- Travel Enthusiast
- Feb 5, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
MARBELLA: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Marbella is one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular destinations, known for its beaches, Mediterranean climate, and modern resort areas. Palm-lined promenades follow the coast, and beaches stretch from the city center to the Golden Mile and Puerto Banús.
This guide has everything you need to make the most of your time in Marbella, including detailed itineraries, must-see highlights, and the best places to stay.
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MARBELLA HIGHLIGHTS
Don’t miss these must-visit spots in Marbella:
Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo) – A charming maze of whitewashed streets, colorful flower pots, and lively squares, with Plaza de los Naranjos at its heart.
Avenida del Mar – An open-air walkway lined with Salvador Dalí sculptures, linking the Old Town directly to the seafront.
Paseo Marítimo Marbella – Marbella’s main beachfront promenade, running alongside the sea and lined with beaches, chiringuitos, cafés, and walking paths.
Playa de la Fontanilla – One of Marbella’s most popular central beaches, located directly off the Paseo Marítimo and easy to reach on foot.
Marbella Golden Mile – An upscale stretch of coastline between Marbella and Puerto Banús, known for luxury hotels, beachfront villas, and palm-lined roads.
Playa de Nagüeles – A more spacious and less crowded beach located within the Golden Mile area.
Puerto Banús – Marbella’s glamorous marina at the western end of the Golden Mile, famous for luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and waterfront cafés.
Optional: If you have time, don’t miss La Concha, Marbella’s iconic mountain overlooking the city. The hike takes around 4–5 hours round trip and is moderate to challenging, with rocky sections. The trailheads are accessed by car, about 30 minutes from Marbella.
GETTING TO AND AROUND MARBELLA
Getting to Marbella:
By plane – The closest airport is Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), located about 40–50 minutes away by car. Taxis, private transfers, and buses provide easy access to Marbella.
By bus – Direct buses run from Málaga Airport and Málaga city to Marbella, with additional connections from other Costa del Sol towns like Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, and Estepona. This is a practical and budget-friendly way to reach Marbella.
By train – Marbella does not have a train station. The closest major station is in Málaga, where high-speed trains connect to cities like Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona.
By car – Driving works well if Marbella is part of a longer Costa del Sol itinerary. The AP-7 toll road and the A-7 coastal road connect Marbella with Málaga, Estepona, and other nearby towns.
Getting around Marbella:
Walking – The Old Town (Casco Antiguo), Avenida del Mar, and central stretches of the Paseo Marítimo are easy to explore on foot, with many sights, restaurants, and beaches close together.
Taxis – Taxis are widely available and are the most convenient option for short trips, especially between the Old Town, the Golden Mile, and Puerto Banús.
Buses – Affordable and reliable, local buses run along the coast and are a good option for moving between central Marbella, the Golden Mile, and Puerto Banús.
MARBELLA ITINERARY
Spending a day or two in Marbella? This itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of the city.
DAY 1
Morning: Walk through Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo), starting at Plaza de los Naranjos, and wander through its whitewashed streets and small squares.
Then, head down Avenida del Mar, an elegant walkway lined with Salvador Dalí sculptures that leads straight to the sea.
Lunch: Grab a table along the Paseo Marítimo Marbella, where beachfront restaurants and chiringuitos serve fresh, simple Mediterranean dishes with sea views.
Afternoon: Spend some time at Playa de Venus or Playa de la Fontanilla, both within easy walking distance. These central beaches are perfect for a break and a quick dip without straying far from the city.
Evening: Head to Puerto Banús, Marbella’s iconic marina known for its yachts, boutiques, and lively atmosphere.
Then, enjoy dinner at Los Bandidos, a long-time favorite known for its international dishes with a Mediterranean touch.
DAY 2
Morning: Enjoy a canyoning adventure in the Guadalmina River, around a 20-minute drive from Marbella near Benahavís. Expect natural gorges and clear pools along the way.
Prefer something more relaxed? Join a morning sailing trip from Puerto Banús, enjoying coastal views and the chance to spot dolphins in their natural habitat.
Lunch: Enjoy tapas and pintxos at Lekune Bar, a popular spot known for its lively atmosphere and delicious Basque-style bites.
