Things to do in Marbella for an unforgettable trip

Marbella is home to one of those classic Andalusian old towns with whitewashed buildings adorned with beautifully tended flower pots sitting on cobbled squares, and plenty of sights to see.

Most visitors find that one of their favourite things to do in Marbella is take an idle stroll around this charming maze of streets, which offer a refreshing contrast to the modern beach resort areas that have sprung up around it.

You’ll naturally stumble upon all the highlights of the old town as you explore, and indeed, it’s hard to miss the Rococo facade and 50-metre high tower of the town’s largest church, Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, and its oldest church, the 15th-century Ermita de Santiago, both once mosques when this area was under Moorish rule. 

The latter sits on the picturesque Plaza de los Naranjos, also home to the old Casa Consistorial and Casa del Corregidor.

Another sight to make sure you see is Calle Ancha, lined with grand 19th-century houses and linking the old town to theBarrio Alto, ending at the Ermita del Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz.

After all that, browse some of the quaint shops and then pull up a chair at one of the cafés and restaurants on the picture-perfect squares for a refreshing tinto de verano (red wine and lemonade) and a few traditional tapas.

Whether you’re looking for romantic things to do in Marbella or could just do with a rest in the shade after all that sightseeing and tapas eating, the town has some beautiful parks to be enjoyed.

The lush Parque de la Alameda, home to a fountain built in 1792 and a botanical garden and the Parque de la Constitución are both wonderful green spaces in the heart of Marbella.

From the Parque de la Alameda, you can stroll down the Avenida del Mar, where you’ll find ten bronze sculptures, thought to be replicas (although long believed to be originals) of some of Dalí’s most famous pieces. 

This is a destination most famous for beaches, bars and boats, but as you’ll already have gathered, there’s plenty of culture to indulge in Marbella too.

Once you’ve had your fill of churches and cobbled streets, head to the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engravings, set in a beautiful, 16th-century Moorish-style palace, with more than 4000 pieces by some legendary artists, including Picasso, Miró and Dalí.

If you’re hungry for historic things to do in Malaga, then set a course for the town’s ruins. The remains of the city walls and castle built during the Moorish occupation, between the 11th and 12th centuries, can be found just on the outskirts of the old town.

Marbella’s reputation for catering for those used to the high life is largely thanks to the Golden Mile. It is, despite what the name might suggest, not a mile at all, but in fact a 6km strip of coast stretching from Marbella to Puerto Banús, lined with luxurious villas and palm trees and, as you might have guessed, beautiful golden sand.

Puerto Banús attracts some of the cream of Europe’s yacht-owning crop, and taking a stroll around the marina to have a look at the boats, deciding which one you’d buy with an unlimited budget, is fascinating. 

This town is also home to exclusive boutiques, excellent nightclubs, beautiful viewpoints such as the Mirador del Muelle, yet another fabulous beach, and an incredibly well-preserved Roman villa just on the other side of the Rio Verde.

Although staying near the old town is a fantastic option, some say the best area to stay in Marbella is Puerto Banús. If you choose to base yourself here to explore the area, opt for the renovated, supremely comfortable Occidental Puerto Banús.

If you’re looking for things to do around Marbella that will allow you to explore its stunning natural surroundings, you’ll want to make a beeline for the area of El Juanar, part of the Sierra de las Nieves, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

There are several different trails, but a great option is heading out from the outskirts of Marbella up to the peak of la Cruz del Juanar, from where, on clear days, you’ll see Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.

Now for the part you’re probably most excited about: the beach. Marbella’s coastline is made up of 27 kilometres and 24 beaches, with both golden sand and dark sand on offer. Many have excellent facilities

Marbella’s two most famous beaches, and the closest to the old town are the beautiful Playa de Venus and Playa de la Fontanilla. But, if you’re there during high season when sand space is at a premium, you might find that Playa de la Bajadilla, just a short distance east along the promenade, is slightly less crowded, perfect for stretching out with a good book.

If you fancy getting back to nature away from the urban hustle and bustle, the trick is to head for the stunning Dunas de Artola. Take a leisurely stroll around the boardwalks of this unique landscape, then settle down for a sunbathing session on the nudist Playa de Cabopino, known as one of the best beaches in Andalusia.

Those looking for something more active and keen to try out a few watersports are spoilt for choice, with jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing and wakeboarding all being super popular.

And anyone in the market for fun activities in Marbella out on the open water that don’t involve an adrenaline rush can take a boat trip on a luxury yacht. 

For dolphin spotting, the best place to go is Puerto Banús, home to various companies that offer catamaran trips to spy these beautiful creatures of the deep.

Speaking of other things to do near Marbella, if you’re staying in this blissful beach town for a little longer, you might fancy a day trip to see more of what Andalusia has to offer.

One fantastic place to explore is Ronda, which is a scenic, windy drive away. It will take you just over an hour to get there, and the views are totally mindblowing. You could also drop into nearby Setenil de las Bodegas.

If you’re hungry for more hiking after reaching the top of El Juanar, head for the Caminito del Rey, following paths that cling to the walls of a spectacular gorge, and bridges that span it, for an unforgettable experience. This is one of the most popular places close to Marbella for a day trip, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.  

Or, for a relaxing day, hop on an easy train along the coast to the vibrant city of Malaga, brilliant for culture, history, shopping and tapas.