Marbella
Things to see and do in Marbella
MarbellaThe jewel of the Costa del Sol offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history and sophistication. Start your visit in the old townA labyrinth of narrow streets and charming squares such as the Plaza de los Naranjos, where you can admire traditional Andalusian architecture and enjoy delicious tapas bars. Don't miss the Church of the Encarnaciónwith its impressive baroque façade and its interior rich in history.
Marbella's promenade is perfect for a relaxing walk, with views of the Mediterranean and access to golden sandy beaches such as Playa de la Fontanilla. For nature lovers, the Alameda Park offers an oasis of tranquillity with fountains and lush gardens.
The Golden Milewhich connects Marbella with glamorous Puerto Banús, is home to some of the most luxurious properties and exclusive boutiques. Puerto BanúsWith its marina full of luxury yachts and vibrant nightlife, it is a must-visit to feel the pulse of the international jet set.
Marbella is a destination that perfectly combines tradition and modernity, ideal for all types of travellers.
Monuments to see in Marbella
The Old Town Marbella, with its narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, is a charming labyrinth that invites you to lose yourself. A highlight here is the Plaza de los Naranjosa picturesque 15th-century square surrounded by historic buildings such as the Town Hall and the Casa del Corregidor. The Castle WallsThe remains, dating from the 11th century, are a reminder of the city's Muslim past. Although few fragments remain, their presence is evocative of the ancient fortification. The Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Churchwith its majestic baroque façade and imposing tower, is a testimony to the religious architecture of the 17th century. A short distance away, the Santiago ChapelThe church, the oldest church in the city, offers a humble but significant example of Marbella's devotion since the 15th century. The Avenida del Marwith its collection of sculptures by Salvador Dalí, connects the old town with the beach, fusing art with the coastal landscape.
Museums to visit in Marbella
Marbella is home to museums that enrich its cultural and artistic heritage. The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engravinglocated in a former 16th century hospital, exhibits an impressive collection of engravings by masters such as Picasso, Miró and Dalí. The Municipal Exhibition Galleryin the Casa de la Corregidor, offers temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art by both local and international artists. The Ralli Museumlocated on the prestigious Golden Mile, presents an outstanding collection of contemporary Latin American art, with works by artists such as Roberto Matta and Wilfredo Lam.
Beach and Nature in Marbella
The beaches of Marbella are famous for their beauty and diversity. The Fontanilla BeachLocated close to the centre, it is ideal for its easy access and wide range of services, from restaurants to water sports. The Cabopino BeachThe beach, with its golden sand and crystal clear waters, is one of the most unspoilt, surrounded by a picturesque harbour and protected dunes. On the exclusive Golden Mile, the Nagüeles Beach is noted for its sophisticated facilities and luxurious beach clubs such as the Marbella Club.
For those who seek a more intimate contact with nature, Marbella offers protected environments such as the Artola Dunes in Cabopino, a nature reserve perfect for walks and observation of the local flora and fauna. The ConchaThe mountain, which dominates the Marbella skyline, offers hiking trails with spectacular views. In the heart of the city, the Constitution Park is an oasis of tranquillity ideal for relaxing walks or events in its open-air auditorium.
What to eat in Marbella
Marbella's gastronomy reflects its rich Andalusian tradition and cosmopolitan character. Local delicacies include sardine skewersroasted on spits of cane on embers in the beach bars. The fried fish is another classic, a variety of small fish fried in olive oil, perfect to enjoy as a tapa. The cold soups as the gazpacho and the salmorejo are ideal for cooling off on warm days, while the ajoblancoFor those with a sweet tooth, an almond soup with garlic and olive oil offers a more substantial option. For those with a sweet tooth, the churros with chocolate are a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack, served with thick, hot chocolate.
What to see from Marbella
Marbella is an excellent starting point for exploring other fascinating destinations in the region. RondaThe town, an hour's drive away, is known for its breathtaking gorge and the iconic "Puente Nuevo". Malagathe provincial capital, is less than an hour away and offers a vibrant cultural life with museums such as the Picasso Museum and the Pompidou Centre Malaga. At a similar distance, Gibraltar offers a unique blend of cultures and the opportunity to visit the famous Rock of Gibraltar with its views and famous monkeys. Mijas VillageThe charming white village in the mountains is perfect for a day of exploring its cobbled streets and sea views. For a wildlife and adventure experience, Selwo Aventura in Estepona, only 20 minutes away, offers an exciting safari with animals from different continents.
The weather in Marbella
Marbella enjoys a mild and sunny Mediterranean climate.. Summers are hot, with average temperatures of 25-30°C, and minimal rainfall. Winters are mild, averaging 10-15°C, with more but still moderate rainfall. The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it an ideal destination for year-round tourism, offering a pleasant environment for outdoor activities and relaxation on the beaches.
Best time to travel to Marbella
The best time to visit Marbella is in spring and autumn, when the weather is warm but not excessively hot, with temperatures between 20 and 25°C. These periods offer an ideal balance, less tourist crowds, and the opportunity to enjoy beaches, golf, and outdoor cultural events.
