15 Top Things to Do In Marbella And Where To Stay
From boat trips to beach clubs, Marbella Old Town to the nearby White Villages, we’ve got the top things to do in Marbella and the best places to stay.
Marbella is one of Europe’s most popular holiday resorts, and it is easy to see why. With a beautiful Old Town, plenty of sunshine, and a touch of glitz and glamour, its appeals to couples, friends or family holidays. It is a paradise for golfers too, and those looking for vibrant nightlife, while also serving as an excellent base for exploring some of Andalusia’s most remarkable sights.
I have listed some of my favourite things to do in Marbella below, along with hotel and apartment recommendations to help you plan a trip to this much loved resort.
About Marbella
Located in the region of Andalusia, Marbella is the most fashionable resort on Spain’s famous Costa del Sol. It is known for its pretty old town, upmarket beach clubs, luxury hotels and holiday homes, and wealth of golf courses. Averaging 320 sunny days annually, Marbella has grown from a small fishing village into one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations.
As well as 23 beaches along its 27 km of coastline, Marbella is surrounded by the Sierra Blanca mountains which protect the resorts from the cold northern winds and reducing rainfall, resulting in milder winters and slightly cooler summers compared to the surrounding areas, adding to its appeal.
I visited Marbella twice recently, with friends and with family, and was surprised by how spread out the municipality has become. It covers an area of around 117 square kilometres, connected by large highways that link a series of coastal resorts and neighbourhoods. I have included a Marbella resort guide at the bottom of this post to help you choose the best resort for you.
Top things to do in Marbella and Nearby
Many visitors choose Marbella for a relaxing beach holiday, but the area offers far more than sun and sand. I highly recommend exploring some of the nearby villages, which provide a glimpse of traditional Andalusian life and culture. After a day of exploring, you can enjoy traditional tapas in local restaurants or spend time at one of Marbella’s stylish beach clubs, which add a little glamour to the relaxed holiday atmosphere.
I have listed some of my favourite things to do in Marbella and nearby, as well as some restaurant and hotel recommendations below.
1. Explore Marbella Old Town
No Marbella holiday would be complete without a visit to its charming Old Town, it is one of the top things to see in Marbella. Its historic whitewashed buildings, narrow cobbled streets and pretty squares are a welcome contrast to the modern luxury resorts that surround it.
The lively Orange Square, Plaza de los Naranjos, is a great place to sit out and people watch, but make sure you explore all the side streets, that are full of gorgeous boutiques, tapas bars and colourful hanging flower pots.
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, is the main parish catholic church of Marbella. Built in the seventeenth century on the site of a former mosque, it is one of the most important historic landmarks in the town and is easily visited.
Marbella’s Old Town was larger than I expected, so I recommend arriving early if you want enough time to explore and browse the shops properly. Follow some shopping with sundowners at Sky Bar – a rooftop bar at the top of La Fonda Heritage Hotel, that offers great views of the terracotta rooftops.
Finish your evening with some tasty tapas in one of the many tapas bars and restaurants in the town centre – my personal recommendation is below.
2. Go to El Boquerón for Tapas
Marbella Old Town is packed with tapas bars and restaurants that you can reserve in advance, but if you have time, El Boquerón is worth the wait. While the menu includes classic Spanish tapas such as prawn pil pil and patatas bravas, it also offers more contemporary dishes. I loved the prawn pappardelle, and the spicy beef salad is a must!
El Boquerón does not take reservations, and you will probably see a very long queue outside. However, if you give your name and phone number to reception and then pop into a nearby bar for a drink, you won’t even notice the wait time!
More restaurant recommendations in Marbella:
Poniente Playa: Great seafood, paella and wagu burger with beachfront location – book an hour before sunset.
Soleo: Mediterranean restaurant with amazing beachfront location, particularly at sunset. Make sure to order the Iberian Ham.
Casa Tua and Luini – Italian restaurants in Marbella
3. Pre Book a Boat Trip
Get the best views of Marbella and Puerto Banus from the sea. There are many different boat trips to choose from, including the Marbella to Puerto Banus ferry which costs just €20 return.
