Marbella Things to Do: Your Ultimate Guide to the Costa del Sol Gem
When most people think of Marbella, they think of trendy beach clubs, designer shops, and luxury yachts — and yes, it absolutely has that side in Puerto Banús. But if you wander beyond this area, you’ll find a town with so much more personality and charm. Trust me on this one!
I’ve spent MANY weeks working remotely from Marbella, and I love the town. I love that it is a medium-sized town where you can walk everywhere and that it has delicious restaurants to try.
If you are wondering what are the best things to do in Marbella, what to see in Marbella, or what are the top Marbella tourist attractions, then I’ve got you covered! Here’s your ultimate guide to Marbella things to do.
More about Marbella
Marbella’s history dates back to Roman times, when it was part of the province of Hispania. Archaeological remains such as the Roman villa at Río Verde and the basilica of Vega del Mar show that this area was an important coastal settlement. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region came under Moorish rule in the 8th century, which shaped much of Marbella’s architecture and layout. The Old Town (Casco Antiguo) still preserves traces of its Arab past, with narrow winding streets and remnants of the old city walls.
In 1485, Marbella was reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs, marking the start of its transformation into a small fishing and agricultural village. It remained quiet until the mid-20th century, when it began attracting wealthy visitors and celebrities thanks to the vision of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, who opened the iconic Marbella Club Hotel in 1954. That moment sparked Marbella’s rise as a glamorous resort town, blending Andalusian charm with modern luxury. A combination that continues to define it today and makes it one of the best places to visit.
A little Q&A before starting
Is Marbella worth visiting?
Well, I wouldn’t be writing this article if I thought otherwise! So yes — it’s definitely worth visiting for around two days. However, it’s also a great hub for exploring other towns in the province of Málaga, so you can set up base here and do day trips. If you’re looking for a place to work remotely, Marbella is ideal. You won’t have a million things to distract you, but there are enough things to do to keep you busy in town and its surroundings.
Is Marbella safe for tourists?
Yes, Andalusia and Spain are among the safest destinations in Europe. Just exercise normal precautions, especially in crowded tourist spots, and you’ll have no issues travelling around southern Spain.
I have walked alone at night and I’ve never encountered any issues, which makes it great for families and solo travellers looking for safe Marbella things to do.
How to get to Marbella?
The easiest way to reach Marbella is by flying into Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), located about 50 km away. From there, you can take a direct bus (around 45 minutes) or a taxi (it’s not as expensive as you might think). If you are planning to explore Andalusia, you can rent a car for more flexibility to visit other towns along the Costa del Sol. Marbella doesn’t have its own train station, but if you arrive by rail, the closest stop is Málaga María Zambrano Station, where you can connect by bus or taxi. For travellers coming from elsewhere in Andalusia, it’s an easy drive from Ronda (1 hour), Granada (2 hours), or Seville (2.5 hours) via major highways.
This accessibility makes it simple to plan day trips near Marbella.
When is the best time to visit Marbella?
Marbella enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 320 sunny days per year, which means you can visit year-round. Winters are mild, with daytime temperatures around 16–20°C, making it the perfect escape from our Canadian winters.
My suggestion is to avoid summer at all costs! The crowds are huge and temperatures often exceed 40°C. Seriously, it’s not worth it. I’ve been in spring and winter in Andalusia, and the temperatures were perfect. Fall is also lovely, but spring in Andalusia is magical — all the flowers are in bloom, and the landscapes are bursting with colour. Marbella, with the Jacaranda trees in bloom, is simply stunning. Spring and fall bring pleasant weather between 22–28°C. The sea is warm enough for swimming from May to October, which makes it great for Marbella things to do with kids and Marbella things to do for couples.
Marbella hosts several festivals throughout the year that mix tradition, culture, and entertainment. The biggest is the Feria de San Bernabé in June, a week-long celebration honouring the city’s patron saint with parades, flamenco, and fireworks. Music lovers shouldn’t miss the Starlite Festival, held in summer in a natural quarry, featuring international artists and gourmet dining. Other notable events include Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions in spring, the San Pedro Fair in October, and smaller cultural happenings like the Marbella International Film Festival and Marpoética, a poetry and arts event each March. These events are some of the best Marbella things to do today if you want to experience local culture.
