Known as the most luxurious city on Costa del Sol, Marbella is the perfect place where you can enjoy multiple activities related to leisure, gastronomy, and culture.
Let’s find out the best things to do in Marbella:
1. Visiting the old town and its surroundings
Walking through this scenic part of the city is one of the best things to do in Marbella. Its narrow pedestrian streets are full of shops where you can find all kinds of clothes, jewellery and souvenirs. The best streets to enjoy Andalusian architecture are Calle Nueva, Calle Chinchilla and Calle Ortiz de Molinillo. In these picturesque streets, you can appreciate a lively area full of potted flowers.
All these streets lead to a small but famous square: Plaza de Los Naranjos, located in the heart of the old town. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing glass of orange juice or some delicious churros with hot chocolate.
2. Going to the four ports of Marbella
The Port of La Bajadilla is located only two kilometers from the city center. Is the only port that offers all the services since it is divided into two zones: the mooring area and the fishing port.
The Marbella Marina port is located in the heart of the city and locals and tourists visit it. They enjoy its pleasant atmosphere, its stylish bars and a variety of nautical activities.
Cabopino is another charming port located on the eastern side of Marbella. Known for its style and exclusivity, Cabopino has lush woodlands that highlight the area’s golf courses and green spaces.
Last but not least, Puerto Banús, is a luxury marina and one of the most distinctive ones in the world. You can enjoy a walk watching luxurious yachts, the enormous sculpture Rhinoceros Dressed in Lace or the Boulevard of Fame.
3. Epicentre of luxury tourism
Marbella is well known for five-star hotels, gourmand restaurants, luxury boutiques, expensive cars and yachts. Furthermore, the celebrity visits it receives every year gives this city a touch of glamour.
For enjoying a long and pleasant stay, you can rent a house in Los Monteros, Nagueles or Sierra Blanca urbanizations. These areas of Marbella have golf courses and private protected beaches. But also exclusive clubs, tennis facilities, horse riding and sailing.
For those who prefer to spend their stay in an exclusive hotel, we have some recommendations. The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort, Amare Beach Hotel Marbella or Hotel Claude Marbella are some of the best ones.
Also, for the shopping lovers in the Costa Marbella and La Cañada shopping centers, the highest quality garments by hand from the best designers can be find.
4. Enjoying Andalusian food
Eating a seafood paella or a portion of sardines is the best thing to do in Marbella. There are so many great restaurant options to choose from in Marbella.
Particularly to delight your palate with the most exquisite flavors we suggest Boho Club restaurant. Chef Diego del Río, passionate about Andalusian cuisine, direct the kitchen of this restaurant. Certainly, to live the authentic Andalusian experience, you must try Marbella Patio restaurant. It is located in a very cozy street in the center of the town. Dishes like fried fish, seafood paella and grilled squid will make your mouth water. Furthermore, to also enjoy the views of the sea, in the Paseo Maritimo of Marbella are plenty of Mediterranean food restaurants.
5. Learning about Andalusian culture through museums
One of the must-sees museums if you go to Marbella is the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engraving. Located in the old part of the city, the collection includes engravings from the 15th century. Also, pieces by internationally renowned artists including Picasso, Dalí, Tàpies, and Miró.
Another place of interest for gardening enthusiasts could be the Bonsai Museum in Aroyo de las Represas Park. You have to pay a small fee to enter the garden and pavilion in the center. Many of the examples are olive trees, the oldest of which is a 300-year-old. You can find there the best single collections of bonsai trees in all of Europe.
Ralli Museum houses one of the most important collections of Latin American art in Europe. A few of the notable 20th-century artists whose works are attractively displayed in a succession of large white rooms are Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall and Leopoldo Torres Agüero.
For those curious about history and archaeology, the Marbella Castle built during the Moorish occupation or the Archaeology Museum should not be missed.
6. Walking through the parks
Apart from the small streets and squares of Marbella, this town has beautiful parks where you can spend a pleasant time. The main park located between the sea and the old town is Alameda Park. There are marble-paved walkways, fountains, and seats where you can relax in the morning. Also, seek shade from the midday sun beneath a dense canopy of tropical greenery. A lot of the benches are covered in “azulejos,” traditional Andalusian hand-painted tiles that depict the city’s historical sites and landmarks.
In Constitution Park visitors can enjoy a wide variety of theatrical and musical performances during the summer performed at the auditorium. As well, visit the small observatory from which you can see the stars or have a drink on the large terrace of the cafeteria.
What are the best things to do in Marbella for young adults?
7. Water activities
Jet-skis, parasailing, wake-boarding and white-knuckle powerboat rides are the best things to do in Marbella for young adults. All these water activities are available around the marina for thrill-seekers. The best place where fun is guaranteed is WaterFun Marbella, located near Las Chapas beach. It is a beach water park where both adults and children can enjoy the inflatable slides located in the sea.
8. Beaches for sunny days
Going to the beach it’s the best thing to do in Marbella during the summer.
We want to share with you our top 3 beaches. You will find Playa de Nagüeles in the commonly called the “Milla de Oro”, a luxury area in Marbella. With a medium/high occupancy level, it is made up of fine golden sand, and the shallowness of its waters makes it a perfect destination to go with children. Playa de Venus and Playa de la Bajadilla are located in the center of the city. They are the favorite of the city’s locals thanks to their easy accessibility and the abundance of beach bars and shops around.
What are the best things to do in Marbella for young couples?
9. Relaxing at the Spa
Enjoying a day at the Spa is the best thing to do in Marbella for young couples. Here are our recommendations at very reasonable prices. Senator Marbella Spa Hotel offers a wide range of spa circuits and exquisite massages with essential oils. It will take you and your partner into a state of deep relaxation.
For less than 25 euros at Hamman Marbella – Hotel Alanda you can take care of your skin and general wellbeing at the spa circuit and then enjoy a full menu of rice dishes that will open all your senses. You will love it!
Undoubtedly, opting for a luxury spa is always a good choice. We recommend Finca Cortesín, inspired by traditional Andalusian architecture. With an impressive 2,200 square meters, the spa is divided into different areas for facial and body treatments, massages, gym and thermal areas including a spectacular snow cave. It also features a 25-meter heated saltwater swimming pool.
10. Leisure activities
Depending on whether you and your partner like thrills or prefer a quiet day out, here are some recommendations for enjoying the day and nightlife of Marbella.
There are a lot of golf courses in Marbella. Monte Paraíso Country Club offers the perfect course for begginers. It’s only a short distance from the resort’s center and features a number of short par-3 holes. But, If you are already an expert in the game Santa Clara Golf Marbella offers an 18-hole golf course with challenging fairways, lessons and a restaurant in the social club.
Climbing the mountain behind the resort is a fantastic option for adventuresome sorts. La Concha rises above 1200 meters in height and is a part of the Sierra Blanca coastal range. After parking at El Refugio de Januar, you’ll be met with a different landscape, where the steep valleys are home to magnificent pine and oak trees. When you reach the peak, you can see all the way to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, which are located far beyond Marbella. Overall, the walk lasts roughly four hours.
Finally, If concerts are your thing, at Starlite Marbella you will have the opportunity to see national and international artists perform every night.
From the outside, Marbella looks like a small city, but its visitors enjoy each of its corners. You should not miss the opportunity to visit it.
