Looking for the best things to do in Marbella? With endless sunny days, a glamorous coastline and vibrant atmosphere, Marbella is a captivating place to visit in Southern Spain.
Marbella is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean with many wonderful things to do, whether that’s wandering picturesque white-washed streets, sipping cocktails on a rooftop terrace or shopping in designer boutiques, there are so many ways to spoil yourself and have a great time!
Know one thing, there is always something to love about Marbella!
It might not be packed with historical sights and attractions like Malaga, but it offers relaxation, stunning surroundings and a splash of luxury! On my last visit, I stayed for a week in February soaking it all in – and enjoying perfect 23-degree sunshine! So to help you make the most of your trip I’m sharing my top things to do in Marbella – you don’t want to miss beautiful destination!
What Is Marbella Known for?
Marbella is the glitziest place in the Costa del Sol, known for its five-star resorts, quality sea-front restaurants, pretty old town streets and Puerto Banús – a luxury marina brimming with yachts!
Note: Marbella is popular among the jet set crowd for luxury escapes and second holiday homes in the sun, but it’s appeal is really for anyone in search of the good life!
Where Is Marbella?
Marbella is a wonderful resort in Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, located in the most attractive spot right between the Sierra Blanca Mountains and Mediterranean Sea! The main strip of Marbella leads from Marbella’s old town along the Golden Mile to Puerto Banús.
How To Get Around Marbella?
If you plan on travelling in and around Marbella then renting a car is the easiest way, you’ll have much more freedom and see a lot of highlights in a shorter amount of time – there’s a huge 27Km to explore.
Alternatively, there are local buses that run up and down the coast or if you’re not in a rush you can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Golden Mile from Marbella Town to Puerto Banús!
Here’s how to rent a car: I highly recommend Discovercars.com. Not only are they reliable (in my experience), but compare costs across all the major rental car companies so you know you are getting the best possible deal. Plus they have a free 48hr cancellation policy and price match!
The Best Hotel In Marbella!
As a testament to this hotel, I visited everyday of my week-long trip! Upscale Puente Romano Beach Resort is simply stunning, a white washed village of houses and apartments with pools, restaurants and my favourite healthy brunch spot on the planet – Rachel’s Eco Love.
The hotel is exceptional and located within the Golden Mile – the most attractive part of Marbella, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, two of the best beach boutique clubs, plus a lovely coastal walk to Puerto Banús right on the doorstep.
View Puente Romano Beach Resort
10 VERY BEST THINGS TO DO IN MARBELLA
Whether you’re on a day trip to Marbella or planning a week’s vacation you will find something to love about this resort! Here are the very best things to do in and around Marbella that I personally uncovered, your luxury Mediterranean escape awaits!
1. WANDER MARBELLA OLD TOWN
If it’s your first visit to Marbella, wandering the old town is the best place to start! It is utterly charming, you could explore the white washed houses and lanes for hours, there’s an abundance of photogenic corners and hidden gems.
What I loved the most are the cute flower pots on the walls, stylish restaurants and boutique shops, perfect for splurging and just soaking up the Mediterranean vibe – you can’t help but take a gazillion photos!
It’s all picturesque no matter which little lane you walk down, however you can’t miss the Orange Square, Old Town Walls, pretty Calle Carmen and Calle Nueva lanes and the lovely aroma from the jasmine and orange trees.
2. EXPLORE GLAM PUERTO BANUS
Puerto Banús is the most flashy place in Marbella! The streets are lined with palm trees, supercars and designer shops such as Gucci and Dior and the marina is filled with gleaming white yachts.
It’s an incredible sight and even if you’re not into designer handbags and shopping, visiting Puerto Banús is still one of the best things to do in Marbella, there’s no-where else like it – and its also very attractive to look at with the tumbling white washed houses and draped bougainvillea!
Grab a spot of lunch in one of the restaurants in the sun over-looking the harbour – I enjoyed a lovely goats cheese salad and a glass of rose on LaLaLa’s terrace.
3. WALK THE GOLDEN MILE COAST
One of the most enjoyable coastal walks in the Costa del Sol is has to be the scenic strip between Puente Romano and Puerto Banús known as the Golden Mile.
