35 Best Things to Do In Marbella (Explore it Like a Local!)

Being a local from Costa del Sol who constantly explores the area and loves Marbella (it’s my happy place!), I can assure you that it’s a one-of-a-kind destination and isn’t only about parties at Nikki Beach Club, luxury shopping at Puerto Banus and beaches.

Marbella is a fantastic destination all year round, and there’s no doubt why many travellers keep coming back to Marbella – whether it’s for its lovely old town, sun-kissed golden beaches, ambience or nightlife.

There are many reasons to love Marbella!

Soak up the sunshine at Playa de la Venus, wander the idyllic whitewashed streets in the historic centre, sip a cocktail on a rooftop terrace, go on a magical boat tour at sunset or immerse yourself in the local culture by taking a food tour.

It might not be a sightseeing place packed with many historical attractions and museums like Malaga, but believe me, you won’t get bored of its beauty.

Are you ready to discover the best of Marbella with me? Let me show you my favourite activities!

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Table of Contents

The Best Things to Do in Marbella: A Quick Guide

  • Best for culture lovers: visit the historic centre and watch a flamenco show.
  • Best for foodies: go on a tapas tour and olive oil tasting!
  • Best for partygoers: spend the day at a beach club like Nikki Beach or La Sala.
  • Best for adventurers: do a guided canyoning tour.
  • Best for couples: go on a sunset cruise and dine at a restaurant with a view.
  • Best for families: visit La Represa Park or do water activities on the beach.

Things to do in Marbella

1. Uncover the charm of Marbella Old Town

A view of Encarnacion Church from Carmen Street in Marbella old town.

Personally, Marbella has the most beautiful old town in Costa del Sol. Immerse yourself in it by wandering its cobblestone streets with whitewashed buildings, squares adorned with scented orange trees, bougainvillaeas flowers hanging down from houses and blue plant pots with bright flowers.

It’s a picturesque place no matter which path you take. Many of these little streets are connected to Plaza de Los Naranjos (Orange Square), a lively square with restaurants, bars and the town hall. 

While visiting this photogenic square, don’t miss out seeing Casa del Corregidor, a 16th century building characterised by its architecture. It has elements from Gothic, Renaissance and Mudejar art.

In the historic centre, you’ll find many boutique and independent shops perfect for buying something unique or a souvenir and supporting the locals. For example, you can do olive oil tasting and buy high-quality extra virgin olive oil at D-Oliva or beautiful dresses at TANDEM. I love their summer outfits!

Marbella historic centre also has many photography spots that you won’t resist taking pictures of. You can spend hours just wandering around and taking photos like I do, no matter how many times I’ve been.

Visiting Marbella Old Town is one of the best things to do in Marbella.

The most beautiful streets in Marbella Old Town

If you’re looking for pretty streets to take photos of, you want to check these four (they’re my favourites!):

These streets are the most instagrammable spots in Marbella, and there’s no doubt why many tourists, travellers, and bloggers stop by.

Are you a fan of photography? I’ve compiled Marbella’s best photo spots in this article.

2. Contemplate the beauty of La Encarnación Church

Ceiling at Encarnacion church in Marbella.

Not far from Plaza de los Naranjos is Plaza de la Iglesia, a charming square with a fountain, a cross, palm trees, a statue, and Iglesia de la Encarnación on the side. It’s Marbella’s main church.

If you appreciate the outside of this beautiful church, you’ll love the inside with its religious statues and little stained-glass windows near the ceiling, which is also impressive.

When visiting it during December or early January, you can also see a beautiful nativity scene inside the church.

The church opening times vary from summer to the rest of the year. You can check the exact times in this page.

3. Capture history by taking a photo of Marbella Castle Walls

The walls of Marbella Castle.

Marbella Castle is a historic landmark located in the Old Town. The castle was built in the 11th century, showing the Moorish influences in the area. 

Before exploring Marbella Old Town, you might expect to see a castle; however, nowadays, you’ll only find the restored remaining walls of what used to be Marbella Castle.

Although you can’t do much more than take photos of it, it’s still nice to see and read the posters about its history.

4. Discover the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings

Inside the museum of engravings, Marbella, Spain.

