Before Puerto Banús shifted Marbella’s centre of gravity, La Fontanilla was the beach of long-standing Marbella residents. With 800 metres of fine Blue Flag sand beside the old town, it remains the most authentic beach in the capital of Costa del Sol luxury. La Pesquera beach bar has spent decades as the meeting point for locals who prefer the real Marbella to the one with the yachts.
Getting there
By car: paid parking on Avenida Fontanilla (€3-6/day depending on season) or the Alameda underground car park beside the old town, a 10-minute walk away. Marbella town buses stop on the promenade; the coach station is 1 km away.
Facilities
- ✓ Lifeguards
- ✓ Beach bars (La Pesquera and others)
- ✓ Showers and toilets
- ✓ Sunbed hire
- ✓ Paid parking
- ✓ Fully accessible
The real Marbella, ten minutes from the old town
La Fontanilla has the advantage of sitting ten minutes’ walk from Marbella’s old town, with the Plaza de los Naranjos, the shops on Calle Nueva and the best restaurants in the city. It’s the beach that combines a Mediterranean swim with proper sightseeing without any effort: from the sand to the square in one short stroll.
What to do nearby
Marbella’s old town is ten minutes away. The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving (free on Sundays). Marbella harbour for an evening walk. Puerto Banús is 7 km away if you want to see the yachts.
Places to stay nearby
Central Marbella has a very wide range, from boutique guesthouses to five-star hotels. The seafront at La Fontanilla is among the most sought-after addresses in the city.
See places to stay in Marbella →
Frequently asked questions
- Does it have a Blue Flag?
- Yes, with all the associated quality certifications.
- Which is the best beach bar?
- La Pesquera is the most traditional and the one locals love. For a more elaborate meal, several chef-led restaurants line the promenade.
- Is it near the old town?
- Ten minutes on foot. It’s the closest beach to Marbella’s historic quarter.
- Is it crowded in summer?
- Yes in July and August. Better to visit in June or September to enjoy it at a calmer pace.
The verdict
La Fontanilla is Marbella without the posing. Blue Flag, fine sand, a long-standing beach bar and the old town ten minutes away. For anyone who wants the best of Marbella without beach-club prices.
