Discover the best gay bars in Marbella and Torremolinos and what the Costa del Sol has to offer the LGBTQ+ traveler.
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[post_content] => We love a long and lazy brunch and it’s now one of the most popular times to get together with friends. It’s something our holiday rental clients really love and so in this article, we’re recommending the best places to go for a bottomless brunch in Marbella.
But before we get to our recommendations, here’s what brunching is all about! Brunch is a late breakfast, which typically starts around 10 or 11am and extends into lunch time – hence combining the words breakfast + lunch = “brunch”.
Brunch get togethers are social affairs, with big groups of friends making the most of their weekends to enjoy great food and friendship. A bottomless brunch makes the experience even more special, with unlimited drinks included. There’s often entertainment and always a great atmosphere, so it’s a very good option as part of your next holiday in Marbella.
Like almost all international hotspots in the world, Marbella has jumped on the brunch trend in a big way. There are lots of great places to enjoy brunch, many that offer the bottomless brunch packages, and others that are a la carte.
Whether you’re smashing avocado on toast, or going for the classic English breakfast, brunch is a great way to start the day. We’ve already shared our favorite places for breakfast in Marbella, so today we’re moving on to brunch and starting with our top tips for making the most out of a bottomless brunch package!
Tips to get the most out of a bottomless brunch
The most important thing is to get to your restaurant on time for the bottomless brunch slot, as there is only a limited time to enjoy all the delicious food and unlimited beverages. Check with your restaurant the time it opens and if there is a limit on the period to order, and plan accordingly.
Eating is definitely not cheating in this case. So, we recommend you plan ahead and check the menu to see what’s available ahead of time, especially if you have any dietary requirements. Our favorites include American Pancakes if you’re in a sweet mood and anything with eggs otherwise.
Think about the food and drink pairing. You want to be enjoying the delicious food and pairing your food choices with wonderful cocktails. Classic brunch cocktails include Bloody Marys for more savory menu options and Mimosas for something sweeter, but there are lots of interesting options to choose from.
Last but not least, pack in the calories so those drinks don’t go to your head and take it slow! A bottomless brunch is a marathon, not a sprint.
Best places to enjoy Bottomless Brunch in Marbella
Here are our top 3 places to enjoy a bottomless brunch in Marbella.
Bottomless brunch in La Sala
La Sala Puerto Banus is an absolute institution, with fantastic food, entertainment and a great vibe. The Bottomless Brunch there is legendary and includes two hours of free-flowing Bucks Fizz or Orange Juice, plus a delicious menu. It starts with a croissant with butter and jam and a seasonal fruit platter to share and then a choice of a Full English Breakfast, Full Vegan Breakfast, Smoked Salmon & Scrambled Eggs, Three Egg Omelette or American Pancakes. It’s €35 per person for the Bucks Fizz or orange juice, or you can upgrade to unlimited cocktails, or champagne. The choice is yours!
Bottomless brunch in Leone Brasserie
Leone Brasserie is a newcomer to Puerto Banus, but somewhere that has become a real hit in a relatively short time. It’s located on the front line of the port itself for fabulous people watching and is certainly somewhere to see and be seen. It’s trendy yet casual and serves food throughout the day, from 10am to midnight.
Their Bottomless Brunch is served from 10am to noon and includes 90 minutes of drinks alongside a delicious menu of brunch favorites. It all starts with a welcome fruit platter and then you can choose from English Breakfast, Avocado Toast with a poached egg, Pancakes, Parma Ham Panini or Shakshuka. It’s rounded out with a dessert board.
There are two options, depending on what you’re drinking. It’s €40 per head for unlimited Cava, Mimosa, Bloody Mary and Expresso Martini, with an option to upgrade to champagne alongside the other cocktails.
Bottomless brunch in Tibu
Now for something a little different, there’s the night brunch at Tibu nightclub in Puerto Banus. This is really just a 3-course set menu with 2 hours free wine, beer or cava, but making it a “Bottomless Night Brunch” makes for good marketing and a fun and reasonably priced way to line your stomach and start your night. 3 courses plus 2 hours of free drinks will set you back €65 per head.