How expensive is Marbella?
Marbella has a reputation for luxury, but your costs depend on how you travel. Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile are known for high-end restaurants, expensive beach clubs, and designer shopping, which are perfect for Marbella hen parties or luxury getaways. However, in the Old Town or Marbella East, you’ll find more affordable tapas bars, mid-range hotels, and local cafés. Expect to pay a bit more than in smaller Andalusian towns, but it’s still possible to enjoy Marbella on a budget by avoiding beach clubs and dining where locals eat. Don’t worry, I will give you plenty of restaurant ideas in Marbella later on.
How to get around Marbella
Marbella is compact enough to explore on foot, especially around the Old Town and beachfront promenade, which makes walking one of the best free things to do in Marbella. For longer distances, the local Avanza buses connect most neighbourhoods and nearby towns like San Pedro and Puerto Banús. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find, but if you plan day trips along the Costa del Sol (to Ronda, Mijas, or Nerja), renting a car is the most convenient option. Parking can be tricky near the beach in high season, so it’s better to use public lots or park slightly inland.
Marbella Things to Do
Stroll Through Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed buildings, charming plazas, and colourful flower pots. Marbella’s Casco Antiguo (Old Town) dates back to the Moorish period, with narrow whitewashed streets that once lay within the city’s medieval walls. After the Christian reconquest in 1485, it became the heart of Marbella’s social life and remains one of the most popular things to do in Marbella Old Town. Did you know that Marbella used to have a castle? The structure, known as the Alcazaba of Marbella, served as both a fortress and the administrative center of the town under Muslim rule. While the castle no longer exists, you can still see the Castle Walls of Marbella (Murallas del Castillo), which date back to the 9th- 10th century and were built during the Moorish period to protect the ancient city.
Don’t miss the Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square), where you can relax at a café by the fragrant orange trees and go for some deliciously fresh-made churros. I love the ones at Churrería Ramón. A visit to Spain without eating churros with chocolate would be blasphemy.
The Old Town is full of little streets that seem like a labyrinth. Don’t worry about getting lost; you will eventually find your way. This is the perfect place to buy your souvenirs; you can find anything from made-in-China trinkets to handmade local crafts. The Iglesia del Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz is one of the oldest churches in town, dating back to the 15th century. This small yet beautiful church features a traditional Andalusian façade and a distinctive tiled bell tower. You can then go to the Alameda Park, a leafy oasis filled with tiled benches and fountains
At night, catch a Flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco. The show is incredible, and the locals love it; it’s not a tourist trap. You can enjoy a drink at the same time. I used to dance flamenco for many years, and this show really stands out.
Beaches
To be honest, I don’t know why Marbella is famous for its beaches. Even locals go outside of the city for nice beaches since many are full of rocks. But I do love the paseo marítimo — I love strolling around at night, picking a restaurant nearby to eat, having an ice cream, and doing my morning jog. Nothing beats running by the beach with palm trees on the other side!
Playa de la Fontanilla and Playa de Nagüeles are two of the most popular beaches in Marbella, both located close to the city centre and easily accessible from the promenade. Playa de Nagüeles, situated along the Golden Mile, is particularly known for its upscale beach clubs and proximity to luxury hotels like the Marbella Club and Puente Romano.
If you’re looking for more action, Playa de Venus is the place to go. This lively beach has several chiringuitos (beach bars) serving fresh seafood and cold drinks, and it’s a hub for water sports activities. You can try jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, parasailing, or banana boat rides. It’s one of the fun things to do in Marbella if you want a mix of sun, sea, and adventure.
Explore Puerto Banús Luxury Marina & golf courses
For luxury lovers, Puerto Banús is a must. This world-renowned marina is home to superyachts, high-end boutiques, and upscale restaurants.
It’s glitzy, loud, and a bit fake — think Miami vibes on the Mediterranean. To be honest, you can skip it. I visited and wanted to leave immediately. But that’s just my taste; if you like that kind of atmosphere, then this is the place for you. Still, it remains one of the top things to do for people who love shopping and nightlife. Marbella shopping doesn’t need to be all luxurious; La Cañada mall has regular shops.
