Are you thinking of visiting Marbella? Don’t you know how much time you have to dedicate to it and the things you can do? With sunshine 320 days a year and life as vibrant as its colorful landscape. Marbella has a unique combination of glamorous Mediterranean lifestyle, stunning beaches, rich history and an eclectic culinary scene. It has something to satisfy every traveler.
We will reveal the best things you can do in Marbella. A city that never ceases to amaze. From its most famous bars and restaurants to the essential places you must visit. Prepare your suntan lotion and your straw hat, because Marbella awaits you with open arms.
Perhaps you are wondering how to make the most of your time here? Look no further, because we have also prepared a special section to answer the most frequently asked questions that British tourists usually ask.
What is Marbella best known for?
This beautiful city on the Costa del Sol is a must-visit for anyone seeking a sunny holiday spot. It’s home to stunning beaches, delicious food, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
It is a great place to unwind, and is also a fantastic place to explore. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a nature enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in Marbella. But, you should know is that Marbella is divided into two parts: the Old Town (Casco Antiguo) and the New Town (Nueva Andalucía).
- The Old Town: it is the most traditional Spanish part of Marbella, characterised by its whitewashed buildings, red tiled roofs, and winding streets. This is where you will find the majority of the city’s historical monuments and feel the authentic Spanish ambiance.
- The New Town is the more modern part of Marbella, complete with luxury hotels, high-end shops, and sophisticated restaurants. Here, you will find the majority of the city’s luxury shopping and dining options, as well as the famous Marbella’s Golden Mile, a stretch of coastline that is home to some of the city’s most popular beaches.
Frequently asked questions that may arise if you want to visit Marbella
This section has been added to this guide to address many of the questions that arise when you travel through these areas and that if you only want to spend 1 or two days they will help you manage your time.
1. Is Puerto Banus better than Marbella?
Marbella is a city and Puerto Banus is a marina. We recommended you from Viva Manilva, to visit both options. Now, Puerto Banus is perfect for shopping, spending an afternoon in the sun, eating and having a drink. On the other hand, in Marbella you can do the same, but with a little more variety of options and cheaper.
2. Where do celebrities go in Marbella?
A common place that a famous person tends to frequent is in La Sala By The Sea and Marbella Club Hotel. You can find yourself rubbing shoulders with international footballers, actors, pop stars…
3. What is Puerto Banus known for?
The name of Puerto Banus comes from Jose Banús, a character who inaugurated in 1970 as one of the largest entertainment centers on the Costa del Sol, and who gradually achieved international fame and prestige.
4. What is the posh part of Marbella?
- Puerto Banus: he jewel of the crown for luxury leisure and exclusive Marbella properties.
- Sierra blanca: is a private community in the heart of the Golden Mile, a few steps from the beach and a wide range of luxury shops and 5-star hotels. To socialize at the golf club house or at the Hotel Guadalmina.
- Guadalmina: it has white sand beaches, trendy restaurants, beach clubs and golf courses.
- La Zagaleta: the well-known field of the millionaires of Marbella, the ultra-luxury complex that has some of the highest real estate prices in all of Spain.
5. How is security in Marbella?
Marbella is a prosperous destination, with low unemployment, low crime levels and wealthy foreign residents. The city is neatly maintained by local authorities, with large financial investments in parks and public spaces.
6. How many days are needed to get to know Marbella?
If what you want is to visit Marbella calmly, we recommend you spend 3 days to visit the beaches, bars, restaurants, beach club famasos, do recreational activities such as glof, jet skis, boat trips, etc.
The best places to visit in Marbella
Old Town of Marbella
A surprising and fun place with Andalusian flavor where you can breathe the essence of the most famous coastal town on the Costa del Sol. You will be surprised to know that Marbella is much more than luxury shops and high-end cars.
Urban Wall of Marbella
The Muralla urbana is a fort in Marbella. It was built in the 10th century, and contained the old Arab medina in the old part of the city. The fort was accessible through three entrances: the Puerta de Ronda, the Puerta de Málaga and the Puerta del Mar, and was composed of at least 20 towers.
The Avenue of the Sea in Old Town Marbella
This square became a quarter of the size of what it is now. It was a place for walks and meetings, where the lords of the city came to show off their economic and social power with their decorated bodies, especially on the most important festivities.
Puerto Banus
Puerto Banus is one of the most recognized luxury ports in the world. With a wide range of haute couture shopping, events and activities for the whole family. Experience Marbella from the most exclusive marina in the Mediterranean.
Walk through the Alameda Marbella park
Huge green area, authentic lung of the city, dating from the eighteenth century and occupying an area of 20,000 m2 in its day. The most important actions were the leveling of its surface, building a retaining wall on its south side, at the end of the 19th century. The landscaping of the central promenade, paving the side streets, took place in the early 1930s.
Artola-Cabopino beach
Artola-Cabopino beach is located in the municipality of Marbella and is one of the best natural beaches that can be found on the Costa del Sol.
Orange Square in Marbella
The Plaza de los Naranjos has been built since 1485, after the Christian conquest of the city by the Moors. This square was created to be the urban axis of the city. The square is framed by typical Andalusian white houses and three historical buildings: the Town Hall, the Casa del Corregidor and the Hermitage of Santiago that you must visit.
Where eat in Marbella ?
La Milla Marbella (€€€-€€€€)
Chiringuito and restaurant next to the beach with the “Amazing Marbella Estate” with incredible paellas and skewers. Book is essential.
ENTONCES…..Vamos a Comer Cafè & Restaurante (€€)
A wonderful place to eat and enjoy a good atmosphere with live music. Reserve your table before attending and check their Facebook to know the performance of the day
Restaurante los Tres Pepes (€€-€€€)
Chiringuito-restaurant los tres pepes With a cheaper price than the previous one, it is a good beach bar and nothing to envy from the others. Also, you have to book
Restaurant El Cordobes (€€)
Spanish bar of a lifetime. Excelent fish and seafood based restaurant, with a nice view, has a good variety of fish, especially fried, and also grilled fish.
Mamzel (€€€-€€€€)
To enjoy an incredible experience with Mamzel Marbella! With spectacular shows and truly delicious food, fast and impeccable service. reserve your table. Book
Perhaps you’re wondering how to make the most of your time here? Look no further, there are places, corners, and things to do and try in Marbella that make your visit super complete. From Viva Manuilva we’ve already recommended the best things to do, see, and eat in Marbella.
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a frequent traveller to Marbella, and you weren’t aware of these things to do in Marbella, you should take note of them. So, ready to explore Marbella?
