Travel and Home logo icon profile picture transparent traveling

The city and resort area of Marbella in Spain is a famous tourist hotspot.  Situated in the South of Spain’s famous Costa del Sol, this is the place to be. 

port marbella andalusia

The Golden Mile, a prestigious area in Marbella Spain, along the Mediterranean coast stretches for 2 km from Puerto Banús to Marbella center. Nightclubs, Puerto Banús Marina, and the luxury yacht clubs all looking very high-end and luxury touristy.  Surrounded by upmarket boutiques and bars, you will see why this is a popular holiday spot.

But there is something for everyone in the beautiful Marbella.  With a fantastic promenade that begs you to come for a walk and little shops everywhere, Marbella has a lot to offer. 

marbella waterfront

Best time to visit Marbella

Obviously, this is a summer destination.  However, if you are looking for fantastic weather but a little less touristy then September and October might be the best months to visit.

Marbella old town

Is Marbella worth a visit?

In my opinion, everyone will enjoy going to Marbella (young and old). Surrounded by upmarket boutiques, bars, perfect beaches, nightclubs, luxurious venues, and interesting sight-seeing opportunities worth exploring, Marbella also offers some quiet time. The beautiful pedestrian-friendly streets have hundreds of beautiful restaurants from where you can just sit and enjoy your holiday.

Is Spain expensive

International airport

The nearest airport to Marbella Spain

Málaga-Cost Del Sol (AGP) Airport is the closest to Marbella. (Approximately 24 miles / 39 kilometers)

Other airports are:

  • Gibraltar International Airport (36.1 miles / 58.1 kilometers)
  • Jerez Airport (67.1 miles / 108.0 kilometers)
  • Federico García Lorca Granada Airport (77.0 miles / 124.0 kilometers)

Private transfers from these airports to Marbella are available.

Restaurant Recommendation

For a Traditional Cuisine experience out of this world, we recommend the following restaurants:

  • Lobito de Mar
  • Buenaventura
  • La Taberna de Santiago

If you are looking for high-end resorts, Marbella has some of the best on the Costa del Sol.  Alternatively, there is a wide variety of accommodation available. 

Places like the Fuerte Marbella Hotel.  Situated right on the beach with spectacular sea views and a 5 min walk away from the old town (and Plaza de Los Naranjos).

Photos from Fuerte Marbella Hotel’s website.

For all accommodation bookings, you can use the reliable link below for booking.com

Things to do

What to do in Marbella Spain

  • Go for a walk on the 15 km promenade with beautiful views, street markets, and restaurants
  • Santa Maria de la Encarnacion
  • Iglesia del Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz
  • Alameda Park
  • Puerto José Banús Marina (more commonly known as Puerto Banús )  – Enjoy shopping, restaurants, and admiring the luxury yachts.  I think this is a beautiful place to take some stunning sunset photos.
  • Stroll through the pretty Avenida del Mar with its famous bronze Salvador Dali sculptures.
  • Make sure to catch a beach sunrise
  • After swimming in the Mediterranean Sea take an “elephant shower” to rinse off the salty water.  The elephant shower is a famous photo spot for families.
  • If you love hiking, do the 7 km walk from Marbella to Puerto Banús Marina and enjoy the beautiful vistas.
  • At Plaza de Mar you will often find chess players.  This is a famous meeting point for chess lovers.
  • Visit the Ralli Museum /
  • Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo
  • Go to Nueva Andalucia – a traditional urban area
  • Enjoy “fish on the beach” – A fun night party on the beach, where you can experience the local seafood cuisine.
  • Take a chartered boat trip to view Marbella from the sea
  • The Bonsai museum

More things to do in Marbella:

Rent a Car and explore all the beautiful places to see in Andalucia

  • Rock of Gibraltar
  • Tajo de Ronda
  • Dólmenes de Antequera
  • Caminito del Rey
  • Bolonia Dunes in Tarifa
300*250

Some things you must try

Along the lines of local cuisine.. is wine donuts, torrijas, churros, and borrachuelos (aniseed rolls fried with a little wine and dipped into syrup).  Eat and drink like the locals.  You’ll love the new experience.

Marbella old town

Do a day trip

Go on a day trip to the beautiful Mijas.  Only a 27 min (34,2 km) drive via the AP-7 by car.

Ready-made Holiday Trips and Tours in Spain

Did you know

You can see Africa from Marbella.  The African coast is visible from the coast of Costa del Sol.  In the top of the mountains of Elviria you will have a perfect view.  Therefore Morocco is just a short flight away should you wish to explore the Blue City of Morocco.

Marbella 6

A visit to the old town

The colorful ‘old town’ with bougainvillea growing everywhere, street-corner restaurants, and beautiful architecture are definitely worth a visit.  Pretty shops selling shoes, clothes, wine, food, gifts and more, line the narrow cobblestone streets.  There are lots of little cafes and restaurants and all of them are lovely. Although there are many tourists in the town, there is still a fantastic atmosphere and you should not feel crowded at all. I think the atmosphere in the town is just fantastic.

Plaza de Los Naranjos (Orange Square) – photos above – in the historic city center is the perfect place to stop for a refreshing drink after some extensive sightseeing and walking around.

728*90

Book a few fantastic experiences right here online – Before you go or while on holiday.