The coastal Spanish gem everyone's talking about: Marbella

Are you looking for a vibrant destination with the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation? Nestled in the Sierra Blanca foothills, Marbella, Spain, is the ideal holiday for those looking to explore, chill by the Mediterranean Sea and dine on world-class meals.  

Between lively cultural experiences within Marbella and short day trips to the history surrounding it, it’s no wonder celebrities worldwide have chosen this colourful Andalusian city as their destination for decades. If you want to follow in their footsteps, here are some top picks for your trip to Marbella.  

Lose yourself in the charms of Old Town

Marbella’s Old Town is one of the most iconic destinations within the city. You’ll want to spend hours strolling the cobbled streets, gazing at the flowering bougainvillea and soaking in the colourful shops and houses.  

As you wander, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard—but there’s more to Old Town than the gorgeous scenery and photogenic sights. This neighbourhood is a living archive of the overlapping cultures that have shaped Marbella.  

Visit the Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación to see this firsthand. This 16^th-century Catholic church was once a mosque built in a Moorish style, and the traces of this architecture remain in features such as the minaret-turned-steeple.

You can visit the Plaza de los Naranjos, which is just a few steps away. Orange trees grow around the checkerboard-tiled square, where you can spend a sunny afternoon lounging on a bench or at a cafe. 

Other prominent historical sites include the two-thousand-year-old Roman villa at Rio Verde, where you can see the ancient tile mosaics, and the Castillo de Marbella, where palm fronds surround the crumbling stone walls.  

Marbella’s Old Town isn’t all ancient history, though—discover Michelin-starred restaurants like Restaurante Skina, which offers a creative spin on classic Andalusian fare, or family-owned Casa Eladio. For a simpler but still delicious meal in Old Town, check out the Orange Tree for seafood and fresh flavours.  

Immerse yourself in arts and culture

Marbella has plenty of offerings beyond its beautiful Andalusian architecture in Old Town. History lovers will appreciate the Contemporary Engravings Museum, which houses over 4,000 printed and engraved works. A stroll down Avenida del Mar also offers modern art, showcasing famous statues by Pablo Picasso, which you can enjoy in the fresh sea air along the coast.  

From there, you can walk to Alameda Park and enjoy the lush greenery and traditional azulejo-style tile benches. Perhaps you would like to continue to one of Marbella’s beautiful beaches, like the gorgeous Blue Flag-awarded Playa de la Venus.

To experience authentic Andalusian culture, visit the Marbella Market to browse clothing, fresh produce and handmade wares.  

For travellers looking for a challenge, you might be interested in the hike up La Concha mountain. From there, you will have a stunning view of the city and sea, enjoying the best of Marbella from above.  

Indulge in seaside fun

Marbella is known for its sandy beaches and sparkling sea views, where you can enjoy everything from natural beaches to full-amenity marinas. No matter how you’d like to spend your hours in the sun, Marbella has a beach for every kind of traveller.  

Capobina Beach is perfect for those who want to experience Marbella’s natural landscape. The water is warm, and the beach itself is surrounded by dunes with long grass that sways in the sea breeze. Capobina also has hiking trails nearby where you can enjoy a refreshing swim after your scenic trek.  

Faro Beach is another great site and has been awarded a Blue Flag for its beauty and sustainability. It has great amenities like restaurants and cafes nearby and is easy to get to from within Marbella. 

Puerto Banús beach is another excellent option, especially for those who want to check out Marbella’s famous luxury port right next door. This beach has golden sand and lovely views of the yachts moored in the marina. Relax, eat a bite, and watch the boats from the shoreline at this popular spot.  

Easy day trips from Marbella

Marbella’s optimal location means it’s the perfect checkpoint for day trips. This city is just a short distance from Malaga, Gibraltar and Cordoba. Gibraltar is known for dolphin sightseeing trips, so don’t miss out on their majesty if you take the short one-hour bus ride there.  

Animal lovers will also enjoy a trip to the BIOPARC in Fuengirola, where you can visit everything from monkeys to tropical birds to scaly crocodiles. These creatures live in carefully recreated natural habitats, and you can wander among the towering trees as you visit each one.  

Discover the ancient cave paintings of Nerja or the Moorish architecture of Frigillana for a day trip to remember, all conveniently located within a few hours of Marbella. For a more extended excursion, spend a few days across the Strait of Gibraltar in Morocco, exploring the rich cultural heritage of this country that’s just a stone’s throw away.  

Escape to Spain

Want to explore Marbella? You can join a 21-night adventure in Marbella, Costa del Sol, as part of Long-stay Spain. 

The best part? The trip is fully customizable to suit your travel needs—whether lounging by the sea every day or taking a weekend getaway to explore the coast. Book an appointment with a CAA Travel Consultant to learn more and start planning your trip today.