This 5km walk is a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon, you’ll pass some of the best vistas and exclusive resorts and lavish homes along the way. One of my favourite places to stop by is El Chiringuito at Puente Romano, its absolutely dreamy and particularly great for breakfast in winter when it’s quieter!
4. STROLL LA ALAMEDA PARK
If you’re in Marbella Town and are looking for a more chilled spot to stroll around then you can head over to La Alameda Park. It’s a place to go to if you’re in need of some shade from the hot sun in summer, the park has lots of trees, traditional tiled benches, a main promenade and a central fountain.
Afterwards you can walk over to the gorgeous old town and find La Encarnacion Church, it’s located in the prettiest area, and the perfect place to stop for an afternoon cafe latte.
5. RELAX AT A STYLISH BEACH CLUB
In Marbella you can find many stylish beach clubs with great atmosphere, music and food for either a relaxing day or a party evening! The beach clubs here are really something special, the ones I love best have a bohemian-luxe feel with beautiful surrounds, you can head there in the morning and stay all day, for me this is one of the best things to do in Marbella – relax on a luxurious sunbed and soak up the sun!
For laid-back luxury try Nosso Summer Club or Chiringuito Puente Romano, both venues have that Mediterranean summer vibe and bohemian-chic aesthetic. If you’re after sophistication head over to La Cabane with uninterrupted sea views!
Tip! If you’re travelling in the summer months, I suggest reserving a sunbed online and spending the full-day soaking up the sun. In the winter the restaurant terraces are open and lounging chairs, but often the sunbeds are put away.
6. SAIL THE MARBELLA COASTLINE
One of the best things about Marbella is of course the incredible Mediterranean coastline and mountain back drop it’s fantastic to explore and the scenery is lovely.
A boat cruise from the harbour includes snacks, drinks and the possibility of spotting dolphins, all you have to do is relax and enjoy the surroundings, it’s so easy and an excellent addition to your trip.
Sailing in these waters is a popular activity and one of the best things to do in Marbella, just make sure that you book this boat tour in advance, you don’t want to miss it!
Check availability and book this best Marbella Boat Trip
7. ROOFTOP BAR SUNSET DRINKS
If you’re looking for an amazing spot with panoramic views and a chilled cocktail to watch the sunset, Belvue Rooftop bar is perfect. A cool bar perched at the top of Amare Beach Hotel with live music and some of the most stunning sea views to end the day in style!
Wherever I travel, I’m always on the hunt for a good rooftop bar and Belvue doesn’t disappoint, also, if you’re staying in Puerto Banús, I can highly recommend the super dreamy Breathe rooftop terrace. It falls short on sweeping views, but it does overlook Puerto Banús and has the most dreamy tropical and chic boho decor that will make you want to stay a while!
8. BREAKFAST AT RACHEL’S ECO LOVE
Breakfast at Rachel’s Eco Love quickly became my morning ritual! If you love delicious and healthy breakfasts, this is your spot, you can get your fill of smoothie bowls, avocado toast, matcha lattes and so many other tasty things.
Breakfast/brunch is served all day long here, but I found the mornings so relaxing and peaceful, you would never guess that it’s situated in Puento Romano Resort! Rachel’s Eco Love is every bit the beachy vibe, surrounded by tropical plants and palms and over-looking a small pool area, just enjoy your latte and listen to the morning birds chirp!
9 RELAX AT MARBELLAS BEACHES
A visit to the Spanish coast wouldn’t be complete without spending a bit of time on the beach. In Marbella, whether your situated in the towns or hills you are only ever minutes away from the beach, the coastline stretches for as far as the eye can see.
Marbella offers golden sands and shimmery blue waters, if you walk along the shoreline’s path, you’ll definitely find your perfect spot to relax – that’s how I found mine! It’s worth knowing that the busier end is Marbella Town and it isn’t as pretty The Golden Mile or Puerto Banús side.
Tip! If you want to really get away from it all head to protected sand dunes in Cabopino. It’s totally unspoilt, no modern development just a beautifully clean beach with wooden walkway and a few benches.
10. ENJOY LUNCH WITH A SEAVIEW
One of the pleasures of being in Marbella is having a lovely lunch with a sea view and there are some fantastic places along the coastline where you can indulge, which is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Marbella!
Dune located in quieter El Rosario beach has one of the loveliest restaurant settings, it has earthy tones and a Mediterranean-inspired menu. They offer a little bit of everything including small plates and burgers, plus stylish cocktails – you can actually hang out here all day as they have sunbeds for €30.
