The beach bars of the Costa del Sol

I am sure that when you think of Marbella the first thing that springs to mind is its wealth of history, the fantastic architecture, museums and churches… just kidding. It’s parities. And bars. And beaches. And bars that host parties on beaches. 

Whether for good or ill, the Costa del Sol has a reputation for anything goes and a level of hedonism only limited by the size of your bank account. In order to help you plan your next trip, below is a list of the top beach and pool clubs in Marbella and its surrounding towns. 

Nikki Beach

Nothing says prestige like Nikki Beach. This club has been going for 20 years and belongs to the 5-star Hotel Don Carlos. Throughout the summer it offers many events but the biggies are its grand opening party, the White Party at the end of May/beginning of June.

If you don’t like getting covered in salt and sand, there is an adults only pool, but fortunately the place is surprisingly family friendly, with the beach section and restaurant open to children too.

Visit marbella.nikkibeach.com to find out more about this sophisticated resort. 

Nao Pool Club

Located in the delightfully nouveau town of Puerto Banús, the Nao Pool Club the number one place for a pool party. The season runs from March to October – with each day offering a different party theme with larger monthly parties thrown into the mix. For example, during the 2023 season, Nao hosted several KISSTORY sessions, for all those who are still nostalgic for those classic RnB, Hip-Hop, Garage and Dance anthems. 

Visit Naô Pool Club – Pool Club & Restaurant in Puerto Banús, Marbella (naopoolclub.com) to book tickets, find out where to go and view galleries of implausibly good looking people having fun. 

Ocean club

Fancy maxing out the Amex? Head to the Ocean club in Puerto Banús and partake in one of its famous champagne parties. This is the kind of place where you order waiter service to your lounger, toke from a hookah and chill to some Balearic beats from the resident DJ – all whilst getting a massage. 

Nigh times liven up with themed parties featuring live music, dancers and entertainers. 

Head to https://oceanclub.es/ to find out what’s going on in the coming seasons and to book some space. 

La Sala by the Sea

This boutique beach club located in Puerto Banús is known for its pool parties, live DJs, saxophonists and… live percussion (on the weekends, in case you wish to chill). 

Like many clubs, this place has a range of events on a weekly basis and in August 2023, was even the birthday location for ex-love island contestant Tasha Ghouri. I mean, if that doesn’t make the place worth a visit, I don’t know what will. 

With the usual assortment of cocktails, massages, spacious sun beds and Tai dining the club’s slogan “Walk in. Float out,” may be more than just aspirational. 

Check out https://lasalabythesea.com/ for more info on coming events and to book those sun beds. 

Sonora Beach

Located up the road from Estepona on Los Granados beach, this colourful and vibrant beach club actually has a Spotify playlist, so you can hear what you will be getting yourself into. This beach club offers some of the best DJ sets and live music to make the most of this chilled cocktail.

Unlike the other clubs on this list, Sanora is definitely more bohemian and not particularly ostentatious. Describing itself as Environmentally Funky the DJs at this venue are still spinning vinyl and the place is mellow like a fine wine. 

To check out the club and see what sets it apart, visit https://sonorabeach.es/about