Playa de Cabopino: Marbella’s Beach Between Dunes & Marina

Marbella has dozens of beaches, but few combine the Mediterranean, protected dunes and a small marina as effectively as Playa de Cabopino.

Located in eastern Marbella, the beach sits beside Puerto de Cabopino and the protected Artola dune landscape.

That gives this part of the coast a noticeably different character from Marbella’s more urban beaches.

Spend the morning on the sand, walk through the dunes and finish with lunch beside the marina.

And if you want to add some action to your day, one of Costa Card’s Marbella partners is located nearby in Elviria.

Location: Calle de la Playa, s/n, 29604 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Beach type: Sandy beach beside protected dune landscape
Best for: Families, couples, nature, walking and beach days
Cost: Free
Nearby: Artola Dunes and Puerto de Cabopino

Why Visit Playa de Cabopino?

The surroundings.

That is the main reason to choose Playa de Cabopino.

Much of the Costa del Sol coastline is highly developed.

Cabopino gives you the convenience of restaurants and a marina while also providing immediate access to a protected natural environment.

The contrast between sand, dunes, Mediterranean vegetation and the marina makes the area particularly attractive for a full day.

What Is Playa de Cabopino Like?

Cabopino is a sandy beach on Marbella’s eastern coastline.

The beach sits beside the Artola dune system and close to Puerto de Cabopino.

Different sections attract different visitors, but the area is broadly popular with families, couples and people combining the beach with coastal walking.

During peak summer, expect it to become busy.

Explore the Artola Dunes

Do not visit Cabopino without walking through the dunes.

The Dunas de Artola protect an important section of Marbella’s natural coastal landscape.

Wooden walkways make it possible to experience the area while reducing pressure on the fragile dune environment.

Our separate Cabopino & Artola Dunes guide explains the protected landscape and Torre de los Ladrones in more detail.

Use that guide for the natural and historical Highlight.

Use this page for your practical Cabopino beach day.

Walk to Puerto de Cabopino

The small marina gives Cabopino another advantage.

After the beach, walk towards Puerto de Cabopino for restaurants, boats and a different view of the coastline.

This works particularly well around lunch or later in the afternoon.

Add an Adventure at Aventura Amazonia Marbella

Want to exchange the beach for the treetops?

Aventura Amazonia Marbella is located on Avenida Valeriano Rodríguez in Elviria, making it a particularly logical Costa Card activity to combine with Cabopino.

The adventure park offers six treetop circuits, more than 100 challenges and several zip lines, with options for different levels.

Costa Card users currently receive 10% discount at Aventura Amazonia.

This creates one of our favourite combinations for active families:

Morning at Aventura Amazonia → lunch → afternoon at Playa de Cabopino → Artola Dunes around sunset

Or reverse the itinerary if you prefer the beach in the morning.

Is Playa de Cabopino Good for Families?

Yes, particularly if you want to combine a beach day with short walks and lunch nearby.

Beach conditions always depend on the day, so families should check the beach flags before swimming.

The combination with Aventura Amazonia also makes Cabopino particularly interesting for families with active children who do not want to spend an entire day lying on the beach.

What Facilities Are Available?

Cabopino combines a relatively natural setting with developed beach services.

Depending on the section and season, you can find:

• Chiringuitos and restaurants

• Sunbeds and parasols

• Accessible beach facilities

• Marina facilities nearby

• Walking routes

• Parking in the wider area

Where Should You Eat?

The beach and marina area provide several choices.

For a relaxed day, have lunch at one of the beachfront establishments or walk towards the marina.

Fish and seafood fit naturally with the Mediterranean setting.

During peak summer, popular restaurants can become busy.

Respect the Dunes

Cabopino is attractive precisely because part of its surrounding coastline remains protected.

Stay on designated paths and wooden walkways when exploring the Artola Dunes.

Do not remove plants or walk unnecessarily through fragile dune vegetation.

A beach visit should leave this environment exactly as you found it.

How Do You Get to Playa de Cabopino?

Cabopino is located east of central Marbella.

Driving is one of the most convenient ways to reach it.

Bus and taxi options are also possible depending on where you are staying.

If driving during July or August, arrive early.

Parking demand increases significantly as the beach fills.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

For swimming, summer is the obvious choice.

For combining the beach with the dunes, late spring and early autumn can be even better because walking conditions are more comfortable.

During the hottest months, explore the dunes early or later in the day.

Cabopino or Central Marbella?

They offer very different experiences.

Choose Cabopino for beach + nature + marina + outdoor adventure.

Choose central Marbella if you want urban sightseeing, restaurants and the historic centre.

If you have enough time, experience both.

Visit Marbella Old Town on a separate morning or evening and use Cabopino for your beach day.

How Long Do You Need?

Cabopino can easily fill a full day.

For example:

Aventura Amazonia → lunch → Playa de Cabopino → Puerto de Cabopino → Artola Dunes

Or keep it simple:

Artola Dunes → Playa de Cabopino → lunch → marina → sunset

Is Playa de Cabopino Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

Playa de Cabopino offers one of Marbella’s strongest combinations of beach and natural surroundings.

You can swim, relax beside the Mediterranean, walk through protected dunes and visit a small marina without travelling between several distant locations.

Add Aventura Amazonia and you have an excellent full-day itinerary for active families and couples.

Discover More of Marbella

Start with our Cabopino & Artola Dunes guide to understand the natural landscape surrounding the beach.

Elsewhere in Marbella, explore Marbella Old Town, see the public art along Avenida del Mar or experience Puerto Banús.

Then browse Costa Card for more experiences around Marbella and the Costa del Sol.

Experience more. Pay less.