Brunch at your villa or apartment
If you’re staying in a holiday home in Marbella, then you have another fantastic option, which is to have brunch brought to you!
We can arrange for a private chef to prepare a wonderful brunch party for your group in the comfort of your villa. This bespoke breakfast experience is tailored to your taste and schedule and is a fantastic treat. There’s no need to brunch and drive and you can name your favorite brunch dishes to create the perfect occasion for your next holiday in Marbella.
Alternatively, we can stock the cupboards with the essential brunch ingredients and more, before you arrive. Breakfast on the terrace of your holiday rental or by the pool is heavenly. Our grocery shopping service is a great way to remove the hassle and stress from arriving at a holiday rental and having to navigate unfamiliar shops.
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[post_content] => San Juan takes place on the night of the 23rd of June. It is a very special festival, which celebrates the shortest night of the year and the summer solstice. Pagan in origins and shrouded in magic and mysticism, this is a wonderful time to be in Marbella. There are celebrations on the beaches along the Costa del Sol, with bonfires burning brightly long into the night and friends and families getting together to party. This is definitely not an event to miss if you’re holidaying in Marbella at the end of June.
Here's our essential guide to enjoying San Juan in Marbella to the full.
What is San Juan Night? Origin and history
Celebrations and rituals on the summer solstice date back to ancient history and with the strong influences of the Phoenicians and Romans in Spain, these celebrations will have been taking place for thousands of years. However, it became San Juan, when the Catholic Church adopted this and many other pagan celebrations and said it was to celebrate the birth of the Saint John the Baptist. However, there are few signs to connect this celebration with John the Baptist and the church and many more pagan, mystical traditions are attached to it.
What are “moragas”?
San Juan is all about fire, and “moragas” play a big part in the celebrations in many places. They are open fires, over which fish is cooked, and can be seen at chiringuitos, often in old fishing boats, throughout the summer. But what makes the moragas different on San Juan night, is that it’s not just the restaurants that do them.
The tradition is for groups and families to head down to the beach and make a fire, to cook on, to gather around and to use for some of the more interesting rituals connected with San Juan in Marbella. Some people take down a disposable barbeque, others dig a fire pit, others decide to go to their favourite beach restaurant, or municipal celebration to avoid having to do it themselves.
Important – Not all beaches allow individuals to light fires, so check the regulations in your area before you plan your own “moraga”.
Rituals of the night of San Juan
On San Juan, you’ll find bonfires being built and lit, all along the Costa del Sol. Some are modest, others huge and some are even flammable sculptures, which look too good to burn. On San Juan night in Marbella, you can expect towering stacks of pallets and wood being constructed on beaches all along the 27.9km of coastline of the Marbella district. These big bonfires are usually lit at midnight, and there are often fireworks as well, to mark the start of the San Juan day itself.
Top tip – Don’t locate yourself too close to these bonfires, trying to get a good view. They throw out a lot of heat, smoke and sparks, so be smart and stay upwind of them and give them some space!
Once the fires are lit, you’ll see many people taking part in some ancient rituals of purification, renewal and to inspire good luck. Here are a few you might want to try.
Burning pieces of paper in the bonfire on which you’ve written either your wishes for the future, or the things you want to leave behind. This is a way of moving past bad things or habits and bringing in good energy and luck for the future.
Swim in the sea at midnight to purify your soul and rid you of sins – it’s even said to cure aches and pains. Whatever you believe, it’s a fun thing to do to swim in the sea on a warm summer evening in Marbella.
Jumping over the flames to bring good luck – some people jump over big fires, but more sensible people just have a small fire that they jump over, or choose the very edge of a bonfire. According to tradition you need to jump over it 7 times or more and that will give you good luck for the rest of the year.
Washing your face with seawater at midnight to give good health and beauty for the rest of the year. This is a good option if swimming at night isn’t your thing.
Lighting a candle and burying it in the sand – Many people take candles with them if they are celebrating San Juan on the beach and by burning a candle and burying it, it is said to give good harvests and make the earth more fertile. (Don’t forget to take it with you at the end of the evening though).
Jumping over the waves for fertility – If women jump over 9 waves it is said to boost their fertility
Where to spend the night of San Juan in Marbella?
