Marbella is undoubtedly one of the jewels of the Mediterranean, a beautiful city located in a spectacular setting and blessed with its own microclimate.
Discover here excellent ideas and activities in Marbella, without leaving the city.
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Activities in Marbella without leaving town
Around the Old Town
Impossible to be in Marbella and miss the old town.
Stroll through the narrow streets and discover charming corners, whitewashed houses and colourful Bougainvilleas. Drop in a terrace in a square and have a drink while watching life go by.
The emblematic epicentre of the old town is the Plaza de los Naranjos, a charming square named after the orange trees that flank it. By the way, if you visit the city in March, the aroma of orange blossom floods the streets, a divine scent!
If you continue walking from the old town towards the Paseo Marítimo (Seapromenade), you will also pass through the Alameda Park and arrive at the Avenida del Mar, where you can enjoy from up close the statues of the artist Salvador Dalí.
Sea promenade
Being a Mediterranean city, Marbella’s greatest attraction is its beaches.
But its beautiful promenade also deserves to be highlighted: It is one of the longest on the coast and without doubt the most beautiful.
The promenade runs alongside the sea for 7.3 kilometres to Puerto Banús.
The seafront promenade is busiest in the section that corresponds to the city centre, passing through some of the most luxurious urbanisations of the city amidst lush vegetation and magnificent views of the sea. And of course there is no shortage of beach bars to quench your thirst.
The easternmost part of the promenade in the direction of Puerto Banús is less frequented and at the same time becomes more natural and lush.
How you want to enjoy the promenade, is your choice: by bike, walking, running or skating…
Marbella Beaches
And we already have arrived at the beach!
We do not exaggerate when we say that the beaches in Marbella are of fine clear sand which contrasts magnificently with the especially blue sky in Marbella.
There is a wide range of entertainment for all ages and tastes, both in and out of the water.
Here are some ideas, as well as links to on-site services
Jet Skis
Diving
Paddle Surf
Kite Surf
Parasailing
Boat Hire
- Marbella Boat Charter
- In our article dedicated to boat rentals in Malaga, you will also find a section on boat rentals in Marbella, with the best companies.
And if you prefer a quieter activity you can rent a pedal boat. Or get a massage on the beachfront. Many chiringuitos and beach clubs also offer a massage service.
Or simply enjoy a cold beer and celebrate life.
Oh, and speaking of celebrating life, this brings us straight to Puerto Banus and the nightlife. But first you have to eat, right?
Eating out
As you can imagine, the gastronomic offer in Marbella is almost infinite with a wide range of traditional, local and international cuisine. Now you only have to choose.
A very Andalusian concept and highly recommended is the Tapeo. It consists of ordering a few beers along with some snacks and then changing bars and and so on.
It’s a fun way to move around the bars of the old town and in this way try the local cuisine.
If you prefer to dine with more tranquillity or more style, you’ll be interested to know that Marbella is also the city with the most Michelin restaurants.
So surely even the most demanding palates will be satisfied.
If your refined palate also demands a dose of beach, check out the best beach clubs with beachfront restaurants on Marbella’s beach.
Another more relaxed option is to eat at one of the many beachfront bars. You can’t leave Marbella without trying the famous fried fish! Check out our guide to the best Beach Bars on the Costa del Sol.
A stroll through Puerto Banus
We can say that there are basically two kinds of people who go to Puerto Banus. Those who come with their yacht or high-end sports cars and those who come to see them.
We are simplifying a lot, but if this is basically Puerto Banus: A glittering showcase of ostentatious wealth with high-end restaurants, boutiques and clubs.
Many tourists come to take a picture next to one of these cars or yachts and spot celebrities.
Life is vibrant in Puerto Banus at all times.
Shopping
In Puerto Banus you will find the most exclusive international fashion brands and boutiques.
But you can also comfortably shop in the centre of Marbella or go to the international shopping centre La Cañada a few kilometres from the centre.
Night life & Clubbing
And finally, evening falls in Marbella.
Enjoying a cocktail with a view over the Mediterranean Sea at sunset is priceless. This is possible for example at the Rooftop Bar Belvue of the Amàre Marbella Beach Hotel and at Pangea in Puerto Banus.
Marbella has a vibrant nightlife, which, due to the luxury tourism, also offers a large number of glamorous top clubs and discotheques.
Spas
You need a little relaxation after all this activity? Easy! Immerse yourself in the well-being of a Spa.
Marbella has a very high number of 5 star hotels, each with fabulous facilities to spend an afternoon between jets of water, different saunas and wellness treatments, a pure pleasure!
The Senator Marbella Spa Hotel also features a terrace with views and Jacuzzis. And here is our list of the best spas on the Costa del Sol!
Parks in Marbella
And you also have the possibility to relax in the beautiful city parks of Marbella.
The parks Parque de la Alameda, Parque de la Constitución and Parque de la Represa are the lungs of Marbella, where it is a pleasure to walk in the shade among an abundant amalgamation of plant species.
How to get to Marbella
Car hire at Malaga Airport
From our Malagacar.com office at Malaga airport, the fastest and most comfortable way to Marbella takes you in 40 minutes on the AP-7 toll motorway.
More information in our article Mediterranean Motorway Malaga: A-7 versus AP-7.
Transfer from Malaga airport
We also offer an excellent private transfer service.
Both to and from Malaga airport as well as to any destination you indicate. We take you to and pick you up at the time indicated by you. It couldn’t be easier. Book a transfer.
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