Marbella and the Costa del Sol are famous for their stylish beach clubs and chiringuitos that offer the best of the Spanish culture and beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. Discover a personal list of the most enjoyable and authentic beach restaurants and bars in the Marbella area.
From Trocadaero to Marbella Club, out to Luuma in Costabella and Laguna in Estepona, Marbella hosts a range of stylish beach clubs that can make any day feel like a dream. Discover my personal recommendations to the best beach clubs and chiringuitos in Marbella and Estepona areas.
Marbella Club – Beach Club, Golden Mile
Marbella is synonymous with luxury, and nothing captures the essence of its laid-back, sun-soaked lifestyle quite like a summer’s day at one of its many beach clubs.
Now when I say “beach club,” I’m not talking about the overhyped, scene-y spots where you’re more likely to encounter a celebrity Instagram shoot than a genuinely relaxed atmosphere. My list is about places that offer a blend of understated luxury, exceptional food, and the kind of relaxed ambience where you can truly savour a perfect day by the sea.
Beach Clubs on the Costa del Sol
One of the best things about Spain is the chiringuitos, or beach restaurants, that appear every 100 metres along the coast. Often built near or on the sand, these gems of Spanish culture are the perfect setting to enjoy the best of dining, drinking, and partying in front of the sparkling backdrop of the Mediterranean (or the Atlantic on the west coast) – contributing wholistically to the famous Spanish pleasure-driven lifestyle. In summer, you will see families enjoying the beach until well into the evening, playing beach padel, volleyball, or simply sitting around enjoying and the chiringuito is essential for all that enjoyment to happen.
What is a Chiringuito, and what is its history?
The word chiringuito has fascinating roots that go beyond the sandy shores of Spain. The term originated in Cuba, where small beachside huts served coffee known as chiringo. The concept was brought to Spain, where the Catalans embraced it and turned it into something distinctly Mediterranean. According to El Diccionario de la Lengua Española, a chiringuito is defined as: “A kiosk that serves drinks in the open air.”
In Spain, a chiringuito refers to a small beach bar that sells drinks and snacks – sometimes meals or tapas – from a more or less provisional structure. Since building permanent structures on beaches is often restricted, traditional chiringuitos were simple affairs: huts or kiosks set up for the summer months, often run by local fishing families.
Chiringuitos became an integral part of Spanish coastal life. It’s impossible to imagine summer in Spain without them – those casual beachfront spots where you can sip a cold beer, enjoy a plate of freshly grilled sardines (espetos), and let the sound of the waves set the rhythm of the afternoon.
Sunlounges at Marbella beach Playa de La Fontanilla, off the paseo maritimo in Marbella centre
What is the difference between a Chiringuito and a Beach Club?
Over time, Marbella’s chiringuitos have evolved. Many have morphed into more sophisticated beach clubs, offering everything from gourmet dining to full-service sunbeds, and a good dance on the sand. But the essence remains the same – barefoot luxury, a relaxing day by the sea and that unmistakable relaxed Spanish charm.
So, without further ado, below is my selection of top beach clubs in the Marbella and Estepona areas to help orientate you on your day by the sea.
Best Beach Clubs in the Marbella Golden Mile
Trocadero Playa – The Classic Choice
The Trocadero Group has mastered the art of the beach club experience, and Trocadero Playa on the Golden Mile is a standout example. Positioned between Marbella and Puerto Banús, it combines a chic yet welcoming ambience with colonial-style décor – dark woods, rattan furniture, and subtle safari-inspired touches.
Trocadero Playa offers a consistently excellent Mediterranean and Asian fusion menu, with dishes beautifully presented and packed with flavour. Its beachside beds are inviting and luxurious without feeling overly pretentious, and their espetos (barbecue sardines) are among the best in Marbella, a delicious nod to traditional Spanish beach dining.
Price: Moderate to high, but the quality and setting make it worthwhile.
As a side note, the Trocadero Group boasts several prime locations along the coast – from Malaga to Estepona and the ever-popular Trocadero Sotogrande. But my personal favourites remain the original, Le Petit Trocadero – the charming, smaller neighbour open from April to October, and of course, Trocadero Arena in Rio Real – a true Marbella institution with a stunning setting and summer bar, Zanzibar, perfect for golden hour cocktails.
Chambao Beach Club – Bohemian Luxury on the Beach
Part of the Puente Romano Beach Resort, Chambao Beach Club offers a relaxed yet refined beachfront experience in Marbella. With its bohemian-chic design—light woods, soft textiles, and sea-facing sunbeds – it strikes the perfect balance between stylish and low-key. The atmosphere is calm and intimate, perfect for those who prefer a more understated beach day. The menu highlights Mediterranean flavours with a strong focus on seafood, particularly paella and freshly prepared sushi, complemented by delicious signature cocktails and an extensive wine list, while weekend DJs add subtle energy. Reservations are highly recommended.
Price: High-end. Expect main dishes between €25 – €50+, cocktails from €15, and sunbed or cabana rental with a minimum spend, especially in peak season.
