Marbella Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Marbella showing general coastal views, a coastal town and rocky coastline
Marbella
Marbella
Marbella showing markets
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 Venus Beach, 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 Church of the Incarnation 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, Fontanilla Beach and Nagüeles Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Golden Mile
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Marbella Seafront Promenade

Marbella Seafront Promenade is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Marbella Marina or Fontanilla Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Marbella Seafront Promenade
Senator Marbella Hotel

Senator Marbella Hotel

4 out of 5
Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, Parcela 97, Marbella, Málaga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹19,760 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹19,760
₹21,736 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Marbella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (806 reviews)
"Room slightly outdated. Towels poor condition. Staff not very knowledgeable"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Senator Marbella Hotel
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 ₹35,288 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹35,288
₹38,816 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (772 reviews)
"Restaurants a bit bust for lunch ect ."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – Puerto Banús
Paloma Blanca Boutique Hotel Puerto Banus

Paloma Blanca Boutique Hotel Puerto Banus

3.5 out of 5
Urbanización Cortijo Blanco, Calle Pablo Picasso 13, Marbella, Marbella
The price is ₹23,418 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹23,418
₹25,760 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Marbella. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (702 reviews)
Nice
"Peaceful clean well maintain but very basic room , toilettes and services for the price"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Paloma Blanca Boutique Hotel Puerto Banus
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. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (266 reviews)
"Great area, 2 mins from the boardwalk and marina, many shops within 10 min radius walking. Hotel is aging, and there aren’t modern amenities like usb plug ins, or in room coffee, but the staff are friendly, the pool is clean, and the price was right."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Hotel El Faro Marbella
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (174 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Park Plaza Suites Apartamentos
Ona Princesa Playa

Ona Princesa Playa

4 out of 5
Paseo Maritimo, s/n, Marbella, Malaga
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Marbella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,623 reviews)
"Friendly staff and front desk are very helpful. Great location. It's close to everything."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Ona Princesa Playa
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.

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