If you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Marbella to benefit from your seaside trip, you’ve come to the appropriate place. We are rounding up the perfect seashores in Marbella in addition to cultural experiences, and its prime sights. Are you prepared to begin planning your journey to the Mediterranean? Read on.
Things to do in Marbella, Spain
A glamorous city in Southern Spain, Marbella is the shining star of Costa del Sol. With lengthy promenades lining its sandy seashores, seaside bars, and charming previous city, a visit to this lovely Spanish City on the Mediterranean Sea just isn’t to be missed.
We fell in love with the tradition of the Old Town Marbella, our day by day walks on the boardwalk, and sampling its scrumptious Spanish Cuisine. After spending every week in the vacationer capital of Costa del Sol, we felt that we may transfer right here. Plus, with actual property seeming to be fairly cheap, possibly we’ll! But for now, let’s check out all of the thrilling issues to do in Marbella to enable you to plan your journey.
1. Stroll Through Marbella Old Town
Marbella Old Town is a fantastic place in the town to stroll by the streets whereas admiring the whitewashed buildings lining the charming cobblestone streets. Search for a restaurant to get pleasure from a cocktail or store for Andalucian-style clothes in one of many many storefronts. This is a spot to sit again and calm down, individuals watch and take in the Spanish vibes. Old city has loads of eating places with outside seating to eat tapas whereas soaking in the Spanish tradition.
The Old Town of Marbella dates again to the fifteenth century and is a superb vacation spot to actually take in the Andalusian ambiance. White homes and historic buildings are adorned with colourful flowers creating picture-perfect photograph alternatives. There are loads of rooftop patios, boutique outfitters, and historic buildings. This is the place to get misplaced for a day as you wander by its slender streets.
If you desire a guided tour of the previous city, this highly-rated strolling tour takes you from Rocío fountain at Almeda Park by in direction of the seashores to see the standing of Dali, the Seaport, and the Marina Promenade. It’s then into the previous city to see the Town Hall and Mayor’s House, the Moorish Walls and Marbella Castle, and the church buildings and historic locations in the Old Town.
2. Continue to Avenida Del Mar
Avenida del Mar is a beautiful pedestrian road connecting Marbella Old Town to the seaside. Palm timber line the trail main from Parque Alameda to Ave Duque de Ahumada. What makes this so distinctive is the road of statues designed by Salvador Dali. But, it’s not solely Dali Statues that line Avenida del Mar, there are different artists featured as properly. Dali wasn’t a resident of Marbella, so we discovered it odd that he has such a outstanding assortment, however he did vacation right here, so he will need to have fallen in love with this slice of paradise in Costa del Sol as we did.
3. Relax in Alameda Park
Just a brief stroll from Avenida del Mar is the picturesque Alameda Park. This quiet retreat is the proper escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy Marbella streets. This park dates again to the 18th century, and is situated proper in the center of the town heart and is sort of small, however it’s crammed with shady palm timber and ferns transporting you from the new solar.
When strolling the 4 paths inside Alameda Park, you’ll see the Parque Alameda fountain, and colourful ceramic benches strategically positioned to calm down in the shade. The benches are known as azulejos and are all handpainted. There’s additionally a beautiful carousel that’s good for the youngsters.
4. Walk Marbella Promenade Every day
Our favourite factor to do in Marbella was to stroll the Paseo Maritimo (Marbella Promenade) every morning. We would get a takeaway espresso and stroll the 7km lengthy paved walkway at dawn to keep away from the crowds. Partway by our stroll, the town would get up and extra individuals have been out for a jog or bike experience to absorb the nice ambiance presently of day.
We labored up an urge for food every morning and stopped at one of many many eating places for espresso and breakfast with attractive sea views. The boardwalk hyperlinks the perfect seashores in Marbella from the Old Town in Puerto Deportivo de Marbella and Puerto Banús. It is straightforward to do as there are many locations to cease for espresso and water, the trail is usually lined with palm timber and it’s vast and even with little or no elevation achieve.
5. Charter a Yacht for a Sunset Cruise from Puerto Banus
Marbella’s Puerto Banús is legendary for its luxurious yachts, quick vehicles, and opulent motels. Why not be part of the life of the wealthy and well-known and ebook a sundown cruise up this idyllic coast of Costa del Sol? We hopped on a constitution with Smart yachting to set sail from the Marbella marina in Peruto Banos the place we went out for the last word sundown sail from Marbella Spain. This marina is crammed with yachts and our 50-foot yacht barely competed with the opposite beauties parked in their slots.
