Untouched Beach with Dunes: The Best-Kept Secret of the Costa del Sol in Marbella

For most travelers, the Costa del Sol coast is synonymous with an endless string of luxurious hotels, emerald golf courses, and lively, brightly lit promenades. It seems that in this realm of meticulously planned urbanization, where every meter of land counts, there is no room left for wild, untamed nature. However, this impression is deeply misleading. Just a few kilometers from the heart of glamorous life in Marbella lies a genuine treasure that locals in the Malaga province instinctively protect from the endless streams of tourists. This remarkable spot is the Artola Dunes Natural Monument, also known as Cabopino.

Just take a turn off the busy road, and it’s as if you’ve stepped into another world, a different dimension. Instead of scorching concrete and asphalt, your feet touch soft, fine sand of a golden hue, and the air is filled not with exhaust fumes, but with the rich, pungent aroma of sun-warmed pine needles and the fresh, salty breeze. This unique stretch of coastline, covering nearly twenty hectares, was rightfully designated a protected area by the Andalusian regional government back in 2003. And that decision was absolutely justified. Here, one of the last—and undoubtedly most impressive—dune systems on Spain’s southern coast has been preserved, its landscapes more reminiscent of the Atlantic expanses of Cádiz or Huelva than of a bustling tourist hotspot.

The landscape of this natural enclave is a complex, multilayered mosaic shaped by nature over millennia. Right along the water’s edge lie the youngest, shifting dunes, which are in constant motion, changing their shape under the influence of wind and sea waves. A little further inland begin the inactive dunes, whose slopes are now densely covered with characteristic Mediterranean vegetation, the roots of which anchor the loose sands. Deep within, beneath the cool shade of sprawling pine forests, you can find true geological relics—fossilized dunes. These ancient, petrified sand hills were formed in a different geological era. In this sandy kingdom, plants such as the sea daffodil with its delicate white flowers, the spiny sea holly, and the hardy marram grass thrive, creating a fragile yet surprisingly resilient ecosystem.

But this place is rich not only in its natural beauty. Right on one of the highest dunes rises the ancient watchtower Torre de los Ladrones—as if standing guard—its name meaning “Tower of Thieves.” This formidable defensive structure, long recognized as a site of cultural interest in Spain, was built during the turbulent Nasrid dynasty era to protect the coast from constant raids by Berber pirates. Its stark, weathered stone silhouette stands as a silent reminder of the region’s stormy and perilous past. From the top of the tower, there is a breathtaking panoramic view of the coastline, and it’s easy to imagine the sentries centuries ago, tirelessly scanning the blue horizon for signs of enemy sails.

At the heart of this natural monument is, without a doubt, Artola Beach, stretching over a kilometer along the azure sea. It is renowned for its nearly pristine condition, complete lack of dense development, and remarkably clean, clear, and shallow waters near the shore—making it an ideal spot for a peaceful family holiday. You won’t find intrusive services or loud music from bars here—just endless sea, soft sand, and a high sky. Notably, the western part of the beach is one of the most famous and popular locations among naturists, who appreciate the area’s atmosphere of complete freedom and closeness to nature. For the convenience of visitors and to help preserve the fragile landscape, special wooden walkways have been installed over the dunes. Walking along them allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of this place without harming its delicate ecosystem and feel like a true explorer on your own planet.