FOUR "S" OF MARBELLA BEACHES

The state of emergency in Spain is over on the 21^st of June! The real summer has arrived. Marbella celebrates it with classic combination of Sea, Sand, Sun & Sangria, gorgeous beach clubs, pleasant promenades and unique ambience of beach bars called ‘chiringuitos’.

Almost every beach of the 27-km (17-miles) coastline is ‘idyllic’ in its own way. All 24 of them are beautiful, full of chic or rustic charm, with excellent services and facilities. What can be better? Add history, culture and traditions… yes, even at the beach, because you are in Spain, ancient and young, stylish and fun loving, a country with strong character!

San Pedro de Alcántara beach (Playa de San Pedro) is literally just 5 minutes away from ‘Perlas del Mar’. Considered one of the best and most popular in the area, it is accessed on foot, by cycle paths or via a quiet urban road with ample parking on both sides. Being 1,400 m long and 35 m wide, the beach is never crowded due to its size. However, in summer season its occupancy rate is quite higher than usual.

(San Pedro de Alcántara Promenade)

This beach brings natural state of joy and vitality: dark sand, eucalyptus trees, slim palm trees adorning a lovely seafront promenade. A curious sculpture of a life-size elephant happily treading the beach is one of the most photographed landmarks of the area. Dotted along the beaches, elephants are intended to be used as showers – press a button and water comes out of their trunks.

Playa de San Pedro is perfect for families with children, idle holidaymakers and locals. The volleyball courts to the west of the beach are full of players and spectators enjoying time out in the sun. When the wind is up, the section of sea by the river at the east end is perfect for enthusiastic surfers.

Traditional chiringuitos are a quintessential element of summer in Spain. Soak up their authentic atmosphere. Indulge yourself in divine red wine, obligatory mojito, cold beer or sangria. Try Spanish “spritzer” called ‘tinto de verano’ (literally: red wine of summer), a super refreshing drink made of young red wine and a citrus-flavoured soft drink. Perfect for summer! Enjoy a leisurely lunch, fresh seafood and delicious tapas served with a true Andalusian flair… and made no fuss about prices, they are excellent. Pure heaven!

(Fresh Sea Food in Marbella)

For 24 years Playa de San Pedro virtues, high standards of cleanliness and facilities (full services, incl. a Red Cross first aid post and access for disabled) have been earning it the Blue Flag Award. Recently, it has again received another clear symbol of good health, the “Q” award for tourism quality given by the Spanish Tourism Institute (ICTE). By the way, in 2019, Spain again has topped the list of worldwide eco-label Blue Flag ranking for 32 consecutive years. And no other coastal city or town in Andalusia province has more Blue-flagged beaches than Marbella area!

The town of San Pedro is home to 3 more beaches: Cortijo Blanco with its picturesque rocky areas; a tranquil, family-friendly Guadalmina Playa, also awarded the Blue Flag since 1992; and charming Linda Vista, a bit rustic, with the fishing boats and winches to pull them up onto the shore, huts and wooden ‘chiringuitos’. Locals love to have family picnics in the shade of its trees. Next door is the upmarket Bora Bora that was the choice of British Princes William and Harry when they came in 1997 to ride the jet skis.

Linda Vista houses the ruins of an ancient Necropolis – Basilica de Vega del Mar with the oldest tombstone found in Spain. Guadalmina boasts 2 more historical remnants that have been declared Sites of Cultural Interest – the 3^rd century A.D. Roman baths ruins Las Bóvedas and the 16^th century watchtower.

From ‘Perlas del Mar’ you can go for a delightful stroll along the sea and reach some other attractive beaches:Playa Nueva Andalucía, the heart of the world-famous marina Puerto Banus, Playa de Levante, Playa Río Verde and some world-class venues to discover a superb beach experience.

Worth mentioning the breath-taking views over the Mediterranean Sea all the way to the legendary Pillars of Hercules guarding the Strait of Gibraltar; the coastlines of both continents – Europe and Africa, with the Rif mountains in Morocco; majestic Andalusian mountains as a background, with Marbella’s iconic symbol La Concha (1,270m) that stands proudly above the magnificent, picture-perfect surrounding.