11 Things to do in Marbella (Spain): What attractions to see

Marbella’s charm goes beyond luxury and beaches, the old town captivates visitors with its cobbled streets, lively squares and many charming corners. The climate is sunny and warm all year round, so you can visit at any time of the year. You can also add a touch of glamour by strolling around the boutiques of Puerto Banús.

If you want to know more about the must-see things to do in Marbella during your visit, Kristina Szekely estate agents team has put together this guide to Marbella’s cultural gems, luxury, outdoor activities and beaches. Here we go!

1. Explore Marbella Old Town

Marbella’s Old Town will enchant locals and visitors alike with its narrow cobbled streets, ancient stone fountains and picturesque buildings decorated with flowers. We recommend a visit to the most famous of Marbella’s squares, the Plaza de Los Naranjos, with its orange trees, cafés and numerous restaurants.

2. Relax on the beach

Marbella has stylish properties overlooking golden, sandy beaches where you can relax in the sun and visit chiringuitos and bars. Of all the beaches in Marbella, we would highlight Playa Nagüeles and Fontanilla beach, which is just a few minutes from the city centre. If you are looking for luxury, “El Rodeito” beach is very close to Puerto Banús and is usually frequented by celebrities and businessmen.

3. Visit some of the churches

Marbella has many beautiful churches of Spanish Baroque architecture. The oldest church is the Ermita de Santiago and faces the Plaza de Los Naranjos. One of the most impressive is the 16th century Santa María de la Encarnación, which has a large tower with many clocks and bells, a fine example of Andalusian Renaissance architecture.

4. Visiting Puerto Banús, the marina and the Golden Mile

Marbella’s Golden Mile stretches for about six kilometres from the western end of Marbella town to the marina of Puerto Banús. It is one of the most beautiful promenades in the world and is home to many of the town’s most exclusive properties. There are wonderful views of the Mediterranean coastline and a vibrant nightlife with sophisticated restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

5. Go Shopping

If you love going shopping, you’ll have many choices in Marbella. La Cañada has 150 shops and it’s the largest retail centre on the Costa del Sol. You can admire world-famous brands in the exclusive complex at the Puerto Banús Marina. There’s also has a weekly market where you can look for fresh produce, antiques and traditional crafts.

6. Play Golf

Playing golf is one of the best things to do in Marbella. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise. The region has dozens of championship golf courses, but just five minutes from the city centre is the Marbella Golf and Country Club. The eighteen-hole course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr. and offers a mix of challenging fairways and spectacular coastal views. If you want to know the best golf courses in Marbella you can read our article.

7. Spanish culture: Museums, street markets and Dalí sculptures

You can visit some of the museums in Marbella, such as the Ralli Museum which houses a wonderful collection of contemporary Latin American and European art. Surrealism and magical realism can be seen throughout the collection. Another museum worth a visit is the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo (Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving), which features works by renowned artists.

Continuing with art, you should take a stroll along Marbella’s Avenida del Mar where you will find sculptures by Salvador Dalí. And finally, to fully immerse yourself in the local traditions, a visit to one of the local markets is a must. One of the most famous is the Nueva Andalucía street market. It is held every Saturday morning.

8. Discover the history of Marbella

There are signs of Marbella’s past throughout the city. There are remnants of the tenth century castle walls near the Represa Park. Marbella also has many ancient watchtowers that once defended the coastline from pirates. One of them is La Torre Ladrón, the Tower of Thieves, which is in the sand dunes of Puerto Cabopino.

9. The majestic La Concha mountain

La Concha rises majestically behind Marbella, giving the town an unrivalled backdrop. In addition, there are numerous hiking trails that wind through lush pine forests and rocky terrain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Marbella, the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding landscapes. From the top you capture the essence of the Costa del Sol. Definitely one of the things to do in Marbella.

10. Stroll through a Park

Marbella has many parks such as La Represa that includes a large pond with a bridge and a flock of geese. It’s also the location of the Bonsai Museum and Marbella’s collection of olive trees. The attractive Almeda Park has an eighteenth century stone fountain and many tropical plants that cast some welcome shade over the decorative ceramic benches.

11. Day trip to Ronda

Beyond the sunny beaches of Marbella, a day trip to Ronda is a great idea. Nestled on the edge of a deep gorge, Ronda captivates visitors with its iconic Puente Nuevo Bridge, which spans the gorge of El Tajo and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The town’s historic charm is evident in its cobbled streets, medieval architecture and Spain’s oldest bullring, dating back to the 18th century.

If you like the city, its climate and decide to stay and live here, you should know that there are plenty of apartments for sale in Marbella, where you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Andalusian countryside. This fascinating town has something to offer everyone and, with the help of Kristina Szekely, it could soon become your home.