Now that the warmer weather is upon us, most families head to the beach at the weekends and make the most of Andalucia´s incredible climate.

One of the best beaches close to Marbella can be found next the fabulous marina at Puerto Cabopino. Not only is this beach shielded by a rocky cove at either end, usually shielding it from the wind, but the sand is white and the water is shallow – making this the ideal place for children to swim and play.

There is also a nudist/gay beach close to Cabopino, but this does not infringe at all on the main resort beach close to the port. Having lived and worked in Cabopino for 6 years, the most popular and well established beach bar is undoubtedly Andy´s – which is only one of two in this fabulous area.

After soaking up the sun for a few hours, and perhaps taking a dip in the sea, Andy´s offers a refuge to eat, drink and be merry while still overlooking the Mediterranean and the white sands leading to the sea. We normally spend the morning wandering around the marina looking at the boats, then relax on the beach in the afternoon and go to Andy´s for late lunch or some sundowners – depending on the time of year.
Many beach bars are similar in both appearance, atmosphere and menus, but Andy´s is different. The bar opens from 9am and is the perfect place to stop for breakfast. When I lived close to Cabopino, I used to walk my dog down the beach early morning and stop at Andy´s for a coffee and tostada before work. Even at that time in the morning the staff are friendly and chatty – which can be quite a novelty in these parts.
The choice of food on the menus is incredible, and although Andy´s caters to thousands of tourists and ex-pats, it still maintains its Spanish charm, and also offers many typical Andalucian specialities such as gazpacho, a superb range of tapas and boquerones fritos.

The atmosphere is very relaxed and this place is a throw-back to the late 80´s when beach bars on the Costa del Sol were cheap, fun and relaxing – not fine dining restaurants which many of them now purport to be – and whose owners reflect it in their ever increasing prices. It is normal here for customers to sit at the bar in swimwear, enjoy a few cold beers or sit on the deck for lunch without having to dress up.
When our friends visit from the UK, their favourite place to go is Andy´s and they always receive a warm welcome. At around 11am the chilled tapas display is filled up with fresh dishes of the day, often including the superb mussels vinaigrette, seafood salad, home-made tortilla, and boquerones en vinagre, to name but a few. There is nothing better than sitting next to the beach, sharing a jug of sangria, a plate of olives or tapas, and watching the world go by.

Although very busy in July and August, when visitors come from far and wide, the service at Andy´s is always fantastic, and you never have to wait long for food and drinks. Something we find essential when visiting beach bars with my young nieces, who have no patience whatsoever.
The great music at Andy´s also makes it stand out from the average bar of its kind, and although the music is not intrusive, it adds to the magical atmosphere of Cabopino Beach. Sunbeds and parasols can also be hired right in front of the bar, so you never need move far all day. Water sports facilities are also available in front of the bar.

At lunchtime, the bar gets busier as families troop off the beach for snacks and refreshments. Some fabulous fish is offered including sole, large prawns, squid, rosada and almejas, which are all served with salad or potatoes. Lighter meals include a vast selection of sandwiches and toasties including the fabulous club sandwich with bacon, chicken, salad, mayonnaise and cheese, and the more refined smoked salmon and cucumber. Everything imaginable is available on the kids menu, including hot dogs, beef burgers and spaghetti bolognaise or smaller portions of the adult meals.

We are lucky that our kids enjoy most of the things we like so there is never anything left over from the seafood paella and plates of fresh clams that we normally order. A great choice of ice creams and desserts are also available for afters, and the wine list and bar menu is extensive. From fresh juices, to cocktails, to jugs of sangria and even John Smith´s bitter, Andy´s has it all.

There is no set closing time at this beach bar, and we have been known to still be here at midnight listening to live Spanish guitar music -depending on the season. What you see at Andy´s is what you get, and it has no delusions of grandeur. This is beach bar simplicity at its best. Great food, great music , great staff and an unbeatable location by the sea. Andy´s is a family run business, and has been established at Cabopino for over 20 years. Whether you are new to Cabopino or a regular visitor, you will always find a warm welcome at Andy´s Beach Bar.

How to get there: From Marbella direction take the N-340 east in the direction of Calahonda. Pass Elviria exit and carry on past Las Chapas exit. Exit the road at the sign for Cabopino. At roundabout head downhill towards the port. Take the first turn on the right over the sand dunes to the parking area. Andy´s is here.
Open from: March to November.
Telephone: 0034 952 113 826.