Things to do in Marbella: beyond the yachts and beach clubs

When most people picture this spot on the Costa del Sol, their minds usually jump straight to the flashy glamour of Puerto Banús – all superyachts, designer shops, and celebrity sightings. And whilst you’ll certainly find that along its famous Golden Mile, there’s a completely different side to Marbella that offers a bit more substance. Away from the buzz, you'll find a beautifully preserved Andalusian old town, with its labyrinth of narrow, whitewashed streets, quiet squares shaded by orange trees, and some brilliant, traditional tapas bars. It’s this contrast between modern luxury and deep-rooted history that really defines the place, giving you plenty of things to do in Marbella, whichever version of it you fancy on any given day.

Explore the top Marbella attractions in the Old Town

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Forget the glitz for a moment; the real soul of Marbella is tucked away in its Old Town, or Casco Antiguo. You'll want to spend a good amount of time simply getting lost in the maze of narrow, pedestrianised streets, with their whitewashed walls and colourful geraniums spilling from balconies. Duck into the alleyways and you’ll find all sorts of independent boutiques, artisan craft shops, and little art galleries that are a world away from the designer labels at the port. 

At the centre of it all is the Plaza de los Naranjos, a lovely square filled with orange trees and the gentle buzz of people enjoying a drink at the surrounding restaurants. It's here you'll find some of the oldest buildings, like the historic Town Hall and the small Ermita de Santiago, the city’s first Christian church.

Experience the glamour of Puerto Banús

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We can't really talk about Marbella without touching on Puerto Banús. It's about a 10-minute drive from the main town. The marina is the main event, crammed with yachts so enormous they look more like floating apartment blocks. You’ll spend your time just wandering along the waterfront, watching the procession of Ferraris and Lamborghinis, and spotting the high-end designer shops like Dior and Gucci that line the port. The whole place has a real buzz, especially after dark when the exclusive waterfront restaurants and bars fill up.

Amidst all the glitz, keep an eye out for something a bit different: a three-ton, surrealist sculpture of a rhinoceros by Salvador Dalí right near one of the main roundabouts.

Relax on the best beaches in Marbella

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Marbella has about 27 kilometres of coastline and ten of Spain's 642 Blue Flag beaches, so you're not short of options when it comes to beaches. They range from busy town-centre stretches to quieter spots further out. If you're looking for convenience, the Andalusian Blue Flag beach of Fontanilla is right next to the town centre and the Paseo Marítimo. It has all the facilities you'd need and is a good shout if you’re with family, though it does get very busy in summer.

For a slightly different atmosphere, head east of the centre to Pinillo Beach. It has a more laid-back feel and draws a younger crowd, with a couple of cool chiringuitos (beach bars) playing music. If you're travelling with your furry friend, just a bit further along from here, you'll get to a dog-friendly beach.

Speaking of chiringuitos, they are a key part of the beach scene here. You can find everything from simple, family-run spots serving grilled sardines right on the sand to very slick, modern beach clubs with DJs and day beds.

What to see and do in Marbella for every visitor

Beyond the main sights, the town adapts well to different types of trips. Family holidays, romantic escapes, and visits on a tighter budget are all well provided for, with plenty of things to do away from the main tourist trail.

Things to do in Marbella for families with kids

Marbella may not seem to be the most kid-friendly city, but it has lots to keep the little ones busy.

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• Chase the shade to the botanical garden: a great place to escape the midday sun is Alameda Park. It’s located right in the city centre with beautiful tiled benches and a big fountain.
• Have a day at the beach with the kids: for family-friendly beach days, many of the local stretches have calm, shallow water perfect for little ones.
• Spend the day in Aventura Amazonia: it's a treetop adventure park in the Elviria area with zip lines, rope bridges, and various circuits designed for different ages.
• See the animals at Bioparc Fuengirola: located in Fuengirola, it’s not your average zoo. It's designed with a 'zoo-immersion' concept, so the animals live in environments that replicate their natural habitats.
• Step aboard a boat: if you’re looking for a bit more excitement, you can book boat trips from the marina that head out to spot dolphins.

Romantic things to do in Marbella for couples

Marbella can be a very romantic place indeed if you plan it right.

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• Watch the sunset together: Walk along the marble-paved Paseo Marítimo just as the sun sets.
• Dinner for two in an off-the-beaten-track restaurant: head into the Old Town and find a table at somewhere like The Farm. It has a beautiful, romantic courtyard and an organic, farm-to-table menu.
• Book a proper spa experience: many of the top hotels offer day passes.
• Have a long, slow brunch: head to a place like Rachel’s Eco Love in the Puente Romano resort. It’s a gorgeous spot to just sit and talk for a few hours.
• Go on a wine tour: take a day trip out towards the mountains and you'll find smaller, family-run bodegas that offer a personal tasting experience of some great Spanish wines.
• Hike up to the Cruz de Juanar: it's a viewpoint in the hills above Marbella that gives you an incredible perspective of the coastline, especially late in the afternoon.

Free things to do in Marbella

You really don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy Marbella. 

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• Wander through the Old Town: soaking up the atmosphere is one of the best ways to spend your time, and it costs nothing.
• Relax in public parks: check out Parque de la Represa, or take a long walk along the Golden Mile to see the incredible villas and hotels.
• Stroll down the Avenida del Mar: it’s an open-air promenade linking the Old Town to the beach and is lined with a brilliant collection of bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí.
• Hike to the Cruz de Juanar: the trail to the viewpoint at the "Cross of Juanar" is fantastic. On a clear day, you can see the entire coastline, all the way to Gibraltar and across to Africa.
• Visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación: it's worth taking a moment to step inside the main church. It’s a huge, impressive building from the 16th century, right in the heart of things.
• See the Roman Villa of Río Verde: located just off the Golden Mile, are the remains of a Roman villa from the 1st century. It has a collection of incredibly well-preserved black and white mosaics depicting mythological figures and kitchen utensils. 

Marbella’s lifestyle and exclusive neighbourhoods

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Marbella offers a luxurious quality of life that’s hard to match, which is why its house prices have risen to a record high. In fact, the Costa del Sol as a region is set to become Europe's top luxury destination.  

If you were to think about putting down roots in this part of the Costa del Sol, the area offers some incredibly varied neighbourhoods. In addition to the super-luxe strip of the Golden Mile, just inland, you have Nueva Andalucía, often called the ‘Golf Valley’. This is hugely popular with expats for its leafy residential feel. Then you have areas like Sierra Blanca, nestled in the hills overlooking the town, which is one of the most exclusive luxury areas in Marbella, offering serious privacy and incredible views.

Thinking about the practicalities of making a home here is a whole topic in itself. If you're seriously considering living in Marbella, you’ll want to look into the specifics of day-to-day life and understand the cost of living and benefits.

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