Located in the old town of Marbella, the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings, also known as Museo de Grabado Español Contemporáneo, is an interesting museum for anyone who loves seeing graphic art.

The museum was built in the former Bazán Hospital building, and here you can find a wide collection of the best Spanish engravings – from graphic arts that date back to the 15th century to engravings of recognised artists like Picasso and Dalí.

There are three floors to explore and immerse yourself in art. I was impressed by the amount of objects and paintings in this museum.

5. Relax on the tiled benches in the Alameda Park

Fountain in Alameda Park in Marbella

If there’s at least one park you must visit in Marbella is Alameda Park. It’s one of the best places to visit in Marbella. A three-minute walk from the Old Town, the park is an escape from the lively atmosphere to a relaxing place. 

When you walk from Alameda Park, it gives you the feeling of walking in a small jungle. Many species of plants and tall trees keep you in the shade. It’s the sort of place you want to go to in the summer when it’s scorching.

The shade from the plants and trees makes the place cool. On top of this, other reasons to visit this lovely park are the impressive fountain in the centre of the park, which has become a popular photo spot, and its benches made with beautiful tiles.

It’s a popular meeting point for us locals and some summer events take place here.

6. Treat yourself in Puerto Banús

A view of Puerto Banus, Marbella.

Marbella’s worldwide famous port, Puerto José Banus, is a must-see during your time in Marbella.

The port is well-known for its expensive yachts, cars, shops and restaurants. You can find shops such as Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and many more.

Although it isn’t a budget-friendly place, it’s a nice place to see the sunset and have a taste of this luxurious area in Marbella. You can grab a cocktail in one of the restaurants overlooking the port and soak up the stylish atmosphere.

Another great activity to do in Puerto Banus is to go on a boat tour. There are different types of tours, and some even include dolphin watching (more about cruises below!).

7. Go on a sailing boat cruise

If you want a different view of Marbella, a sailing boat cruise is perfect because you can contemplate the beautiful coastline, whitewashed buildings and mountains. The scenery is magical.

This 3-hour boat cruise includes drinks and snacks, and snorkelling equipment. You can simply relax and enjoy the views or dive into the sea. You might be lucky and see some dolphins and other marine animals too. It’s a great activity in Marbella.

📌 Check out this highly-rated sailing boat cruise

8. Eat tapas at La Lonja

La Lonja Restaurant in Marbella, Spain.

When visiting Marbella, eating tapas is a top activity to do in the town. There are endless options; however, if you want delicious and authentic tapas, La Lonja is your best choice. 

The restaurant is in Avenida Antonio Belón, a few minutes walk from Avenida del Mar. They offer traditional Andalusian food, from fresh fried fish and seafood to smaller dishes such as gambas al pil-pil, croquetas and berenjenas con miel de caña (fried aubergine with sugar cane honey.)

Another fantastic place to eat in Marbella is Casa Blanca. I love their cosy atmosphere and dishes like their garlic prawns and serranito sandwich.

If you prefer to discover food on a food tour, check out this tapas and wine tour, where you’ll be taken to two traditional tapa restaurants in the old town. You’ll enjoy the Andalusian flavours and learn more about Marbella too.



9. Chill on a rooftop terrace

Linda rooftop terrace in Marbella, Spain.

Another fantastic thing to do in Marbella is to go to a rooftop terrace. There are many pretty rooftop bars where you can enjoy a cocktail, mocktail or smoothie. 

I’ve visited the rooftop terrace at Linda Boutique Hotel (see the photos below), which has stunning views of the Santo Cristo de Marbella Church. Their terrace is very cosy and beautifully decorated.

However, if you prefer coastal views, head to Belvue Rooftop Bar, Senator Marbella Spa Hotel or Lima Hotel.

10. Soak up the sun at one of Marbella’s beaches

Venus Beach, Marbella

Marbella and its surroundings have lovely beaches for a half or full day, and some of them are even awarded Blue Flags because of their facilities and quality.

If you’re looking for the most accessible from Marbella’s Old Town, you want to go to Playa Venus. It’s a small beach with plenty of activities to do in case you’d rather do something different than sunbathing. There are water sports activities, restaurants and shops nearby. 

