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Glamorous resorts, yacht marinas, and beaches baking in the sun more than 300 days a year: this is the most common image of Marbella, the unofficial capital of the Costa del Sol. But behind the gleaming cars of Puerto Banús, the city reveals an authentic Andalusian charm: whitewashed streets in the Casco Antiguo , markets with a bodega feel, mountain trails scented with pine and rosemary… Not to mention the festive events from May to September that keep the Mediterranean buzzing until the early hours. Here’s what to do in Marbella.
🗒️ Time of year, hotels: what you need to know before visiting Marbella
Before we begin our list of things to do in Marbella, let’s have a quick look at the most frequently asked questions from travellers.
Where is Marbella?
Marbella occupies a central position on Spain’s Costa del Sol, facing the Mediterranean, midway between Málaga and the Rock of Gibraltar, at the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountains. The municipal territory covers 117 km² along 27 km of coastline, most of which is accessible via a continuous seafront promenade.
What is the best time to visit Marbella?
The subtropical climate guarantees abundant sunshine year-round; average temperatures range from 12°C in winter to 28–30°C in summer. To enjoy the beach without the peak crowds or the high prices of August, opt for late April to mid-June or September–October : the sea temperature is already above (or still above) 22°C, and the days are long. In the height of summer, the resort pulsates with the rhythm of beach clubs and the concerts of the Starlite Festival, while winter offers almost guaranteed blue skies for a weekend of golf or hiking.
How to get to Marbella?
Malaga-Costa del Sol International Airport (AGP) is 50 km away; Avanza buses run every 30-60 minutes, with a 35-40 minute journey time and tickets starting at €8. Coastal coaches—or the A-7 motorway by car—also connect to Estepona, Cádiz, and Granada. The town does not have a train station, but direct long-distance bus services to Madrid and Seville depart from the bus station.
Is Marbella expensive?
According to BudgetYourTrip estimates, a backpacker spends €63 per day , a comfort traveller around €145, and a luxury stay exceeds €275 (five-star hotels, private clubs, shopping). Public beaches are free; a sun lounger and parasol rent for between €10 and €25. Municipal museums cost €3-8, and nightlife can be expensive, depending on the clubs in Puerto Banús.
What events should not be missed?
In early June, the Feria de San Bernabé sets the city ablaze: opening fireworks, parades of Andalusian horses, flamenco tents, and funfair rides for a week. From late June to late August, the Nagüeles quarry is transformed into an open-air auditorium for the Starlite Occident Festival, blending international pop, electronic music, and trendy after-parties.
How to get around locally?
The historic centre is best explored on foot. The Avanza/Urbanos de Marbella public transport network offers a rechargeable Bonobús card (€6.22, with €5 of credit) valid on all lines; useful for getting to the San Pedro district or the La Cañada shopping centre. Cycling is a pleasant option on the Paseo Marítimo; shared electric scooters and other connected devices round out the available options.
What do people eat in Marbella?
You can’t miss the espeto de sardinas: skewers of fresh fish grilled on a brazier-boat planted in the sand, a true Malaga culinary emblem. Add to that tapas of prawns al pil-pil, almond ajoblanco, fried fish, and anise-flavored borrachuelos . In the old fishing port or along the San Pedro promenade, beach bars and tapas bars serve these classics at reasonable prices.
How many days should I plan for?
Two days are enough for the Casco Antiguo, the city beach and Puerto Banús. Allow three to four days to add a hike to La Concha or a trip to the surrounding white villages, and plan for a week if you want to alternate between golf, spa treatments and stress-free relaxation.
Where to stay in Marbella?
For a jet-set experience, the Puente Romano Beach Resort boasts white suites and 20 beachfront restaurants. For a trendy, adults-only experience, the Amàre Beach Hotel combines a rooftop DJ, a designer beach club, and direct access to the old town. Finally, recently upgraded to five stars, El Fuerte Marbella blends 1950s architecture with Paco Pérez’s gourmet restaurant, just steps from the old town.
