Marbella Holidays

Top 5 things to do in Marbella

Whether you’re travelling with friends, family or on a romantic break, Marbella’s top sights are sure to delight.

• Despite the city’s cosmopolitan vibe, Marbella Old Town dazzles with old Spanish charm. Wander the narrow, cobbled lanes to stumble upon hidden chapels, pretty boutiques and traditional bars.
• For a picture-perfect lunch spot, seek out Plaza de los Naranjos. This little square is easy to miss but, brimming with fragrant orange trees, near impossible to forget.
• Take a leisurely stroll along Paseo Maritimo, a seaside boardwalk from Marbella to Puerto Banus. Coastal views, plentiful cafes and a lovely local feel have earned it the nickname of ‘Golden Mile’.
• Escape the city bustle in tranquil Alameda Park, a jungle oasis in the city. Find a moment’s peace on an Andalusian tiled bench, overlooking the illuminated water fountain.
• For the most magical views in all of town, tackle the four hour hike up La Concha. The incredible panoramas stretch for miles from this scenic peak in the Sierra Blanca mountain range

Beaches in Marbella

No Marbella break is complete without sinking your toes into the soft sands of the city’s beaches for an afternoon (or two, or three).

• Of Marbella’s excellent central beaches, Playa de la Fontanilla is the most popular. Kick back on a sun bed and devour fresh fish from the many nearby chiringuitos.
• Playa de la Bajadilla and Playa del Venus, both on the city’s doorstep, are slightly smaller but equally lively. Perfect if you love your beach with a bit of buzz.
• The golden sands of Playa los Monteros offer a more laidback beach day. Swing by for two kilometres of restaurants, sand dunes and watersports.
• Well-known for crystal clear waters and fine white sand, Playa Real de Zaragoza is everything you want from a seaside escape. Just outside of town and surrounded by nature, it’s a true getaway.
• East of Marbella, Playa Hermosa may be small but this extension of Costabella beach is well-sheltered. Families love the calm, shallow waters and great facilities to hand.

Trendy beaches in Marbella

It’s not all sun, sea and sand on Marbella’s beaches. This glitzy destination also has a whole lot of seaside sophistication in store.

• Marbella’s most exclusive beach experience can be found at Nikki Beach. A desirable spot famed for pool parties, sumptuous sushi and enough champagne to keep you popping all night long.
• Bounty Beach spills out onto Playa del Cable and is a big hit with younger visitors. Play volleyball, hire pedalos or tuck into a decadent seafood spread.
• On the other side of Puerto Banus' upmarket marina you’ll find Playa Nueva Andalucia. This little golden bay has its own promenade with pretty views back to the palm tree-lined town.
• Surrounded by lush forest and set against Sierra Blanca’s mountain peaks, Nagüeles Beach attracts a well-heeled crowd. You can even tuck into a fine dining feast at renowned chef Dani García’s restaurant, Bibo.
• With a few celebrity residents and excellent beach bar to its name, it’s no surprise that Playa Alicate’s spacious sands come alive with crowds every summer.

Marbella luxury holidays

Proudly bearing the title of the Costa del Sol’s most stylish resort, Marbella is a magnet for holidaymakers in search of a little luxury.

• Neighbourhoods don’t come much flashier than Puerto Banus Marina. Designer shops, sports cars and luxury yachts lie around every corner; an irresistible insight into the high life.
• Marbella’s handful of Michelin star restaurants are rightly popular. But for restaurant quality cuisine in the comfort of your own villa, why not cook up a storm with a private chef?
• The exceptional golf courses around Marbella are some of Spain’s best. Expect panoramic views, mountain backdrops and cutting edge facilities for a stress free golfing holiday.
• Make Mediterranean dreams come true and charter a luxury yacht to glide you and your party over the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Hey, you only live once.
• Treat yourself to a day of full blown pampering in one of Marbella’s opulent spas. Seawater pools, herbal steam rooms and relaxing treatments promise to melt your troubles away.

