Activities
Marbella promenade: a walking guide from the old town to Puerto Banús
The Marbella promenade, the Paseo Marítimo, runs for about 7 kilometres along the coast from the town centre to Puerto Banús, and it is flat the whole way. It is one of the busiest places in town for walking, running or a drink by the sea, and the easiest way to see the beaches of the centre and the Golden Mile without a car. This guide covers the route section by section, the landmarks on the way, where to stop for food and tips for walking it. It is also the central section of the coastal path, which runs 22 flat kilometres from San Pedro de Alcántara to Cabopino and makes a bike route along Marbella’s coastal path right by the sea.
Marbella’s seafront promenade at a glance
- Length. About 7 km between Marbella marina and Puerto Banús. To the east, roughly another 3 km run from La Bajadilla port to Río Real.
- Gradient. None. The whole seafront walk is flat.
- Surface. Marble and paving in the town section. Further west there are stretches of packed earth and wooden boardwalks.
- Time. About two hours of walking at a brisk pace from the centre to the end, longer if you stop at the beaches.
- Part of the Senda Litoral, the coastal path that links the seafront walks along the whole coast of the province of Málaga.
How to reach the promenade from the old town
From Marbella old town, with Orange Square and its whitewashed streets, you reach the sea in about ten minutes through La Alameda park and Avenida del Mar. This pedestrian avenue, with fountains and palm trees, has ten bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí and ends at the seafront promenade, next to La Venus beach.
The promenade route, section by section
The lighthouse and the marina
The usual starting point is Marbella marina, next to the lighthouse and Plaza del Mar. It is the liveliest part of Marbella’s Paseo Marítimo, with terraces, cafés and shops, and next to it are El Faro and La Venus, the most central beaches in Marbella.
The town beaches: La Venus and La Fontanilla
Heading west, the seafront promenade runs along La Venus and La Fontanilla, the central beaches of Marbella, with the centre of Marbella on one side and the sea on the other. This is the most urban section, with hotels, apartments, beach bars and outdoor exercise areas. Early in the morning it is the favourite stretch for runners and cyclists.
The Golden Mile: Casablanca, Nagüeles and Puente Romano
Further west, the walk enters Marbella’s Golden Mile. It passes Casablanca and Nagüeles beaches, in front of the Marbella Club and Puente Romano hotels, with their wooden jetties and the Sierra Blanca mountains behind. It is quieter than the town section, with gardens that reach the sand.
The Ancón tower and Río Verde
Before the end of the walk, the path passes the Torre del Ancón, a 16th-century watchtower listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural, and crosses the Río Verde on a footbridge. A few minutes from the seafront promenade, in the Río Verde estate, is the Río Verde Roman villa, with Roman mosaics from the 1st and 2nd centuries. Entry is free, but it only opens a few days a week, so check the times with Marbella town hall’s heritage department (+34 952 76 87 60) before you go.
Arriving in Puerto Banús
The promenade ends in Puerto Banús. Among the yachts, luxury shops and restaurants of the port there are plenty of things to do in Puerto Banús until late. From the same quay you can book a boat trip along the coast or arrange boat hire in Marbella from the port. To get back to the centre of Marbella you can take a taxi or a town bus, or walk back at sunset.
Heading east: La Bajadilla, El Cable beach and the Río Real dunes
East of the centre, the Paseo Marítimo continues for about 3 km from La Bajadilla fishing port to Río Real. This stretch is quieter and more natural, with El Cable beach, which keeps the remains of the old ore-loading structure that gave it its name, El Pinillo beach and the Río Real dunes, a protected ecological reserve. It is a good choice if you want a walk with fewer people and a more local feel.
Where to stop for food or a drink
Many of the best-known chiringuitos and terraces in Marbella are along the seafront, for every budget. Three on the route:
- Trocadero Arena. On Casablanca beach, with showers and toilets on the beach.
- Marbella Club beach bar. On Nagüeles beach, with live music on some weekends.
- El Chiringuito at Puente Romano. In front of the Puente Romano hotel. Booking is recommended.
Tips for walking the Marbella promenade
- Best time. Early in the morning or at sunset. In July and August avoid midday, when the sun is strong by the sea.
- Parking. If you come by car, the underground parking on Avenida del Mar and the La Fontanilla car park are closest to the start, and at the other end there is the underground parking in Puerto Banús.
- What to bring. Comfortable shoes, water and sun cream.
- With children. The town section is flat and easy with a pushchair. You can shorten the walk and go only from the lighthouse to the Golden Mile.
- By bike. You can cycle it, but the seafront promenade in town is busy with people walking, so ride slowly.
- For the sunset. The area around the lighthouse, between La Venus and La Fontanilla beaches, is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Marbella, and further along the Nagüeles and Puente Romano sections face the setting sun.
Staying near the promenade
The promenade links the two areas where Banus Rentals has apartments and villas. From our holiday rentals in Marbella centre you set off from the start of the walk, and from our apartments in Puerto Banús you walk it the other way, without taking the car.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Marbella promenade?
About 7 km between Marbella marina and Puerto Banús. To the east, it continues for roughly another 3 km from La Bajadilla to Río Real.
Can you walk from Marbella to Puerto Banús along the promenade?
Yes. It is about 7 km, flat and by the sea, and takes around two hours at a brisk pace. To get back you can take a taxi or a town bus.
Where does the Marbella promenade start?
The usual starting point is the marina, next to the lighthouse and Plaza del Mar. From the old town it is about ten minutes on foot along Avenida del Mar.
Can you cycle along the seafront in Marbella?
Yes. The Paseo Marítimo is part of the Senda Litoral, the Málaga coastal path, and you can cycle it, although the town section is busy with people walking, so ride slowly.