Any beach in Marbella is a magical place to spend San Juan, whether you just head down to the beach with friends, or you join in with an existing celebration at a chiringuito or a beach club.
If you’d rather cater yourself, then it’s just a case of finding where they are building a bonfire near your holiday rental. Head down there with a disposable BBQ, food, drinks, music, candles and things to sit on. Around 9pm or 10pm is a good time to get down there and find a spot.
Alternatively, find a nice restaurant or beach bar to spend it in. In the run up to the big night, have a walk around the area close to your holiday rental in Marbella and ask your favourite restaurants and bars on the beach if they are doing anything – most will be! Book yourself a table for a late dinner or drinks, remembering that the bonfire isn’t lit until midnight and parties go on very late, so later is better, if you can manage it.
A nice stretch of beach to spend San Juan in Marbella is on Playa de la Fontanilla. There’s a whole stretch of fantastic chiringuitos, tucked under the seafront promenade, including the legendary La Red restaurant. These are great restaurants at any time of the day and year, but having so many in one stretch, plus a bonfire on the beach, gives it a fantastic atmosphere. If your Marbella holiday rental is within walking distance of this section of beach, you’re in luck (as parking is a headache). Just make sure you book in good time!
Another great option is to choose one of the many fantastic beach clubs in Marbella to spend your San Juan night. There are usually special parties and events put on for the night, live music, fireworks and set menus. Some of our favourites include MC Beach, Nikki Beach and Playa Padre. However, we’d recommend popping down to one in walking distance from where you’re staying and finding out what they have planned. These can be pricy occasions, but it’s always special for sure!
Top Tip – Don’t forget a jumper or jacket. It may seem strange when the days are so hot in June, but the beach at night is cool, and because it’s a long one, you’re going to want something to keep you warm, so pack a jumper, cardie, jacket or pashmina.
Where to stay if you’re visiting for San Juan in Marbella?
We’d recommend choosing a beachfront holiday rental in Marbella if you want to enjoy everything San Juan has to offer. You’re right on the sand and can see what’s going on in your area and easily make plans to join in with the fun.
Another good option is a holiday rental on Marbella’s Golden Mile, as there are plenty of options along that stretch and you are within walking distance of the centre, along the seafront promenade.
If Nikki Beach is where you want to spend San Juan, then look for a holiday rental in Elviria.
We hope this guide will help you enjoy San Juan in Marbella to the fullest. If you need any support with finding the perfect holiday rental, or booking VIP extras to make your stay even more special, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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[post_content] => There are now 2 billion active Instagram users, not to mention, 2.9 billion people using Facebook. What we post on our social media channels matters, as it’s what we’re showing to the world about our lives, our success and our happiness. When we’re on our holidays, the social media content is even more important. We want people to see that we’re having a great time and create some envy, so we need to choose our location carefully!
Marbella is not only a fantastic place to holiday, not only an aspirational 5* destination, but it’s also gorgeous. This makes it the perfect place to generate that social media content which will having your Instagram blowing up, and everyone wishing they could be there with you.
As Marbella holiday experts, we can provide you with stunning holiday rentals in Marbella and also insider knowledge to make your stay the very best it can be. We are also always sharing beautiful pictures to inspire you on our Instagram and Facebook pages, so we’re very well placed to advise you on where to go to create amazing content!
Here’s our list of the top 6 most Instagrammable places in Marbella. Please tag us in any stunning pics you take of Marbella or use the hashtag #VacationMarbella and we’ll share the best on our socials!
Calle Ancha de Marbella
Calle Ancha literally means wide street, and is a beautiful street in Marbella’s Old Town. This street dates back to the 19th Century, when Marbella expanded beyond the city walls and Calle Ancha was built to link the city to the Northern area, which at that time was an area of farming and a place to raise livestock. Here you’ll find large houses of important figures from Marbella’s past, many with coats of arms on their facades. The architecture is Andalucian Baroque and features beautiful balconies, many filled with flowers and imposing doorways, leading on to patios.
The width of the street, with the church and its spire in the background, makes for a great photo. The vibrant flowers, bougainvillea and other climbing plants, gives an explosion of colour which contrasts with the white walls of the houses behind. That’s a great backdrop for a fantastic Insta post. On this street is the stunning French bistro of Casanis, which is a great restaurant, but also very Instagram friendly!
