Top 10 Things to do in Marbella.
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Marbella is a town that always has a busy what is on calendar! With plenty of events, luxury parties, inaugurations and concerts every day so that you will always know what is going on today, tomorrow or even next month. There is no excuse to stay home! From live music concerts to theatre, from Champagne Spray to boat parties to International superstar, , cultural days to fairs, check out the events calendar to see what is happening in Marbella and all along the Costa del sol. If you are looking to buy or rent out your dream home in Marbella, a concierge service,… or other related service, LuxuryForSale.Properties s team is delighted to help you in the process.
10 things to do in Marbella.
Some say Marbella is a concrete nightmare. Not so! It has a stunning old town, lots of culture, fantastic cuisine and wonderful year-round weather. Marbella is wrongly thought to be either one of the concrete nightmares of the Costa del Sol, or as a really expensive place to visit. In fact, Marbella is a fantastic vacation spot year-round because of its pleasant weather, exciting nightlife, and relaxed vibe. Here are top 10 things to do that will help you enjoy your holiday to the full:
1. A Day at the Beach in Marbella.
No matter what time of year you visit Marbella, a trip to the beach is a must. The Costa del Sol boasts kilometres of sandy beaches, one of the very best of which can be found a 10 minute drive to the east of Marbella in the Cabopino area. All along these beaches are lovely beach bars, known as chiringuitos serving drinks and typical Mediterranean cuisine, right on the sand. The beaches and the sea all along the coast are clean and safe for swimming.
Those who aren’t bothered by the cold may often be seen swimming in the Mediterranean in the middle of December. Paddle boarding and jet skiing are just two of the many wintertime water activities available. Taking in some rays on the beach is a favorite pastime for many. Those who aren’t quite up to braving the frigid water but still want to swim throughout the winter may take use of the many public indoor heated pools found in the polideportivos or resorts.
Marbella also has several beach clubs that offer a unique experience of sun and fun. These establishments feature live music, swimming pools, Balinese beds, restaurants, making them ideal places to spend the day while enjoying the sun and good company. Marbella’s top beach clubs include Ocean Club, Nikki Beach, and Nao Pool, each with its own style and ambience.
2. Paseo Marítimo of Marbella.
Stretching alongside the beach is the Marbella paved Paseo Marítimo – or beachside promenade, frequented by both visitors and residents. San Pedro de Alcántara, Puerto Banús, The Golden Mile, and Marbella Centre are all accessible on foot through the promenade. In addition, cyclists use this path since it allows them to avoid busy streets and enjoy a more tranquil ride. Segways and electric scooters may be rented along the seafront for those who are feeling more daring. Along the promenade, there are also a number of fitness centers that anybody may use to get in a fast exercise whenever they choose. The Paseo Maritimo is a popular tourist destination in Marbella due to its abundance of cafes, restaurants, and chiringuitos.
No holiday on the coast would be complete without walking along the promenade, taking in the views, soaking up the ambience and especially to enjoy one of the Coast’s spectacular sunsets from your BeachFront Apartments or Villa in Marbella. The promenade has now been joined up entirely with a spectacular wooden boardwalk to enjoy a longer stroll from Marbella all the way to Puerto Banus and even further towards San Pedro de Alcantara. To feel like a local, head to the paseo on a Sunday when all the Spanish come out in their Sunday best to stroll and chat.
3. Marbella’s Old Town
Without a question, Marbella is the most opulent shopping destination in all of Southern Spain. Marbella’s high-end and high-street fashion offerings are among the city’s greatest strengths. These include Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Zara, and Uterque, to name a few. It’s really very pleasant to go shopping in Marbella during the winter, when crowds are less and you can take your time browsing your favorite stores. And from the first of the year through the last of the month of March, you can find winter bargains almost wherever.
There are several distinct retail districts in Marbella, and they may be broken down into the following categories:
- The streets in the historic center of Marbella (Casco Antiguo de Marbella) are lined with unique stores selling clothing, accessories, and food, as well as restaurants, cafés, and pubs.
- Luxury labels like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci and many more can be found at the newly remodeled El Corte Inglés in Puerto Banus. This department store also sells electronics, furniture, hardware, and even fresh produce.