At the same time, it’s a great beach for watching the beautiful sunset.

For anyone who prefers a tranquil and less crowded beach in Marbella, El Alicate is your best option. This beach also offers golden sand and crystal blue waters, which makes it a very special beach.

Also, one of my favourite beaches in Marbella is Cabopino, which is excellent for relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.

Other beaches in Marbella you want to check are:

  • Playa de la Venus– best for facilities and is next to the old town.
  • Bounty Beach – best for a great atmosphere.
  • Playa Real de Zaragoza – best for good chiringuitos (beach bars).
  • Nikki Beach – best for parties.
  • Cabopino – best for immersing yourself in nature. Las Dunas de Artola Natural Park is next to the beach.

11. Spend the day at a stylish beach club

Amare beach club in Marbella, Spain

I’m not a partygoer, and I’ve never been, but I love the atmosphere at the beach clubs in Marbella

They’re different from other beach clubs across the Costa del Sol. They have that glamorous vibe and incredible music you can enjoy all day.

Book a sunbed, enjoy a meal and soak up the sunshine while listening to chill-out music.

I’ve visited the Amare Beach Club, which belongs to the Marbella Amare Hotel, an adult-only accommodation. However, there are other incredible places, such as Ocean Beach and Nikki Beach.

12. Learn to paddleboard

Faro Beach, Marbella

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Marbella, check out the water sports activities.

Whether you love paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing, you’ll find plenty of classes and tours across Marbella’s coast.

Paddleboarding has become more and more popular in Costa del Sol, and you can find very good tours and classes where you’ll learn stand-up paddleboarding. It’s an excellent watersport for all ages, giving you a chance to see Marbella from another perspective.

One of the most magical times to do paddling is sunset.

📌 Check out this 2 hour kayak tour to explore the coast.

13. Scuba dive

Did you know Marbella and Costa del Sol are home to diverse marine life? This is because of the mix of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. 

When you go scuba diving in Marbella, you might see anything from octopuses and eels to seahorses. An interesting fact about Marbella is that there is a type of sea slug in Marbella you won’t find anywhere else.

Plenty of companies across Marbella offer scuba diving lessons for beginners and all levels.

14. Walkthrough Avenida del Mar

A photo of Dali sculptures at Avenida del Mar in Marbella, Spain.

This avenue used to be part of the popular Alameda Park, but this changed in the 80s when they started building underground car parking. From the 90s onwards, the avenue changed into what it is now.

It’s a great place to wander around and contemplate the 10 different bronze sculptures by the artist Salvador Dalí. There isn’t a clear connection between Dalí and Marbella, but we locals know that these sculptures sparked a storm of controversy.

Some people believe that Dalí didn’t create these sculptures from scratch and he got his inspiration in the sketches from another artist.

From Avenida del Mar, you can go down to the beach and continue a relaxing walk along the promenade.

Also, if you’re interested in seeing more art, you can visit the Ralli Museum, home to numerous artworks from Latin American artists.

15. Ride a bike on the beach promenade

promenade in marbella spain

Riding a bike is a different way to explore Marbella and its coastline. It’s a great idea to see as much as possible of the town in a short period.

Although you can always rent a bike and do it on your own, if you want to do it with a group and learn about the town, go on a guided bike tour.

This 3-hour guided bike tour takes you from one side of the town to another, but you also have some time to take pictures and have a quick drink in one of the beach restaurants.

16. Book a free tour in Marbella

Marbella beach promenade on a sunny day

There are plenty of free things to do in Marbella, including guided tours.

Anyone who loves learning about a place from a local’s perspective or someone who has lived in Marbella for a while can book a free walking tour.

You can find several free tours online, and they’ll mostly show you around the Old Town and a few spots that only locals know.

📌 Check out this free walking tour of the Old Town of Marbella

17. Join the locals for an ice cream at Purolatte

Outdoor tables at Purolatte ice cream shop.

Summers in Marbella are hot, and there’s no better way to cool down than having a handmade ice cream or refreshing smoothie at Purolatte.

This ice cream shop offers many delicious flavours—from cookies and tiramisu to mango—fresh smoothies, crepes, waffles, and other sweet treats.