🔝 What are the things to do in Marbella?
Now we come to the heart of our subject. Here are the 7 must-do things in Marbella during your trip.
Stroll through the Casco Antiguo and Plaza de los Naranjos
Cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed facades, balconies overflowing with bougainvillea, and remnants of Moorish walls: the historic heart of Marbella, established in the 15th century after the Reconquista, seems frozen in time. At its centre, the Plaza de los Naranjos , bordered by orange trees, the Renaissance town hall, and a 16th-century chapel, offers the perfect picture -postcard image of Andalusia. In the morning, enjoy a churro and coffee at Bar Estrecho before exploring the neighbourhood’s artisan shops and galleries.
Strolling along the Paseo Marítimo and relaxing on the beaches
A long pedestrian promenade along the Mediterranean, the Paseo Marítimo connects the marina, urban beaches (La Venus, El Faro, La Fontanilla, Casablanca), and stretches for nearly 8 km to San Pedro – soon to be 27 km once all sections are completed. Juice bars, bike rental shops, and street art punctuate the stroll. Between breaks on the sand, watch the fishermen line up their rods at sunset or rollerblade to the coast on the still-quiet mornings.
Discover the luxury of Puerto Banús
Built in 1970 by José Banús, the Puerto Banús marina is home to mega-yachts, lined-up supercars, high-fashion boutiques, clubs, and gourmet restaurants. By day, Rolls-Royces and Ferraris are admired in front of YSL and Valentino windows; by night, the marina transforms into an open-air dance floor, from rooftop cocktails to electro clubs until dawn. For a more affordable experience, settle down on the quayside with artisanal ice cream or book a catamaran excursion to watch dolphins and the skyline offshore.
Hike to the summit of La Concha in the Sierra Blanca
Dominating the city at 1,200 meters, La Concha peak is Marbella’s natural icon. The most popular trail starts from the Juanar refuge: approximately 10-11 km round trip, 3-4 hours of ascent, and a final rocky ridge offering, on a clear day, panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar and even the Atlas Mountains. Be sure to wear good shoes, bring water, and set off early to avoid the summer heat. In autumn, the pine forest is fragrant with resin and mushrooms.
Admire Dalí’s sculptures on the Avenida del Mar and relax in the Parque de la Alameda
Between the Paseo Marítimo and the city centre, the Avenida del Mar serves as an open-air museum: ten monumental bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí (Perseus Beheading Medusa, Gala Gradiva, etc.) dot this marble esplanade. Walk along it to the Parque de la Alameda, an oasis of fountains, benches covered in multicoloured azulejos tiles, and tropical shade where locals come to read the newspaper or play dominoes under the shelter of century-old ficus trees.
Enjoy Andalusian cuisine between the market and the beach bar
Start at the San Pedro or Marbella municipal markets: stalls overflowing with anchovies, Cadiz oysters, hornaillas tomatoes , and payoyo goat cheese. At lunchtime, pop into a chiringuito on the beach and order an espeto de sardinas , grilled over a wood fire right in front of you, accompanied by a chilled glass of Barbadillo or artisanal vermouth . In the evening, hop from tapas bar to tapas bar in the narrow streets of the Casco Antiguo: eggplant with honey, boquerones in vinegar, and creamy croquettes will punctuate your stroll until midnight.
Go on a trip to the white villages of the hinterland
A 20-minute drive away, Mijas Pueblo unfolds its whitewashed houses clinging to the mountainside, its flower-filled patios, and its views of the endless azure sky – you can even take a donkey ride up for a picturesque stroll. A little further north, Ojén , a village of Moorish origin nestled at the gateway to the Sierra de las Nieves, invites you to sample a local aguardiente at the kiosk in the main square. Leave the Mediterranean behind and wind your way through the olive-covered hills: in less than half a day, you will have traversed centuries of Andalusian history.
There you go, we hope this list of things to do in Marbella has helped you plan your trip.