It was a fantastic scene to take in the views of the coast of Southern Spain. We sailed alongside the coast sipping champagne and sampling tapas as we felt like millionaires for a night of pampering and leisure.
6. Kayaking Tour
If yachting isn’t your factor and also you need a bit extra hands-on expertise on the water, take a kayaking tour for lovely views of the Marbella coast. Leaving Marbella marina, you’ll expertise views of the Sierra Blanca mountain vary and the waterfront motels and eating places on Marbella. Costa del Sol has blue flag seashores and the waters are clear, so take a dip in the nice and cozy waters of the Mediterranean Sea when you are at it. Kayaking is one in every of our favourite methods to discover any coast.
7. Puerto Banús
After your cruise (or kayaking tour), spend a while in Puerto Banús to get pleasure from some contemporary seafood. Puerto Banús is the place to be for nightlife in Marbella and as you stroll the streets you’ll see ultra-chic twenty-somethings exhibiting off their quick vehicles and designer footwear. Here you’ll discover posh eating places and bars the place you’ll undoubtedly need to put in your designer costume to head out for an evening in town.
8. Marbella Nightlife in Puerto Banus
The finest nightlife in Marbella is in Puerto Banus plus a bit additional alongside from Puerto Banus is the Golden Mile space. These areas have loads of nightclubs and bars. If you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Marbella at night time, an excellent thought is to begin with a guided tour. This Nightlife strolling tour begins on the well-known Sinatra Bar in Puerto Banus after which go bar hopping to benefit from the VIP remedy at the perfect bars and golf equipment in Marbella. Entry charges are all coated and also you’ll get pleasure from an evening with an area information and make new associates.
9. Plaza de los Naranjos (orange Square)
Taking its title from the orange timber that develop in the sq., Plaza de Los Naranjos is the heartbeat of Marbella Old Town. Outdoor cafes with giant umbrellas cowl the plaza that’s crammed with eating places. When on the lookout for locations to eat in Marbella, that is it! It is situated in the middle of the previous city surrounded by conventional white Andalusian homes and shaded with orange timber. In the middle of the plaza is a beautiful Renaissance fountain. It’s tough to see since so many tables, chairs, and umbrellas fill the sq., however it’s value taking a look.
10. Iglesia de la Encarnación
Continue your tour by Old Town to see Iglesia de la Encarnación (Church of our girl of Incarnation). Located simply off of Plaza de Los Naranjos, Iglesia de la Encarnación is the middle o the aptly named Plaza de la Iglesia. Also often known as the Cathedral of Marbella, it dates again to the seventeenth century.
Built on a former mosque, the Iglesia de la Encarnacion is a mixture of renaissance and baroque structure that’s fairly fascinating. It has saved a few of the Muslim parts, such because the church’s tower was initially a minaret of the mosque. It is a working church and after we visited, a mass was happening, so we couldn’t go inside. We at all times attempt to be respectful of the native tradition.
Where to Eat in Old Town
It is probably not the primary thought that comes to thoughts when planning dinner in Marbella, however Thaiessence was a spot the place we had a spectacular meal. Located in Old Town Marbella in Maison Artois boutique resort, this restaurant fuses Peruvian-Thai delicacies with Andalucian elements. It has a cool ambiance and there’s a beautiful rooftop bar.
11. Take a Wine Tour
Marbella Wine and bike tour is without doubt one of the finest methods to discover the previous city whereas immersing in Andalucian meals and wine. Part meals tour and cultural immersion, you’ll find out about Spanish historical past and tradition as you cycle from Dali’s Sculptures in Avenida Del Mar by Alameda Park and the Old City whereas sampling tapas and Spanish wine or beer. (nonalcoholic drinks can be found as properly) Book your tour right here.
12. Murallas del Castillo – Marbella Castle
As you pull your self away from Marbella OId Town, it’s possible you’ll come upon the Moorish citadel and partitions of the town. Dating again to the tenth century, the Marbella Castle is simply outdoors the Old City. You can not go contained in the citadel, however seeing the towers and previous Moorish partitions is a sight to see.
It is crucial remnant of Arabic structure in Marbella. At one time, there have been 10 towers, however at the moment solely two stay. The finest parts of the remaining citadel are alongside the south and east partitions.
13. Iglesia del Santo Cristo de la Veracruz
Marbella is previous and its previous city is certainly historic, subsequently, it’s crammed with historic church buildings. Another church to go to in Marbella is the Iglesia del Santo Cristo de la Veracruz. The small chapel dates again to the fifteenth century and was expanded in the 18th century. It is a beautiful church that was totally restored in 1992. It’s value a cease if you end up strolling by Barrio Alto.