The mango ice cream is my go-to when I visit Purolatte. It’s smooth and full of flavour!

18. Enjoy great events at The Farm

The farm restaurant in Marbella, Spain.

Although La Lonja is my top place to eat traditional food in Marbella, The Farm is a fantastic restaurant with modern dishes that aren’t only Spanish.

They use organic and fresh ingredients and have a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

However, what I like the most about The Farm are its events. You can listen to anything from live flamenco to rock and jazz; the atmosphere is incredible.

They also organise BBQs and yoga lessons. Check out its event calendar before heading there!

19. Take a photo of Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz Church

Square with a fountain and white church in Marbella old town, Southern Spain.

If you stroll through Marbella Old Town, you’ll eventually find Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz Church. The church is in Barrio Alto, which is still part of the old town.

The chapel of this church was built in the 15th century and expanded in the 18th century. Not only does the church look beautiful, but the square in which you find the church too.

20. Stroll through Represa Park

Parque de la Represa is a beautiful urban park that used to divide the historic centre from the new. Inside this park, you can also find the stream of the Dam.

It’s lovely strolling through this park as you find many trees and plants from all over the world. In Represa Park, you can find the Bonsai Museum; however, it’s permanently closed now.

Parque La Represa is also a fantastic place to visit in Marbella with kids. They can have fun at the playground and see ducks, swans and turtles in the lake. By the way, there are so many turtles!

My favourite activities are going to the park and watching the turtles in the lake.

Although I prefer this park, another you might want to add to your list is Parque de la Constitución.

21. Go on a scenic hiking trail

View of La Concha mountain in Marbella, Spain.

Marbella isn’t only surrounded by a beautiful coastline, but mountains too. Whether you want to enjoy a close view of the Mediterranean Coast or have a peek-a-boo view of the African continent, you’ll find a walking route for you.

La Concha is one of the most popular routes for those who want a challenge. It takes between 8 and 9 hours to complete if you start from Marbella. This hike offers fantastic views of the coast, Gibraltar and even Africa on clear days.

If you want an easy walk, Senda Litoral Dunas de Artola is a beautiful route that takes you through the coast. It won’t take you more than 35 minutes to complete! It’s a peaceful walk where you can see the dunes and then swim in the sea.

22. Play golf at some of the best resorts in Costa del Sol

Golf course in Costa del Sol.

A popular thing to do in Marbella is to play golf. It’s a golf paradise, offering golf courses for all ages and levels. Some of the best golf courses in Marbella include:

23. Go to the lively Marbella street market

Do you love street markets? Marbella has a street market that takes place every Monday in Las Albarizas, Calle Platino, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The street market has over 350 stalls and sells anything from clothes to fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

But if you prefer antiques and quirky items, I recommend visiting the flea market at Centro Comercial Centro Plaza on Sundays.

24. Do some shopping at La Cañada

A view of La Cañada Shopping Centre in Marbella, Spain.

La Cañada is the best shopping centre in Marbella and Costa del Sol. If you’re looking for something, it’s very likely you’ll find it at La Cañada. The shopping centre has over 250 stores and plenty of car parking spaces.

Here you can find national as well as international brands – some of these brands are Zara, Quicksilver, Levi’s and Superdry. In addition to all the stores, the shopping centre has a good variety of restaurants and fast food options if you’re after food.

The best way to get to La Cañada is by car, take AP-7 and exit 186 towards A-355 / Ojen / Marbella (East). Alternatively, you can get a bus to La Cañada from the Marbella bus station.

25. Attend Marbella’s Fair

Marbella's fair decorations

If you happen to be in Marbella at the beginning of June, you can’t miss one of the many fantastic events in Costa del Sol, Feria de San Bernabé (Marbella’s Fair), celebrated every year.

There are lots of activities going on across the town during the 5 days this fair lasts – from incredible fireworks, attractions, dances, and live performances to churros and paella tastings.

26. Visit Lago de las Tortugas

One of the unusual things to do in Marbella is to visit Lago de las Tortugas, a 20-minute drive from Marbella Old Town.

Lago de las Tortugas, known as Turtle Lake in English, is a small picturesque lake nestled in the northern part of Marbella. 