However, for the ultimate holiday experience book a two-hour dolphin cruise which can be taken during the day or at sunset. With prices from only €55 including drinks, it is one of the top things to do in Marbella.
4. Stroll the Marina and Market in Puerto Banus
Puerto Banús is known for its luxury marina and lively nightlife and is a must see in Marbella. Purpose-built in the 1970s, and located about a 15 minute-drive from Marbella Old Town, the marina is lined with impressive yachts, waterfront restaurants, and designer shops.
Even if your budget does not stretch to designer shopping, it is still well worth a visit simply to people watch and admire the super yachts and sports cars that cruise past constantly, each one trying to outdo the last!
We managed to find reasonably priced Sangria overlooking the marina at Salduba Pub, although Sinatras is the place to go fo the best ambiance!
Pizzeria Picasso offers good value pizza and pasta, although you can not pre book it. There is usually a long queue outside but it does move quickly, proving that it is possible to enjoy an afternoon here without breaking the bank!
Top Tip: Visit on a Saturday morning when the market takes place. You will find countless stalls selling imitation designer bags, jewellery, and sunglasses, alongside some locally made crafts.
5. Book a Beach Club
If you can afford it, I highly recommend splashing out on a leisurely lunch. A visit to one of Marbella’s many beach clubs is essential if you want to experience the essence of this fashionable resort. They are expensive, but some offer a full days entertainment with great food included. There are loads to choose from, each offering a slightly different vibe and clientele.
While Nikki Beach might be the most famous beach club in Marbella, its all-white decor, champagne parties and lively DJ sets tends to attract a younger clientele. We went for lunch with our teenagers and had a great time. It was one of the highlights of our trip for our teens and we loved the people watching and lively atmosphere too.
Note under 16s are not allowed in the pool or beds, but you can dine in the restaurant and join in the atmosphere. This short Instagram reel will give you a glimpse of what to expect!
Food was good, particularly the sushi, and was not outrageously priced, although it is €85 for a bottle of house wine! There is a 2 hour limit at the table, but you can stay on the beach afterwards.
The Beach House offers a more relaxed atmosphere, although it is still very lively, depending on the day and time you visit. I went to The Beach House for Sunday brunch with my girlfriends and loved it.
The food was excellent and atmosphere electric – people were dancing by 4pm, and the party continued all day, although it has an older clientele than Nikki Beach. I’m told the All Inclusive lunch on a Saturday is pretty wild though!
La Plage Casanis offers a similar vibe to The Beach House and is also located in the Marbella resort of Elviria
Top Tip: Make sure you pre book all Marbella beach clubs in advance!
6. Book Sundowners at one of Marbella’s rooftop bars
If you are looking for rooftop bars in Marbella, the Belvue at the top of the Amare Hotel, or Kena at the top of El Fuerte Hotel are two of the best. As well as having epic 360 degree mountain and sea views, they are just minutes away from Marbella’s Old Town.
The signature cocktails are excellent in both, although I think the setting is superior in Kena, plus you can also dine in the restaurant there. The best part – you can pre book tables at sunset!
7. Walk along the Paseo
Marbella’s palm-tree-lined Paseo Marítimo is a seven-kilometre promenade that stretches along the coastline all the way to Puerto Banús. Lined with shops, bars and restaurants, and busy with walkers, joggers and cyclists, it sums up Marbella’s relaxed atmosphere perfectly.
I walked along it most mornings before breakfast, but it is also gorgeous at sunset, when street performers add to the atmosphere and holidaymakers fill the outdoor tables in the bars and restaurants to watch the sun go down
8. Play a Round of Golf
The Costa del Sol is nicknamed Costa del Golf for a reason – there are 70 golf courses here, and, Marbella, often called the golf capital of Europe, has a whopping 19! Whether you are an experienced golfer or a beginner, there are plenty of options to choose from, including championship courses and more relaxed clubs. Playing a round of golf is one of the top things to do in the Costa del Sol.
