Our five favourite things to do in Marbella

One of Marbella’s defining strengths is its ability to offer so many different kinds of experiences, whether it’s nature, sport, culture or social life you’re after. Here’s a short list of our top five favourite things to do in Marbella:

Exploring Marbella’s historic quarter

Marbella is an international destination but one that also happens to have a delightfully charming historic centre. Known locally as the ‘Casco Antiguo’, it is a largely car-free maze of cobbled streets and pretty squares lined with traditional Andalusian town houses and historic churches as well as boutiques, cafés, tapas bars and restaurants. Indeed, the Old Town has become one of the main areas that has earned Marbella a growing reputation as a fine dining destination in recent years, with a great choice of quality restaurants in quaint settings.

Lunch on the Paseo Marítimo

Marbella’s elegant beachside promenade is a palm-lined, marble-paved delight that runs alongside the sandy beaches of the downtown area as it takes you past beach clubs, cafés, ice cream parlours, tapas bars, restaurants and night spots. Day and night, it’s an elegant place to be, close to the sea yet also with a wide range of relaxing amenities. For many, the Paseo Marítimo is also the ideal spot for strolling, socialising, rollerblading or working out under the sun.

A day at the beach – Marbella style

There are different ways to enjoy the many kilometres of sandy beach, but for us the perfect way is at a stylish but laid-back beach venue that blends lovely views right on the sand’s edge with relaxing music and good food. Accompanied by refreshing wine, beer or cocktails and the opportunity to go for a lazy stoll or even a dip, our favourite area is just east of Marbella and the best time of year between May and July.

Hiking in open nature

Many don’t even realise it, but Marbella is surrounded by open nature, bringing beautiful mountain and valley landscapes within easy reach. Here you can hike, walk the dog, mountain bike, ride horses, take buggy excursions or jeep safaris to inland areas – and experience scenery and panoramic views to take your breath away.

Museum city an hour away

For a complete change of scenery and immersion into a classic big city environment full of grand avenues and shopping districts, fine dining, historic architecture and ancient monuments you needn’t travel more than an hour. In fact, the city of Málaga has become such a magnet that it is now often dubbed ‘the new Barcelona’, drawing international tourists and cruise ships as well as residents of Marbella to its fine dining, shopping and cultural offering.