June is a busy month in Marbella. First the week-long Feria filled with dancing, live music and fairground fun in honour of the city’s patron saint San Barnabé, and then the celebration of the shortest night and longest day of the year on Noche de San Juan.
On the night of June 23rd 2025, Marbella’s beaches will come alive as bonfires flicker along the shoreline and fireworks launch into the sky at midnight. The celebration of San Juan marks the summer solstice, so in a geographical sense, this is when summer in Marbella reaches its peak, but in reality, it’s only the start of the season.
This ancient celebration blends pagan fire rituals, midnight swims and communal bonfires. The festival is rooted in Phoenician and Roman solstice ceremonies, later absorbed into the Christian calendar as the eve of Saint John the Baptist’s feast day (June 24th).
Across Andalucía, people gather on the beach to write wishes on paper, burn away bad luck in bonfires and leap over flames to invite good fortune. In Marbella, the tradition takes on a cosmopolitan party vibe, from high-end beach clubs to the more chilled-out chiringuitos, where almost the entire coastline does something special to mark the occasion.
Where to Celebrate on June 23rd, 2025
For a hassle‑free evening, reserve a spot at one of these top beach bars, each hosting special San Juan celebrations:
MC Beach
Set within the Marbella Club Hotel grounds, MC Beach serves gourmet Mediterranean cuisine before lighting its beachfront bonfire and launching one of the best fireworks displays on the Costa del Sol. Book their set‑menu dinner and sun‑bed package to guarantee the best view.
Amàre Beach Hotel
Experience an unforgettable evening of food, fire and festivities. Enjoy a vibrant dinner at Hayaca Restaurant, then head to the beach to take in the bonfire and a stunning fireworks display. The night also features a flamenco group, fire juggling, and live music, alongside traditional San Juan rituals to welcome the summer in true Marbella style.
Playa Padre
This boho‑chic venue on Cable Beach hosts “San Juan at Playa Padre” with tribal beats, fire dancers and Mexican‑Mediterranean fusion dishes. A hot spot on the Marbella scene in recent years that truly knows how to throw a beach party. Join the communal bonfire and enjoy late‑night revelry.
Dune Beach Marbella
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Serenely situated among the protected dunes of El Rosario, Dune Beach will perfectly blend its relaxed, boho‑chic surroundings with that iconic San Juan party vibe complete with live music, sunset cocktails and a communal bonfire on the sand. Secure a dinner table or a sun‑bed package and enjoy the fireworks reflected in the Mediterranean at this very special location.
Beach House Marbella
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Located slightly further east along the coastline from Dune Beach, Beach House Marbella will be hosting an unforgettable summer solstice party for San Juan, with live musicians, an impressive DJ lineup and fire dancers. Of course, there will be a bonfire and signature cocktails. Reserve a table or sun‑bed to enjoy dinner and dance under the stars.
Top Traditions to Try
- Write your hopes and fears on scraps of paper, then cast them into the bonfire to symbolise renewal.
- Take a midnight dip into the sea. Legend says the first person to enter the water brings good luck for the year ahead.
- Jump over small fires or embers seven times for extra luck.
- Splash seawater on your face at dawn for health and beauty.
Whether you’re diving into the Mediterranean at midnight or simply enjoying a cocktail and soaking up the vibe, San Juan in Marbella is a celebration you don’t want to miss. With a mix of tradition, music, food and firelight, the night of June 23rd offers the perfect start to summer on the Costa del Sol.
Book your spot early and get ready to welcome in the high season with light, laughter and a sky filled with fireworks.
