
Playa de Guadalmina Marbella
A family-friendly urban beach in Marbella, featuring ancient Roman ruins and accessible areas, offering a quieter escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Playa de Guadalmina Marbella
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-friendly urban beach in Marbella, featuring ancient Roman ruins and accessible areas, offering a quieter escape.
"Quiet and peaceful with a couple of good restaurants, but beach bars are overpriced."

🤫 Hidden Entrance
Access the beach via a narrow alleyway; it's a bit hidden but leads to a more secluded spot.
👟 Pebble Beach Alert
The beach is mostly pebbles with a steep decline to the water. Water shoes are recommended!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Roman Ruins
Along the beach
Discover remnants of Roman history, offering a unique glimpse into the past amidst the coastal scenery.

Secluded Beach Vibe
Main beach area
Enjoy a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere compared to busier Marbella beaches, perfect for relaxation.

Accessible Areas
Designated sections
Features accessible areas, making it easier for all visitors to enjoy the beach and its surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Access & Roman Ruins
Beach Condition & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Hidden Entrance
Access the beach via a narrow alleyway; it's a bit hidden but leads to a more secluded spot.
👟 Pebble Beach Alert
The beach is mostly pebbles with a steep decline to the water. Water shoes are recommended!
💰 Beach Bar Prices
Be aware that beach bars in the area can be quite expensive.
🧐 Roman Ruins Spotting
Keep an eye out for ancient Roman remains, though some may be within private gardens.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Hidden Entrance
Access the beach via a narrow alleyway; it's a bit hidden but leads to a more secluded spot.
👟 Pebble Beach Alert
The beach is mostly pebbles with a steep decline to the water. Water shoes are recommended!
💰 Beach Bar Prices
Be aware that beach bars in the area can be quite expensive.
🧐 Roman Ruins Spotting
Keep an eye out for ancient Roman remains, though some may be within private gardens.
🌊 Water Quality Check
Some visitors report concerns about water quality and cleanliness.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa de Guadalmina offers a quieter, more secluded beach experience with the unique draw of ancient Roman ruins. However, visitor reviews are mixed, with some praising its peacefulness and nearby restaurants, while others express concerns about cleanliness, pebble shores, and the cost of beach bars.
"Nice and secluded beach with public access almost hidden from site via a narrow alley leading to the beach. Roman remains possibly a granary preserved in what seems private gardens of local residences. The beach itself is very pebble based with a steep decline to water edge."
Sid Osmany
"Beach looked more like a bomb site,in need of a clean and a makeover!!
Beach bars in that area overpriced.
Wouldn't rush back☹️"
Mark Wallis
"Quiet and peaceful with a couple of good restaurants."
Terry Pickard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main public access to Playa de Guadalmina is often described as a narrow, somewhat hidden alleyway. Look for signs or ask locals if you're having trouble finding it.
Yes, there is parking available near Playa de Guadalmina, which can be convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Information on direct public transport to this specific beach is limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes or consider a taxi/ride-share service from Marbella center.
From Marbella town, you can drive, take a taxi, or potentially a local bus service heading west towards San Pedro Alcántara. The beach is located between Marbella and San Pedro.
The beach is located in an urban area, and while there aren't always prominent landmarks directly at the entrance, it's situated in the Guadalmina area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa de Guadalmina is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access it.
As a public beach, Guadalmina is generally accessible at all hours. However, amenities like beach bars will have their own operating times.
No, booking is not required for general access to Playa de Guadalmina. You can visit anytime.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions for Playa de Guadalmina, but always be mindful of local regulations and respect the environment.
The Roman ruins are often within or adjacent to private properties, so access to them might be limited or only viewable from a distance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The sand at Playa de Guadalmina is predominantly pebble-based, with a steep decline to the water's edge. Some visitors have noted it can be dirty and not cleaned frequently.
While you can swim at Guadalmina Beach, some reviews mention concerns about water quality and 'scum.' The steep decline to the water might also be a factor for some swimmers.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms and showers can vary. It's advisable to check recent visitor comments or local tourist information for the most up-to-date details.
Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can explore the Roman ruins, enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant, or simply relax on the pebble shore.
While it's described as family-friendly, the pebble beach and steep drop to the water might require extra supervision for very young children. Accessible areas are a plus.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, some reviews mention a couple of good restaurants near Playa de Guadalmina, offering a peaceful dining experience.
Several visitors have noted that the beach bars in the area are overpriced. It's wise to check menus and prices before ordering.
You can likely expect a range of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, with some establishments specializing in meat dishes, as suggested by one review.
Generally, bringing your own food and drinks to public beaches is allowed, but always be respectful of the environment and dispose of your trash properly.
There are beach bars located at the entrances to the beach, but the selection might be limited compared to larger resort areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the ancient Roman ruins, the unique pebble shoreline, and the coastal views. Late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful for photography.
The western orientation of the coast means you can get lovely sunset views. The unique landscape can make for interesting shots.
Generally, photography is permitted on public beaches. However, be mindful of privacy if photographing people and respect any private property boundaries, especially near the Roman ruins.
A versatile lens for landscapes and details would be useful. Consider a wide-angle lens for the coastline and a macro lens if you want to capture the texture of the pebbles or ruins.
Drone regulations can be strict in Spain. Always check the latest national and local drone laws before flying, as there may be restrictions in place.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Roman Ruins
It's important to note that direct access to all ruins might be limited due to their location on private property. However, their presence adds a layer of historical depth to the beach experience, making it more than just a place for sunbathing. Visitors are encouraged to observe respectfully and appreciate the historical context of these ancient structures.
Beach Conditions and Visitor Experiences
Concerns have been raised about the sand quality, with some reviews describing it as dirty and not cleaned frequently. Similarly, water quality has been a point of discussion, with mentions of 'scum' and stagnant water smells. This contrasts with official claims of good water quality, highlighting a discrepancy in visitor perception versus official reports.
Despite these concerns, the beach is described as family-friendly and has accessible areas. The presence of a couple of good restaurants is also a positive point for some visitors. However, the cost of beach bars has been noted as high, which is a common theme in reviews.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit