Marbella Spain

Visitor Guide and Tourist Information


Marbella  Spain is one of the most popular beach resorts on the Costa del Sol, located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain.

The history of Marbella can be traced back to Roman times, you can still see the remains of the Roman settlement as you walk around the old town with its narrow, winding streets and quaint squares. It was in the 1950s that Marbella really began to develop into the luxury resort we know today.

One of the top attractions in Marbella is the world-renowned Puerto Banus, a luxurious marina that attracts wealthy visitors from all over the world. It's known for its high-end designer shops, high-end restaurants, trendy bars, super yachts and luxury cars.

If you're looking for culture, Marbella has several interesting museums and art galleries, including the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo, which showcases contemporary Spanish printmaking, and the Ralli Museum, which displays works by Latin American artists.

Marbella Spain is also a great destination for golfing enthusiasts. It is home to several first-class championship golf courses including Marbella Golf & Country Club, La Quinta Golf, Santa Maria, and Rio Real Golf.

There are also plenty of water sports on offer, including jet skiing, parasailing, paragliding, surfing, kite surfing, sea diving, and boat and yacht hire.  There are also plenty of water sports centres where you can hire equipment and take lessons.

When it comes to quality beaches, Marbella has plenty to choose from, including  Playa de la Fontanilla, which offers sun loungers, beach bars, and water sports.

Playa Nagüeles is another popular spot and if you're looking for a quieter experience head to the more secluded beaches of Cabopino or Elviria.

For foodies, Marbella Spain has a rich and diverse culinary scene that ranges from small tapas bars and international restaurants, and all the major fast food outlets plus a number of Michelin-starred restaurants.

You are never far away from an amazing plate of food when staying in Marbella Spain.

8 Interesting Facts About Marbella

Marbella Promenade

    1. The famous Golden Mile, a strip of luxury villas and hotels was once a 6.5 km stretch of sand dunes.
    2. The Marbella Club Hotel, a popular celebrity haunt, was founded by a German aristocrat in 1954 after he fell in love with the area.
    3. Marbella is home to one of the largest marinas in Spain, with over 1,000 moorings for boats and yachts.
    4. The city's coat of arms features a pomegranate tree, which is said to symbolize the ancient city's Roman origins.
    5. The late Princess Diana of Wales used to visit Marbella frequently in the 1990s and even bought a property in the area.
    6. Marbella was once a fishing village, and fishing still remains an important industry in the area today.
    7. In the 1970s, Marbella was a hub for drug smuggling and other illegal activities, leading to the nickname "Costa del Crime."
    8. The nearby Sierra Blanca mountain range, visible from Marbella's beaches, is home to several luxury residential developments and is a popular hiking destination.

Best Places to Visit in Marbella

 

The Old Town & Orange Square

Marbella Old Town

Marbella is full of history dating back to 1600 BC and this history is evident in the charming old town which has a 15th-century castle, churches, and picturesque wrought-iron balconies whilst modern, stylish shops and charming eateries line the serene, narrow streets.

The famous Plaza de Los Naranjos (Orange Square) is a cluster of traditional, outdoor restaurants, tapas bars, cafés and orange trees.

You will also find some classy boutiques specialising in unique clothing ranges from Spanish designers.

Strolling among the mix of old and new, the old town is a tranquil setting until early evening when the vibe changes as it becomes a pulsating hub for people looking to dine al fresco and party into the night.

Puerto Banus Marina

Puerto Banus Marbella
Puerto Banus Marbella

Holidays to Marbella wouldn’t be the same without visiting the world-renowned Puerto Banus luxury marina where the super-rich dock their extravagant yachts.

Visitors walk along the marina and marvel at the opulence floating on the water and delight in the clever names.

Ultra-luxury cars such as Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Aston Martin can also be seen on the marina front.

Puerto Banus is also home to the best names in fashion design from Dolce & Gabbana to Louis Vuitton and the jet set can be found shopping here year-round.

Famous for its incredible variety of clubs, bars, pubs, and discos, party-goers flock to Puerto Banus to drop loads of cash in the up-market bars and clubs.

Marbellas Golden Mile

The Golden Mile Marbella

The Golden Mile is a four-mile stretch between Marbella’s Orange Square and Puerto Banus.

This exclusive area is home to some of the world’s most luxurious villas and estates.

The Palace of King Fahd, along with the residences of Antonia Banderas and other top celebs are found here as well as the landmark hotels such as Hotel Melia Don Pepe, Hotel Marbella Club, and the Puente Romano Hotel.

You can walk this stretch and marvel at the stunning homes, hotels, and restaurants that make up this unique luxury setting.

Best Things to Do In Marbella

Enjoy Water Sports

Water Skiing
Water Skiing Marbella

Marbella is a fantastic destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of activities to suit all interests and skill levels. From thrilling jet ski rides to tranquil paddleboarding sessions, Marbella has it all.

One of the most popular water sports in Marbella is wakeboarding, which involves being pulled behind a motorboat while standing on a board. There are several excellent wakeboarding centres in the area, including Cableski & Wakeboard Marbella which offer lessons and equipment rentals.

Jet skiing is another popular activity in Marbella, offering a high-speed adrenaline rush as you ride across the waves. Marbella Jet Ski provides jet ski rentals and guided tours, while Jet Ski Safari Marbella offers a range of different excursions, including dolphin watching and sunset tours.

For those looking for a more tranquil experience on the water, paddleboarding is a great option. SUP Yoga Marbella offers paddleboard yoga classes.

Scuba diving is a great way to explore underwater landscapes thanks to the clear waters and abundance of marine life in the area.  Simply Diving Puerto Banus is a highly-rated dive centre, offering a range of courses and guided dives for all levels.

Other water sports available in Marbella include windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, and flyboarding. There are plenty of excellent water sports centres in the area, including Water Sports Banus offers a wide range of activities and equipment rentals.

Enjoy an Amazing Sunset Cruise From Puerto BanusSunset Cruise

Sailing the Marbella coast at sunset provides a romantic perspective of Spain's Costa del Sol.

Departing from the glittering yacht marina of Puerto Banus, these amazing sunset yacht cruises allow you to witness the area's scenic highlights against a golden sunset glowing across the Mediterranean.

Your vessel will glide out along the cliffs and beaches lining Marbella. If the winds are calm, the boat motors along seeking spots with the best sunset panoramas.

From the water, you can admire Marbella's whitewashed old town backed by the stunning Sierra Blanca mountains.

As the lowering sun bathes the arid countryside in warm light, the crew will distribute chilled cava, Spanish white wines or beers perfectly complementing the sunset.

Settle into the cockpit or onto the bow's cushions to relax and sip while olive groves and seaside villas drift past. The fading light casts a magical aura across the yachts bobbing in Puerto Banus' harbour when you return.

Whether shared or booked privately for two, Marbella's sunset cruises provide lasting memories with stunning scenery. There's no better way to spend a romantic evening than gliding along the beautiful Costa del Sol coast with someone special.

Play On Marbella Golf Courses

Santa Clara Golf Marbella
Santa Clara Golf Marbella

Marbella is not only a playground for the rich and famous, here many thousands of golfers from all over Europe choose Marbella as their preferred golf holiday destination.

The Costa del Sol is home to over 60 championship courses, at least 20 of those courses are within a 30-minute drive of Marbella which makes it ideal for golfers looking for a diversity of courses without having to travel for hours either way.

Shop Until You Drop in Marbella!

Marbella Shopping

Marbella is a shopper's paradise, with a plethora of options for both luxury and high-street shopping. One of the most famous shopping destinations in Marbella is Puerto Banus, known for its designer boutiques and upscale shops that include  Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Prada, and more.

Another great shopping destination in Marbella is the old town, with its charming cobbled streets and quaint shops. Here, you can find unique souvenirs, artisanal crafts, and clothing boutiques.

For those looking for more affordable shopping options, La Canada Shopping Centre is a must-visit destination. This large shopping complex has everything from high-street fashion to home decor, electronics, and more.

If you're looking for a more local experience, head to the weekly markets in Marbella, such as the Puerto Banus market or the San Pedro market, where you can find a range of goods from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Overall, Marbella offers a range of shopping options for all tastes and budgets, making it the perfect destination for a shopping holiday.

Marbella Nightlife

Puerto Banus Marbella
Puerto Banus

When the sun sets in Marbella, the city comes alive with a pulsating nightlife scene that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Renowned for its glamorous ambience and vibrant party atmosphere, Marbella offers an array of exciting venues where you can dance the night away.

One of the most iconic nightlife spots in Marbella is Puerto Banus, a luxurious marina lined with upscale restaurants, bars, and clubs. This glamorous hotspot is frequented by celebrities and high-profile individuals, adding to its exclusive allure.

Places like Pangea, Olivia Valere, and Tibu Banus are among the popular venues in Puerto Banus, where you can indulge in top-notch cocktails, live DJ performances, and an electric atmosphere.

For those seeking a more relaxed evening with a touch of sophistication, the Golden Mile is the place to be. This prestigious area is home to high-end beach clubs and lounges, such as Nikki Beach and Ocean Club Marbella, where you can sip champagne by the pool, enjoy live music, and soak up the glamorous ambience.

Marbella's Old Town, also known as the Casco Antiguo, offers a different kind of nightlife experience. With its charming narrow streets, quaint squares, and lively tapas bars, it provides a more authentic and traditional atmosphere. Places like La Taberna del Pinxto and Bodegas La Venencia are popular choices among locals and tourists alike for enjoying a variety of tapas and local drinks.

If you're a fan of live music, Marbella has you covered with its vibrant music scene. Venues like La Sala by the Sea host live performances by local and international artists, offering an exciting blend of genres, from pop and rock to jazz and flamenco.

Marbella is also renowned for its exclusive beach clubs, where you can relax by the sea during the day and transition into a lively party scene as the night unfolds. Clubs like Nikki Beach, Ocean Club Marbella, and Plaza Beach Marbella offer luxurious beachfront settings, DJ sets, and live entertainment, creating an atmosphere of glamour and indulgence.

Best Marbella Beaches

Marbella Beach

Playa de la Fontanilla

Located in the center of Marbella, this beach is one of the most popular with both locals and tourists. It's a wide and sandy beach with plenty of facilities such as showers, sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars.

Puerto Banus Beach

Located in the glamorous Puerto Banus area, this beach is known for its luxury yachts and high-end restaurants. It's a long and wide beach with fine golden sand and has plenty of amenities such as showers, sun loungers, parasols, and water sports.

Playa de Nagueles

Located in a quieter area of Marbella, this beach is a great spot for relaxation. It's a long and wide beach with golden sand, and has a few beach bars and showers.

Artola Beach

Located in the eastern part of Marbella, this beach is also known as Cabopino beach. It's a natural beach with dunes, pine trees, and clear warm waters. It's a great spot for water sports and has a few chiringuitos (beach bars).

Playa de San Pedro de Alcantara

Located in the town of San Pedro de Alcantara, just a few kilometers west of Marbella, this beach is a local favorite. It's a long and wide beach with golden sand and has plenty of amenities such as showers, sun loungers, and beach bars.

Cabopino

Located about a 20-minute drive east of central Marbella, Cabopino is a popular beach known for its tranquillity. The beach has good quality golden sand and is well-maintained with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of space to lay out and soak up the sun.

Best Trendy Beach Bars

Marbella Beach Clubs

 

La Sala Beach by the Sea

La Sala by the Sea is one of the go-to beach hangouts in Marbella during the summer months. this is where famous faces mix with the local socialites and well-healed Marbella holidaymakers. Enjoy superb cocktails,  white beach beds, and delicious seafront dining.

Nikki Beach

Located ten minutes from Marbella, Nikki Beach is one of the best and most famous luxury beach clubs in the world. The beautiful Blue Flag beach and crystal clear waters are the backdrops for this sexy, glamorous atmosphere.

These beachgoers lounge under private, bamboo cabanas sipping champagne cocktails while world-class DJs, dancers, flame-throwers and acrobats perform. Nikki Beach is the ultimate Marbella beach party experience for any holiday to Marbella.

Amare Beach Club

Located in central Marbella, the Amara Beach Club is one of the best of its kind in Spain. Enjoy the sumptuous surroundings and high-quality Mediterranean food as well as delicious Sushi.

Marbella Cuisine & Dining Out

Michelin Food Marbella

Marbella is known for its exquisite dining scene, from traditional Andalusian cuisine to international flavours, Marbella has it all.

For authentic local cuisine, visitors should head to the Old Town, also known as Casco Antiguo, where they will find lots of great tapas bars and restaurants serving traditional dishes such as gazpacho, fried fish, and paella. One of the most popular dishes in Marbella is the grilled sardines, served fresh from the sea with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Another local speciality is the ajo blanco, a cold soup made with almonds, garlic, and bread.

For international flavours, Marbella Spain offers a vast array of options. Puerto Banus is a hot spot for fine dining with upscale restaurants such as Nobu, Bibo, and La Sala by the Sea. The Golden Mile, a stretch of coastline between Marbella and Puerto Banus, is home to exclusive restaurants such as Dani Garcia and El Lago, which have been awarded Michelin stars.

Fast food outlets can also be found throughout the city, with popular chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC located in various locations.