Marbella Old Town
The whole of Marbella Old Town is stunning and exploring its winding streets is a great thing to do when you’re on holiday in Marbella. You’ll find Instagrammable places all over the Old Town, from the beautiful Orange Square, with its bars, restaurants, orange trees and lovely architecture, to the old city walls and imposing main church. Don’t be afraid to get a little lost in the winding back streets, there’s beauty and that perfect shot waiting for you at every turn.
Great times for a seriously impressive and perhaps surprising Instagram post is during the Easter parades, when large sculptures of Jesus and Mary and carried through the streets on “tronos” by religious devotees. The Old Town also looks stunning at Christmas, with the lights twinkling and the nativity scenes set up in the churches and chapels.
We’ve got some great holiday rental properties in Marbella Old Town, if this sounds like the perfect base for your next vacation.
Marbella’s Castle and Old City Walls
We’re staying in Marbella Old Town for our next recommendation and taking you to the impressive old city walls and the remains of the castle, which dates back to the time when the Moors ruled over Marbella and the whole of Andalusia. They date back to the 11th and 12th centuries and originally had ten or eleven towers to defend Marbella from invaders and pirates, being used until the end of the 15th century and restored in the 18th century.
You can find these impressive walls and turrets along the following streets - Solano, Portada, Arte, Salinas, Trinidad, Carmen, Ortiz del Molinillo and Virgen de los Dolores. Following the walls and looking out for the towers is a great way to explore the Old Town and appreciate the history of this beautiful town.
A great Instagram location has to be the enormous walls opposite the Incarnation church, as you have the church, the square and the imposing and well restored walls, so you’re spoilt for choice. We love the contrast between the white walls, with pretty pots filled with flowers and then the imposing castle walls behind them. Walking up the steps from Calle Trinidad, with the old walls alongside you, also makes for a great picture.
Parque de la Alameda
The Alameda Park is a shady, tree filled sanctuary, which connects the Old Town and the Avenida del Mar, which leads you down to the sea. With benches, fountains and lush vegetation, it’s a great place to escape the heat and rest and relax. It also makes a stunning backdrop for an awesome Instagram post. The dappled light, is really interesting and there are some lovely little secluded corners to take some great shots. It often has things going on there too, like a Santa’s Grotto in December, book fairs and markets.
Just beyond there is the Avenida del Mar, with the sea in the background and 10 stunning bronze sculptures by Salvador Dali. There are some great pictures to be taken here too!
Puerto Banús
Moving away from Old Town Marbella now, we recommend exploring Puerto Banus for a very different set of Instagram posts. You can even take the catamaran ferry, which connects Marbella to Puerto Banus and get some fantastic snaps along the way.
Puerto Banus is Instagram gold! The port itself is really beautiful, with white washed buildings clustered around a marina, full of incredible yachts and power boats. It’s the playground of the rich and famous, so you’ll also find amazing supercars parked up, close to enormous and glamourous boats – perfect Instagram material!
It’s also designer shopping paradise, with boutiques from some of the world’s top designers and a picture of you popping out of Dior or Gucci with bags on your arm is sure to impress. A drink at the legendary Sinatra Bar offers some great photo opportunities too and a chance to rest weary feet.
When you’re rested, walk round the port to the viewing point Mirador del Muelle de Honor, for some fantastic shots out to sea and back to the beautiful port itself.
You’ll be spoilt for choice, day or night for stunning pictures from Puerto Banus and with our Puerto Banus vacation rentals you could be at the heart of all the action for your next holiday.
Sunset on the beach
Sunsets in Marbella are something else. The sky is a work of art, the light is beautiful and looking out to sea while the sun goes down is a wonderful thing to do. It’s also a perfect time to take pictures for Instagram. Whether you’re sitting on the sand, or sipping a sundowner in a beach bar, get that phone out and get snapping!
Check out our guide to the best places to watch the sunset in Marbella for more inspiration.
We’d love to see your favourite pictures of Marbella, so make sure to tag us on Instagram or on Facebook @vacationmarbella or use the hashtag #VacationMarbella and we’ll share the best with our followers.
