Dunas de Artola o Cabopino

The coastline between Fuengirola and Marbella is seriously developed, but here and there you still have a natural piece of undeveloped land. 
One of these places is the Dunas de Artola at Cabopino. This natural dune landscape once spanned the Marbella coastline and covered some 20 kilometers.

Currently, it's 1200 metres long and the area was declared a Natural monument in 2001. 
Within this natural area, there are three different types of dunes. Right on the seafront, you have dunes that move with the northwesterly winds and coastal currents. Further inland, you have the stationary dunes that are covered in vegetation and even further inland, you have the dunes that are covered in a dense pine forest.
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The area is perfect for a relaxing day at the beach or an active hike along the many boardwalks. Within the Dunas de Artola, you find the Los Ladrones tower, a defensive military structure.
The tower is the tallest watchtower on the Malaga coastline, therefore providing the best views. The tower linked Marbella and Fuengirola during the Nasrid period. Given it's importance, the Catholic Monarchs established a watchtower there and increase its garrison in 1501 to control the Mudejars.

Practical information:

Car park:  public parking is available on the esplanade and beside the dunes
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Dogs: Not allowed on the beach

Trail: Sendero Dunas de Artola is a 2.6-km loop trail The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.