- It has over 150 stores, so there’s something for everyone. Ricardo Soriano, the main boulevard running through Marbella Centre, is where you’ll find all the high-street brands, restaurants, cafés, hairdressers, banks, and other services and attractions. For all intents and purposes, this is Marbella’s main retail district.
Marbella’s historic and picturesque Old Town, or casco antiguo is a hidden gem which most tourists don’t manage to discover. It can be found near the centre of town just up from the Avenida Ricardo Soriano – the main street which runs through Marbella – and opposite La Alameda park. With its picturesque, ancient architecture and maze of narrow cobbled streets full of boutique shops, funky art galleries, bars and eateries, the Old Town is almost like a separate village within Marbella. At the centre is Orange Square, a beautiful and typically Andalucian square full of orange trees and tropical plants which is a must-see for any holiday, and where you can sit quietly in one of the many traditional cafes enjoying a coffee or a glass of wine, and watch the world go by. The Old Town buzzes with activity and there are plenty of interesting nooks and crannies to explore. Good restaurants are also in plentiful supply, serving everything from expensive gourmet food to authentic backstreet Spanish tapas and there are innumerable bars which are busy into the early hours of the morning.
La Alameda Park and Parque de la Constitución Marbella.
South of Marbella’s Old Town, on the other side of the main road, you’ll find Parque La Alameda. This small park boasts a magnificent large central fountain decorated in traditional Andalucian tiles (a great photo opportunity!), huge tropical plants and decorated benches. This park is popular amongst locals and tourists alike as a tranquil place to take a break.
4. Day Trips in Marbella.
Ronda full day wine tour, caminito del rey, riding tour around Grazalema, Hiking, Jeep eco tour Estepona, Jerez de la Frontera, Manilva and Gaucin, Gibraltar or even Granada and Sevilla day trip.
Leaving Marbella
Marbella has a superb position, being just 78.3 kilometers from the Strait of Gibraltar and bordered by many of Spain’s most illustrious metropolises.
- You should begin your journey across Andalusia at Málaga, the provincial capital that serves as a window into the artistic heart of Spain and a glimpse into traditional southern Spanish culture.
- Less than an hour from Marbella is one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia, Ronda, with its stunning Tajo and great wines. The Nobel Prize–winning author and bullfighting enthusiast Ernest Hemingway was inspired by the history and culture of Ronda’s bullfights, as well as the town’s natural beauty and romantic atmosphere.
- Should be your first stop if you’re planning a honeymoon or romantic getaway to Spain? Everything in town, as well as the countryside outside, provides a picturesque setting.
- Within a day’s drive from Marbella, you may visit the historic centers of Sevilla, Córdoba, and Granada.
- Just a one-hour drive will bring you to Algeciras, where you can get a boat to Tanger and spend the day in Morocco.
Traveling by automobile from Marbella, you may reach Gibraltar in under an hour to visit the famed monkeys on Gibraltar Rock, or you can drive two hours to reach the Sierra Nevada, a fantastic ski destination in the winter.
5. Golf courses in Marbella.
As a top “thing to do”, Andalucia is one of Europe’s foremost golfing destinations, with over 100 courses. Guaranteed warm temperatures all year round, endless hours of sunshine, and a spectacular variety of courses with both mountain and sea views, make this region a hugely popular choice for golfers from all over the world, and Marbella is no exception. Marbella offers courses for all standards of players, on all terrains, and has some of the plushest club houses around. There are a number of Golf Clubs in Marbella itself, but Marbella has the added bonus of being minutes drive away from the Costa del Golf, which offers scores of different courses – the Golfers Paradise. Marbella is by far the most popular golf destination in Spain. You will be impressed by the golf courses that are found along the Costa del Golf.
The Costa del Sol is one of the wealthiest areas when it comes to golf. The region has a large concentration of gold courses to suit everyone at every level. The Costa del Sol is after all, a golfers paradise.
