Marbella is located at the southern end of the Cote des Basques, featuring a mix of beach and rocky areas. The spot provides an average surfing experience, accommodating a variety of skill levels, especially beginners. Due to the rocky fingers anchoring the sand, the area can produce some steep wedge waves. However, the layout of the beach can limit surfing time, as the tide can make access tricky.
This surf spot handles swell sizes starting at around 1 ft (0.3 m) and works best with swell coming from the west and north. You can catch waves that break over uneven reef and sand, with both left and right breaks available. The preferred conditions are during low to mid tides with southeast winds. Be mindful that the waves can get worked over by larger swells, which can sometimes make it less appealing, particularly when onshore winds are present.
For beginners, Marbella can be a decent spot to practice, but be ready for some changes as the thickness of the waves can vary. Just keep an eye on the tide, and make sure you stay aware of your surroundings to avoid getting cut off as the tide comes in. The parking situation is pretty easy, with a small car park nearby, making it convenient to access the beach.