Vacation Marbella is driven by a passion for the place we call home. We launched the business to give visitors the very best experience of this fantastic town and we are always sharing our tips and insights for how to make the very most of a holiday in Marbella.
Marbella is a mecca for tourists thanks to its scenery, cuisine, nightlife and excursions that can all be savored while staying in one of Vacation Marbella’s stunning apartments.
Our team lives and breathes Marbella 365-24/7 and our local knowledge, plus our fantastic rental properties turns a good vacation into a great one!
But with so much on offer, it is impossible to sample and experience everything, so here are our top 10 things to do in and around Marbella.
1. Uncover the charm of Marbella Old Town
Marbella’s historic and picturesque Old Town is tucked away out of sight and so often overlooked, perhaps because of the modern delights of the “new” Marbella or the nearby glamorous Puerto Banus. However, it’s well worth a visit, and will reveal a whole new side of Marbella which might surprise you.
The Old Town can be found near the center, close to the Avenida Ricardo Soriano – the main street which runs through Marbella, opposite La Alameda park. With its maze of narrow cobbled streets and plazas it has maintained both the characteristics of the Arabic and Christian eras.
With its picturesque, ancient architecture, the Old Quarter, which is comprised of Barrio Alto and Barrio Nuevo, is full of color and life with its glistening white-washed buildings, boutique shops, funky art galleries, bars and restaurants.
At the heart of this village, that dates back to the 16th century, is Orange Square, a beautiful and typically Andalusian plaza full of orange trees and tropical plants that has a real buzz to it.
A stroll around the Old Town and a drink or meal in a few of the lovely bars and restaurants is highly recommended. It will transport you back to a bygone era and charm you!
Browse vacation rentals in Marbella Old Town
Why visit Marbella Old Town?
- Explore the winding streets and pretty squares and feel the history in every step
- Visit the many churches and chapels
- Poke around the many independent shops and galleries and pick up some mementos of your trip
2. Go shopping in Puerto Banús
This is the most famous port in Spain – often imitated but never equaled. Puerto Banus harbor is the place that never sleeps – the area that is awash with energy and life both day and night.
Whether you are a party person, or just wish to unwind and relax on your holiday, then this is a MUST on any to-do list. Puerto Banus, situated just 6km south-west of Marbella town, was the brainchild of local property developer José Banus and took three years to build, earning its star status in May 1970 when Prince Rainier of Monaco and his wife, actress Grace Kelly, officially opened it.
And that prestigious reputation has only strengthened over the years, maintaining its standing as a playground for the rich and famous with the luxury marina being home to hundreds of yachts spanning 15 hectares.
If you are a shopaholic, you will think you’ve died and gone to heaven in Puerto Banus. There are a huge number of designer boutiques located around the harbor, plus the El Corte Ingles department store, and the Marina Banus shopping center, all within a short walk. It’s a great place to shop until you drop!
Find out more about shopping in Puerto Banus and browse our selection of holiday rentals in Puerto Banus.
Why shop in Puerto Banus?
- Choose from over 100 designer brands
- Save your energy – Puerto Banus has one of the highest densities of designer brands in the world!
- Shopping with a view – most designer boutiques line the marina, so you will enjoy an unbeatable view of the water and the beautiful boats every time you leave a shop
3. Enjoy the spectacular beaches of Marbella
Marbella truly is a beach lover’s paradise! There are 24 beautiful sandy beaches along its 27-kilometer coastline, 11 of which hold the prestigious Blue Flag, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Combined with an average of 320 sunny days a year, it is clear to see why tourists flock here!
One of our favorite places near Marbella for a beach day is in the Cabopino area, which is just a 10-minute drive east of the town.
Cabopino Beach is one of Marbella’s hidden gems —a stunning stretch of coastline that blends natural beauty with laid-back charm. Located about 13 km east of Marbella’s city center, Cabopino Beach sits beside a small marina and is part of the Artola Dunes Nature Reserve, a protected ecological area. The beach offers a mix of soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. The dunes give the beach a wild, untouched feel. Cabopino is known for its relaxed vibe and is always popular but rarely overcrowded. It includes a naturist section, so it’s also a favorite among those seeking a more liberating beach experience. You’ll find beach bars, restaurants, and water sports rentals, especially near the marina area.
