Marinas in Marbella: a buyer’s guide to living by the port and owning a berth

Marbella's setting on the Mediterranean is one of the great pleasures of living here, and for many buyers the sea is not just a view but a way of life. The Marbella area has four marinas of its own, from the world-famous Puerto Banús to the small harbour of Cabopino among the pines, and several more lie within an easy drive along the coast.

This guide is for buyers who want to live by a marina, keep a boat, or simply enjoy waterfront life. It explains what each marina is like, how berths work in Spain, which areas and properties are close to the water, and what to check before you buy.

The marinas line the coast from Sotogrande in the west to Benalmádena in the east. Within the municipality of Marbella, Puerto Banús lies to the west near Nueva Andalucía, the town marina and La Bajadilla are in and just east of the centre, and Cabopino sits at the eastern edge of Marbella, close to the border with Mijas.

Each marina has its own character, from glamour and superyachts to a quiet fishing harbour.

Puerto Banús

Puerto José Banús, opened in 1970, is Marbella's most famous marina and one of the best known in the Mediterranean. It has around 915 berths in a sheltered basin and takes yachts of up to around 50 metres, with anchorage nearby for larger vessels. Around the harbour are luxury boutiques, restaurants, bars and nightlife, and behind it the shopping and apartment buildings of the port. The pontoons are being renewed, and the port concession runs until 2066. Read more in our guide to living in Puerto Banús.

Marbella town marina

The Puerto Deportivo de Marbella sits in the heart of town, at the foot of the Avenida del Mar and a short walk from the Old Town. It is a smaller marina for small and mid-sized boats, surrounded by restaurants and the beaches of the centre. Our guide to Marbella centre covers the area.

La Bajadilla

Just east of the centre, La Bajadilla combines Marbella's fishing port with a public marina of around 268 moorings for boats of up to about 18 metres, known for its fish restaurants. A major rebuild has been approved under a 40-year concession: the plans include around 750 berths, room for yachts of up to 70 metres, shops, a boatyard and parking, with heavy works expected to start in 2027 and the new marina to open around 2030.

Cabopino

At the eastern end of Marbella, Cabopino is a small marina of around 169 berths for boats of about 6 to 15 metres, set among pine trees next to the Artola dunes, a protected natural monument, and Cabopino beach. It has a relaxed, village-like feel, with restaurants around the harbour. Nearby areas include Elviria and Hacienda Las Chapas.

Within an hour's drive there are several more marinas, each with its own community and property market.

Estepona – Around 447 berths next to the town centre, with restaurants and a lively waterfront. See our guide to Estepona.

La Duquesa – In Manilva, around 328 berths for boats of about 8 to 20 metres, with a classic Mediterranean harbour of restaurants, bars and small shops.

Sotogrande – One of the largest marinas in southern Spain, at the heart of the Sotogrande estate, with waterfront apartments and restaurants.

Fuengirola and Benalmádena – To the east, Fuengirola's marina sits beside its seafront promenade, and Benalmádena's Puerto Marina, with more than 1,100 berths, is one of the largest on the coast.

In Spain, marinas are built on public land under concessions granted by the regional or national authorities. That means you do not buy a berth outright as freehold property.

Buying a berth. What you buy is the right to use a specific berth until the marina's concession ends. The price depends on the size of the berth, the marina and how many years remain on the concession.

Renting a berth. Most marinas also rent berths by the day, month or year. In summer, and for larger yachts in Puerto Banús, demand is high and waiting lists are common.

Running costs. On top of the price or rent, expect maintenance fees, port charges, electricity and water, insurance and the cost of maintaining the boat itself.

Licences. To skipper a Spanish-flagged boat you need a Spanish recreational boating licence suited to its size, or a recognised foreign equivalent. Check the requirements for your boat before you buy.

Living near a marina means restaurants, cafés and the sea on your doorstep, sunsets over the boats and, for boat owners, being able to walk to your berth. Each marina offers a different lifestyle.

Puerto Banús

Lively, international and busy all year, with designer shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Apartments and penthouses in and around the port are popular both as homes and as investments, and the beachfront complexes of Playas del Duque are next door.

Marbella centre

A real town with the marina, beaches, Old Town and services within walking distance, and a wide choice of seafront apartments.

