Marbella Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Marbella
Marbella is well known as a playground for the rich and famous, however with many affordable airlines on the flight path, it is accessible to holidaymakers from all walks of life. 

To enjoy the glamour of modern Marbella, walk the Golden Mile from Old Town Marbella to the marina of Puerto Banús.  Along the way you will pass by luxurious landmark hotels and residences of some of the city’s famous residents.

The must-see on Marbella holidays is Puerto Banús, where you can get a taste of the VIP lifestyle enjoyed by the resort’s well-heeled clientele.  Stroll along the marina to check out the rows of impressive international yachts and cruising sports cars, driven to impress.  The upmarket seafront restaurants, bars and beach clubs are great for unwinding and people watching, but can be much pricier than other areas.

Here you can also indulge in some first-class retail therapy, as Puerto Banús has many high end designer shops such as Hermes and X.

For an enlightening cultural experience you might appreciate the historical charm of Marbella’s Old Town.  The ancient city walls and many landmarks here date back to the 16th-century.  The Renaissance era Plaza de los Naranjos (square) is home to the impressive Town Tall, the Mayor’s House, and Chapel of Santiago.  Close by, the city’s New Town is comprised of characteristic whitewash buildings with tiled roofs, typical of Southern Spain.  The Historical Eixample area has a small botanical garden with sculptures by Salvador Dali.

Foodies will enjoy Marbella’s native gastronomic offerings, which naturally, are largely seafood based.  Typical dishes include fried fish, gazpacho, and baked treats such as borrachuelos and churros.  The city caters well for most palates, with lots of international restaurants throughout.  The Old Town offers a more authentic Spanish experience.

Sun worshippers flock here for the city’s many excellent beaches.  Marbella’s finest beach is Artola, in the protected Dunas de Artola area.  Popular with tourists, are the centrally located and well-managed Venus and La Fontanilla beaches.

Due to its sunny position on Spain’s southern coastline in the Costa Del Sol, Marbella is also a golfer’s paradise.  18-hole Marbella Golf and Country Club is considered one of the best and is in close proximity to the city buzz.

For an adventurous city escape, take a day trip to the Sierra Bermeja Mountains and enjoy an exhilarating hike with stunning views over Marbella away from the bustle.

Spain is one of the best locations in the world for a beach holiday. If you like beach holidays in Torremolinos then you're sure to love our all inclusive holidays to Marbellacheap beach holidays to Lanzarote or our Marbella beach holidays. Book with Expedia and find out why for yourself.

Where to stay in Marbella

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Puerto Banús

4.5/5(116 area reviews)

Puerto Banús is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and waterfront views. You might want to check out attractions like Puerto Banús Marina or El Corte Ingles Shopping Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Puerto Banús
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Marbella City Centre

4.5/5(170 area reviews)

Marbella City Centre is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Orange Square and Plaza de los Naranjos, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Marbella.

Marbella City Centre
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San Pedro de Alcantara

4/5(41 area reviews)

San Pedro de Alcantara is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Real Club de Golf Guadalmina or Malaga Province Beaches.

San Pedro de Alcantara
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Marbella Old Town

Beaches, historical sites and shopping are some highlights of Marbella Old Town. Make a stop by Orange Square or Plaza de los Naranjos while you're exploring.

Marbella Old Town
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Golden Mile

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Golden Mile, Nagüeles Beach and Puente Romano Tennis are top sights worth seeing.

Golden Mile
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Nikki Beach

4.5/5(52 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Nikki Beach. A stop by Don Carlos Tennis & Sports Club or Malaga Province Beaches might round out your trip.

Nikki Beach
Hotel El Faro Marbella
Hotel El Faro Marbella
3 out of 5
C/ Virgen del Pilar, 11, Marbella, Malaga
The price is ₹10,659 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹10,659
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marbella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Marbella Marina and Orange Square are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (108 reviews)
"Cute hotel in great area"

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

Hotel El Faro Marbella
Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – Puerto Banús
Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – Puerto Banús
4 out of 5
Urb. Nueva Andalucía, s/n, Marbella, Málaga
The price is ₹21,620 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
₹21,620
per night
24 Jun - 25 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Marbella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (308 reviews)
"Had a great stay. Nice clean room and close to everything. Special shoutout to Selene who was very helpful to me when I encountered a local issue. Facilities were incredible such as the pool and spa etc"

Reviewed on 25 May 2024

Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – Puerto Banús
Alanda Marbella Hotel
Alanda Marbella Hotel
5 out of 5
Blvd. Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, Marbella, Malaga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹27,262 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
₹27,262
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Marbella. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Puerto Banús Beach and El Corte Ingles ...
8/10 Very Good! (601 reviews)
"Clean great location but upset promised a queen bed got twins. Told they would try the second night but no call one way or another. Didn’t like the onsite restaurant couldn’t get a glass on wine to sit outside in the sun ."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Alanda Marbella Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel El Faro Marbella
Hotel El Faro Marbella
3 out of 5
C/ Virgen del Pilar, 11, Marbella, Malaga
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marbella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Marbella Marina and Orange Square are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (108 reviews)
"Cute hotel in great area"

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

Hotel El Faro Marbella
Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banus
Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banus
5 out of 5
C/ Edgar Neville, s/n, Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banus, Marbella, Malaga
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Marbella. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,343 reviews)
"Beach side property."

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banus
Park Plaza Suites Apartamentos
Park Plaza Suites Apartamentos
4 out of 5
Pasaje Marítimo de Benabola, s/n, Marbella
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Marbella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a marina. Popular attractions Puerto Banús Marina and El Corte Ingles ...
7.6/10 Good! (116 reviews)
"The location is perfect for anyone looking to visit Puerto Banus. Staff were great. The apartment size was great but the furniture and decor was a bit tired and dated and needs to be updated. However, if you don't plan on spending much time in the apartment its a good trade off for location"

Reviewed on 11 Sep 2023

Park Plaza Suites Apartamentos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Marbella

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
161
" "5 - Excellent 51.43769968051118%
4 - Good
127
" "4 - Good 40.575079872204476%
3 - Okay
23
" "3 - Okay 7.348242811501597%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6389776357827476%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Mar 2020

Surprised it was so expensive.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
10 Feb 2020

Lovely contrast between old and new . The church has to be seen

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Feb 2020

Excellent holiday resort

5/5 - Excellent

Tam
9 Jan 2020

Loved it . The sun and people were lovely and helpful .

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Dec 2019

Christmas in Marbella is great, lots of things open. Great special Christmas Eve dinner at the da Bruno sur mare Italian restaurant, expensive but worth it. Great British knees up Christmas Day lunch at the blue palm, Booze inc. great family fun.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
14 Nov 2019

we would go back again

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