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Marbella is a beautiful town on the Costa del Sol, known and loved for its great nightlife, fantastic beaches and shopping. Although it doesn’t have a big gay scene, it is a very tolerant and open-minded town and offers LGBTQ+ travelers a warm welcome. This reflects the very progressive attitude to gay rights in Spain, strong anti-discrimination laws and legal recognition of same-sex marriage and the right of same-sex couples to adopt children.
There are two great gay bars in Marbella, plus a well-established gay scene in Torremolinos, which is around 30 minutes from Marbella by car. There are also popular Gay Pride events in Torremolinos and Manilva in June.
Here are our picks of gay bars in Marbella and Torremolinos.
Gay bars in Marbella
There are two friendly gay bars in Marbella, both in the central part of town. Parking can be tricky in this area, so we recommend taking a cab, so you can enjoy the evening to the full! It’s a 15-20 minute walk between these two bars, if you want to check them out on the same evening.
Fénix
Fenix is a cocktail bar located in Calle El Fuerte, in front of the Hotel El Fuerte in the central of Marbella. It’s a late-night bar, open from 11pm Monday to Sunday, open to 3am most days, but open until 4am on Friday and Saturday nights.
Maxtur
Located on Avenida Fontanilla in central Marbella, this gay bar is highly rated for its good vibe, friendly people and affordable drinks. There are regular events and it’s open from 10pm Tuesday to Sunday, until 3am most nights, but open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.
We’d also suggest checking out the bars in the Marbella port, which has a great atmosphere until late. While these are not gay bars, they are a good option if you want to party.
Gay bars near Marbella
Torremolinos is the top destination for gay travelers on the Costa del Sol and there are loads of great bars, restaurants and clubs for LGBTQ+ travelers. The gay district is known as La Nogalera and the beach area popular with gay travelers is Beirola Beach.
Here are three of the best gay bars in Torremolinos, but there are plenty more to discover!
Eden is the Costa del Sol’s only LGBTQI+ beach club and is located right on the sands of the stunning Torremolinos beach. This is open from March until the end of October and is an adult only beach club, which hosts lots of great events and offers a welcoming and great fun atmosphere. It’s open Monday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm during the season.
They serve an interesting and varied food menu, with breakfast, salads, snacks, Tex-Mex and Thai dishes, burgers, sandwiches, pasta and more! You can spend the day soaking up the sun on their loungers, enjoy great food and live music and events. This is a must visit location!
El Gato Lounge
Located opposite the Beirola Beach, El Gato Lounge is a very popular early evening hotspot for gay travelers to the Costa del Sol. Open from 5.30 to 10.30pm, there’s delicious food, friendly staff and a great atmosphere.
Located in the La Nogalera district, this bar offers a friendly atmosphere and great crowd, plus cocktails, live music and events.
The biggest Gay Pride event on the Costa del Sol is held in Torremolinos, it is an 8-day celebration of love, music and life which this year is taking place between May 26th and June 2nd. On the Western Costa del Sol, you can find Manilva Pride, which is scheduled for the 15th and 16th of June 2024 and features lots of great music, parties and parades.
These are highlights of the gay calendar on the Costa del Sol and it’s a great idea to time your visit to coincide with one of these events.
Where to stay?
To be in the center of the gay scene on the Costa del Sol, then Torremolinos is the best place to stay. However, it can be pretty full-on for a whole holiday.
Choosing a holiday rental in Benalmadena can be a good option, for its proximity to Torremolinos and the airport, and more laid-back vibe, with plenty to see and do.
If you are choosing your location based on nightlife in general, and like a classier vibe with great shopping, then a Puerto Banus holiday rental can be an excellent option.
Lastly, central Marbella, gives you access to two great gay bars, a good selection of bars and clubs in the Puerto Deportivo, as well as great shopping, restaurants and culture. Choosing a holiday rental in Marbella Old Town puts you at the heart of everything and it’s a stunning place to use as a base, just half an hour from Torremolinos.
Contact our Costa del Sol holiday experts if you’re planning a holiday and don’t really know where to start. We can make some recommendations based on your requirements.
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