Marbella couples holidays

Romance abounds in Marbella. From breakfasts in bed to sunsets overlooking the sea, make the most of your quality time together.

• Marbella’s orange tree square sets the romance stakes high, but the surrounding streets are just as enchanting. Cobbled Calle Ancha, with its whitewashed houses and trailing flowers, is pretty as a picture.
• While you’re in Old Town, pop into the Municipal Art Gallery. Not only is it free, but this cosy space flies under the radar so you’ll often have the paintings and sculptures all to yourselves.
• Take your pick of four poster beds, tinkling piano bars, candlelit terraces and panoramic sea views in the many great hotels for couples in Marbella. Did somebody say honeymoon?
• For the day trip of your dreams, head to the mountain city of Ronda. Perched dramatically atop El Tajo gorge, Puento Nuevo bridge is straight out of a fairytale and breathtaking from every angle.
• Marbella was made for al fresco eating, but the garden terrace at Cascana Cocina is especially romantic. Palm trees, trickling waterfall and fairy lights, topped off by delicious food.

Marbella history and culture

Culture in Marbella, like the holidaymakers that grace its golden sands, is a mixed assortment of many international flavours. These days Marbella is known for its glitzy lifestyle, but with money comes art, and with art comes more art. Visit the popular Municipal Exposition Gallery or the Casa Grande Gallery, both of which attract patrons from across the globe and offer up a palette of regularly changing exhibitions.

If you’re visiting in June don’t miss the Marbella Arts Festival, a massive art-based street festival. You should check out the Ralli Museums for a taste of fantastic and contemporary Latin Art, or the Spanish Contemporary Engravings Museum, a top attraction in Marbella’s old town. Experience art in motion at the Black Box Theatre and uncover the many public art installations hidden among Marbella’s winding streets. And remember, Marbella’s history dates to 1600 BC, so keep your eyes peeled for ancient architecture whilst you wander the streets that generations and generations of people have traversed before you.

Food and drink in Marbella

Mouthwatering gastronomy is always on the menu in Marbella, from humble beach bars to Michelin-starred spreads.

• Seek out one of the many authentic tapas bars scattered among the quaint streets of Marbella Old Town. These buzzing eateries are vibrant, romantic and utterly delicious.
• Looking for a quick bite to eat near the seafront? Chiringuitos are colourful beach bars serving unfailingly fresh seafood, just steps from your sun lounger.
• Kick your culinary experience up a gear in Puerto Banus. Favoured by celebrities and the wealthy, the flashy port is a haven of high end dining. Reservations are a must!
• Food markets are for a lot more than just shopping in Spain! Soak up the vibes and pick up tasty treats at the Municipal Market, the home of fresh produce in Marbella.
• Of the Costa del Sol’s many resorts, Estepona has stayed particularly true to its Andalusian roots. Half an hour down the coast, Spanish restaurants flaunt their flamenco flare with pride.

Food experiences in Marbella

Get a special taste of the yummiest spots to wine and dine on holiday in Marbella.

• Swerve the tourist trail on a guided food tour around Old Town. From hidden tapas bars to authentic bodegas, it’s an insider look at Marbella’s unique culinary past.
• Sat high on a hill overlooking the city, Vina & Bodega Remsamen is a welcoming family vineyard. Alongside an excellent tour, you’ll enjoy plenty of tastings and discover a few boozy secrets too.
• Learn to whip up your own Spanish paella or traditional tapas at a regional cooking school. Full of tips and techniques, they’ll take your dinner parties to the next level.
• Not only can you buy an impressive selection of gourmet olive oils at D’Oliva, but taste them all too. The owners are masters of their trade and offer delicious wines and condiments to boot.
• Raise a toast to your Marbella holiday with a private cocktail masterclass. Led by expert bartenders and with shelves of booze at your fingertips, it’s a wonderful way to get the party started.