Part of the iconic Puente Romano Beach Resort, El Chiringuito embraces the concept of barefoot luxury. Here, you’ll find beautifully presented food served in a bohemian, stylish setting that feels more laid-back than its glamorous neighbours. Its beachside location makes it ideal for long, leisurely lunches or a casual cocktail with your feet in the sand.
Price: High-end, but the beachfront atmosphere and food quality make it worth the splurge.
Often overshadowed by its glitzier sibling the Beach Club that is open all year round, El Chiringuito MC Beach offers a more intimate, relaxed vibe that has won it a loyal following. Decked out in white and blue décor with direct beach access, it feels like a classic chiringuito with a refined touch consistent with the elegant style of the award winning Marbella Club Hotel. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a quieter day by the sea.
Price: High-end – but it’s worth it for the elegant feel, quality and location.
Positioned directly on Marbella’s Golden Mile, Besaya Beach offers a sophisticated dining experience with uninterrupted sea views and a contemporary, stylish setting. A favourite for special occasions, long lunches, or elegant dinners by the water, the ambience is polished but welcoming blending modern design with warmth. Fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours and subtle Asian influences dominate the menu, complemented by and a few standout meat dishes like steak served on a sizzling hot stone.
Price: High-end – but Besaya consistently delivers a high-end beachside dining experience.
More than just a beach club, La Milla Marbella is a sophisticated seaside restaurant where top-quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques are the stars. With an emphasis on seafood and refined Mediterranean dishes, dining here is more of a culinary journey than a casual beachside meal.
Price: High, but the exceptional dining experience is worth every euro.
Aurora Beach stands out for its warm, welcoming service and consistently excellent food. Run by Aurora herself, the atmosphere here feels personal and genuine, with friendly staff making sure everything runs smoothly. The prices are refreshingly reasonable for the location, making it a great option for relaxed, high-quality beachfront dining.
Price: Moderate – excellent value for the quality and personal touch.
A long-time favourite in San Pedro, El Ancla feels more like a refined beachside restaurant than a typical beach club. Its main draw is the expansive saltwater pool offering panoramic views over the Mediterranean. Lifeguards are always on duty, ensuring safety for younger guests. The menu ranges from traditional Spanish dishes to modern Mediterranean creations, providing something for everyone.
Price: High-end, but you’re paying for the serene location and well-executed dining.
Since the 1980s, Nuevo Reino has been a reliable favourite for beachfront dining in San Pedro. This family-run spot keeps things simple, serving fresh, delicious seafood right on the sand. It’s the kind of place where locals and visitors alike come to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and straightforward, satisfying food.
Price: Moderate – excellent value for traditional fare served with authenticity.
La Cabane by Dolce & Gabbana – Glamour and Michelin-Star Quality
Recently revamped under the Dolce Gabbana banner, La Cabane beach club now exudes Italian glamour decked out with natural materials framing the swimming pool. With the Mediterranean sea as a backdrop, this iconic beach club is stylishly accented with the emblematic white blue Dolce Gabbana pattern, contrasted with a touch of tasteful red detail. The kitchen is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Dani García, and the setting is pure luxury. It’s the place to be seen in Marbella.
Price: High-end – expect to pay for the exclusive setting and Michelin-level experience.
Famous for its legendary sundown weekend ‘ritual parties’, this timber themed chiringuito beach club is a destination in itself. Located on Golden Beach in Playa Real de Zaragoza in Elviria, Plage Casains offers varied meals, cocktails, sunbeds, tables and dance floor on the sand, perfect for an afternoon dance party enjoying the backdrop of the sunset behind the sea and mountains.
Price: Moderate – a range of cuisine from hamburgers, meats, fish with a mixture of Spanish, French and international touch.
Known for its excellent seafood and casual, friendly setting, Los Sardinales is a classic beach restaurant with a few sunloungers available in the summer. While the facilities are basic, the food is well-prepared and fresh, making it popular with locals.
Price: Moderate – affordable for classic Andalusian seafood.
At NOSSO Beach, the aesthetic is relaxed elegance with a strong focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Bright, colourful décor and funky outdoor timber sets create a laid-back, Ibiza-inspired vibe.
Price: Moderate – definitely worth it for the atmosphere and quality.
The Dune Beach Club brings something fresh to East Marbella, with a stylish setting among the dunes, high-quality food, and a laid-back vibe that feels effortlessly cool. The DJ sets during golden hour are particularly popular, adding a lively yet relaxed energy to the scene.
Price: High-end, but the quality, ambience, and service make it worth the visit.
Tucked away in Nueva Andalucía, Nao Pool Club offers a lush, tropical setting away from the bustling coastline. This popular daytime spot boasts a large pool, upscale dining options, and a sophisticated, laid-back vibe. With resident DJs curating the soundtrack and attentive service, it’s a favourite for stylish sun-seekers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Price: Moderate to high – well worth it for the secluded, tranquil atmosphere.