Winter in Marbella
The winter in Marbella is mild and pleasant. Temperatures range between 10 and 15°C, with sunny days and little rain. Despite being the coolest season, the weather is still pleasant, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities and the beauty of the Costa del Sol without the summer heat.
Spring in Marbella
In spring, Marbella offers mild temperatures of 18-22°C, sunny skies and nature in full splendour. The days are ideal for enjoying less crowded beaches, strolls through the old town, and cultural events. It is the perfect season to combine outdoor leisure with coastal tranquillity.
Summer in Marbella
In summer, Marbella comes alive with warm temperatures of 25-30°C and sunny days. The beaches become the centre of attraction, complemented by lively evening events and chiringuito parties. The sea provides the perfect refreshment, making the town a popular destination for tourism.
Autumn in Marbella
In autumn, Marbella offers pleasant temperatures of 20-25°C, combined with a relaxed atmosphere. The beaches and streets are less crowded, allowing you to enjoy leisurely walks, golf, and the local gastronomy. Cultural events and festivals add a vibrant touch, while the weather remains ideal for outdoor activities.
Excursions to Marbella from Malaga
If you are in Malaga for several days, take advantage of this opportunity to discover Marbella with any of our excursions to visit Marbella, Puerto Banus and Mijas Pueblo.
Booking our day trips to Marbella from Malaga we will take you to these places with the best local guides, in love with the province of Malaga and knowledgeable about all the stories and curiosities of each destination.
Make the most of your holidays and leaves its mark on Marbella.
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Discover the white villages located on the Costa del Sol of Malaga: Mijas, Marbella and Puerto Banus. This tour is the essence of the Costa del Sol. A panoramic view of this corner of Spain that has emerged from the influence of tourism.
Discover the white villages located on the Costa del Sol of Malaga: Mijas, Marbella and Puerto Banus. This tour is the essence of the Costa del Sol. A panoramic view of this corner of Spain that has emerged from the influence of tourism.🚍Málaga & Costa del Sol⏩Mijas Pueblo 🕑1 hour
- 1.5 hours free time in Mijas Pueblo
- Invitation to drink
🚍 Mijas Pueblo ⏩Puerto Banús🕑45 minutes
- 1 hour and 15 minutes of free time in Puerto Banús
🚍 Puerto Banús⏩Marbella🕑 15 minutes
- 2 hours free time in Marbella
🚍Marbella⏩Málaga & Costa del Sol 🕑1 hour
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6 - 8 hours
- English, Spanish
Excursions from Marbella
If you are in Marbella for several days, take advantage of the opportunity to discover the surroundings from Marbella with any of our day trips.
Booking our day trips from Marbella we will take you to these places with the best local guides, in love with Andalusia and knowledgeable about all the stories and curiosities of each destination.
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A visit to Gibraltar is a must. A unique place for being British territory and for being inhabited by a society of multiple cultures and religions, as well as for its strategic value in the Mediterranean. You will discover the area where the Monkeys live, the Caves of San Miguel and the most impressive views of the Strait of Gibraltar over Africa and the Bay of Algeciras.
A visit to Gibraltar is a must. A unique place for being British territory and for being inhabited by a society of multiple cultures and religions, as well as for its strategic value in the Mediterranean. You will discover the area where the Monkeys live, the Caves of San Miguel and the most impressive views of the Strait of Gibraltar over Africa and the Bay of Algeciras.🚍Malaga & Costa del Sol⏩Gibraltar 🕑2 hours 30 minutes
Gibraltar option on your own:
- 5 hours free time in Gibraltar
Gibraltar option with visit to the Rock:
- 1 hour 30 minutes visit to the Rock of Gibraltar.
- 3 hours 30 minutes free time in Gibraltar.
🚍 Gibraltar⏩Malaga & Costa del Sol🕑2 hours 30 minutes
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8 - 10 hours
- English, Spanish
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Visit a new country and not only that, a new continent, Africa, in the easiest way thanks to the distance between Malaga and Cadiz with Morocco. Discover new smells, flavours and a culture that will not leave you indifferent, book the 1 day trip to Morocco!
Visit a new country and not only that, a new continent, Africa, in the easiest way thanks to the distance between Malaga and Cadiz with Morocco. Discover new smells, flavours and a culture that will not leave you indifferent, book the 1 day trip to Morocco!Malaga & Costa del Sol⏩Algeciras 🕑2 hours 30 minutes
🚢Algeciras⏩Ceuta 🕑60 minutes
🚍 Ceuta ⏩ Tetuan🕑45 minutes
- Panoramic tour in Ceuta
- Border Crossing
- Sightseeing tour to Tetouan
Tetuan 🕑5 hours
- Guided tour
- Moroccan lunch
🚍 Tetuan ⏩Ceuta 🕑45 minutes
🚢Ceuta⏩Algeciras 🕑60 minutes
🚍Algeciras⏩Málaga & Costa del Sol 🕑2 hours 30 minutes
- From Malaga and Costa del Sol 15 - 19 hours.
