Beach bars are referred to as chiringuitos. They stretch from Cabo Pino (East) to Guadalmina (West). The majority of beach bars have single sunbeds for hire which cost from 2.50€. up to 6.00€. But as the resort becomes increasingly popular with the rich and famous so has the need to follow the ever increasing trend of ‘Beach Clubs’ these consist of Grand beds which seat 3 or more people, fancy restaurants, lagoon shaped pools, fresh fish, paellas, thai cuisine, cocktails and champagne are becoming the norm. Listed below are some Beach clubs and bars which we would recommend, after which we list some ‘normal’ beaches.

Ocean Club

Ocean club is the beach club to be seen at and consequently has a great deal of posing going on! The giant sun beds sit 3 or 4 people, though you can also find single beds if you prefer a more intimate experience. You can also eat and drink while you relax with friendly waiting staff on hand to serve drinks, pizzets and fruit platters to the beds. Alternatively you can eat in their brilliant restaurant where you can sample a mouth watering selection of Thai specialties. The Pad Thai is absolutely amazing and the chicken fried rice is equally as delicious. Unless you have some serious style issues you will not be disappointed if you choose to spend a day here - all the facilities are what you’d expect from a 5* hotel with everything you could possibly want from a day in the sun.

Ocean Club, Puerto Banus
Playa de la Siesta, Puerto Banus
Telephone Number 0034 952 810 292
Website: www.oceanclubmarbella.net

Mistral Beach

Mistral beach is off the beaten track but within walking distance from the Port. It is very popular with the locals because of it’s fantastic food and laid back, less intensely trendy atmosphere. The bearded chef and his BBQ are a marvel, cooking everything from sea bass in salt to sublime calamari and proper French fries. The staff are quick and friendly and the local cervesa on tap is just the ticket under the baking sun. If you prefer, or don’t want to eat you can opt for a single sun bed for around €15. Our advice would be to get there before the lunch time rush as it gets hard to get a table in high season.

Mistral Beach, Puerto Banus
Playa del Rodeo, Puerto Banus
Telephone Number: 0034 952 113 284
Website: www.mistral-beach.com

Plaza Beach

Plaza Beach is at the start of the port, next to the Benabola/Plaza beach apartments. Plaza beach has always got a party atmosphere with regular DJ’s pumping out the tunes and big square beds. Can’t go far wrong with this place, slightly less expensive than Ocean Club. Fabulous salads, toasted sandwiches and sangria.

Pangaea Privé - Beach Restaurant and Lounge

Formally known as Silks Beach in Torre Real. The re-opening of the beach venue took place in October 06. This beach has it all with especially imported white sand and idyllic views across the Mediterranean. Pangaea Prive has played host to a multitude of high profile events such as magazine parties, premieres and fashion events and is a popular setting for television commercials and photo shoots, in addition to a hang out of David and Victoria Beckham. The restaurant is lovely and the staff look like they have dropped off the set of a martini advert.

Beachside Torre Real
Telephone: 0034 952 825729
Website: www.pangaeaprive.com

Nikki Beach

Nikki Beach Marbella, is located on the sea front of the Don Carlos hotel and is a renowned party destination holding all sorts of functions, both day and night. Mingle with the gorgeous people and share languid afternoons on exotic bamboo beds. The restaurant has and extensive menu of international cuisine Pricey but well worth a visit. Around 15-20 minutes from Puerto Banús.

CONTACT DETAILS: Hotel Don Carlos Carretera De Cadiz 29600 KM. 192, Marbella, Spain +34 952 83 62 39

Playa Del Cristo, Estepona

This beautiful cove has recently been improved, with showers installed. There are two beach bars and parking. Great family atmosphere. Within walking distance of the marina and the town. One of the only beaches on this coast to face west ensuring maximum hours of sunshine

La Rada Beach

Right in the centre of Estepona and the towns most popular beach, La Rada Beach. It is quite expansive and backed by a modern sea front promenade for the entire length (2.6km). Chiringuitos (beach bars), are located throughout the seafront and serve traditional fare, such as paella and fresh sardines, or a choice of international-style dishes. The Marina is located at the west end of La Rada beach.