Cabopino is perfect if you’re craving a beach day that’s both peaceful and picturesque, with just enough amenities to keep things comfortable.
The beaches are also safe with fully-qualified lifeguards on duty from Easter to the end of September, to bring peace of mind for parents.
Read our list of the best beaches in Marbella and browse our selection of beachfront vacation rentals in Marbella
Why you should head to the beach in Marbella?
- It’s the perfect day for the family – building sandcastles, playing in the sea, kicking a football together and enjoying a picnic. It’s what family holidays are all about!
- Try your hand at watersports – you can hire paddle boards, kayaks, pedalos and jet skis, have an amazing time and learn a new skill
- Top up your tan and enjoy cool tunes on a luxury sun lounger at one of the fashionable beach clubs in and around Marbella.
4. Go on a sailing boat cruise
With the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, golden beaches and warm climate it is easy to see why watersports and sailing activities are so popular. Taking to the seas on a beautiful yacht, or speeding through the water on a motorboat is the perfect activity during a vacation in Marbella.
Vacation Marbella can organize everything for you! We have a range of excursions available for all our guests, ranging in both time and cost, and perfect for sampling the incredible sunsets at sea. There is a wide range of boats available to hire; from smaller sports boats for the thrill-seekers to the larger more expensive yachts, which are ideal for overnight trips as part of a group of friends, family or a more romantic voyage for two.
Vacation Marbella also organizes fishing trips and incredible dolphin watching tours, which depart from Puerto Banus and take you 8km out to sea. Here you can fish for local delicacies such as red snapper, sea bream, sea bass or octopus, while there are also deep sea and big game fishing trips available too.
Find out more about Marbella boat rentals and the best boat tours in Marbella
Why you should take a boat trip in Marbella?
- You could see dolphins or even whales!
- It’s a wonderful place to watch the sunset and gives you another view of Marbella that you won’t forget.
- It’s great fun – jumping in and swimming, paddle boarding from the boat or taking a donut ride from the back and then getting back on board for drinks and snacks is an amazing way to spend a day.
5. Eat seafood and espetos at local “chiringuitos”
This is a food-lover’s paradise thanks to its incredible array of restaurants in Marbella. Gastronomy has always been one of the major reasons for visitors choosing the region, with something for all tastes and budgets.
To get a true taste of the Costa del Sol, we’d recommend a long lazy lunch at one of the traditional beachside restaurants, known as chiringuitos. Fish and seafood are plentiful and absolutely delicious. One of the most traditional options are “espetos” where fish is put onto a skewer and cooked over open flame on one of the old fishing boats filled with sand. The sardines are particularly popular cooked this way!
If you prefer your fish fried, the Fritura Malagueña is very traditional and is a mix of fresh fish and seafood battered and fried.
Find out more about the most traditional dishes from the Malaga province that we’d recommend you try during your holiday.
Why you should visit a chiringuito in Marbella?
- They are a central part of summer in Marbella, where long and lazy lunches stretch into sundowners
- Fish and seafood cooked espeto style is not only delicious, it’s healthy too – sardines are packed with Omega-3
- It’s a family favorite, as kids love to play in the sand while the adults enjoy their meal
6. Enjoy the golf in the best golf courses
The Marbella region has been dubbed “Golf Valley” and it is easy to see why, as there are 21 golf courses within half an hour of the town and 15 quality courses alone in the vicinity of Marbella.
These range in both price and difficulty rating, and therefore suit golfers of all standards, with the added benefit that they are accessible all-year round thanks to the temperate climate.
They all enjoy breath-taking backdrops, courtesy of the rugged terrain and sea views that can be seen from most holes. And the beauty for Vacation Marbella guests is we have negotiated specially discounted green fees as part of our fabulous and great-value golf stay-and-play packages.
One such partnership is with nearby Los Naranjos, a superb Robert Trent Jones Senior-designed course that, as the name suggests, cuts through fragrant orange trees. This friendly club, boasts a first-class clubhouse with stunning views and serving excellent food.
Discover the 10 best golf courses in Marbella and browse our selection of golf holiday rentals
Why you should play golf in Marbella?