Just a short drive from Nueva Andalucía at El Cable Beach, Playa Padre offers a refreshing, laid-back alternative with its Balinese-inspired decor and focus on music. Known for its beachfront dining and high-profile DJ sets, it’s a must-visit for music lovers looking to dance the day away or simply enjoy a stylish yet relaxed environment.
Price: High – excellent food, service, and atmosphere.
Located right on the beachfront of Puerto Banús, Ocean Club Marbella is synonymous with luxury and vibrant, high-energy entertainment. This spacious club features a massive saltwater pool surrounded by plush sunbeds, a gourmet restaurant serving refined Mediterranean dishes, and a stylish bar perfect for cocktail enthusiasts. Known for its legendary Champagne Parties, Ocean Club attracts an upscale crowd seeking a glamorous, unforgettable experience.
Price: High – expect to pay for the prestige, service, and incredible atmosphere.
Perfectly positioned near Puerto Banús, La Sala by the Sea combines Thai-inspired decor with Mediterranean luxury. With three swimming pools, stylish sun loungers, and an extensive menu of fresh seafood and international dishes, it strikes a balance between relaxation and energy. Sunset sessions with live DJs make this spot especially popular during the summer.
Price: High – ideal for those looking for a lively beach experience without sacrificing comfort.
Perched on the outskirts of Puerto Banús, Mistral Beach has earned its reputation as a family favourite with its calm waters, water sports facilities, and welcoming atmosphere. The beachfront restaurant is known for fresh seafood dishes, and its relaxed, upscale vibe makes it perfect for those seeking a more laid-back yet quality beach experience.
Price: Moderate – great value for the quality and setting.
Though recently rebuilt, previously known as Laguna Village remains a go-to beach club destination in Estepona. It offers a diverse selection of high-end boutiques, restaurants, and stylish beach clubs all within one beautiful waterfront setting. Visitors can enjoy anything from sushi to Mediterranean seafood, all while lounging by luxurious pools or the sea itself. The overall atmosphere is sophisticated yet accessible, appealing to families and stylish sunseekers alike.
Price: Moderate to High – worth it for the variety of amenities and dining options.
Beso Beach – Rustic Chic with a Vibrant Twist (chiringuito no pool)
Situated along the Estepona coastline, Beso Beach offers a vibrant, rustic-chic aesthetic that pairs beautifully with its delicious Mediterranean and Basque-inspired menu. Known for its relaxed vibe by day and livelier scene by night, this is a place where you can savour fresh seafood dishes with your toes in the sand before dancing under the stars to expertly curated DJ sets.
Price: High – excellent food, ambience, and entertainment make it a top-tier option.
Beso Beach Club EsteponaTraditional Chiringuito Seafood – Coquinas at Beso Beach Club, Estepona – Costa del Sol
Trocadero Estepona – Sophisticated Charm
Part of the prestigious Trocadero Group, Trocadero Estepona brings the same classic elegance and tropical, colonial style found at its sister locations. Set against the backdrop of Estepona’s quieter beaches, this venue offers a refined experience with impeccable service, Mediterranean-Asian fusion dishes, and beautifully designed outdoor spaces.
Price: High – perfect for those seeking upscale dining and luxurious lounging in an exclusive setting.
Located on the serene stretch of Playa del Padron nudist beach in Estepona, Nido Beach Club blends modern design with a relaxed Mediterranean spirit. Clean architectural lines, soft-toned decor, and a focus on open space create a tranquil setting for long lunches or seaside afternoons. The menu focuses on elevated classics – think grilled fish, fresh salads, and curated cocktails – served with laid-back precision.
Price: Medium-High – ideal for those who value quality, style, and a quiet atmosphere just moments from the town centre.
Having lived in Marbella for over 20 years, I’ve seen the evolution of many of these beach clubs and chiringuitos firsthand. Some have stayed true to their roots, while others have adapted to the changing demands of a more sophisticated, international crowd. But the places on this list are the ones I keep coming back to – the ones where I know I’ll get good food, a relaxed vibe, and that unmistakable feeling of being right where I’m meant to be.
Of course, everyone has their own opinions, and some will prefer different styles or atmospheres. These days, many restaurants are oversubscribed, particularly in the summer months, and the staff often have a tough time handling the pressure. But the idea of being on a beach, with the sand between your toes and the sun shining down – that’s the dream. Life is for living, for savouring the moment and the location. And truly, there’s no better place for that than a beach bar in Marbella.
When I am not spending my days relaxing on the beach, I am at work selling luxury properties in Marbella and the Costa del Sol. It’s the other thing I do best. Please reach out if you’d like my insights on your real estate needs.
Mary Dunne is an experienced Real Estate Broker in Marbella with over two decades of expertise in the luxury property sector. She offers profound insights into Marbella’s luxury market, backed by her extensive experience with property transactions’ financial and legal facets. Her deep market knowledge positions her as a trusted expert, providing tailored experiences for high-end clients and showcasing Marbella’s lifestyle.
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