Summary
For Mediterranean elegance, Marbella stands shoulder to shoulder with the French Riviera, providing all the elements desired from a premier beach destination. The area boasts Michelin-starred restaurants, marinas populated with luxury yachts, lavish golf courses, high-end boutiques, and an extensive expanse of sandy beaches.
It’s no surprise that celebrities and affluent individuals have frequented this locale for decades. For those eager to explore, there are numerous quaint discoveries throughout the resort, ranging from the renaissance palaces in the old town to the remnants of Roman villas concealed amidst the opulent developments.
Let us delve into the best attractions in Marbella:
1. Old Town
The historic center of Marbella is a true gem. It features a maze of pedestrian thoroughfares adorned with red tiles and unique cobblestones.
All buildings are whitewashed, topped with terracotta roofs, many dating back to the Renaissance era. Bougainvillea vines wrap around the structures, creating a vibrant floral display throughout the area.
The houses are arranged on corridor-like streets that lead to small squares such as Plaza de los Naranjos, where local restaurants have outdoor seating shaded by orange trees in a charming garden.
The old town is meticulously maintained, with tiles glistening under the sun.
2. Alameda Park
Just a short walk south of the old town lies a park that embodies the essence of a serene garden.
Under a lush canopy of tropical greenery, marble-paved pathways, fountains, and benches provide the perfect retreat from the sun during the afternoon, or a pleasant spot for morning coffee.
Many benches are decorated with “azulejos,” traditional Andalusian hand-painted tiles depicting local monuments and historical narratives.
The park is bordered by a balustrade on two sides, enhancing its refined atmosphere.
3. Resort Beaches
Marbella features 20 beaches along its coastline, most characterized by a dark sand hue, and all equipped with amenities such as chiringuitos (beach bars). Lifeguards are present at nearly all beaches from Holy Week through to the end of September.
One notable option is El Faro, located on the west side of the port.
Though not the largest at 200 meters, it received the Blue Flag award in 2016 and offers a sandy arc washed by shallow waters, perfect for children to enjoy splashing.
4. Avenida del Mar
This elegant promenade extends from Alameda Park to Playa de la Venus next to Marbella’s marina.
Characterized by a broad pedestrian walkway lined with palm trees, impeccably trimmed hedges, and impressive public art installations.
The bronze sculptures, created by the renowned 20th-century surrealist Salvador Dalí, invite visitors to linger while appreciating their artistry, perhaps from one of the nearby beaches.
Shops and cafes flank the promenade, and if arriving by car, there is a convenient parking facility located beneath this esplanade, allowing easy access to Marbella’s old town and beaches.
5. Puerto Banús
A few kilometers east of central Marbella lies the most extravagant sector of the resort.
If Marbella is often likened to the French Riviera, it is primarily due to the upscale boutiques, luxurious yachts, and high-end sports cars that are constantly in view in Puerto Banús.
This area warrants exploration solely for observing the displays of wealth, including a noteworthy Rhinoceros sculpture by Salvador Dalí, weighing an impressive 3.6 tons.
Visitors can enjoy time on the sandy beach or dress elegantly for dinner at one of the upscale restaurants in the evening.
6. Iglesia de la Encarnación
The principal historical landmark in Marbella is a magnificent Renaissance and Baroque church, completed in the mid-18th century.
The city was not reconquered from the Moors until the late 15th century, significantly later than many other regions of Spain.
This former mosque was consecrated immediately, transforming into a Christian place of worship well before the final construction work was completed.
Consequently, some architectural elements of the building were adapted for Christian purposes.
For example, the church’s tower was previously a minaret, and the interior layout was modified to a basilica format, featuring three naves adorned with rich 18th-century Rococo decorations.
7. Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engraving
Tucked away in an alley within Marbella’s oldest section is Spain’s sole museum dedicated to engraving.
The location contributes to its charm, situated in a 16th-century Moorish-style palace originally built for naval commander Alonso de Bazán, which he later bequeathed to the city as a hospital for the underprivileged.
The collection boasts around 4,000 engravings, etchings, aquatints, xylographs, lithographs, and various graphic design pieces from some of Spain’s most celebrated artists.
Notable figures such as Goya, Picasso, Miró, Chillida, and Dalí are represented in this collection.
8. Golf
Fitting for a luxury destination, Marbella is home to numerous golf courses.
There are 32 courses within a half-hour radius of the resort, accommodating prestigious invitation-only clubs, lavish resorts with steep green fees, as well as more accessible options suitable for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills.