El Padron Beach

Located a few km to the east of the town (km 159.5) and just to the east of the Rio Padron, near the Kempinski Resort Hotel. The beach has a large car park and two beach bars which means that it is particularly popular in the summer

The Costa Natura

Spain's first purpose built naturist complex is located to the east of the town at km 151. The complex is for members only, but temporary membership is available for touring naturists and the uninhibited curious. The beach here is, of course, open to the public and is officially classified 'naturist'.

San Pedro

The long 'paseo maritimo' makes it easy to find a space even on a summer Sunday. Numerous beach bars. Try Bora Bora and also Guayaba Beach at the west end.

To the east there are a number of trendy beach clubs to be seen in - Victor's Beach and Babaloo Beach.

Artola Beach

Located in Puerto Banus and is 1.500m long and 25m wide. This beach is in a protected sand dune area. This beach golden sands and is a naturist beach which can get very busy. This beach is cleaned on a daily basis making it one of the tidiest in Spain.

Nueva Andalucia Beach

This beach is 1 km long and 50 meters wide. The waters here are normally very calm as it is located between four small bays. This beach offers is ideal for many water sports – jet skiing, wind surfing and jet skiing.

Rio Verde Beach

This beach is a continuation of Puerto Banus and is 1.600 meters long and 40 meters wide, the sand is grey due to the connection to the Rio Verde River. This beach is not as busy as neighboring ones but is a great alternative and offers great water sporting facilities. This beach has lifeguard watch throughout the summer season and is classified very safe.

El Ancon Beach

Located next to Rio Verde Beach it is 700 meters long and 15 meters wide. This beach has a low occupation level of tourists. There are two restaurants located on the beach.

Chiringuito El Realejo Calle de la Playa: Tel. 952 113 555
Rest. El Puerto Puerto Cabopino: Tel. 952 834 646
La Lonja Beach Bar Puerto Cabopino: Tel. 952 834 646
Andy's Beach Restaurant Puerto Cabopino: Tel. 952 113 826
Chiringuito Las Dunas Playa Artola: Tel. 952 113 315
Rest. Triana Urb. Carib Playa: Tel. 952 833 933
Rest. Sinbad El Marino Urb. Marbesa: Tel. 952 834 141
Rest. Ra-Ma Urb. Marbesa Marbella: Tel. 952 832 438
Rest. Club 2000 Urb. Marbesa: Tel. 952 834 992
Jamaica Inn Playa de Las Cañas: Tel. 952 834 113
Chiringuito Carlos y Paula Urb. Hacienda Playa: Tel. 952 113 986
Merendero Cristina Urb. Rancho Park: Tel. 952 832 725
Tropical Beach Don Carlos Beach: Tel. 952 835 477
Chiringuito Los Tony Hotel Don Carlos: Tel. 952 113 142
Macaé Beach Urb.Jardines Golondrinas: Tel. 952 834 934
Rest. Perla Blanca Playa Hotel Don Carlos: Tel. 952 835 914
The Beach House White Pearl Beach: Tel. 952 928 158
Rest. Luque’s Golden Beach: Tel. 952 837 862
Chiringuito Las Mimosas Playa Real Zaragoza: Tel. 619 880 754
Rest. Aqui Te Quiero Ver Playa Luna Mar: Tel. 952 834 554
Rest. Las Olas Playa de Pinomar: Tel. 952 834 529
Hotel Marbella Playa: Tel. 952 831 345
Rest. Fernando y Encarni Urb. Andasol: Tel. 952 839 121
Rest. Miguel y Maria Alvarito Playa: Tel. 952 838 281
Chiringuito La Cubana Urb. Costa Bella: Tel. 952 830 162
Rest. Podium Urb. Costa Bella: Tel. 952 836 170
Merendero Copacabana Urb. Playa del Arenal: Tel. 952 837 555
Rest. Scorpion Urb. Playa del Arenal: Tel. 952 832 874
Charli Bar & Restaurant Playa Arenal: Tel. 952 113 192
Hippopotamus Beach Urb. Las Chapas: Tel. 608 454 457
Rest. Los Caño Playa Alicate: Tel. 952 838 989