This lake, which is more of a reservoir, is home to many birds, and it’s an excellent place to enjoy a picnic in spring or swim in summer.

Note that despite its name, it’s rare to see turtles in this lake.

27. Discover Parque de las Ranas

Marbella Ojen walk

One of Marbella’s secret places is Parque de las Ranas. This lovely walk lets you cool down on a hot day. The tall trees and the Guadalpin stream make you feel immersed in nature. From here, you can also start the Marbella-Ojen hiking trail, a 17 km walk.

It’s one of my favourite places in Marbella because it’s quiet and only locals and expats know about it.

28. Watch the sunset at Embarcadero

Marbella pier.

One of my favourite places to watch the sunset in Marbella is on the Embarcadero pier in Marbella Beach Club, located in Playa de Nagueles. 

It’s a magical spot you can visit all year round, and the beach club doesn’t need to be open. 

Other beautiful sunset spots in Marbella include Trocadero Playa and Playa del Faro.

29. Contemplate the Roman Villa ruins

Villa Roman de Rio Verde is a villa complex situated a few meters away from Rio Verde in Marbella, between Puerto Banus and Marbella.

This archaeological site is known for its stunning well-preserved mosaic floors – including the famous mosaic of Medusa. 

You can’t miss this place if you’re into Roman times and history.

30. Explore San Pedro de Alcantara

San Pedro de Alcantara beach promenade.

One of the things to do near Marbella is to visit San Pedro de Alcántara. It’s situated between Marbella and Estepona, and although it’s part of Marbella, it feels like a different town.

Here you can head to Plaza de la Iglesia, its main square, where you’ll find a parish church, narrow streets and plenty of boutique shops and restaurants.

Other places to see are Boulevard San Pedro, with playgrounds, gardens, a few cafes, and the basilica ruins.

However, my favourite place in San Pedro de Alcantara is the beach promenade, from where you can walk all the way to Puerto Banus or enjoy a meal with a view. I love Playa Nini beach restaurant.

a beautiful square in the old town of marbella, spain

Marbella has enchanting places; however, if you’re staying for a more extended period of time, you can make the most of your time in Southern Spain by visiting other incredible places and going on a road trip.

Here’s a shortlist of the best day trips from Marbella.

31. Go on a Marbella to Malaga day trip

A photo of Malaga Cathedral taken in Obispo Square.

Marbella is within a short distance from Malaga and, therefore, a great day trip. If you travel by car, it takes you about 1 hour or 45 minutes if you take the toll. However, if you don’t have a car, you can also get to Malaga by coach, Avanza buses are comfortable, affordable and quick.

The city offers a wide variety of cultural and entertaining activities that you can easily do in a day. 

A must-see attraction is La Alcazaba de Málaga. This fortress palace takes you back to the Moorish times in Andalusia. Next to La Alcazaba, you can visit the Roman Theatre, and at the top of the hill is the Gibralfaro viewpoint and Castle.

Apart from these beautiful historical buildings, other activities you must include on your list are eating tapas at El Pimpi, walking through Muelle Uno, visiting the cathedral and enjoying the sunset in a rooftop bar such as La Terraza de Valeria.

📌Read more about Malaga: Best Free Things to do in Malaga

32. Go on a Marbella to Ronda day trip

Puente Nuevo (Ronda's Bridge), Spain

This charming town, located at the top of a mountain, is known for being the birthplace of bullfighting. You’ve probably seen pictures of this town before, especially of its epic New Bridge, Puente Nuevo.

Ronda offers many activities to do in a day – wine tasting, bird watching, visiting the Arabic Baths, strolling through the old and new town, exploring the Moorish Palace (La Casa del Rey Moro), and walking in El Tajo, among other activities.

To get from Marbella to Ronda, you can drive about an hour via A-397 or take an Avanza bus from Marbella bus station, which can take up to two hours. 

Alternatively, Get Your Guide offers an excellent full-day tour to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas.

I went on this day tour, and it was totally worth it! We were given 1 hour to explore Setenil de las Bodegas, and after that, we spent most of the time in Ronda, where we enjoyed a guided tour of the old town.

After the guided tour and a glass of wine in a lovely restaurant overlooking the bridge, we were given 3 hours to explore Ronda on our own.