Afternoon: Head to Playa de Nagüeles, a beautiful and less crowded beach along Marbella’s Golden Mile, perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the sea.
If you prefer a livelier beach experience, visit Nikki Beach, one of Marbella’s trendiest beach clubs.
Evening: Take a walk along Marbella’s Golden Mile, home to luxury hotels, beachfront mansions, and chic restaurants.
WHERE TO STAY IN MARBELLA
Marbella offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Budget-Friendly:
Hotel Central Boutique – A well-located hotel offering simple, comfortable rooms just steps from the Old Town and close to the beach.
La Morada Mas Hermosa – A small, charming guesthouse in the heart of the Old Town, offering thoughtfully designed rooms in a quiet, central setting.
Mid-Range:
Hotel Baviera – A comfortable hotel with modern rooms, friendly service, and a convenient location between the Old Town and the seafront.
Hotel Monarque El Rodeo – A centrally located hotel near the Old Town, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to the city.
Luxury:
Nobu Hotel Marbella – A luxury hotel offering contemporary design and a polished atmosphere, set along the Golden Mile.
El Fuerte Marbella – A luxury beachfront hotel combining comfort and elegance, with sea-facing rooms and a prime location near the Old Town.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Why is Marbella so famous?
Marbella is famous for its Mediterranean climate, beaches, luxury resorts, and laid-back lifestyle. Over the years, it has become one of southern Europe’s most exclusive coastal destinations, known for its Old Town and upscale areas like the Golden Mile and Puerto Banús. Its year-round sunshine and international appeal have helped cement its global profile.
What famous people live in Marbella?
Marbella has long attracted international celebrities, athletes, business figures, and royalty, many of whom own second homes rather than live here full-time. The privacy, security, luxury properties, and easy access to Málaga Airport make it a popular base for high-profile residents looking for discretion alongside a high standard of living.
Which airport do you fly to for Marbella?
The closest and most convenient airport for Marbella is Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). It’s about 50 km (30 miles) away and typically takes 40–50 minutes by car or taxi to reach Marbella. The airport is well connected with direct flights from many European cities.
Why is Marbella so expensive?
Marbella’s prices reflect its high demand, limited coastal space, and luxury market. Prime beachfront locations, exclusive residential areas, and a strong international property market all contribute to higher costs. That said, Marbella still offers a wide range of options, and prices can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, season, and travel style.
BEYOND MARBELLA
While Marbella has lots to offer, there are also several amazing places nearby worth exploring:
Málaga – A lively coastal city known for its historic landmarks, museums, and relaxed waterfront. Highlights include the Alcazaba, the Picasso Museum, and the Muelle Uno promenade by the port. Planning a visit? Check out our full Malaga guide for everything you need to know.
Estepona – Often considered one of the Costa del Sol’s prettiest towns, Estepona stands out for its carefully preserved Old Town, flower-filled streets, and long sandy beaches. It has a calmer, more traditional feel while still offering plenty to see and do. If you’re curious to explore further, our Estepona guide covers what to see and how to plan your time.
Caminito del Rey – One of southern Spain’s most impressive outdoor experiences, Caminito del Rey follows a narrow walkway suspended along the cliffs of a dramatic gorge. The route offers striking views throughout and requires advance booking. Want to know more? We've prepared the ultimate guide to help you plan your visit.
Nerja – Set along one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in the region, Nerja is known for its clear waters, small coves, and the famous Nerja Caves, home to prehistoric formations. We’ve put together a Nerja itinerary if you’d like to plan your visit in more detail.
Ronda – Dramatically perched above the El Tajo gorge, Ronda is one of Andalusia’s most striking towns. The Puente Nuevo bridge is its most iconic sight, but the historic center and surrounding landscapes are just as memorable. Ronda is often visited together with Setenil de las Bodegas on a day trip from the Costa del Sol.
Setenil de las Bodegas – One of the most unusual villages in Spain, Setenil de las Bodegas is famous for its whitewashed houses built directly into the rock. Streets like Calle Cuevas del Sol run beneath overhanging cliffs, where cafés and shops sit under natural stone formations. Setenil de las Bodegas is commonly paired with Ronda on a day trip.
