Location
Spain
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
May to October
About Playa de Artola - Cabopino
Playa de Artola, also known as Cabopino beach, lies about 13 km east of central Marbella beside the Cabopino marina on the Costa del Sol. It is roughly 1.2 km of golden sand with moderate waves, backed not by apartment blocks but by the Dunas de Artola, more than 20 hectares of dunes and pine trees declared a Natural Monument in 2001. Wooden boardwalks cross the dunes to protect them, and there are no large beach clubs or rows of sunbeds. The beach is mixed, with a section used by nude bathers within the dune-backed stretch; the Spanish Naturist Federation lists it as a nudist-tradition beach with high occupancy. The nude area is not formally signed, so look for where others are nude. FEN reports no lifeguards or showers on the nude section; restaurants and bars are at the marina.
Getting there
Leave the A-7 at the Cabopino exit east of Marbella and follow signs to the Puerto de Cabopino; there is parking near the marina and dunes, which fills on summer weekends. From there boardwalks lead through the dunes to the sand in a few minutes. Coastal buses along the A-7 between Marbella and Fuengirola stop near Cabopino.
What visitors say
Guides praise the natural dune setting, which is rare on the built-up Costa del Sol, and describe a long sandy beach with stretches used for nudism. Visitors note the lack of beach clubs and sunbeds and the easy boardwalk access from the marina. Sources disagree on exactly where the nude section begins, so check where others are nude.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Nudity is not prohibited on Spanish beaches; FEN lists Artola as a nudist-tradition beach and guides describe a nude section, but its boundaries are not officially marked. The dunes are a protected Natural Monument, so stay on the boardwalks (2026).
Naturism at Playa de Artola - Cabopino sits under Spain's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Spain public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 36.4852, -4.7464
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nude section at Artola?
Within the dune-backed stretch near Cabopino marina; it is not signed, so follow where other nude bathers are.
Is there parking?
Yes, near the Cabopino marina, though it fills on summer weekends.
Are there facilities?
Bars and restaurants at the marina; no lifeguards or showers on the nude section.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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