Things To Do
in Marbella
Marbella sits along the sun-kissed Costa del Sol, blending old Andalusian charm with a glamorous modern pulse. Its whitewashed Casco Antiguo, narrow lanes, and palm-lined promenades frame a coastline of golden beaches and turquoise seas. The town’s historic Old Town contrasts with the luxurious Puerto Banús marina, where upscale dining and boutique shopping meet sea views.
Throughout the year Marbella offers sun-soaked days, world-class golf, and a hospitality scene that appeals to culture lovers, families, and sun seekers alike.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Marbella's historic center, where you can admire the beautiful whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant flower pots. Visit the Plaza de los Naranjos, a picturesque square filled with orange trees, and enjoy a traditional Spanish breakfast at a local café. As you wander, take time to explore the artisanal shops offering handmade crafts and souvenirs.
After lunch at a quaint tapas bar, head to the nearby Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo to appreciate a diverse collection of contemporary Spanish engravings. Continue your cultural journey by visiting the charming Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, which boasts stunning architecture and intricate details. Finish your afternoon with a leisurely walk along the scenic Avenida del Mar, lined with beautiful sculptures and views of the sea.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a beachfront restaurant, where you can sample fresh seafood while listening to the gentle sound of waves. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps stopping for a gelato. Cap off the night by sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar, enjoying stunning views of the illuminated coastline.
Begin your beach day at Playa de la Fontanilla, where you can soak up the sun on the golden sands while sipping a refreshing drink from a beachside chiringuito. Engage in exciting water sports such as paddleboarding or jet skiing, with equipment rentals conveniently located along the beach. Recharge with a light lunch at a beach bar, savoring local specialties like grilled sardines.
In the afternoon, take a guided snorkeling tour to explore the rich marine life in the waters off Marbella's coast. Swim among colorful fish and enjoy the pristine underwater scenery, making unforgettable memories. After your adventure, unwind on the beach with a good book or simply enjoy the relaxing sound of the surf.
As evening approaches, join a beach volleyball game with locals or fellow travelers, creating a fun and social atmosphere. Later, treat yourself to a casual dinner at a beachside restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of Mediterranean dishes. End your night by watching the sunset over the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Meal for two in mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-5 |
| 🚕Taxi start (1-2 km) | $4-7 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel night | $120-220 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Sunny beaches and resort-style amenities
- Historic Old Town and glamorous Puerto Banús
- Excellent golf and outdoor activity options
- Wide range of restaurants and cafes
- Peak-season crowds and higher prices
- Some areas can be very touristy
- Limited late-night public transport in older districts
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "Estoy perdido" - I'm lost
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "¡Salud!" - Cheers!
Places to Visit in Marbella
Visit one of these nice places.
The heart of Marbella's Old Town with whitewashed walls, orange trees, and flowering balconies—perfect in morning light.
A palm-fringed park with fountains and tile details, offering leafy backdrops for portraits.
Long seafront promenade with sea views, golden sands, and sunrises or sunsets over the Mediterranean.
Historic lighthouse at the end of the promenade, with dramatic sea- and sky-scapes at golden hour.
Glistening yachts, luxury boutiques, and reflective waters—great for sunset silhouettes and night photography.
Food in Marbella
Marbella Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sardines skewered and grilled on open flames along the beaches, a Marbella staple found at beach bars on the promenade.
Must-Try!
Fresh fish baked in a salt crust, a classic seaside preparation served in coastal eateries.
Chilled tomato soup, perfect for hot days and widely available in taverns and tapas bars.
Thick tomato and bread-based soup, creamier than gazpacho and often served with toppings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional city market where you can sample fresh seafood, cheeses, fruits, and regional snacks.
Small-town market in San Pedro offering local produce and street-food stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a warm hola or buenos días; Spanish people value polite conversation in social settings.
Smart-casual for dining out; beachwear is for the beach and pools, not for streets at night.
Many shops close in the afternoon (siesta) and reopen in the evening; plan meals accordingly.
A polite, friendly approach helps; tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Safety
Tipping in Marbella
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is sometimes included. If not, leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and bars.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, with contactless payments common. Cash is still used in markets and small eateries; ATMs are plentiful.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long, hot days with cooling sea breezes; peak beach and nightlife season. Expect crowded beaches and premium prices, but terrific outdoor dining and water activities.
Milder days and fewer crowds; excellent for golf and coastal walks as water remains warm enough for swims into early autumn.
Mild by northern standards, with occasional rain. City services and many restaurants stay open; great for cultural visits and off-peak yields.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes; a popular period for outdoor markets, festivals, and scenic coastal hikes.
Marbella at Night
Hiking in Marbella
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular ridge hike starting near Marbella, rewarded with sweeping views of the coast; moderate-to-challenging.
Protected pine forests, karst landscapes, and panoramic viewpoints within driving distance.
Airports
How to reach Marbella by plane.
Major international gateway for the region, about 40–60 minutes by car from Marbella depending on traffic.
Smaller airport about 1.5–2 hours' drive from Marbella, useful for regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Significant expat community from the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia and other European countries.
Year-round visitors and locals with family-friendly beaches, parks and activities.
Gastronomy and nightlife enthusiasts visit during spring and summer.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The Costa del Sol is renowned for its golf courses with ocean views and year-round play.
Popular spectator sport with local teams and community clubs.
Courts available across clubs and hotels; popular recreational activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Marbella.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Marbella restaurants can accommodate vegetarian diets. Look for dishes built on vegetables, legumes, and olive oil; ask for 'vegetariano' or 'sin carne' and enjoy staples like gazpacho, grilled vegetables, salads, and paella without meat.