Playa de la Fontanilla, Marbella

This regenerated beach with dark, almost black sand, is 800 meters long and close to the marina, attracting locals and visitors alike. You'll see row upon row of deck chairs and sunshades, ten bars where you can have a cold beer or a jug of sangría, pedaloes, and a myriad of other beach necessities. You couldn't ask for more! The council cleaning service ensures that the sand is spotless every morning, despite the large number of people who go there every day. The showers are in the form of little elephants which cool down bathers with their long trunks, and there are toilets, watchtowers, lifeguards and first aid services.