14. Take a Cycling Tour
A Bike Tour of Marbella is an effective way to discover Marbella. Take a experience to historic websites alongside the biking paths as you benefit from the Andalusian solar. Starting on the Bay of Marbella, you’ll see the works of Dali in Avenida del Mar earlier than transferring on to Alameda Park and into the Old City. Cycle by the slender alleys till you attain Plaza Santo Cristo. But you’ll then get out of city to go to the standard fishing village of Barrio de Los Pescador.
15. Join Marbella Food Tours
There is little question that Spanish meals is a few of the finest in the world, and a Marbella Food Tour is without doubt one of the finest methods to immerse in its tradition. We by no means know what to order off a menu when visiting a rustic for the primary time, so a meals tour presents an introduction to the perfect meals in the world. This meals tour takes you on a culinary journey by native meals together with tasting Pescaito Frito which is a mixture of several types of fish together with anchovies, calamari, and shrimp), Salmorejo casero, the Andalusian model of gazpacho and extra.
16. Roman Villa
Marbella might have as soon as been dominated by the Moors, however it additionally has a Roman historical past. The Roman Villa is 5 km from the town heart between the Old City and Puerto Banus. The historic archaeological website dates again to the first century AD. The Roman Villa was as soon as a part of the Great Roman empire. While there isn’t lots left to see at the moment, its black-and-white mosaic tiles are properly preserved and are well-known due to their distinctive design.
17. Beaches of Marbella
There is little question that Marbella is a seaside lovers’ paradise. Even although we’ve got it on the listing as quantity 15, having fun with the seashores of Marbella is certainly no 1. Our job is to provide you with concepts for issues to do in Marbella, outdoors the seashores. But belief me, you’ll be spending most of your time on the seaside!
Marbella has seven blue flag seashores that are awarded to seashores with excellent high quality waters which are devoted to environmental administration and have providers and facilities. For a seaside trip, you will discover a few of the finest seashores in Europe in Marbella.
Its waterfront is crammed with seaside golf equipment, eating places on the seaside, and cabanas. Many are inside strolling distance of each other. Beaches stretch east and west from the town heart, so relying on the place you’re staying, it’s possible you’ll end up at one seaside greater than one other. Just a few of the perfect seashores in Marbella are.
Playa de la Fontanilla – Playa de la Fontanilla is the most well-liked seaside in Marbella situated shut to the town heart. You’ll discover cabanas and lounge chairs for lease and loads of eating places and facilities. If you’re on the lookout for some enjoyable actions on the seaside, there are many water sports activities to be had. Bounty Beach is an extended stretch of golden sand with seaside chairs for lease, water sports activities, and eating places. The snack bar of the identical title is situated on this seaside which has a hip vibe taking part in good music and internet hosting festivals. Cabopino Beach is a 1.5 km stretch of sandy seaside close to Puerto de Capobino. There are protected sand dunes and there’s a nudist space on this seaside. Other seashores in Marbella which are extremely really useful are Playa Real de Zaragoza, Playa Alicate, Guadalmina seaside, Linda Vista.
18. Shopping in Marbella
One of my favourite issues to do in Marbella was to browse the outlets for Andalusian style. Throughout the previous city, there are many outlets to decide up Andalusian style. You may even decide up a Flamenco costume and be part of in one of many festivals that occur often inside the metropolis.
19. Golfing in Marbella is fashionable
Marbella is a well-liked place {for golfing} with a few of the finest golf programs in the world dotting the panorama. We noticed many a celebration on the Malaga airport carting their golf golf equipment to deal with the numerous golf programs in Costa del Sol. We don’t actually gold ourselves, however we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didnt’ inform you about Golfing in Marbella.
20. Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo
While you’re strolling by the previous city, take a look at the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings. It is the one museum in Spain preserving up to date Spanish graphic artwork from the twentieth and twenty first century.
21. Bonsai Museum is Closed
We have been trying ahead to visiting the Bonsai Museum when visiting Marbella, however sadly, the Bonsai Museum closed in 2018. They are on the lookout for a brand new location and hopefully, they discover one by the point you go to Marbella. The Bonsai Museum of Marbella housed the perfect assortment of Bonsai Trees in Europe and the perfect assortment of Olive timber in the world!