9. Shop La Cañada
If you want a break from the heat, or simply love to shop, La Cañada Shopping Mall is a must visit in Marbella. With around 280 stores, you will find Spanish favourites including Zara, Zara Home, Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, Mango and Pull&Bear, where prices will be cheaper than at home.
There are plenty of international brands too, including Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Victoria’s Secret, Maje, Sephora, Kiko, adidas and Nike, as well as Primark and Marks & Spencer.
Best Day Trips from Marbella
If you fancy a break from the beach, there are many day trips from Malaga to choose from. From trips to Seville, the Alhambra in Grenada, and Tangier in Morocco, you can enjoy a full day out or visit some of the attractions nearby. I have selected the most popular, along with some personal favourites below.
10. Walk the Caminito del Rey
One of my favourite experiences throughout all my visits to Spain was walking the Caminito del Rey. This 7.7km cliff path walk offers spectacular views from beginning to end, with stunning gorges, canyons and cliffs around every corner.
Despite walking on walkways that hang over a sheer cliff face, I never felt scared at any time. It is not too challenging either, the walk takes approximately 2.5 hours, and you don’t need to be particularly fit to walk it.
Located just over an hour from Marbella, it can be reached by car or by an organised tour. Tickets need to be booked well in advance as numbers are restricted, and you can go with or without a guide.
An organised tour from Marbella is probably the best route to take, as prices are excellent and you can organise to be collected from your hotel. This is one of the top things to do on Costa del Sol, so don’t miss it! Note, children under 8 are not allowed on the walk and it is not suitable for anyone with a fear of heights.
Read: Top Tips for walking the Caminito del Rey cliff path walk.
11. Plan a Day Trip to the White Villages
A visit to one of the many White Villages, (Pueblos Blancos), is one of the top things to do in Marbella. There are over 30 famous villages, and many more that you may stumble upon, and as the name suggests, you can expect whitewashed buildings and narrow streets, with most villages perched on hilltops with beautiful views.
Favourite nearby villages to visit include Júzcar; often called the Smurf Village because of its blue painted houses, Benahavis; an upmarket village renowned for its top-class restaurants, and Casares; arguably the prettiest of them all, where its houses appear to cascade down the mountainside and are met by a 12th century Moorish castle beneath.
The closest White Village to Marbella is Ojén, it is only a 10 minute drive away, while Mijas Pueblo, one of the most visited, is about 25 minutes drive away. If you don’t mind driving a little further, consider the larger white town of Ronda and the spectacular Setenil de la Bodegas, both listed below.
12. Spend a full day in Ronda
We made the mistake of thinking we could visit Ronda for a few hours, but if you want to see it properly, you need a full day, or better still, stay overnight.
Ronda’s iconic deep gorge and the Puente Nuevo, the 18th-century New Bridge, have been attracting visitors all over the world, and it is only a 90 minute drive from Marbella. Its old town has narrow streets, pretty plazas, as well as family-run wineries and tasty tapas bars, but there is also great shopping here, so there is more to discover than just the Puento Nuevo.
That said, most visitors come to Ronda to see this incredible architectural masterpiece. While the views from the bridge itself are impressive, it is worth hiking down into the El Tajo gorge for the best views. Allow around 20-30 minutes to walk down, and a little longer for the climb back up, but if, like me, you will be stopping for lots of photos along the way, I think you will need at least 90 minutes.
There is a new walkway Desfiladero del Tajo, to bring you to the bottom of the gorge. Tickets cost just €5 and it is suitable for 8+.
13. Marvel at Setenil de las Bodegas
Setenil de las Bodegas was on my bucket list for many years, so when I realised it was only 20 minutes drive from Ronda, I knew we had to visit. This tiny white village is built along a narrow river gorge, and many of its houses and restaurants are tucked beneath enormous rock overhangs, giving the streets a dramatic and distinctive appearance.
It is one of the most remarkable villages I have seen and I can’t recommend a visit here enough – the short Instagram reel above should give you an idea of what to expect. Take time to enjoy some tapas or drinks and soak up the atmosphere, it is such a unique place to visit.
