Dunas de Artola o Cabopino

Dunas de Artola o Cabopino is a stretch of coastal sand dunes in Marbella, right behind Cabopino and Las Chapas beaches, roughly ten kilometres from the town centre. Declared a Natural Monument in 2003, it stands out along the eastern Costa del Sol, an area otherwise lined with hotels and apartment blocks — this is one of the last surviving dune landscapes on the Málaga coastline.

How do you get there?

The dunes sit right off the N-340 road, between Cabopino marina and the Las Chapas residential area, so driving in and parking at one of the beachside car parks is the easiest option. Without a car, coastal buses running from central Marbella stop within a few hundred metres of the entrance. Access is open and free, with no booking required.

What will you see among the dunes?

There is no single marked trail — the wind reshapes the sand and the paths every season, so walking through feels like moving along a shifting maze of golden sand, rushes and small pine groves. Wooden boardwalks cross part of the area, letting visitors watch birdlife without stepping onto the more fragile stretches of dune. Typical Mediterranean dune plants grow here, including sea holly and sea daffodil, and the ocellated lizard is a common sight among the vegetation. The site also works as a stopover for migratory birds, which makes it worth a visit for wildlife-watchers, not just beachgoers.

Torre Ladrones, a centuries-old watchtower

Rising above the dunes is a fifteen-metre watchtower, built as part of the coastal defence network commissioned after the reconquest of Granada, when Spain's rulers fortified the shoreline against pirate raids. The tower is the most recognisable landmark of the whole dune complex and a good target for a short walk inland, with views back over the sea and across the dune field itself.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn bring milder temperatures and the most active plant and bird life, making them ideal for a longer walk and some wildlife spotting. In summer the dunes double as a natural backdrop to Cabopino beach, so an early morning visit beats the midday heat. There are no fixed opening hours — the site is open year-round during daylight.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the dunes free? Yes, the area is open to the public at no cost and doesn't require booking ahead.

Is it suitable for a family visit with children? Yes, the wooden boardwalks and wide paths through the vegetation make it manageable for families, though it's worth keeping an eye on kids near the steeper sand slopes.

Is parking available nearby? Yes, there are car parks near Cabopino beach and the marina within easy reach of the dune entrance.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The Torre Ladrones watchtower, visible from most of the dune area and a remnant of the old coastal defence system, plus the nearby Cabopino marina with its restaurants and sea views.