- From Gibraltar and Algeciras 12 hours.
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12-18 hours
- English, Spanish
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Discover the best of the Strait of Gibraltar with this boat trip with views of Spain and Morocco and experience a unique adventure in the middle of nature surrounded by dolphins and other cetaceans, visible depending on the time of year.
Discover the best of the Strait of Gibraltar with this boat trip with views of Spain and Morocco and experience a unique adventure in the middle of nature surrounded by dolphins and other cetaceans, visible depending on the time of year.🚍Malaga & Costa del Sol⏩Gibraltar 🕑2 hours 30 minutes
- 1 hour 30 minutes dolphin watching by boat.
- 3 hours 30 minutes free time in Gibraltar
🚍 Gibraltar⏩Malaga & Costa del Sol🕑2 hours 30 minutes
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8 - 10 hours
- English, Spanish
What to visit in Marbella
From Visitanddo.com we present you a list of 10 must-see places you can't miss in Marbella:
- Marbella Old Town
- The Avenue of the Sea
- Strolling through the Alameda Park
- Plaza de los Naranjos
- Ancha Street
- The Alcazaba and the walls of Marbella
- Church of Santa María de la Encarnación
- Marbella Promenade
- Beaches of Marbella
- Visiting Puerto Banús
How to get to Marbella
To get to Marbella, you have several options depending on your location and transport preferences, here is how to get to Marbella:
How to get there by plane
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)located about 55 km from Marbella, you can choose from various routes.
- Transport from the airportFrom the airport, you can take a taxi, a direct bus or a train (Cercanías C1) to Fuengirola and from there take a taxi or bus to Marbella. You can also hire the Rios Shuttle service.
You can check here for information on departing and arriving flights at Malaga Airport (AGP).
How to get there by train
The train does not go directly to Marbella. The closest option would be to arrive by train at Malaga Maria Zambrano station and then take a bus or taxi to Marbella, which is approximately 1 hour's drive away.
You can check timetables, fares and book your transport to get to Malaga by train here.
How to get there by bus
To get to Marbella by bus, you can take direct services from Malaga Airport or Malaga Bus Station. The route offers convenience and connectivity along the coast, allowing you to enjoy the scenery as you approach this charming Costa del Sol town.
How to get there by car
To reach Marbella by car, from Malaga follow the AP-7 motorway westwards, enjoying spectacular views of the Mediterranean coast for approximately 45 minutes. From Seville, take the A-92 and then the AP-7 south for about 2.5 hours. From Madrid, the A-4 will take you to the AP-7, approximately 6 hours drive.
How to get there by boat
Getting to Marbella by boat is not a direct option as the town does not have a port for cruise ships or ferries. However, you can reach nearby ports such as Malaga or Algeciras and then continue by road to Marbella, enjoying the coastal scenery along the way by car or bus.
Public transport Marbella
- City buses: Marbella offers different city bus lines. These buses are a convenient option for getting around the city, connecting residential areas, the historic centre and tourist areas such as Puerto Banús.
- Taxis and private transport servicesTaxis and services such as Uber, Bolt and Cabify are available.
Where to eat in Marbella
Marbella offers a unique dining experience with its blend of Mediterranean cuisine and local flavours. From chiringuitos on the beach to elegant restaurants in the old town, each place offers delicious dishes with fresh ingredients and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Arco Tapas Bar
One of the most charming bars in the old town of Marbella, ideal for enjoying excellent tapas.
- SpecialitiesPopular for having the best tapas in Marbella.
- Location: 14 Peral Street.
Taberna la niña del pisto
La Niña del Pisto is a cosy Cordovan tavern located in the heart of the historic centre of Marbella. Its charm lies in its original decoration adorned with photographs of bullfighters, artists, writers, painters and other illustrious local characters.
- SpecialitiesTraditional Cordovan gastronomy, with dishes such as: salmorejo, scrambled ham or the famous oxtail.
- Location: Calle San Lázaro, 1
The Casa Curro shop
This restaurant has an integrated gourmet shop where you can buy high quality products to take home, which adds an extra attraction to the dining experience.
- SpecialitiesVariety of cold meats, cheeses, prawns and lomo de Orza.
- Location: Calle Pantaleón, 5
Leña de Dani García Restaurant
Inside Dani García's three Michelin-starred restaurant in Marbella is an innovative culinary concept. With an emphasis on wood-fired cuisine, this place provides a distinctive and welcoming dining experience that captivates diners.
- SpecialitiesFrom succulent cuts of meat to fresh fish and seafood.
- Location: Av. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602 Marbella, Málaga
Lobito de Mar Restaurant
In Marbella, you will find gastronomic treasures for fresh seafood enthusiasts. Under the direction of renowned chef Dani García, this restaurant celebrates an exceptional culinary experience centred on the finest seafood.
- SpecialitiesFrom fresh oysters to creative dishes such as "Bikini de Mar".
- Location: Av. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, 178, 29602 Marbella, Málaga
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