Top Tip: When you park outside the town, put Calle Cuevas del Sol and Calle Cuevas de la Sombra into Google Maps and it will bring you into the centre of the town in about 10 minutes.
A tour that combines Ronda with the white village of Setenil de las Bodegas is arguably one of the best day trips from Marbella.
14. Explore Malaga City
Most of Malaga’s international visitors use the airport as a gateway to stay in beach resorts on the Costa del Sol. Until recently, I was one of those people, and can’t believe what I had been missing for the last 30 years!
Malaga is the third oldest city in Western Europe after Lisbon and Cadiz, and its historical centre is a pleasure to explore. The streets are covered in marble tiles and there are beautiful buildings around every corner, including the magnificent Cathedral of Malaga, Roman Theatre and a Moorish fortress, not to mention Malaga has 30 museums!
In typical Spanish fashion, the streets are lined with tapas bars where locals gather to socialise. Despite being the six largest city in Spain, Malaga feels more like a vibrant town. Most of the top things to do in Malaga are located close together so you can see most of the highlights in a day trip.
Read: Top Things to do in Malaga and Where to Stay
15. Spend the day in Morocco
Explore two countries on one epic trip! A visit to Morocco is one of the most popular day trips from Marbella. It is possible to visit Tangier independently, with regular ferries from Tarifa, but as the port is around a 90-minute drive from Marbella, I think an organised excursion is the easiest option unless you have a car. It also saves you having to navigate Tangier on your own when you arrive.
This top-rated private tour is one of the best I have seen. Return transfers from your hotel in Marbella are included, and a private guide will show you Tangier’s top attractions while sharing insights into its fascinating history and culture. A camel ride along the beach, time to shop in the souks and skip-the-line tickets to key attractions are also included.
Where to Stay in Marbella – Marbella Resort Guide
There are many different Marbella resorts to choose from, and most offer easy access to the top attractions and various beaches. I have included the Google Map above to show you the location of the fashionable beach resorts of Cabopino, Elviria, and Los Monteros, which are located to the east of Marbella’s charming Old Town.
If you continue west, along the famous Golden Mile through Puente Romano, you will arrive at the glamorous marina of Puerto Banús.
For those seeking a quieter and more relaxed stay, travelling a little further brings you to the more authentic town of San Pedro de Alcántara, which offers a calmer atmosphere while still being close to the main attractions of Marbella.
The Best Marbella Hotels and Apartments
I have selected some of my favourite hotels and apartments in Marbella below, but there are many more to choose from. You can also see our recommendations on the best places to stay on other resorts on the Costa del Sol here:
Read: Where to stay on the Costa del Sol, top pick for families, friends and couples
4 Star Ona Princesa Playa
If you’re searching for a central apartment in Marbella that won’t break the bank, the 4 star Princesa Playa Aparthotel is the perfect choice. Situated right beside the beach and just a 5 minute walk from Marbella’s charming Old Town, the location is superb.
Guests especially love the small rooftop pool, which offers beautiful sea views, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind. This is a great option for people looking for cheap hotels in Marbella that are of a good standard.
4 Star Hotel Amare Marbella
Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella on the other hand, is one of the best hotels in Marbella for adults, and offers a more upmarket atmosphere with stunning sea views. The hotel boasts a Michelin star restaurant and a wooden deck where you can enjoy al fresco dining right by the water. As the sun sets, head to the rooftop bar where live DJs create the perfect holiday vibes.
The hotel also features the Amàre Beach Club, with direct beach access, sun loungers, and a dynamic social scene. For those looking to unwind, the Spa offers luxurious treatments to enhance your stay.
Located directly on the beachfront promenade, the hotel is a 5-10 minute stroll from Marbella’s old town, making it one of the best places to stay in Marbella for an adults only break or girls getaway.
