Puerto Cabopino beach and marina
The best kept secret on the Costa del Sol!
Only 12 km from Marbella and 14 km from Fuengirola, it’s hard to believe that a hidden jewel such as Cabopino exists in the heart of the Costa del Sol. With an attractive beach, relaxed atmosphere, pleasant harbour and renowned restaurants, Cabopino is undoubtedly the Coast’s best kept secret.
Cabopino (Pine Cape) is just that. In a part of the world where forests are usually of the concrete variety, the first thing that strikes you as you turn off the N-340, is that the forest of pine trees comes right down to the sand dunes along the beach.
Parking is easy and close to the beach, but if you feel like leaving the car for the day, frequent buses from Marbella and Fuengirola make this an easy option too.
But why bother going to Cabopino when there are plenty of other beaches? Quite simply, because Cabopino is unlike anywhere else on the coast. Development has been strictly controlled here, and the tower blocks which are so characteristic along the Costa’s shoreline are noticeable by their absence at Cabopino.
An old fortified watchtower still stands proudly by the sand dunes alongside the beach. From its priviledged position it is possible to see all along the coast to Marbella and Gibraltar and Africa beyond, a spectacular backdrop for a spectacular beach. Cabopino is well sheltered and protected from the elements, and artificial reefs on either side of the beach keep the waves and wind at bay. Lifeguards – on duty throughout the summer – combined with the beach’s gentle slope into the sea, make Cabopino child friendly and safe. The sand is well maintained, clean and of a superior quality to other beaches along the Costa del Sol, making Cabopino the ideal place for the child in all of us to build our very own sandcastle in the sun.
Chiringitos (beachside bars and restaurants) are plentiful here and are renowned for their excellent quality. Costa del Sol residents come from far and wide to sample Cabopino’s specialty, superb seafood at prices that won’t break the bank. Cabopino is home to an exciting range of restaurants, with fine cuisine from all over the globe. From traditional Spanish favourites such as paella and from Chinese to international cuisine, all palates are catered for and there’s even an unusual Victoria theme restaurant offering more than just a feast – a feast for the eyes. Vegetarian menus are also available. The many restaurants are based in two main locations, chiringitos along the beach, and a host of restaurants around the delightful, beautifully proportioned harbour.
The pretty port, with its small boatyard, attractive architecture and choice of restaurants may be a secret for some, but for those in the know, it’s not to be missed.
Small and tranquil, it may be, but Cabopino gets busy at lunchtime, especially at weekends, and whether you are after an ice cream at the beach, or a cocktail at the marina, Cabopino’s evening buzz is hard to resist.
The small scale of Cabopino’s development makes accommodation hard to come by, but the enviable location makes it a perfect place to spend the day. Not surprisingly, Cabopino’s 169 moorings are always occupied by exclusive yachts…..