While we are talking about luxury, Marbella is often called the golf capital of the Costa del Sol, with more than 20 golf courses in and around the area. Some of the most famous include Los Naranjos Golf Club, Aloha Golf Club, and Marbella Golf & Country Club, all offering beautiful views of the Mediterranean and the Sierra Blanca Mountains. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, golfing is one of the most popular things to do in Marbella and a big reason why the region is nicknamed the “Costa del Golf.”
Museums and public sculptures
Marbella is more than beaches and nightlife. Visit the Marbella Museum of Spanish Engraving or the Ralli Museum for modern and contemporary art. The city also hosts cultural festivals throughout the year, including flamenco shows and local fairs. Exploring these cultural spots is one of the best things to do if you enjoy art and history.
In central Marbella, you’ll find the Avenida del Mar, an open-air walkway lined with bronze sculptures by the world-renowned artist Salvador Dalí. It connects the Old Town to the beach and is one of the most unique Marbella tourist attractions, blending art and seaside views.
Hike up La Concha
La Concha is the mountain that towers over the town and is part of the Sierra Blanca Mountains. The hikes have breathtaking views of Marbella and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Refugio de Juanar trail is the most popular and accessible route. It starts near the Refugio de Juanar hotel, which is about 20 minutes from the town by car, and takes around 4–5 hours round trip. The path is well-marked, moderately challenging, and rewards you with stunning views from the ridge. For a shorter, easier option, you can follow the Mirador del Macho Montés trail, which offers impressive viewpoints without going all the way to the top. If you are up for the challenge, then you can do a full-day hike by taking the Camino de Istán to La Concha summit.
For this, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and bring water. Also, some trails can be steep, so check which one to take based on your health. Hiking La Concha is one of the most unusual things to do in Marbella, perfect for outdoor lovers.
Enjoy Marbella’s Nightlife
Marbella is famous for its nightlife. Head to Avenida del Mar for lively bars and delicious tapas or explore Puerto Banús for exclusive nightclubs. Since I’m not a nightclub person, I can’t give you the scoop on where to go, sorry, but if you enjoy nightlife, this is one of the fun things to do in Marbella. I hear that the town is a great place to do a hen party. I can see how. I just haven’t been invited to one yet 😅
Visit Nearby Towns
Marbella is perfectly located for exploring the Costa del Sol. Take a short drive to Mijas Pueblo, Ronda, or Estepona for charming streets, historic landmarks, and stunning viewpoints. I have made a whole article about places to visit in Andalusia, you can thank me later.
If you’re looking for things to do near Marbella, this is the best option — these nearby towns are great day trips and some of the must-see Marbella experiences for travellers wanting a break from the beach.
Where to eat in Marbella
This is probably the most difficult part of writing the article because most of the restaurants I’ve tried are delicious. In fact, wherever you eat in Spain, the chances of having a great meal are really high. Marbella has world-class restaurants, including a couple of Michelin-starred spots, and the world-renowned chef Dani García also has a few restaurants in town.
Here are my personal favourites:
Maleva Bakery makes its bread fresh every morning. Their sourdough is especially good, made with their own mother dough at cold fermentation. You need to have at least one breakfast there.
For tapas, go to Lekune — it’s a Basque pintxos place where servers walk by with plates, and you pick what you want. There’s no ordering — you just go with the flow.
Los Mellizos has delicious seafood platters.
For Peruvian food (which is always delicious), Marbella has two great restaurants: Restaurante Lima 26 and Rincón Cynthia Peruano-Cevichería Peruana Gastrobar, which feels more homemade, but you’ll love it.
For something more upscale, go to El Pimpi in the iconic Puente Romano Resort. This hotel is luxurious and gigantic — it has 22 restaurants and bars. El Pimpi serves elevated Andalusian food made with the finest ingredients. Everything is delectable.
If you’re visiting with family, these are also perfect Marbella things to do, family — enjoying local cuisine is always a highlight.
For great drinks, go to Capuccino, their PornStar are delicious, plus you get to enjoy the outdoor patio with views of the sea, simply perfect.
Plan your trip now and discover the best Marbella experiences that will make your vacation unforgettable!
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From wandering the charming Old Town with its cobbled streets and orange-filled plazas, to hiking La Concha for breathtaking views, strolling the Paseo Marítimo, and enjoying tapas at local favourites, Marbella has it all. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best Marbella things to do on the Costa del Sol.