- You’re visiting the Costa del Golf – at least one round is almost mandatory
- The courses are world-class, the views are spectacular and the weather is great for golf, all year round
- There are some great golf academies and driving ranges, so you can try it for the first time, or improve your skills during your holiday
7. Visit the spectacular churches of Marbella
There are lots of lovely churches and chapels in Marbella, which boast beautiful architecture and are full of charm and history, as well as hosting events and being the starting point for parades and activities.
We’d definitely recommend visiting the Basilica de Vega del Mar and the Iglesia de la Encarnación.
The Iglesia de la Encarnación is Marbella’s main historic landmark and is located at the Plaza de la Iglesia in Marbella’s Old Town. It is just one of several historic sites that are worth visiting with the Misericordia Chapel, Santo Sepulcro Chapel, Santiago Chapel and Santo Cristo Chapel all within a short stroll of each other.
Dating back to the mid-18th century, the Iglesia de la Encarnacion is a marvelous renaissance and baroque church that was originally a mosque that later became a Christian place of worship. It stands out for its sheer size, which stands approximately 33 meters high.
La Basilica de Vega del Mar was an early Christian church, place of worship and necropolis dating back to the sixth century that is situated in the middle of a eucalyptus forest by the Guadalmina river on the outskirts of Marbella.
The site is now home to the unique remains of the Basilica, including its foundations and burial site and has unearthed many items of historical importance that are now housed in the National Museum of Archaeology in Madrid. This archaeological site, 10 miles west of Marbella town, lies just inland from Guayaba Beach and lies on a well-known Roman route that stretches from Cartagena to Cádiz.
Evidence discovered at the site, in the form of gravestones and coins, suggest that the existing edifice was built in the sixth century, atop the relics of the earlier construction. A tombstone named “Constantine Crimson” after the Emperor Constantine discovered on the site is arguably the oldest tombstone found anywhere in Spain, demonstrating the site’s considerable importance in Spanish history, making it a must-see when visiting Marbella.
Find out more about which Marbella churches to visit.
Why visit the churches in Marbella?
- The churches are at the heart of the culture and history of this beautiful country and offer art and architecture to admire
- During the Easter week, they are at their best, and are the starting point for the daily parades and services
- At Christmas they each hold a beautiful nativity scene and the “Ruta del los Belenes” (The Nativity Trail) is a great way to explore Marbella at this time of year
8. Round off the afternoon watching a sunset
Marbella sunsets are legendary and really have to be seen to be believed. Watching the sun go down and the sky changing color from the beach, or a bar with a cocktail in your hand is a must during your stay. To help you choose the right spot, we’ve made a list of the best places to enjoy a sunset in Marbella – enjoy!
Why watch the sunset in Marbella?
- The colors are spectacular and it’s a real show
- It’s a great time to be on the beach, as the temperature cools and most of the tourists leave and you’re left with the locals
- A sundowner in a cool bar to watch the sunset is the perfect way to round off a beautiful day
9. Eat Andalusian tapas
Being in Spain, naturally tapas bars are plentiful and often represent fantastic value, especially in the Old Town and on the pedestrianized Avenida Miguel Cano going down from the Old Town towards the sea. We’d recommend an organized tapas tour if you’re not too familiar with the food, or the area, or a little tapas crawl, where you move from bar to bar, trying different small plates with one drink. This is a great way to spend an evening, explore Marbella and try lots and lots of different things. Just remember to note down your favorites for later!
Check out our recommendations on where to eat tapas in Marbella.
Why eat tapas in Marbella?
- It’s delicious and a real culinary adventure where you can try lots of different dishes
- The atmosphere at night out on the streets is intoxicating with everyone out to stroll, meet friends and “tapear”
- A tapas tour is a great way to explore Marbella and sample the best and most traditional dishes
10. Chill on a rooftop terrace
Last, but not least, we’d recommend heading up to one of the lovely rooftop bars that you can find in and around Marbella and Puerto Banus. They offer wonderful views, and a tranquil and trendy place to sip a cocktail and get a different perspective on this great vacation destination.
Check out our recommendations of the best rooftop bars in Marbella
Why visit a roof terrace in Marbella?
- To enjoy the great views
- To watch the sunset
- To sample some cool cocktails and funky music
We hope these tips will help you to make the most of your next holiday in Marbella. It’s a wonderful place and we’re sure you’ll love it as much as we do! For more ideas and inspiration check out our guide to what to do in Marbella, or contact us for recommendations and accommodation options.
See you in Marbella soon!