4 Star Town House, Marbella Old Town
If you a looking for a unique place to stay in Marbella, look no further. This adults-only boutique townhouse has just 10 stylish rooms, as well as wine lounge, residents-only roof top garden and a exterior terrace in Plaza Tetuan. While this doesn’t have a swimming pool, it is only a 5 minute walk to the beach. This is the perfect choice for a short break in Marbella.
4 Star Hotel Lima
Another top-rated hotel with a fabulous location is the Hotel Lima. This adult-focused hotel is located right on the Paseo Maritimo, with the beach and Marbella Old Town just steps away. You will find a rooftop pool, sun terrace, bar and restaurant here. A small hotel, with just 61 rooms, the service and location sees guests coming back year after year.
4 Star Alanda Club
The Ona Alanda Club Marbella apartments are a great choice for a friends or family holiday in Marbella. Located just 500 metres walk to Elviria beach where the famous Beach House and Nikki Beach are located, and just 10-15 minutes taxi ride from Marbella’s Old Town, this offers the best of both worlds.
Facilities onsite include three pools, a hot tub, gym, squash courts, games room with a pool table, and free WiFi. There is also a mini club for children and live music on the terrace during the summer months. There is a choice of one and two bedroom apartments offering great value for a holiday to Marbella in a great location.
5 Star Hotel El Fuerte
Enjoying a prime beachfront location, the iconic Hotel El Fuerte Marbella is one of the best 5 star hotels in Marbella. I stayed here recently with my family and had a fabulous time. The stylish decor, excellent service and superb dining options are all impressive, particularly Soleo, its beachfront restaurant.
However, it is the location that really sets it apart. With Marbella’s Old Town just minutes away and its own private section of beach, it offers the best of both worlds. I enjoyed it so much that I am already planning a return trip!
Read: My review of El Fuerte Marbella, the perfect 5 Star hotel in the heart of Marbella
Top Tip: Compare prices with the Selected Rooms, which include entrance to a private lounge with unlimited drinks and snacks from 11am – 9pm daily, as well as a complimentary daily hydrotherapy circuit in the Spa, normally priced at €50, as well as other benefits.
5 Star Marriott Beach Resort
Situated in a prime beachfront location, this luxurious 5 star resort offers luxurious two and three bedroom apartments and villas that are ideal for a luxury break away with friends or family holidays in Marbella.
Guests can enjoy direct access to Elviria Beach, along with two indoor and two outdoor swimming pools set in lush gardens. The resort also features a well equipped fitness centre and several onsite dining options. This is one of the best Marbella hotels with self catering facilities.
5 Star Puente Romano Resort – Marbella
This 5 star Marbella hotel is situated along the famous Golden Mile, just 3.5 km from Marbella Old Town and just 4km from Puerto Banus. It offers convenient access to the beach as well as an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
While the hotel offers a peaceful and relaxing ambiance, it is also an excellent choice for families, featuring kids’ clubs and a daily activity program, and the outdoor heated pool is a popular amenity in the shoulder months.
Guests can indulge in over 20 on-site restaurants and bars, including the famous Nobu and COYA. This is one of the best hotels in Marbella for families.
Best time to visit Marbella
Marbella enjoys an average of 320 sunny days each year, and its unique microclimate brings milder winters and slightly cooler summers than many other parts of southern Spain. This pleasant climate means it can be visited comfortably at almost any time of year.
However, Marbella also has one of the largest concentrations of holiday homes in Spain, and the area becomes extremely busy during the peak summer months. If you want to enjoy sun loungers by the water’s edge and avoid long traffic jams between the various resorts, it is best to avoid visiting in July and August.
How to get to Marbella
Marbella is located about 50 km from Malaga airport. Marbella doesn’t have its own train station so it is best to take a 45 minute bus or taxi ride the airport, or hire a car. I usually use GetTransfers for my airport transfers, they work on a bidding system so I suggest not taking the first offer, but they usually work out the best value. I also used Malacab during my recent visit to Marbella and found them very reasonable.
I hope this travel guide to Marbella will help you plan a trip there soon. While every effort is made to insure accuracy, information is subject to change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
