Marbella

Why visit Marbella

Marbella mixes two very different worlds. Its old town is a pretty Andalusian quarter of narrow lanes, orange trees and flower-filled balconies around the Plaza de los Naranjos, while along the coast the Golden Mile, Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía are famous for luxury hotels, yachts and nightlife. Behind it all, the Sierra Blanca rises steeply to La Concha, giving the town a sheltered climate. Marbella suits golfers, families, beach lovers and anyone who enjoys good restaurants and a lively evening scene, with easy access to the white villages inland.

What to see and do in Marbella

Start in the old town: the Plaza de los Naranjos, the church of La Encarnación and the remains of the Moorish castle walls, then walk the Alameda park and the Avenida del Mar, lined with Dalí sculptures, down to the seafront promenade. Puerto Banús, 6 km west, is the place to watch the yachts and designer shops. The municipality has more than twenty beaches, from the busy town beaches of La Bajadilla and El Cable to quieter stretches at Las Chapas, Cabopino with its dunes and San Pedro de Alcántara. Golf is a major draw, with courses including Aloha, Los Naranjos, Las Brisas, Guadalmina, Santa Clara and Cabopino. Walkers can climb La Concha for views to Africa, and the Roman villa at Río Verde has fine mosaics.

A day in Marbella

Wander the old town in the morning, stopping in the Plaza de los Naranjos, then follow the Avenida del Mar to the beach. Have a long lunch by the sea, then spend the afternoon at Puerto Banús or on a golf course. For something more active, climb La Concha early before the heat.

Food and local life

Marbella's dining ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to old-town tapas bars such as Bar El Estrecho, a tiny local institution. Try fried fish, espetos of sardines on the beach, and Málaga sweet wines. Puerto Banús and San Pedro have plenty of international options.

Around Marbella

Marbella is the largest town of the Costa del Sol comarca. The mountain villages of Ojén, Istán and Benahavís are a short drive inland, Estepona lies to the west and Fuengirola to the east, and Ronda is about an hour away over the mountains.

See every town and village on the Costa del Sol page.

Getting there and around

Marbella is in the Costa del Sol comarca, about 45 minutes from Málaga airport by car or airport bus. There is no train; buses connect the coast. A car is useful for the golf courses and inland villages such as Ojén, Istán and Benahavís. The climate is mild year round, and summer is the busiest season.