Another good place to try is Luuma, similar vibe to Dune – feet in the sand and a menu that pleases everyone. I always eat a light lunch so can only comment on the tasty croquettes and garden salad!
WHERE TO STAY IN MARBELLA
Nobu Hotel
Luxury adult-only boutique hotel situated in the Golden Mile with 81 rooms, a collection of up market restaurants and elegant interiors. Nobu is just 500 metres from the beach and the grounds are filled with tropical spaces, walk ways and fountains, it’s lush!
Marbella Club Hotel
Marbella Club Hotel is a historic 5-star hotel located in Puento Romano, the best part of the Golden Mile with individual villas and pools all decked out in luxurious coastal decor. Around the hotel there are lemon trees, patios, gardens, restaurants and a beautiful seafront beach club with plush loungers facing the sea.
Amare Beach Hotel Marbella
A contemporary adult-only beach front hotel in Marbella with a fun atmosphere and luxury details including pool, roof top terrace and beach club. At Amare you are only a five minute walk from the lovely old town of Marbella, this is hotel is a Mediterranean feel throughout with light and bright wood and marble furnishings.
Read my full guide: Where To Stay in Marbella: Best Areas & Hotels, you will find your perfect hotel in Marbella in this guide!
MARBELLA FAQ
Is Marbella worth visiting?
Yes! Marbella is unmissable if you’re travelling to the Costa del Sol of Spain, there’s plenty of things to do in Marbella, you’ll discover two charming towns, upscale restaurants, hotels, beach clubs – and all-year-round warm weather.
Is Marbella Spain expensive?
Marbella is more expensive than any of the other places in Costa del Sol, it’s well known for luxury with top end resorts and designer shops especially the beach clubs and cocktails! However, if you look around, you can definitely find averaged priced cafes, tapas bars and restaurants to suit any budget.
What is the posh part of Marbella?
The most upscale part of Marbella is Puerto Romano, this is where the five-star resorts are such as the iconic Beach Club Marbella and the Fancy Puerto Romano Beach Resort with lots of amenities and the most beautiful vistas and golden sands.
How many days in Marbella is enough?
It is possible to see the highlights of Marbella in a couple of days or at least visit the old town as a day trip to Marbella, but I suggest 5-7 nights to really get into the vibe. Marbella is primarily a classic Mediterranean beach holiday destination to be honest you could easily stay a long while!
When to visit Marbella?
Marbella is an all-year-round destination with warm weather even in January, this area is fortunate enough to have its own microclimate. May is when the summer season begins while June-Sept are the busiest and hottest months. April or October is a pleasant time to visit, if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace.
How to get to Marbella?
The easiest way to get to Marbella is to fly into Malaga Airport, it’s the closest major airport to Marbella. You can then hire a car directly from the airport and dive along the scenic route with the sea and mountains in your eyeline or you can book the Avaza bus that departs right outside Malaga Arrivals to Marbella Town Bus Station (then a taxi from there to your accommodation).
Read Next: If you’re visiting Malaga or have a spare day before a flight out of Malaga Airport then check out: Malaga Travel Guide: What To See, Do & Eat.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope this guide to the best things to do in Marbella has shown you just how much this destination has to offer, at any time of the year. A trip to Marbella should be on everyone’s holiday list, whether that’s as part of an Andalusia road trip or a few days in the Sun!
So many people have a preconception of Marbella, but in reality, it’s gorgeous and filled with great places to eat, sunbathe and stay – I can’t sing its praises highly enough!
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Plan your Marbella trip!
Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com:For the best accommodation rates
- Trip Advisor: Check out the latest reviews & trips
- Get Your Guide: For incredible day trips
- Discover Cars: Best car hire price comparison
- Rail Europe: Best routes & prices across networks
Read Next:
- Where To Stay In Marbella: Best Areas & Hotels
- Malaga Travel Guide: What To See, Do & Eat
- The Ultimate Guide To Seville
- Best Boutique Hotels In Seville
- 7 Best Rooftop Bars In Seville For Views
- 7 Wonderful Day Tours From Seville
- 7 Best Tapas Bars In Seville
- 5 Essential Things To Do In Granada
- Travel Tips For Ronda Spain
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