Situated only 12 kilometres from Marbella and 14 kilometres from Fuengirola is Cabopino, one of the coast’s most alluring, charismatic marinas. Featuring a lush pine tree forest that stretches all the way down to the beginning of the white sand, and an ancient stone watchtower that rises up from the rolling dunes, Cabopino is unlike any other beach enclave on the coast; with development strictly controlled, and the natural surroundings fully embraced, Cabopino has personality, and lots of it.

Artificial reefs have been constructed on either side of the actual beach to protect beach-goers from cutting winds, dangerous waves and airbourne sand. The beach is characterised by a Baywatch-like wooden watchtower in the middle, where a fully trained lifeguard is on duty throughout the day during the summer months. Add to that the sloping gradient of the sand that descends into the Mediterranean surf, the shallow waters that stretch a considerable way out, and the clean sand underfoot from one end of Cabopino beach to the other, and you’ve one of the safest, most child-friendly beaches on the Costa del Sol. Despite it’s beauty and class, this isn’t one of Marbella’s showy beaches, either; Cabopino is all about good, clean fun.
The dunes that frame the beach are popular with walkers, particularly those with dogs. Young couples enjoy strolling across the dunes hand-in-hand too, with the sunset disappearing behind the dunes rendering them almost picture postcard perfect. In the summer months large families descend on the dunes, and set up barbecues and deckchairs to enjoy a languid summer’s day from their own private vantage point. There is also the occasional nudist here too, who invariably finds a private spot in which to tan bits that are otherwise kept hidden. But the mixture of people who frequent the vicinity all adds to Cabopino’s innate charm.

There are two main chiringuitos on the actual beach: Andy’s Beach Restaurant and Chiringuito El Realejo. Andy’s Beach Restaurant is closest to the dunes, and can be reached easily via a steep winding path that runs from Cabopino car park all the way down. The smell of freshly cooked fish on the open barbecue is what attracts the hordes of hungry diners in the summer, when you’ve got to be early and willing to fight over a table and a menu, as there always seem to be too few of both to go around. Prices aren’t as cheap as Chiringuito El Realejo next door, but the exquisite seafood menu is worth every euro assigned to each dish. Try the gambas ‘pil-pil’ or the calamari to get the most out of your chiringuito lunch, before sitting back with a cold Coronita beer with a twist of lemon, and watching the world go by.

Chiringuito El Realejo is slightly cheaper, but the quality is no less. This beach restaurant is particularly good for children, as it serves some simpler, more familiar dishes, as well as more appealing dishes for adults, such as authentic Spanish paella. There’s also a great ice-cream parlour around the side of the chiringuito, serving all kinds of deliciously fruity flavours. The refreshing ‘frambuesa’ sorbet is particularly tasty, and no doubt the kids will love it.
Move away from the beach a little, and into Cabopino’s 169-berth marina, and you’ll find a number of other restaurants in which to dine. The Victorian-themed Albert’s restaurant, with antiques hanging from every available space and rich red-and-green décor, is a particular favourite amongst locals. Playing live music most evenings, and serving hearty British fare, it’s little wonder you’ll struggle to get in without reservations booked way in advance.

Next to this is a Chinese restaurant for those who fancy Asian cuisine, and just under the tunnel opposite is Tangerine, a trendy Indian fusion restaurant. The prices aren’t the cheapest in Cabopino, but reflect the quality of its inspired menu. Add to this an Italian, another seafood and Mediterranean restaurant, and a couple of lively bars, and you’re halfway there.

The Cabopino Golf Course is another big plus for the area. The 18-hole par 71 course was built by rising golf architect Juan Ligues, and is quickly gaining a reputation in Marbella for its challenging game and scenic greens.
The buzz of Cabopino, particularly at night, has drawn people of all nationalities to the area. Property purchases and rentals are hard to come by here, but when they do surface they’re snapped up almost overnight. Those who are fortunate enough to stay can enjoy the local amenities without having to worry about getting home.

Like a little microclimate in Spain’s bustling Costa del Sol, Cabopino is the perfect place to stay for a weekend getaway, or indeed, a place to up sticks to and call home.