The 18 things to do in Marbella

On holiday in Andalusia? In this case, you must visit Marbella, one of the most dynamic cities in Spain.

Visiting Marbella is not just partying and enjoying yourself on the sandy beaches. The capital of the Costa del Sol remains a typical Andalusian city with its historic centre, neighbourhood bars, natural surroundings and Roman and Arab origins.

To help you plan your stay in Andalusia, Wanderlix has designed a guide to the essentials to make in Marbella.

1. La Plaza de los Naranjos

You can't visit Marbella without visiting the Plaza de los Naranjos. With all the orange trees that make shade on the terraces, enjoy a cocktail or refresh yourself with fruit juice.

In the centre of the square, the town hall stands with a typical architectural style of the region. All around you will discover the paved alleys and the charm of the old town.

2. El Casco Antiguo

The historic centre of Marbella recalls the charm of Andalusia with its narrow streets, balconies decorated with geranium and its colourful doors.

Although the city is very modern, the Casco Antiguo has managed to preserve the traditional spirit of the old fishing village. The old town is full of interesting places to visit in Marbella such as the Arab castle or the Spanish engraving museum.

3. The museum of contemporary Spanish engraving

In an old building dating from the Renaissance, is the museum of contemporary Spanish engravings. Inaugurated in 1992, this museum has an important collection of engravings and works by the famous Pablo Picasso.

Unique. Spain , the art center has evolved over the years thanks to many donations of collectors. Today, it is a national reference in the field of engraving.

The museum also hosts several conferences and workshops during the year.

4. The maritime promenade

If you wish to evade during your visit to Marbella, you do not need to go far. The seaside promenade extends over fifteen kilometers between the beach of La Bajadilla and Puerto Banús.

On the way, you can enjoy a view of the sea. For an even more beautiful view, don’t hesitate to wait for sunset. If you are tired, rent a bike or a segway to explore the paseo maritimo in its entire length.

5. A tapas tasting

Visiting Marbella is discovering Spanish specialties through a tapas tasting. And for this, you have an infinite choice, since the capital of the Costa del Sol offers its visitors no less than a hundred bars and tapas restaurants.

Des croquetas and fried calamars dishes accompanied by a good sangria will delight your taste buds.

Among the best places to taste Andalusia tapas, we recommend El Cordobès, the Arco Tapas Bar or El Estrecho.

6. The ramparts and the Arab castle

If you want to discover Marbella and its history, go to the Arab castle to observe its ancient walls.

Dating from the 11th and 12th century, the walls bear witness to the importance of Muslim civilization in Marbella. The walls and the remaining two towers give the city all its charm and recall its multiculturalism.

7. Puerto Banus

Incontournable in Marbella, Puerto Banus is one of the world’s most famous marinas. This is where the international jetset goes on a private yacht.

When walking around this port, don’t forget your camera. It's very likely that you met a celebrity.

In addition to having the opportunity to see many stars, you can enjoy your stay for a pampered shopping session. Many luxury brands are located in Puerto Banus.

8. A diving session

Want to visit Marbella otherwise? Offer a diving session in the Mediterranean Sea. On the Andalusian coasts to the Strait of Gibraltar, discover the fauna and flora that hide under the sea.

If you have never dived, many societies offer baptisms to initiate you to underwater life.

9. La Duna de Artola – Cabopino

During your visit to Marbella, it is very likely that you would meet many tourists. To get out of the beaten paths, take the direction of Duna de Artola.

This natural site welcomes one of the most beautiful beaches of Andalusia; Cabopino. Here, the atmosphere is intimate and wild with virgin sand dunes that plunge directly into the sea.

Careful, the place is particularly popular with naturists, so don't be surprised if you see people naked.

10. El juanar

What to do in Marbella to escape in the middle of nature? Visit El Juanar's website. Between the village of Ojén and Marbella, the place is ideal for hiking enthusiasts.

Here nature is omnipresent. The yachts and celebrities of Puerto Banus are only a distant memory. For a total disconnect during your visit to El Juanar, climb the summit of La Concha which extends to 1,215 meters above sea level.

11. A boat ride

Uncontested capital of the Costa del Sol, Marbella is as beautiful from the farmland as on the sea. If you would like to visit Marbella otherwise, do not hesitate to rent a boat to enjoy landscapes from a new angle.

With or without a permit, you can explore the coast of Andalusia with your group of friends for a day or even more.

12. Alameda Park

Known as the “historical green sunlight” in Marbella, the Alameda Park promises great green spaces in the heart of the city.

Full of charm, the park visits by circulating through marble alleys surrounded by trees of all kinds. In its centre, don't miss the magnificent Virgen del Rocío fountain.

The park is particularly appreciated by the inhabitants of the city for its many shade areas that allow you to refresh yourself against the heat of Andalusia.

13. A festive evening in La Polaca

If you want to party during your visit to Marbella, La Polaca is the place to visit. It is a restaurant bar known for its local cuisine, cheap prices and its festive atmosphere.

Polaca is the perfect place to start the evening with your loved ones.

14. Urban trails

To visit Marbella in its smallest corners, follow the urban trails. It is a five-kilometre walk through iconic sites such as Avenida del Mar, Plaza de la Constitución or the Fontanilla beach.

Along the way, you will discover all the fauna and flora that live in the capital of the Costa del Sol. Many posters are displayed on the trail to guide you.

15. A shopping session in San Pedro de Alcantara

Visit Marbella and explore the San Pedro de Alcantara area. It is not the best known and yet, it is full of activities to do.

For golf lovers, a club is waiting for you to try an Eagle. You can also go to Calle Marqués del Duero or to the market located in the fairground to buy some souvenirs of your stay.

16. Nagüeles Park

What to do in Marbella with your group of friends? To change some of Andalusian bars and restaurants, don’t hesitate to visit Nagüeles Park.

This large pine forest presents all the equipment you need to make sure to spend a good time with your loved ones; barbecues, picnic tables, playgrounds, etc. It’s like being in the countryside, while being close to the city.

17. A moraga on the beach

What to do to visit Marbella as a local? Make a moraga on the beach. It’s a party on the waterfront where you can enjoy an absolutely delicious fresh fish.

Here you will meet more Andalusian than tourists. If you really want to put yourself in the skin of a local, swim in the sea with only lighting, the moon.

18. La fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen

Incontournable in Marbella, the Virgen del Carmen fiesta is not to be missed. This is a celebration in tribute to the patron saint.

The festival takes place in several episodes. In the morning, a procession of the virgin takes place on the beach with flower offering, Spanish breakfast and marine games. In the afternoon, a second procession left from Puerto Banus to the parish of the incarnation.

How to get to Marbella?

To visit Marbella, there are several options available to you:

• The train : the nearest station is that of Malagawhere you can take private buses or shuttles;
• The plane : there again, the nearby airport is in Malaga. Do not hesitate to compare flights with Skyscanner ;
• The bus : the bus network being very developed in Spain, you can reach the capital of the Costa del Sol by bus from many Spanish and even French cities.

Where to sleep in Marbella?

Marbella offers its visitors a wide range of choices for accommodation. If you want to enjoy the best rates, use our Compare hotels which offers you to stay in apartments in Airbnb , hostels, luxury hotels or country houses.

Depending on your preferences, you can sleep in the historic centre or more excited to enjoy the calm of Andalusia