6. Shopping in and around Marbella.
Marbella is perfect for shopaholics! The high street is full of clothes shops and the old town’s winding streets are packed with boutiques and small shops selling unusual gifts, toys, clothes, shoes and accessories. For designer labels and the flagship El Corte Ingles department store, head to nearby Puerto Banus. Banus has incredible luxury shops all overlooking the impressive marina, as well as an upmarket shopping complex with top quality high street brand stores, art galleries, coffee shops, and a host of restaurants and bars. If you want more affordable brands all under one roof then the La Cañada Mall, in the north of Marbella city, is a great place to go. It houses nearly three hundred shopping outlets, bars, coffee shops, restaurants and a cinema.
7. Hiking.
Trekking is a common pastime. Marbella and its surrounding areas offer a variety of hiking trails that cater to different levels of difficulty and preferences. Here are a few notable hiking trails in the Marbella region:
- La Concha peak: La Concha Mountain, a symbol of Marbella, can be found just outside the city. Individuals, groups and even canine companions choose from a variety of pathways to explore in the great outdoors. It is one of the most popular pastimes for those who like being outside and doing sports because of the season’s milder weather and longer daylight hours. Beautiful views over the Costa del Sol (from Málaga to Algeciras), Morocco, and Gibraltar may be enjoyed from the peak of the mountain. The whole trek, from starting at the bottom to starting at the top, takes around 6 hours. Refugio de Juanar is the starting point of the trek.
Also, there are other interesting routes:
- Refugio de Juanar Loop.
- Istan Circular Walk.
- Puerto Rico de Juanar to Ojen.
- Rio Verde Waterfall.
- Sendero del Pinsapar (Pinsapo Forest Trail).
- El Juanar to La Concha Ridge.
In addition, the Sierra Blanca Mountain Range is home to several thrilling paths that may be explored by foot or bike. The most well-known starts its journey 46 kilometers outside of central Marbella and is known as the Caminito del Rey. The El Chorro Gorge is particularly impressive as you make your way through the mountain range on this route.
8. Culture & Schools in Marbella.
Although the Costa del Sol is not known for its culture, there are actually a number of theatres, art galleries and museums in the Marbella area as well as a packed cultural programme of concerts, dance, jazz and theatre during the summer months. In Marbella, the Black Box Theatre offers plays in Spanish and English; the unusual Bonsai Museum features one of Europe’s most important collections of Bonsai Trees; and the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings exhibits works by Picasso, Miró, Tapies, Chillida and several other important Spanish artists. The best art gallery close to Marbella is the Sammer Gallery, Puerto Banús, which is one of the largest modern art galleries in Spain. The iconic Starlite Festival is celebrated in Marbella during mid July to end of August. Growing in popularity and size year after year, the festival hosts concerts by some of the biggest names in music as well as fashion shows, art exhibitions, cinema premieres and a charity gala. Starlite is celebrated north of Marbella in a unique open air amphitheatre with 60 metre high walls where you can enjoy spectacular and intimate performances all under the stars. For yet more culture, a day-trip to Malaga town and a visit to the Picasso Museum is a must!
Marbella’s Must-See Museums
When it rains in Marbella, which happens sometimes, but not often, museums are a fantastic way to spend the time.
Located on the famed Golden Mile, El Museo Ralli was established by the late Dr. Harry Recanati to showcase modern art from Latin America and Europe. Museum visitors may see world-famous artworks and artifacts.
A little farther out in Málaga city, you’ll discover various museums to explore, such as the CAC Museum (Contemporary Art Centre), which has fantastic exhibits that you may experience for no cost. Because it is the artist’s birthplace, Málaga is also home to the Picasso Museum. The Automobile Museum, the Museum of Málaga, the Museum of Interactive Music, and the Museum of Wine are all highly recommended.
Schools.
When considering Marbella for year round living as a family, schools are always high on our clients list of requirements, as many people choose to find a property close to the school. The city boasts a high concentration of International and Private schools, and a recent study found that 6 of the best private schools in Spain are located in Marbella. So if you’re moving here with children, then depending on the area of your new home consider the following schools: Aloha College, Swans International School, Colegio Alboran, English International College, The British International School of Marbella, San Jose School, Laude International School, Atalaya Bilingual School, German School, Colegio Bilingue Las Chapas and Calpe College International School.
