Marbella Port Expansion Gets the Green Light
On 2 September, Marbella Town Hall confirmed what had been uncertain for years: the Marbella Port Expansion is finally moving forward. The project at La Bajadilla Port, which had been stalled for more than a decade, will now enter a new phase. New concession holder will take over the facilities on 1 January, with an announced investment of more than 200 million euros. The port will increase from 268 to approximately 750 berths, almost three times its current capacity.
Mayor Ángeles Muñoz described the announcement as "very good news for the city", highlighting that it brings to an end a process marked by years of administrative and legal obstacles. Mario Muñoz-Atanet, Regional Minister for Development and Mobility, stated that the project would provide "an important economic boost" for the city.
What will change with the Marbella Port Expansion?
The Marbella Port Expansion is far more than a minor upgrade. Water area will almost triple (x3,5, according to the published technical data), alongside major civil engineering works: a 1,13-kilometre main breakwater protecting the port from the east and south, a 450-metre secondary breakwater on the western side, and a groyne that will channel the Primero stream, separating it from El Cable beach.
The figure that stands out most for the luxury segment is the maximum vessel length the new marina will be able to accommodate: up to 70 metres. This is no longer about standard leisure boats. It means superyachts. Marbella is positioning itself to compete directly with marinas such as Port Adriano in Mallorca and Porto Cervo in Sardinia, which have been attracting this type of large-vessel traffic in the Mediterranean for years.
In addition to the berths, the project includes:
- A new commercial area within the port
- Dedicated fishing areas
- A boatyard
- Close to 1.000 parking spaces
- Regeneration of Venus, La Bajadilla, El Cable and El Faro beaches through sand replenishment to offset the impact of the new infrastructure
The Marbella Port Expansion is part of a wider strategy
La Bajadilla is not the only marina undergoing improvements. Marbella Town Hall has presented the expansion as part of a broader strategy to modernise the municipality's marinas, which also includes ongoing works at Puerto Deportivo Virgen del Carmen, Cabopino and Puerto Banús itself.
Taken together, the message is clear: Marbella is making a strong commitment to establishing itself as a leading nautical destination in the Mediterranean, rather than simply a destination for sun and beaches. For international buyers already considering the Costa del Sol for its climate and lifestyle, the Marbella Port Expansion adds another compelling factor: first-class nautical infrastructure, something destinations such as the French Riviera and Mallorca have traditionally offered at a level Marbella had not yet fully matched.
The background: a project with a long history
It is worth understanding why the process has taken so long. The project was first put out to tender 16 years ago. The contract was subsequently terminated and the proceedings remained stalled for years, caught between administrative procedures and legal action. In 2019, the Regional Government of Andalusia resumed the process, and since then each stage has gradually been completed: environmental reports, Coastal Authority reports, legal matters and, finally, the tender process that has resulted in the current award.
Given this history of delays, it makes sense to wait for tangible progress before taking anything for granted.
What the Marbella Port Expansion could mean for property buyers
If you were already considering the port area or the Golden Mile, the Marbella Port Expansion strengthens the medium-term case for these locations. Buying before a major infrastructure project is completed is often the period when better conditions can be found, precisely because the market has not yet fully incorporated the potential increase in value that may follow.
That said, there is no reason to rush. The sensible approach is to monitor the project's real milestones, including the effective start on 1 January, progress on the breakwater and the opening of the first phases, and to make decisions based on that information rather than on the announcement alone.
Marbella Port: before and after the expansion
| Current situation | After the expansion | |
|---|---|---|
| Berths | 268 | ~750 |
| Water area | Current base | x3,5 |
| Maximum vessel length | Limited to medium-sized vessels | Up to 70 metres |
| Main breakwater | N/A | 1,13 km |
| Parking | Limited | ~1.000 spaces |
| Services | Traditional port | Commercial area, boatyard, fishing area |
| Investment | N/A | +200 million € |
Frequently asked questions
When will the Marbella Port Expansion begin? The new concession holder will take over the facilities on 1 January. A completion date for the works has not yet been specified.
How many berths will Marbella Port have after the expansion? It will increase from 268 to approximately 750 berths, almost three times its current capacity.
What size vessels will the expanded Marbella Port be able to accommodate? The new marina will be able to accommodate vessels of up to 70 metres in length, including large yachts.
Will the Marbella Port Expansion affect the nearby beaches? Yes. Sand replenishment is planned for Venus, La Bajadilla, El Cable and El Faro beaches.
Could the Marbella Port Expansion affect property prices in the area? It is possible in the medium term. Similar marina projects tend to increase demand and property values in surrounding areas.