Cabopino

Quieter and greener, with apartments and townhouses around the marina, the beach and the dunes, and golf nearby.

The properties close to Marbella's marinas range from apartments in the port itself to beachside complexes and villas a short walk or drive away.

Marina apartments and penthouses. In and around Puerto Banús, Cabopino and other ports, often with views over the boats and terraces facing the sea.

Beachside complexes. Gated developments with gardens and pools between the marinas and the beaches, such as those on the Golden Mile and in frontline beach areas.

Villas near the sea. Beachside villa areas within a short drive of a marina, for owners who want space and privacy as well as access to the water.

Prices vary greatly by marina, building, views and condition. Ask for recent comparable sales rather than relying on asking prices, and see our properties for sale in Puerto Banús and in Cabopino.

Buying a property near a marina involves the same taxes as anywhere else in Andalucía: 7% transfer tax for resale properties, or 10% VAT plus 1.2% stamp duty for new builds, plus notary, land registry and legal fees. Buying a berth right has its own costs and contract, which your lawyer should review. Our guides to property purchase tax and buying property in Marbella explain the process.

Community fees. Often higher in port and beachfront complexes with pools, gardens, concierge and security.

IBI and rubbish tax. Set by the town hall; ask for the latest receipts.

Berth costs. If you keep a boat, add the berth rent or maintenance fees, port charges and boat maintenance. Our guide to property ownership in Marbella explains the running costs of the property itself.

1. Noise and nightlife

Apartments right on a marina, especially in Puerto Banús, can be lively until late in summer. Visit at night as well as during the day.

2. Parking and access

Ports can be busy, with restricted traffic in some areas. Check parking, deliveries and access for visitors.

3. The berth and the concession

If you plan to buy a berth, check how many years remain on the concession, what the fees are and whether your boat fits.

4. Holiday rental rules

Marina apartments are popular holiday rentals, but they must be registered and allowed by the community. Check before you buy if rental income matters to you.

Properties near the marinas, especially in Puerto Banús, attract strong demand from holidaymakers and long-term tenants. Rental income depends on the building, the community rules and the licence, so always check these before buying.

• How close is the property to the marina, and is the walk easy?
• How noisy is the area at night and in summer?
• Is parking included, and how easy is access?
• What are the community fees, IBI and rubbish tax?
• If you need a berth, is one available, to rent or to buy?
• How many years remain on the marina concession?
• Does the community allow holiday rentals?
• What have comparable properties nearby actually sold for?

Assuming a berth comes with the apartment. Berths and properties are separate; a home in a port does not automatically include a mooring.

Thinking a berth is freehold. In Spain you buy a right of use for the concession period, not ownership of the water.

Underestimating the summer. Marinas are at their busiest in July and August, with more noise, traffic and demand for berths.

Forgetting the running costs. A boat and a berth add to the cost of owning, on top of the property.

How many marinas are there in Marbella?

There are four: Puerto Banús, the Marbella town marina, La Bajadilla and Cabopino.

Which is the largest marina in Marbella?

Puerto Banús, with around 915 berths and room for yachts of up to around 50 metres.

Can I buy a berth in Puerto Banús?

You can buy the right to use a berth until the port concession ends, which in Puerto Banús runs to 2066, or rent one long or short term, subject to availability.

Does an apartment in a marina include a berth?

Not usually. Berths and properties are bought or rented separately, so check what is included.

What is happening at La Bajadilla?

A rebuild has been approved that would increase the marina to around 750 berths and allow yachts of up to 70 metres, with works expected to start in 2027.

Which marina is best for a quiet lifestyle?

Cabopino, set among pine trees and dunes at the eastern end of Marbella, is the quietest of Marbella's marinas.

Living by a marina combines the best of Marbella: the sea, the climate, restaurants and an international lifestyle. Each marina has its own character, so the right choice depends on whether you want the energy of Puerto Banús, the convenience of the town centre or the calm of Cabopino.

As always, the specific property matters most: the building, the views, the noise, the community rules and, if you have a boat, the berth.

At Marbella Hills Homes we know the marina areas of Marbella very well. Explore our properties for sale in Puerto Banús, read our guide to living in Marbella, or contact our team to arrange viewings.