9. Family Fun Marbella.
There is just so much to keep the kids entertained in Marbella. A day at Funny Beach is perfect for those who love amusement, speed and adrenaline. There is a go-karting track, trampolines, video games, electric bikes and cars, a pool, children’s rides, as well as a restaurant serving kiddie-friendly fare and a bar. All on the beachfront! For active children try Aventura Amazonia in the Elviria area just a 10 minute drive east of Marbella, this tree top high ropes course is great fun for Adults and Children alike. Fly through the trees on the zip wires and complete the obstacle course. There is also a cafe bar and easy parking. Or head to San Pedro, located just west of Marbella, to Costa Jump, a huge indoor trampoline park. To explore the town of Marbella without the leg-work, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to take in the sights, a popular choice with the kids. Or for older children try the Segway tours. If you are happy going a little further afield, Fuengirola’s Miramar centre just a 15 minute drive from Marbella, offers a huge shopping complex as well as a cinema showing English films. Also in Fuengirola, you can find a water park and the popular Bioparc Zoo. The Tivoli World Amusement Park (Benalmadena), Crocodile Park (Torremolinos) and the Selwo safari park (Estepona) are all within a half an hour’s drive of the city and guarantee of a boredom-free holiday. For more teenage fun, there are many good organisations on the Coast who offer such adventures as scuba diving, quad-biking, jeep safaris in the National Parks, mountain treks on horse-back, canyoning in the region’s gorges, and paint balling.
10. Eating Out in and around Marbella.
One of the many pleasures of a visit to Marbella is the fantastic food. No visit would be complete without enjoying some traditional tapas, an excellent way to sample some of the local Spanish fare. Or to enjoy the catch of the day, seafood and paella head to one of the many chiringuitos on the beach. Venture into the winding streets of the old town to find quaint restaurants serving Mediterranean and traditional cuisine or head to the promenade for an international selection. Marbella has a wide selection of restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes.
Best Restaurants in Marbella.
From the best chef’s to the most exquisite variety of ingredients & nice food, where you can go with family & frieds to enjoy the best breakfast, lunch or dinner time no matter if you are a pasta,fish or meat lover this Restaurant’s have the best food in town that will make you come twice!
Spain is a country known worldwide for its gastronomy. Many Michelin star chefs are Spanish. Consequently, the country has an abundance of Michelin star restaurants spread across this wonderful nation. The Costa del Sol is home to some extraordinary restaurants that provide a mind-blowing culinary experience. We have gathered a list of some of our top choices, including a few Michelin star restaurants.
And for those food lovers who always love to eat good, Marbella has the best options when it comes to restaurants.
Marbella’s al fresco eating scene
As the heat of summer begins to dissipate, more and more people will be able to enjoy a lunch while sitting outside in the sun. A chiringuito, or beach restaurant, is a great place to relax on the sand and enjoy some authentic Spanish cuisine on a sunny day. Many of Marbella’s culinary treasures may be found in the city’s historic core, where patrons can savor their meals al fresco at establishments like those in the Plaza’s famous Orange Square (Plaza de Los Naranjos), so called for the abundance of orange trees there. During any time of the year, visitors to parks like Sierra Blanca’s Parque de Nagüeles may take use of the park’s barbecue and picnic areas, where they’ll find chairs with enough room for up to six people.
Other Things to do in Marbella:
Horseback riding
Those who love horseback riding will find the winter months to be ideal. When temperatures are lower, equestrian activities are more pleasant for both horse and rider. Horseback riding trips are available along the Costa del Sol in addition to the many equestrian centers where one may learn to ride. You may go on guided horseback riding experiences through the outdoors with Centro Hipico El Repique. The facilities and instructors of Centro Hpico Hacienda MonteMarina make horseback riding accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.
Marbella has a great horseback riding school
Enjoy a boat ride.
A sunset boat trip along the coast of Marbella is a must. With its stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere, this trip offers the perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Marbella coast.
A great year-round activity in Marbella is strolling along the promenade from Old Town to Puerto Banus (or vice versa) before returning the ferry.
Marbella captivates visitors with its diverse array of attractions and activities, making it an irresistible destination for travelers seeking sun, sea, culture, and adventure on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Despite the exclusivity and the high quality of life, Marbella offers similar cost of living than other parts of Spain.
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