In addition to restaurants, Marbella Spain has a thriving street food scene, particularly during the summer months. Visitors can find food trucks and street food markets offering everything from Spanish churros to Asian noodles.

Michelin Starred Restaurants:

Dani Garcia: http://www.grupodanigarcia.com
El Lago:  http://www.restauranteellago.com
Skina:  https://restauranteskina.com
Restaurant Messina:  http://www.restaurantemessina.com
Nobu:  https://marbella.nobuhotels.com/dining

Recommended Places To Stay in Marbella

Hotel Don Pepe
Hotel Don Pepe

Marbella exudes an air of opulence, offering visitors an enticing blend of upscale living, stunning beaches, and lively entertainment.

In the realm of accommodations, Marbella showcases a tapestry of choices, each catering to distinctive tastes and budgets.

Luxury Hotels:

For those who seek the zenith of opulence, Marbella plays host to several esteemed establishments.

One such gem is the legendary Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, an enduring favourite among celebrities for decades. Guests here indulge in sumptuous rooms, verdant gardens, an exclusive beachfront club, and access to an exquisite golf course—a testament to timeless luxury.

Alternatively, the Hotel Puente Romano Beach Resort graces Marbella's prestigious Golden Mile. This lavish resort promises lavish accommodations, enveloped by lush tropical gardens, and an animated nightlife scene. The culinary journey at this hotel is equally exceptional, with a constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants to explore.

Mid-Range Hotels:

Mid-range establishments in Marbella harmonize comfort with affordability.

The Melia Marbella Banus offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities and is located near the glamorous Puerto Banus area. Here you can enjoy a tranquil garden setting, a large outdoor pool, and easy access to the nearby beach.

With its convenient location and reasonable rates, the Melia Marbella Banús is an excellent choice for mid-range travellers seeking a blend of comfort and accessibility.

For families and larger groups, the Hotel Occidental Puerto Banus offers spacious rooms, an ideal solution for those travelling with children. Its central location ensures easy access to the beach and key attractions.

Budget-Friendly Hotels:

Even in a city renowned for luxury, Marbella has accommodations to suit more budget-conscious travellers.

The recently refurbished Hotel Obal Urban provides affordable comfort and convenience. Nestled close to the old town, it offers a pleasant base for exploring Marbella's historical treasures without straining your budget.

Similarly, the Hotel Baviera is a wallet-friendly option, presenting clean and cosy lodgings. Its location within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and shops makes it a practical choice for those watching their expenses.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Marbella is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, scenic old town, luxury yacht culture and lively social scene.

May, June and September offer ideal weather and fewer crowds than peak summer months.

No, at least 5 days allow time to experience the beaches, nightlife, day trips to nearby towns and a day of relaxing.

Plan on 5-7 days to soak up the beaches, attractions, restaurants, golf, water sports, and nightlife without rushing through everything.

Fly into Malaga International Airport just 45 minutes north of Marbella which offers tons of flight routes.

Yes, Marbella is one of Spain's most expensive destinations, though more affordable lodging and dining options do exist.

Marbella appeals to both older couples and families along with younger travellers drawn by the nightclubs and beach parties.

Marbella is the main town while Puerto Banus is an upscale marina area with luxury shops and yachts, although still within the municipality of Marbella

Marbella is renowned for glamorous beaches, elegant resorts, luxurious yacht culture and its beautiful Mediterranean setting.

Yes, Marbella has attracted affluent second-home buyers and retirees including an elite community of millionaires and billionaires.

Yes, Marbella offers refinement including upscale shopping, fine dining, golf courses, and jaw-dropping villas.

Absolutely, Marbella is one of Spain's top luxury resort towns favoured by wealthy jet setters.

Marbella Weather

Marbella enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

Here's a breakdown of the weather in Marbella through the seasons:

Spring (March to May): Spring in Marbella brings milder temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F). It's a delightful time to visit as the landscape blooms with colourful flowers, and outdoor activities become more appealing.

Summer (June to August): Marbella's summer is the peak tourist season, and for good reason. Expect hot and sunny weather, with temperatures soaring to 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). This is the ideal time for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and nightlife aficionados.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn maintains pleasant warmth, with daytime temperatures hovering around 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F). The sea remains inviting, and as crowds thin out, it's a great season for a more relaxed holiday.

Winter (December to February): Winters in Marbella are mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 14°C to 18°C (57°F to 64°F). While it's not beach weather, it's still considerably warmer than many other European destinations. This makes it an appealing choice for those looking to escape the cold and enjoy a more tranquil Marbella experience.

MARBELLA WEATHER