It’s a good day trip if you don’t have much time on Costa del Sol and don’t want to miss the opportunity to see these incredible towns.

The main downside of the tour is that 1 hour isn’t enough to explore Setenil. Especially if you want to take photos, enjoy a meal or take it easy.

33. Go on a Marbella to Ojen day trip

Ojen, a whitewashed town near marbellla, spain

Ojen is a small town very close to Marbella, only a 20-minute drive, and it’s a charming place to visit. 

This mountainside town is known for its whitewashed buildings, picturesque streets, and views.

Despite its small size, you can still find some interesting attractions such as the Oil Mill Museum, the parish church of Our Lady of the Incarnation and Ojen Caves, which have beautiful karstic monuments linked to the life of this town.

34. Go on a Marbella to Gibraltar day trip

top of gibraltar, one of the best things to do in gibraltar

A one-hour drive from Marbella, Gibraltar is a unique destination to visit – its location, nature and fauna, as well as multicultural influences. The country is about 6.8 km², but despite being small, there are many things you can do in Gibraltar in a day.

Gibraltar’s most popular attraction is the Rock of Gibraltar, located in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, home to the cheeky macaques and St Michael’s Cave. It’s an incredible place to visit as you can contemplate outstanding views of Gibraltar, Africa and Spain.

Other activities in Gibraltar include exploring Catalan Bay – a colourful area with a beautiful sandy beach, shopping on Main Street, visiting the Moorish Castle and relaxing at Gibraltar Botanic Gardens.

35. Go on a Marbella to Setenil de las Bodegas day trip

Setenil de las bodegas whitewashed town in cadiz.

If you love visiting whitewashed villages, Setenil de las Bodegas in Cadiz province must be on your list. This village is an hour and 25 minutes drive from Marbella, but you can also find tours from Costa del Sol to Setenil.

What makes this place unique and attracts many tourists is that houses are inside caves carved into the cliffs.

Some of the best things you can do in Setenil include wandering its streets, visiting the Arab Castle, enjoying the views from different points across Setenil, visiting the churches, and tasting the local food.

Setenil isn’t far from Ronda, so you might want to visit Ronda and Setenil in one day. Alternatively, you can explore Setenil and Zahara de la Sierra or Olvera if you’ve already seen Ronda.

Map of Marbella activities

Click on the image below to get the map with all the Marbella attractions mentioned above.

Map of Marbella activities.

How to get to Marbella

Overhead photo of motorway in Marbella, Spain

If you’re flying to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), the easiest way to travel to Marbella is to rent a car – this way, you can have more freedom to visit other beautiful places in the Costa del Sol – or get Avanza bus to Marbella just outside the arrivals doors at the airport. 

If you decide to travel by car from the airport to Marbella, be aware that there are two routes – one that goes all the way through the coast (the scenic route) or the toll route that takes you to Marbella in less time.

Don’t fancy driving? You can also book a transfer to Marbella with Kiwitaxi.

🚗 Get your rental car with Discover Cars!

Where to stay in Marbella

Linda Boutique Hotel

Linda Hotel Marbella, Spain

⭐ 4-star hotel | Review: 8.5/10 | View on Booking.com

Looking for a central hotel in Marbella? Linda Boutique Hotel is at the heart of Marbella’s Old Town.

Not only is the location excellent, but the hotel facilities and rooms will surprise you too!

All the rooms include a beautiful modern design, comfortable king-size beds, free WiFi, a tea and coffee maker and an ensuite bathroom.

The hotel also offers a delicious complimentary breakfast at their Lobby Café. They serve a good range of savoury and sweet breakfasts – yoghurt, granola, croissants, eggs, etc.

One of the best things about this hotel is its rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a drink while watching the sunset on a summer evening.

📌 Check out availability and rates at Linda Boutique Hotel

The Pearl – Luxury B&B

⭐ 4-star bed and breakfast | Review: 9.2/10 | View on Booking.com

If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing stay in Marbella, you’ll love this boutique bed and breakfast.

The Pearl is beautifully decorated with unique pieces of contemporary work from around the world. It has cosy facilities such as a communal swimming pool with a terrace and Andalusian-style patios.

