24 Mar Best Child-Friendly Beaches around Estepona and Marbella

Beaches, beaches and more beaches…. that’s what the coast in southern Spain is all about, and what better way to spend the day than building sandcastles, frolicking in the water, and perhaps grabbing a bite to eat in one of the beach-side chiringuitos (beach bars). Here are some of our top picks for beaches in and around Estepona and Marbella where you can enjoy a fun-filled and relaxing day soaking up the sunshine with the little ones:

Only a 15-minute drive from Casa Eucalyptus in Estepona, Playa del Cristo is a beautiful little beach set on an idyllic secluded bay just next to Estepona Marina. The breakwater, extending out to sea, protects this beach from most waves thus the water is shallow and calm, and the sand is soft and rock-free – perfect for kids. The beach features two chiringuitos offering quality local cuisine, sun-beds and parasols at reasonable prices, toilets and showers and even lifeguards on duty during summer. There’s plenty of free parking nearby should you wish to bring your own sun-beds or a packed lunch. As this beach is very popular with both tourists and locals, we highly recommend getting there early in the day, especially during summer and over weekends!

Playa de la Rada is only a 3-minute drive from Playa del Cristo and is the main beach of Estepona town. A nearly 3 km stretch of golden sand running parallel to the town promenade, this beach can’t be beat as far as sheer size, convenient location, and clean well-organised facilities. From children’s playgrounds and beach climbing frames, trampolines and bouncy castles, the kids will be sure to work up an appetite just in time for lunch in one of the many restaurants and beach bars scattered along the beach and promenade. Alternatively, come out and enjoy an evening stroll along the promenade, taking in the views of Gibraltar and the African coastline, or take a detour into the historic town centre of Estepona for a bit of sightseeing and a bite to eat in one of the many excellent restaurants found along the cobbled streets of the old town. Highly recommended!

Playa del Faro, located in the heart of Marbella, is an ideally situated beach for an afternoon of fun in the sun followed by cultural and gastronomic adventures. This cozy little beach gets its name from the lighthouse overlooking the beach promenade (FYI, “El Faro” in Spanish means the lighthouse), so keep a lookout for this landmark. El Faro is particularly popular with families as the water is shallow and calm and the local amenities are outstanding, so definitely expect it to be quite crowded! To be honest, the best reason to venture out to this beach is for the experiences to follow. Marbella’s leisure port (Puerto Deportivo) is right next door and boasts a wonderful selection of bars and restaurants, as well as boats! You’re only a 10-minute walk from the historic old town of Marbella with its narrow cobbled streets and enchanting plazas, charming white washed buildings with flower-filled balconies, splendid boutiques and souvenir shops and, of course, an amazing selection of restaurants and cafes. I could go on and on about the old town but will save it for another blog!

Last but not least are the beaches of Puerto Banus, and they’re only a short 10-minute drive from Casa Eucalyptus. Let’s face it, a trip to the coast would not be complete without a stroll through this playground for the rich and famous. Whilst we are all aware of the designer shops, the luxury yachts and the incomparable nightlife, let’s not forget that Banus boasts fabulous beaches. These golden beaches are kept immaculate, and facilities are top notch. Of course, you will find a huge selection of beach bars and restaurants although a bit on the pricey side when compared to the rest of the coast, but where else can you lay back and relax in the sunshine, shop to your heart’s content and revel in the opulent scenery?

With 24 beaches scattered along 27 kms of coastline, picking a favourite will surely be tough! Hopefully this little blog will get you started 🙂