In 2022, European Best Destinations ranked Marbella in first place among Europe’s most exclusive destinations.
There’s a lot to love about Marbella – the weather is wonderful all year round, the scenery is staggeringly beautiful, and the beaches are pure perfection.
In Marbella, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities to lap up the luxury and relax in fine style. Find out more about the best ways to pass the time here.
Spend Time on the Beaches
Spending time on the beach is always a part of vacation plans involving Marbella. There are over 18 miles of seafront sand in Marbella.
There are 20 beaches to choose from in the area where you can swim and sunbathe to your heart’s content.
All of Marbella’s beaches boast lifeguards from Easter through to September, and the seaside beach bars, called chiringuitos, are open year-round.
El Faro is one of the best beaches in town, with its small arc of dark sand, knee-high waters, and Blue Flag status.
Guadalmina beach is another beauty, offering lovely views over Gibraltar and the Atlas Mountains, and a secluded aspect.
El Ancón Beach in Marbella is a hotspot for tourists during the busy season and has a bustling atmosphere. It’s also home to the famous Victor’s Beach Bar.
La Venus beach is another top pick for those who enjoy the holiday vibe, boasting a wide array of bars, shops, and restaurants.
Hit the Water
You won’t gaze at the azure aspect of the Mediterranean Sea for very long without wanting to plunge into its cool depths. In Marbella, you’ll find many ways to make the most of your seaside location.
Some of the water sports on offer include:
- Jet-skiing
- Parasailing
- Wakeboarding
- Powerboat rides
If you prefer a more sedate outing, a luxury yacht excursion is ideal for you. Marbella’s has an exquisite selection of yachts available for exploring the waters or beach club hopping.
Enjoy Fine European Cuisine
Whether you’re looking for award-winning fare or a simple snack, Marbella’s eateries won’t disappoint.
No trip to Marbella is complete without trying the local delicacy, espetos, comprising simple roasted sardines served on bamboo skewers. Old-fashioned gazpacho with cucumber, tomato, garlic, and vegetables is the perfect meal for a hot Mediterranean day.
Marbella offers a galaxy of Michelin-starred options, with no fewer than 15 restaurants mentioned in the Michelin Guide. Four of these have achieved one or two stars.
You’ll find the freshest seafood available at all the best places to eat, and other popular dining options include tapas, sushi, and all your fast food favourites.
Explore Marbella’s Fascinating Past
Since it’s built on the ruins of an ancient Roman village, Marbella has no shortage of windows into the distant past.
You’ll find remnants of the glory days of Rome alongside the beaches and amid the city suburbs. Some of the best ones are:
- Acinipo-(Ronda)
- Baelo Claudia (Tarifa)
- Cartama aqueduct (Málaga)
- Puente Romano (Marbella)
- Roman villa at Rio Verde (Marbella)
Unlike the grand showcases found in Italy, these museums provide insights into daily life in Roman times.
Other fascinating places to go include unique museums like the world’s only museum devoted to Spanish engraving, the Bonsai museum, Picasso’s birthplace museum, and the Olive Oil Museum.
Take a Walk in Marbella
A stroll around the lovely environment of Marbella reveals gorgeous seaside scenes, plush villas, and architectural gems. You’ll also find a wealth of shopping opportunities or places where you’re tempted to stop and reflect.
Some of the best areas to explore include:
Iglesia de la Encarnación
Technically, this is a historic site more than a walking destination. Yet, you’ll enjoy a stroll around the outside to admire the architecture and paved gardens.
Historic Old Town
Red tiles, crazy paving, and whitewashed buildings are trademarks of Marbella’s oldest district. Among this labyrinth of pedestrian streets, you’ll discover tiny squares, restaurants, small gardens, and an abundance of bougainvillaea.
It’s a charming place to spend some time enjoying the traditional lifestyle of Marbella.
Puerto Banús
This is Marbella’s flashiest area and draws comparisons with the French Riviera. It’s awash with super yachts, high-end boutiques, expensive cars, and crazy displays of wealth.
It’s worth spending some time here seeing how the rich and famous spend their time, and you shouldn’t miss the chance to see the 3.6-ton rhinoceros sculpture crafted by Salvador Dalí, either.
Avenida Del Mar
This lovely walkway takes you from Almeda Park to Playa de la Venus. It’s adorned with more of Dalís bronze works as well as beautifully groomed hedges, palm trees, and public artworks.
Along the way, you’ll find many opportunities for refreshments at bars and restaurants.
La Concha
Hiking to the top of Marbella’s highest peak involves more than a stroll. Rather, it’s a four-hour exertion.
When you reach the top, the stunning view over the Atlas mountains makes all the walking worthwhile.
Play a Round Of Golf
Any golf enthusiast’s trip plans are bound to include a day on the course, and Marbella offers a few wonderful opportunities to enjoy this sport.
Marbella has 32 golf courses both within the resort and nearby. Some of these offer ultra-luxe outings with green fees to match, while others suit more modest players.
The best courses around town include Monte Paraiso, Los Naranjos, and La Quinta Golf and Country Club.
Keep Coming Back
If you fall in love with Marbella during your visit, and you’re bound to, you might consider investing in a holiday home in this magnificent place or even ponder a permanent move.
Marbella is an excellent choice for either option, thanks to its wonderful weather, interesting diversions, and friendly people.
Whatever your decision, get in touch and let’s find the perfect villa in Marbella together.