The Blue Flag is one of the most respected global awards for beaches and marinas, managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education, and is granted each year after a strict review process.
Spain has the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the world, boasting 642 across the country in 2025, with 45 of those belonging to the Costa del Sol, and 12 of those within Marbella.
For a beach to receive this award, it must consistently meet several criteria. Water quality is checked through regular testing, with no tolerance for sewage or industrial discharge. Environmental management is another requirement, which covers everything from the protection of sand dunes to proper waste separation and recycling points.
Education is also part of the standard. Each beach must provide information boards about local ecosystems and about the Blue Flag programme itself, as well as organise activities that raise awareness of environmental issues. Safety is equally important, with lifeguards or rescue equipment, first aid points, and clear emergency plans. Accessibility must be guaranteed too, with adapted entrances or walkways for people with reduced mobility.
The award is only valid for one bathing season at a time. Beaches are inspected regularly, and if any of the standards are not maintained the flag can be removed immediately. In other words, Blue Flag status is not a one off recognition but a continuing commitment.
Marbella’s most beautiful Blue Flag beaches:
On the Golden Mile, Playa de Nagüeles offers soft sand and calm water. Its setting makes it one of Marbella’s most recognisable beaches, connected to Puente Romano and Marbella Club, and featuring well known beach clubs nearby such as Chiringuito (Puente Romano), Sea Grill (Puente Romano) and MC Beach Club (Marbella Club), alongside other great options. It is the perfect choice if you want a swim, conveniently connected on the Golden Mile and its beachfront walkway, where you can enjoy a swim combined with a long lunch overlooking the sea.
These two central beaches sit side by side, a short walk from Marbella’s marina. La Fontanilla is the wider and busier of the two, with a promenade lined with cafés, restaurants and beach bars, making it a convenient choice for those who want everything within easy reach. El Faro, directly next to the marina, is smaller but has calm, shallow water and lifeguards during summer, making it especially safe for families. Parking is limited in peak season, so the best option is to use the underground car parks nearby. Together, these beaches provide Marbella town with its most accessible and lively stretches of sand.
Located next to the world famous marina, Playa de Puerto Banús combines a wide sandy beach with the energy of Marbella’s most glamorous neighbourhood. The beach is well serviced with sun beds, water sports and lively chiringuitos, while the promenade offers everything from designer shopping to fine dining. It is an easy choice if you want a beach day with plenty of variety and the unique atmosphere of Banús on your doorstep.
Framed by the Artola dunes, Cabopino is one of Marbella’s most scenic beaches. Wide stretches of soft golden sand meet small rolling dunes and pine trees, giving this stretch of beach an “unspoiled” natural edge, while the small marina at one end adds convenience with restaurants and boat trips. The shallow water makes it popular with families, but there are quieter stretches if you walk away from the port.
Further east, Playa del Alicate feels even more relaxed and spacious. It has a more local character, with several long-standing chiringuitos directly on the sand serving freshly grilled fish and seafood. This is a great choice if you prefer a quieter setting and a laid-back atmosphere, away from the busiest parts of Marbella.
From Marbella’s most iconic stretch of beach at Puente Romano, to the natural dunes of Cabopino or the lively sands of Fontanilla close to the town’s centre, Marbella’s Blue Flag beaches are varied but consistently well cared for. Wherever you choose, you will find clean water, a welcoming atmosphere and the easy rhythm of life by the Mediterranean.
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