For novices, Monte Paraiso is an excellent choice, conveniently located near the resort center, offering relatively short par-3 holes that are forgiving yet still challenge seasoned golfers.
If seeking an upscale experience, consider courses like Los Naranjos or La Quinta Golf and Country Club.
9. Water Activities
At Marbella’s coastal front, the Mediterranean beckons, offering numerous opportunities for exploration.
For adventure enthusiasts, several companies operate in and around the marina, providing jet-skis, parasailing, wakeboarding, and exhilarating powerboat excursions.
If high-speed thrills are not appealing, consider chartering a luxury yacht to experience the lifestyle of Marbella’s elite, even if just for a day.
Joining with friends or family makes renting a yacht with a captain surprisingly affordable.
Options include venturing into the open sea or anchoring at exclusive beach clubs where staff can deliver your food and beverages directly to you.
10. Beaches for Day-Trips
The Costa del Sol is abundantly endowed with Blue Flag beaches, and spending time in Marbella only scratches the surface.
Visitors may seek a change of landscape or a less touristy coastal experience.
Estepona, just beyond the western border of Marbella, offers El Padrón, which features cafes, restaurants, Puro Beach Club, and a prominent shopping area nearby.
For those desiring tranquility, San Roque is approximately 40 minutes down the coastline; however, the secluded Cala Sardina is well worth the journey, with only a few whitewashed villas in the surrounding hills.
11. Vega del Mar Basilica
This archaeological site, located near Guayaba Beach, may appear modest but holds significant historical value, with artifacts discovered here now preserved at the National Museum of Archaeology in Madrid.
It is a paleochristian site, originally constructed by the Romans and later expanded upon by the Visigoths.
The site was initially a Roman necropolis, and the 200 graves located here are among the largest Roman burial sites identified in Spain.
In the 6th century, a church was established at this location.
From the elevated wooden walkway, visitors can observe the floor plan, revealing three primary halls and a vestibule containing a baptismal font, indicating that all entrants had to be baptized prior to entering the church.
12. Bonsai Museum
Located uphill from the old town, Arroyo de las Represas Park is a picturesque rock garden that follows a riverbed, seamlessly blending with the natural landscape and providing a long path adjacent to Avenida Dr. Maíz Viñas, popular among joggers and dog-walkers.
At its center is a bodega-style pavilion and garden that requires a small entry fee.
The pavilion houses one of Europe’s most impressive collections of bonsai trees, alongside water features that host swimming turtles.
Among the specimens are olive trees, with the oldest being a 300-year-old olea oleaster (wild olive).
13. Roman Villa
Situated near the mouth of the Río Verde are remnants of the ancient city of Ciliana, which existed in the area now known as Marbella approximately 2,000 years ago.
Beneath a permanent canopy, the remains of what was likely a grand Roman villa are preserved.
While the walls and pillars have long since vanished, the villa’s beautiful mosaics remain remarkably vibrant, retaining their colors even after two millennia.
The designs correspond to the various areas of the villa; the kitchen mosaic illustrates a cauldron featuring fish, rabbit, and chicken, while the dining area indicates where guests were to remove their footwear.
Access to this small yet intriguing site is limited to Thursday afternoons.
14. Dining
Dining is a key appeal for affluent visitors, and in 2016 Marbella boasted five Michelin-starred establishments.
Skina has earned accolades for its Andalusian-style cuisine with innovative twists since 2008, while El Lago adheres to a “zero kilometer” philosophy, showcasing locally sourced produce from the Málaga province.
However, exceptional meals are not exclusive to gourmet restaurants; the local specialty of espetos, which features sardines skewered on bamboo and roasted over an open fire on the beach, is a must-try.
During hot weather, a refreshing bowl of traditional gazpacho, comprising vegetables, cucumber, tomato, and garlic, provides ideal relief.
15. La Concha
A superb activity for those inclined towards outdoor adventures during the milder months is to hike the mountain that rises behind the resort.
La Concha is part of the Sierra Blanca mountain range, reaching an altitude of over 1200 meters.
No matter where you are in Marbella, this prominent peak is impossible to overlook.
Upon approaching the summit after parking at El Refugio de Januar, hikers are met with a markedly different environment, featuring steep valleys adorned with tall pine and oak trees.
Paths marked PR-A 168 La Concha lead visitors across rugged scrubland to the peak.
Once at the summit, breathtaking views extend beyond Marbella to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The entire hike typically lasts around four hours.