Where to Stay in Marbella
NH Hotel Marbella
Outdoor pool and health club, el fresco restaurant, and pool bar. This was an excellent resort for ambiance and trendy rooms, however we discovered it to be a bit removed from the Old City. It was a couple of 15-minute stroll from the seaside. Check particulars on TripAdvisor
Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá
Flagship luxurious resort in Marbella, Spain. It is situated straight on the seaside with a big pool, health heart, restaurant and bars. It has a unbelievable ambiance and is very really useful. We solely had drinks right here, however would undoubtedly keep right here if we go to once more. It was a little bit of a hike from the Old Town, however with being on an excellent seaside and the boardwalk, it has all the pieces you could possibly want. See availability and charges on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Hotel Monarque El Rodeo
It was an excellent price range resort in Marbella that’s shut to the previous city and the seaside. We have been strolling distance from many of the prime Marbella sights. Good price range resort in the previous city shut to Alameda Park and seashores. All-inclusive and partial board charges with buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. See availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Oasis by Don Carlos
If you’re on the lookout for a luxurious resort in Marbella, the Oasis by Don Carlos is a luxurious wellness resort. There are rooms, suites, and flats. It has indoor and outside swimming pools, tennis courts, saunas, and a spa. See extra particulars on TripAdvisor or ebook at Booking.com
Day Trips from Marbella
When visiting Marbella, there are many day journeys to be had throughout the coast of Costa del Sol. With its central location, you could be to lots of the prime sights alongside the coast in an hour. These are just a few of our suggestions.
22. Andalusian Horse and Flamenco Show
No journey to Southern Spain could be full with out watching Andalusian horses in motion. Skilled equestrians mount their lovely white horses as they carry out an equestrian ballet. Dressed in conventional Andalusian costumes, the horse and rider prance round a gifted flamenco dancer who appears to put the horse in a trance. Horse and riders carry out to the beat of the music because the colourful show of flamenco unfold in the spherical enviornment earlier than your eyes.
We have been on a press journey for this expertise, so I have to admit, I actually do not know the place we noticed our present, however you possibly can ebook this present
23. White Village – Setenil de las Bodegas
We rented a automotive when visiting Marbella, however you possibly can simply ebook day excursions from Marbella to see a few of the finest locations in Costa del Sol. This highly-rated tour takes you villages of Ardales and Cuevas del Becerro earlier than persevering with on to Setenil de las Bodegas. Setenil de las Bodegas is the unique white village in the world and is taken into account probably the most lovely. This tour permits you to discover each Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas and also you’ll additionally see the well-known distinctive bridge over the El Tajo gorge and the oldest bullring in Spain.
23. Gibraltar
The British territory of Gibraltar is only a 90-minute drive from Marbella and is an incredible day journey. YOu can see plenty of the highlights in sooner or later if you’d like a break from the seashores, or you possibly can spend an evening or two in this fascinating nation off the tip of Southern Spain. Read all about our journey to The Rock of Gibraltar – Everything You Need to Know Plus Where to Stay
25. Caminito Del Rey
An thrilling day journey from Marbella is the Caminito del Rey Day Trip. Located km from Marbella this was as soon as one of the harmful hikes in Europe.
Today it’s protected and thrilling, This day tour takes you alongside a path clinging to the aspect of a cliff dangling 100 meters (330 ft) above the reservoir under. You’ll stroll 5 kilometers alongside this elevated walkway to get pleasure from a few of the most lovely views in Andalusia.
How to Get to Marbella
We flew into Malaga Airport ( Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport – AGP) from Canada and employed a driver to take us to Marbella. You can take the direct airport bus to Marbella Bus Station. It Malaga Costa del Sol Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Spain and it’s trendy with all of the conveniences you could possibly need.
We additionally transferred to the airport after visiting Marbella and rented a automotive from right here to journey round Costa del Sol.
Marbella is straightforward to drive to with good highways and straightforward navigation. When going to Marbella, simply observe the A-7. If roads are actually busy and also you don’t thoughts spending the cash, take the toll street AP-7. When we navigate in a brand new city, we simply observe Google Maps and switch off toll roads so we are able to take the scenic and extra inexpensive routes. You can lease a automotive or evaluate charges by RentalCars.com
Final Ideas for Things to do in Marbella
When visiting Marbella, an effective way to actually get a really feel for native life is to take a tour with an area! The finest method to begin any journey is to take a tour to get your bearings, get a really feel for the tradition and to be launched to the highest sights. Book this guided tour, to see Marbella is sort of a native. Being guided by an area is our favourite method to get pleasure from any metropolis and the individuals of Marbella have a lust for all times that’s contagious. This tour is customizable, as you’ll be part of an area information who has a ardour for the town. You’ll get insider recommendations on the perfect eating places, finest seashores, and hidden gems to go to in Marbella. Check it out right here.