Things to do in Marbella: must-see attractions

Visiting Marbella

Wedged between the peaks of the Sierra Blanca and the Mediterranean Sea, Marbella is a beach town in the province of Malaga, located in Andalusia. As the primary jet-set hub of the Costa del Sol, it has managed to hold onto some of its traditional character, particularly in the old town or casco antiguo, which offers a clear look at Moorish architecture. Start your walk at the Plaza de los Naranjos, a square typical of the region with its orange trees, then wander through the flower-lined alleys. In the heart of the old town, the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engravings is worth a visit for both its collection, which includes works by Dalí, Picasso, and Miró, and the building itself, a 16th-century former hospital featuring Renaissance and Mudéjar architecture.

Off the beaten path in Marbella

While you are exploring the old town, stop by the Church of the Incarnation. Built in the 16th century on the ruins of a former mosque, its tall, tiered walls give it the look of a fortress. Beyond its religious role, the church was once used to protect the city from potential invasions. Nearby, look for the remains of the old city walls, which date back to the Moorish occupation of the region in the 11th century.

For a scenic walk, head to the Artola Dunes. A wooden boardwalk allows you to navigate the area easily and leads directly to the more secluded Cabopino Beach.

The flagship resort of the Costa del Sol

Marbella saw its first tourism boom in the 1950s when the construction of the Marbella Club Hotel in 1954 opened the door to mass arrivals. In the 1970s, a luxury marina was built, known as Puerto Banús. With its high-end boutiques and luxury storefronts, the area draws a glamorous crowd and offers a variety of bars and restaurants that range from understated to over the top.

In the city center, walk down the grand Avenida del Mar, which connects the port to the elegant Alameda Park and the graceful Virgen del Rocío fountain located in its center. The walkway is dotted with sculptures by Salvador Dalí. To enjoy the waterfront, head to the paseo maritimo. This 7-kilometer path connects the Puerto Deportivo to the Puerto Banús marina.

With 27 kilometers of coastline, Marbella has plenty of beaches for sunbathing and swimming, including Nagüeles Beach, El Faro Beach, and Rio Verde Beach.

When to go

Avoid the peak of summer to escape the intense heat and the crowds that flood the streets of Marbella every year. The best times to visit are during the spring or at the end of the summer, specifically between September and October.

How to get there

The closest airport is in Malaga. Buses run regularly from the airport to Marbella. Alternatively, you can take a train from Malaga toward the area. If you are driving, you will arrive via the Mediterranean motorway, the AP-7, or the four-lane Costa del Sol highway, the A-7.