Posted on October 20, 2025
Marbella’s San Pedro de Alcantara district is set to undergo a transformative €7.4 million beach regeneration project, targeting the stabilisation and restoration of its coastline.
Covering 3.5 kilometres across the beaches of San Pedro, Linda Vista, and Guadalmina, the scheme is meant to combat beach erosion and improve accessibility while keeping environmental and archaeological protections. Here’s a detailed look at this landmark coastal restoration effort.
Project overview: Stabilising Marbella’s coastline
The regeneration project, located between the Guadaiza and Guadalmina rivers, is designed to address severe erosion which affects San Pedro’s beaches. Approved by the Ministry for Ecological Transition’s Directorate General for Quality and Environmental Assessment in early 2025, the plan is a massive step after five years of planning and environmental evaluations.
With an estimated budget of €7.4 million and a nine-month execution timeline, the project will deliver comprehensive coastal protection and aesthetic detailing to one of Marbella’s most cherished areas. The intervention will cover a 3.5-kilometre stretch, reinforcing the beaches of San Pedro de Alcantara, Linda Vista, and Guadalmina.
Key features of the regeneration plan
- Construction of Five Breakwaters: The project includes building five groynes, ranging from 90 to 260 metres in length. Two will be T-shaped, and three will be L-shaped, replacing smaller existing defences to reduce sand loss and stabilise the coastline.
- 151,045 Cubic Metres of Sand: To restore the beaches, 151,045 cubic metres of sand will be added, with 60 per cent sourced from fluvial materials and 40 per cent from quarries. The sand, varying in grain size depending on the beach section, will be transported by land and spread using special machinery.
- 2.1-Kilometre Wooden Boardwalk: A 2.1-kilometre wooden pedestrian pathway, three metres wide, will improve pedestrian access and go well with the natural surroundings. Partially elevated, the boardwalk will include a crossing over the Chopo stream, improving the coastal experience for everyone.
A long, drawn-out administrative journey
The project’s administrative process began in October 2020, when the Spanish Coast Authority (Costas) opened the plan and its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for public consultation. Over four years, the initiative faced extensive reviews, technical reports, and negotiations between the Ministry and the Andalusian Regional Government (Junta de Andalucía).
Environmental organisations, local associations, and individuals raised concerns about potential impacts on marine ecosystems and river channels. In response, the project underwent multiple revisions.
By addressing erosion, protecting marine ecosystems, and respecting the area’s cultural heritage, the San Pedro beach regeneration project sets a precedent for balancing development with environmental stewardship. With construction set to begin soon, Marbella’s coastline is about to embark on a sustainable and vibrant future.