All of their rooms are well-equipped with comfortable queen or king-size beds, smart TV, WiFi and ensuite bathrooms with all the essentials.

However, if you want the ultimate experience at the Pearl, The Pearl Room is the one for you. It has a balcony overlooking the swimming pool, an incredible bathtub where you can relax and enjoy a view of the gardens and a comfortable four-pole canopy king-size bed.

📌 Check out availability and rates at The Pearl

Frequently asked questions about Marbella Spain

Marbella sign in Marbella Old Town.

Is Marbella worth visiting?

Yes, Marbella is a place you don’t want to miss in Costa del Sol. Not only is it a great place to spend your holidays, but also to live. The town has numerous things to do – such as exploring the beautiful old town, visiting Puerto Banus, and playing golf – and the temperatures are mild most of the year.

Is Marbella a party place?

Marbella nightlife has a big reputation for luxurious parties. The most popular places for parties in Marbella are Puerto Banus and the Golden Mile. However, if you aren’t into clubbing, you can also find quieter areas in the town.

Is Marbella Spain expensive?

Although Marbella is more expensive than other Costa del Sol towns, if you plan your holiday well, you’ll be able to find affordable places to eat and stay. For example, you want to avoid eating out and staying in Puerto Banus and staying a little further than these main tourist areas.

What’s the weather like in Marbella?

Marbella enjoys beautiful sunny days all year round. In the summer, the average temperature is 26ºC; in the winter, the average temperature is 12ºC, and rainy days aren’t common.

What are the best things to do with kids in Marbella?

Some of the best things to do with kids in Marbella include playing at La Represa Park, visiting Aventura Amazonia, doing water activities at the beach and going to Selwo Aventura safari (a short drive from Marbella).

Conclusion on what to see in Marbella

In conclusion, there are plenty of things to do in Marbella. In addition to this, Marbella in comparison to Malaga is a better beach holiday destination because of better beaches and more water activities to do.

It’s a great destination to spend and enjoy the summer, but because of its mild temperature all year round, you’ll have a good time in Marbella regardless of the time of the year.

If you visit Marbella in winter, there are fantastic Christmas events and activities you won’t normally do in summer because of the heat. Winter is also perfect for experiencing a quieter atmosphere in Marbella.

If you have any questions or want advice on what to do in Marbella or any other Costa del Sol towns, leave a comment below. I’m happy to help.

Safe adventures,

Cristina xx

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11 Comments

  1. Marbella looks so stunning. I can’t believe a lot of people only go there to party. I’m happy to see that there’s a lot more to do in this town. Definitely landed on my list!

    1. Cristina Reina says:

      I am happy that it made it to your list! It has much more to offer than just partying.

  2. Love your photos! I like the small towns of Andalucia and Marbella looks like my kind of town. The old town, churches, narrow cobblestone streets, some history with castles – all sound good to me. I will check out this town on my next trip to Spain. Saving your blog post. 🙂

    1. Cristina Reina says:

      Thank you, Jan! I love Andalusia too, and it’s great to hear you’ve added Marbella to your list 🙂

  3. I love places that have a “something for everybody” vibe; especially when you’re traveling with friends, some members of your group may be into beaches and relaxation while others are more into history. I’d definitely want to check out the Roman ruins and the historic buildings! I usually travel solo but every once in awhile I get together with friends and we try to decide on a place we’d all equally love, going to remember Marbella!

    1. Cristina Reina says:

      I totally agree with you, Claire. I love places that have a bit of everything, so it makes it easier to make everyone happy 🙂 Marbella is definitely one of those. In addition to that, the town is very close to other amazing places too.

  4. Cristina Reina says:

    Yes, it happened to me as well! I thought Marbella didn’t have much to see, but I loved the old town. Thank you.

  5. Cristina Reina says:

    I am sure you will love Setenil de las Bodegas and the Roman ruins 🙂 I also agree about whitewashed villages looking even better during the sunset.

  6. Cristina Reina says:

    I hope you can visit it soon 🙂

  7. Cristina Reina says:

    I am glad that you have discovered a new place by reading the blog!

  8. Cristina Reina says:

    Thank you, Cosette! I hope you have the chance to visit Southern Spain soon 🙂

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