult the website. 

Best nearest beach to Río Real 

Rio Real is the only one of the golf courses in Marbella to enjoy a seafront position. This privileged location naturally means that Rio Real lies just a short distance from the beach. As well as blue-flag status, El Cable Beach is also one of the quietest in Marbella.

Type of beach: like most blue flag beaches in Marbella, El Cable consists mostly of yellow sand. This is also one of the longest beaches and stretches along the coast for 1,650 metres. 

Facilities: sun beds and parasols are available at the beach bars. El Trocadero beach club, one of the best in Marbella, offers exclusive privileges to guests staying at Rio Real Hotel

Why visit: El Cable beach is great for long walks along the sand and its south-facing position makes it perfect for taking in the sunrise or the sunset. 

Best urban beach 

El Faro beach lies right in the centre of Marbella, making it one of the best for taking in the sights in the resort after a day at the beach. It’s also the only blue-flag beach in central Marbella. Just a short drive from Rio Real Golf & Hotel, it has plenty of parking nearby.

Type of beach: El Faro doesn’t count among the largest beaches in Marbella, but it’s sandy and wide.

Facilities: probably among the best in Marbella with sun beds and parasols, lifeguard services, showers and restrooms. Plus disabled access. Several beach bars and restaurants are also available.

Why visit: El Faro’s handy position in the centre of the resort means you can easily combine a visit to the beach with sightseeing, dining and shopping in Marbella.   

Best beach in Puerto Banús 

If you’re looking for blue flag beaches in Marbella with something to do other than sit on the sand, Levante in Puerto Banús makes a good option. It also enjoys the advantage of being within an easy drive of Rio Real. Plus you can enjoy the attractions at Puerto Banús at the same time. This year is particularly important for southern Spain’s top marina as it celebrates its 50 th anniversary

Type of beach: Levante beach runs for just over 1km and sandy. It offers safe, shallow bathing and is popular with families.

Facilities: Several beach bars provide sun beds and parasols.

Why visit: this is a great beach for families or taking a stroll into Puerto Banús after your time on the sands. 

Best natural beach 

Few Costa del Sol beaches can be described as undeveloped, but Artola beach comes as on exception. Backed by protected sand dunes, this long stretch of sand counts as one of the most unspoilt along the western coastline. It’s a short drive from Rio Real and plenty of parking is available.

Type of beach: the sandy Artola Beach stretches for 1.2km along the coast. It’s an official nudist beach.

Facilities: sun beds, showers and restrooms are available at the east end of the beach near Cabo Pino Marina. You’ll find beach bars and restaurants here too. The western end of the beach has no facilities.

Why visit: Artola Beach is recognised as one of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol. It’s also one of the quietest out of season. 

Combine beach with golf 

This summer is all about being outdoors, in the fresh air and surrounded by nature. Marbella offers plenty of opportunities to do this and where better than on a golf course? Rio Real Golf, one of the most iconic golf courses on the Costa del Sol, welcomes you and offers the best green fees in Marbella. Check out our dynamic prices and book your round now.