Destination guide

Marbella

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Marbella is the best-known resort on Spain's Costa del Sol, with a long coastline, a whitewashed old town of flower-filled lanes and a reputation for glamour. Behind it the mountains rise sharply, so the coast and the hills are both within easy reach.

It is polished, sunny and built for relaxed holidays, with golf, beach clubs and a long promenade. The old town is much quieter and more authentic than the seafront suggests.

How many days: 5

Five days gives you beach time, the old town, a mountain village and a day trip. A long weekend suits a beach break.

The coast is long and varied, so choose your base. The old town is charming, while some of the beach areas are built up.

What to do in Marbella

Wander the old town
A small maze of whitewashed lanes, orange-tree squares and balconies full of flowers. It is best in the morning or evening.
Walk the beach promenade
A paved path runs for miles along the sea, past beaches and cafes. Good for an evening stroll.
Visit Puerto Banús
A marina with expensive yachts, shops and bars. It is a spectacle even if you do not spend anything.
Drive to Ronda
A dramatic town built on both sides of a deep gorge, an hour or so into the mountains. Walk across the famous bridge.
Explore Mijas Pueblo
A white village on a hillside above the coast with views over the sea. Popular for a lunch stop.
See Gibraltar
A British territory with a rock and a monkey colony, about an hour away. Take your passport and expect border queues.
Play golf
The area has many golf courses, and a good climate for the sport. Courses range from casual to championship.
Spend a day on the beach
Beaches are mostly sand and shingle, with sunbeds and restaurants. Beach clubs offer a more upmarket experience.
Hike in the Sierra Blanca
Trails climb the mountain behind the town, with views over the coast and towards Africa on clear days. Start early in summer.
Visit the Plaza de los Naranjos
The old town's main square is lined with orange trees and cafes. A pleasant place for a morning coffee.

What to eat and drink

Espeto de sardinas
Fresh sardines grilled on skewers over an open fire on the beach. A local speciality.
Fried fish and seafood
Look for pescaíto frito, a plate of crisp fried fish. Served at beach restaurants.
Tapas
Small plates, from cured ham to tortilla. Order a few and share.
Gazpacho and ajoblanco
Cold soups made with tomato or with almonds and garlic. Refreshing on a hot day.
Local wine and sherry
Andalusian wines are served by the glass. Sherry goes well with tapas.
Churros and chocolate
Fried dough sticks served with thick hot chocolate for breakfast. A Spanish ritual.
Local olive oil and almonds
Andalusian oil and almonds are sold in delis and markets. A good gift or picnic item.

Getting around

A hire car is useful for exploring the mountains and the coast. Parking in the old town is limited.

Buses run along the coast, and taxis are available. The coast road can be congested in summer.

The airport at Malaga is about 45 minutes away by road.

Good to know

  • Summers are hot, and the coast is busy in July and August. Spring and autumn are comfortable.
  • Winters are mild, and many golfers visit then. Some restaurants and clubs close in the low season.
  • The sun is strong. Bring sun protection.
  • Spain uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted.
  • Many restaurants serve dinner late. Adjust to local hours.
  • The area is popular with golfers and with long-stay winter visitors, so the season stretches from spring to late autumn.
  • Prices in the marina area are high. Cafes in the old town and local neighbourhoods are cheaper and often better.

Where to stay in Marbella

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Marbella Old Town

Marbella's Old Town is a compact network of whitewashed streets, flower-filled squares, restaurants and boutiques centred around Plaza de los Naranjos. It is the strongest choice for charm and romantic atmosphere, though most beachfront resorts lie elsewhere.

Marbella Centre

Central Marbella combines beaches, shopping, restaurants and easy access to the Old Town along a walkable section of the coast. It is a strong all-round choice for first-time visitors who want both beach time and town atmosphere.

Puerto Banús

Puerto Banús is Marbella's famous luxury marina district, filled with yachts, designer shops, upscale restaurants and late-night clubs. It is ideal for nightlife and high-end stays, but prices are steep and the atmosphere is highly commercial.

Golden Mile

The Golden Mile stretches between central Marbella and Puerto Banús and contains some of the Costa del Sol's most prestigious beachfront resorts, villas and restaurants. It is excellent for luxury and romantic stays, but is expensive and relatively spread out.

Nueva Andalucía

Nueva Andalucía is an upscale residential area inland from Puerto Banús known for golf courses, villas and quieter surroundings. It suits families, golfers and longer stays, although the beach and nightlife are less convenient on foot.

Elviria

Elviria lies east of central Marbella and combines sandy beaches, golf courses, family-friendly resorts and residential developments. It offers a quieter and more relaxed alternative to Puerto Banús, but a car is useful for exploring the wider area.

What it costs

A typical day in Marbella, per person, in pounds.

£53

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£123

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

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