Where to Watch the Sunset in Marbella

There's a reason people line the beaches and fill rooftop bars as evening approaches in Marbella. The sunsets here are genuinely spectacular, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple as the sun drops behind the Mediterranean horizon.

I've spent countless evenings chasing the perfect sunset view around Marbella, and I've found that the best spots depend on what kind of experience you want. A quiet beach with your toes in the sand? A cocktail in hand with panoramic views? A romantic walk through the Old Town as golden light floods the narrow streets?

Here are nine places that never disappoint.

Best Sunset Spots in Marbella

1. Puerto Banus Marina

Puerto Banus is Marbella's most famous sunset spot, and for good reason. The combination of luxury yachts, Mediterranean water, and the sun dropping behind the harbor entrance creates a scene that feels almost cinematic.

Walk along the waterfront promenade as the sky changes color, or grab a table at one of the marina-side restaurants. The reflections on the water and the silhouettes of the boats make this the most photogenic sunset location in Marbella.

Best for: Photography, people-watching, pre-dinner drinks Tip: The western end of the marina near the lighthouse offers the most unobstructed views

2. Playa Venus (Venus Beach)

Venus Beach sits closest to Marbella's Old Town and offers the most accessible sunset views for anyone staying in the center. The wide stretch of sand means you can find a quiet spot even in summer.

What makes Venus Beach special is the combination of the Mediterranean in front and the silhouette of La Concha mountain behind you catching the last light. Bring a blanket, grab some takeaway from the Old Town, and settle in.

Best for: Relaxed beach evenings, families, easy access from Old Town Tip: The chiringuitos (beach bars) along this stretch serve drinks you can take onto the sand

3. Belvue Rooftop Bar

For the best elevated sunset views in Marbella, head to Belvue on the 9th floor of the Amare Beach Hotel. The panoramic terrace looks out over the Mediterranean with uninterrupted views of the horizon.

Cocktails run around 15 euros, which is reasonable given the setting. The bar operates seasonally during summer months, so check opening times if visiting outside peak season.

Best for: Special occasions, cocktails with a view, Instagram-worthy photos Tip: Arrive at least an hour before sunset to secure the best seats

4. Cabopino Beach and Dunes

About 12 kilometers east of Marbella center, Cabopino offers something different: natural sand dunes with a wooden boardwalk path winding through them. The Artola Dunes are a protected natural area, and watching the sunset from here feels wonderfully removed from the glamour of Puerto Banus.

The small marina at Cabopino has several restaurants if you want to extend the evening into dinner.

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, escaping the crowds Tip: Walk along the dune boardwalk for elevated views over the beach

5. The Embarcadero (Marbella Club Pier)

This wooden pier extending into the sea near the Marbella Club Hotel has become one of the most photographed spots on the Costa del Sol. The simple wooden structure against the golden sky creates a minimalist, elegant frame.

The pier is free to access and sits next to Lobito de Mar restaurant. Even if you're not dining, you can walk out for sunset photos.

Best for: Photography, romantic moments, that classic pier shot Tip: The pier faces west, so you get the sun dropping directly in front of you

6. La Concha Mountain

For the most dramatic sunset views, nothing beats hiking up La Concha. At 1,215 meters, you'll watch the sun set over Marbella, the coastline stretching toward Gibraltar, and on clear days, the mountains of Morocco across the strait.

This isn't a casual sunset stroll.

The hike takes 2-3 hours each way and is rated medium to difficult. But if you time it right, arriving at the summit as the sky turns golden, it's an unforgettable experience.

Best for: Adventurous travelers, serious hikers, photographers Tip: Start hiking in late afternoon and bring a headlamp for the descent

7. Paseo Maritimo (Seafront Promenade)

Marbella's seafront promenade stretches for kilometers along the coast, offering countless spots to pause and watch the sunset. The combination of the beach on one side and La Concha mountain catching the alpenglow on the other creates a uniquely Marbella scene.

Stop at any of the chiringuitos along the way for a cold drink, or simply find a bench and watch the sky change.

Best for: Evening walks, casual sunset viewing, combining exercise with scenery Tip: The stretch near the Pirlo beach bar has particularly good views

8. Orange Square (Plaza de los Naranjos)

Sunset in Marbella's Old Town is a different experience. The narrow streets don't offer direct sea views, but as golden hour light floods Plaza de los Naranjos, the whitewashed buildings and orange trees glow with warm color.

This is less about watching the sun drop and more about experiencing the magic of evening light transforming an already beautiful space. Grab a table at one of the terrace restaurants and watch the square come alive.

Best for: Dinner with atmosphere, photography, experiencing the Old Town at its best Tip: The restaurants facing west catch the best light

9. Nikki Beach Marbella

If you want to combine your sunset with a beach club experience, Nikki Beach delivers. Located on the Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banus, this upscale beach club offers sun loungers, a pool, and a restaurant all oriented toward the sea.

Expect to pay for the experience, as minimum spends apply, but the combination of service, setting, and sunset makes for a memorable evening.

Best for: Special occasions, luxury experience, making an evening of it Tip: Book ahead in summer, especially for sunset hours

Marbella Sunset Times by Season

The time of sunset varies dramatically through the year. Here's when to position yourself:

Season	Sunset Time Range
Winter (Dec-Feb)	5:30 PM - 6:45 PM
Spring (Mar-May)	7:15 PM - 9:00 PM
Summer (Jun-Aug)	9:00 PM - 9:45 PM
Autumn (Sep-Nov)	6:15 PM - 8:45 PM

The longest days in late June see the sun setting almost at 10 PM, giving you plenty of time for a leisurely dinner beforehand.

Tips for the Perfect Sunset Experience

Arrive early. The best spots fill up, especially at rooftop bars and popular beaches. Aim to be in position 30-45 minutes before sunset.

Check the weather. A few clouds actually improve sunsets, creating texture and reflecting colors. A completely clear sky can be less dramatic. Overcast days, obviously, are a miss.

Face west, but look around. Yes, the main show is the sun dropping into the sea. But don't forget to turn around, as the mountains and buildings behind you often catch beautiful pink and orange light.

Stay for the afterglow. Some of the best colors appear 15-20 minutes after the sun disappears below the horizon. The sky often turns deeper shades of purple and pink during this window.

Bring layers. Even in summer, temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes down. A light jacket means you can linger comfortably.

Sunset Photography Tips

Marbella sunsets photograph beautifully with any camera, but a few techniques help:

• Use silhouettes: Position people, boats, or the pier against the bright sky
• Include foreground interest: Rocks, beach umbrellas, or marina boats add depth
• Shoot into the golden hour: The 30 minutes before sunset often produces warmer, softer light than the sunset itself
• Try reflections: The water at Puerto Banus and the wet sand at low tide create mirror effects

Your phone camera's HDR mode helps balance the bright sky with darker foreground elements.

Making an Evening of It

The best Marbella sunsets deserve to be extended into dinner. Here are natural progressions:

From Puerto Banus: Stay for dinner at Astral Cocktail Bar or walk to one of the marina restaurants From Venus Beach: Head into the Old Town for tapas at any of the Plaza de los Naranjos restaurants From Cabopino: Dine at the marina restaurants right there, as La Cabana has excellent seafood From the Old Town: You're already in the best dinner spot in Marbella

Final Thoughts

Marbella's sunsets are free, spectacular, and happen every single day. Whether you choose the glamour of Puerto Banus, the natural beauty of Cabopino, or the charm of the Old Town bathed in golden light, you're guaranteed a memorable end to your day.

The only mistake is staying inside.

Looking for more? Check out our complete guide to things to do in Marbella or plan your trip with our Marbella travel guide.