Marbella
approx. 25 min
Marbella combines a charming Andalusian old town with glamorous marinas, designer boutiques and beach clubs – and it is only around 25 minutes from our apartments.
Why visit Marbella?
Marbella is the most famous destination on the Costa del Sol. Many visitors know it for luxury, yachts and nightlife, but the town also has a genuinely beautiful historic centre, a long seafront promenade and a mountain backdrop formed by La Concha, Marbella's iconic peak. It is a great place for a day of strolling, shopping and long lunches – or an evening out.
Top sights in Marbella
The old town (Casco Antiguo). Marbella's old quarter is a maze of whitewashed lanes, flower-covered balconies and small squares. Its heart is the Plaza de los Naranjos – the Orange Square – laid out in the 15th century and lined with orange trees, the old town hall and restaurant terraces.
Church of the Incarnation. Just a few steps from the Orange Square, the Iglesia de la Encarnación has a beautiful stone portal and a richly decorated interior.
Avenida del Mar and the Dalí sculptures. This pedestrian avenue connects the old town with the seafront and is lined with bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí – an open-air gallery you can enjoy for free.
The seafront promenade. Marbella's paseo marítimo runs for kilometres along the beaches, past beach bars and restaurants. It is perfect for a sunset walk.
The Golden Mile. West of the centre, the Milla de Oro is a stretch of luxury villas, five-star hotels and famous beach clubs between Marbella and Puerto Banús.
Puerto Banús. The most glamorous marina in southern Spain, with superyachts, luxury cars, designer boutiques and a buzzing restaurant and nightlife scene. Even if you are not shopping, it is fun to walk along the quayside and look at the yachts.
Alameda Park. A shady park between the old town and the sea, decorated with tiled benches and fountains – a nice place to rest in the middle of the day.
Food and drink
The old town is full of tapas bars and restaurants with terraces on small squares – perfect for lunch. Along the seafront and in Puerto Banús you will find everything from beach chiringuitos serving grilled fish to upmarket restaurants. In the evening, Marbella has a lively atmosphere well into the night, especially in summer.
Shopping
Puerto Banús is the place for international luxury brands, while the old town has smaller boutiques, ceramics and gift shops. Next to Puerto Banús there is also a large department store and shopping centre. See our shopping section for more ideas.
Getting to Marbella from Riviera del Sol
The drive along the coast takes around 25 minutes. There are underground public car parks close to the old town and the seafront, as well as parking in Puerto Banús. Buses run along the coast, and Uber, Bolt and taxis are easy to find – a good option if you plan to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner.
Good to know
The old town is quietest in the morning – a perfect time for photos.
Puerto Banús is busiest in the evening, when the restaurants and bars fill up.
Hikers can climb La Concha mountain for amazing views, but the route is demanding – start early and bring plenty of water.
Book tours and tickets
Looking for boat trips from Puerto Banús, guided tours or other experiences in Marbella? Use the button below to see hand-picked options.