The view from the footbridge crossing Río Verde |
Playa Rio Verde
Playa Rio Verde is just to the east of Puerto Banus, next to the Rio Verde itself; to access the beach from Puerto Banus you cross over the river on a stylish wooden footbridge where you can watch wader birds in the reeds of the river.
"Playa Rio Verde" has been regularly awarded the Blue Flag by the European Union for its high standards of cleanliness and excellent facilities. However this probably refers to the now named Playa Puerto Banus on the other side of the River.
There is street parking near this beach but in the summer months it can be difficult as it gets very busy, arrive as early as possible to secure a space. This beach is also popular with younger people, but not a popular as Playa de Nueva Andalucia.
There is a trendy beach bar called Playa Fantastica Las Cuchis here with full dining and lounging facilities. The original beach bar here dates from 1986. It was run by two sisters Cuchi and Ana, who known locally as Las Cuchis. Their previous bar was founded at Playa La Carolina in 1980. The present 1994 ochre coloured building is interesting design by architect Luis Alberto Gálvez. The business is now run by Cuchi's sons Itziar and Aco.
Close by you will find the relics of an ancient Roman Villa, the Rio Verde Roman Villa.
The beach is also backed by the Paseo Maritimo called "Paseo de Las Cuchis" which continues all the way to Marbella town.
This stretch of Playa Rio Verde the beach is quite narrow and generally quieter. Beach Club Sea Soul and Cafe del Mar are located here near the Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach hotel and the Museo Ralli.
Playa El Ancon is the beach to the east
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