Dunas de Artola o Cabopino, Protected coastal dunes in Marbella, Spain
Dunas de Artola o Cabopino is a protected coastal area near Marbella where three distinct dune types show different stages of natural development. Near the shore, moving sand alternates with more stable areas where low vegetation grows, while older dunes support pine forests.
The area has been inhabited since ancient times due to its Mediterranean coastal location, and the nearby Los Ladrones Tower was originally built during Roman times. The tower was later rebuilt by Moorish and Christian rulers, reflecting the changing powers that controlled this region.
The site attracts school groups and nature enthusiasts who stop at information boards to learn about salt-tolerant plants, insects, and beach wildlife adapted to sandy soils. Visitors notice how vegetation changes between the moving sand and the more stable areas inland.
Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the sand is uneven and temperatures can rise sharply under the sun. Marked trails guide people through the protected area while keeping foot traffic away from the most fragile sections.
The site owes its shape to northwesterly winds and sea currents that constantly move sand along the coast and reshape the landscape over time. These natural forces mean each season looks different and reveal how active these dunes remain.
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