Marbella records nearly 4,000 beach barbecue reservations in 2026

Beach barbecues, known locally as moragas, remain one of the most popular traditions on Marbella’s coastline. Marbella Town Hall recorded 3,947 reservations for authorised beach barbecue areas in 2026 up to 1 October, confirming the continued popularity of these spaces among both residents and visitors.

Most bookings were concentrated in San Pedro Alcántara and Marbella, which together accounted for more than 92% of the total.

The figures also coincide with the first full summer of the municipality’s new online platform for booking these areas.

San Pedro Alcántara accounts for almost half of all bookings

San Pedro Alcántara clearly leads the municipal ranking with 1,886 reservations, representing 47.78% of the total.

Marbella follows closely with 1,770 bookings, or 44.84%.

The remaining areas recorded significantly lower figures, with 154 reservations in Las Chapas and 137 in Nueva Andalucía.

The data show that Marbella and San Pedro continue to be the main locations for this traditional beach activity during the busiest months of the year.

August was the busiest month for moragas

Demand peaked during the summer.

August recorded 1,260 reservations, making it the busiest month of the period analysed.

June followed with 741 bookings, while September reached 677.

July recorded 639 reservations and May closed with 539.

The figures show how closely moragas are linked to warm weather and long evenings by the sea, although the municipal booking system remains available beyond the main summer season.

What is a moraga and why is it still popular in Marbella?

A moraga is a tradition particularly associated with the Málaga coastline.

It usually consists of a gathering of friends or family on the beach, often accompanied by food prepared over a fire in specially authorised areas.

Historically, moragas were closely linked to fishermen and to cooking fish beside the sea, but over time they have become a popular way to socialise and celebrate.

In Marbella, designated spaces allow the tradition to continue while helping to organise coexistence with swimmers, sports activities and other beach uses.

A new platform for booking from a phone or computer

One of the main developments in 2026 has been the launch of a municipal platform specifically for booking moraga and barbecue areas.

The system began operating on 6 May and allows the entire process to be completed online.

Users can check which areas are available, select a date, submit their request, follow its status and cancel the booking if they are no longer going to use it.

The platform operates 365 days a year.

Demand was strong from the beginning: in less than two months it had already processed more than 1,500 requests.

Real-time availability

One of the main advantages of the new system is the ability to check availability before making a booking.

Users first select the type of reservation —moraga or barbecue— and then choose the date, location and available area.

They then enter the details of the person responsible for the booking.

Marbella Town Hall also carries out regular checks, so the person responsible should carry ID, NIE or a passport to verify the booking.

Moragas also have regulated opening times

Being able to organise a moraga does not mean the areas can be used at any time of day.

Municipal rules distinguish between summer and winter seasons.

From 1 June to 15 October, both dates included, authorised moraga areas can be used from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am.

From 16 October to 31 May, the permitted hours are 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

This allows the service to continue throughout the year while adapting to different patterns of beach use.

Cancelling unused bookings helps other users

The Town Hall specifically asks users to cancel their booking in advance if they are no longer able to attend.

The aim is to free the space so another person can use it.

The new platform allows these cancellations to be managed online and also includes notifications and reminders related to reservations.

The system is designed to organise an activity that sees particularly high demand during the summer.

San Pedro and Marbella dominate demand

The 2026 figures show a very clear geographical pattern.

Almost one in every two bookings is made in San Pedro Alcántara, while Marbella accounts for a very similar proportion.

Together, the two areas represent more than 92% of all reservations recorded.

The figures confirm these zones as some of the most frequently used public leisure spaces along Marbella’s coastline.

A tradition that continues beyond summer

Although August is clearly the busiest month, year-round booking means moragas do not disappear once summer ends.

Marbella’s climate allows the coastline to be enjoyed during much of the year, and municipal regulations include different schedules depending on the season.

With almost 4,000 bookings by the beginning of October, 2026 confirms that this traditional way of enjoying the beach remains highly popular in Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara.