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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Elviria

The mountain views and seaside views are a few reasons travellers visit Elviria. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit Don Carlos Tennis & Sports Club and Santa Maria Golf Club Marbella, a few notable attractions nearby.

Elviria
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 ₹17,495 per night from 28 May to 29 May
₹17,495
per night
28 May - 29 May
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (299 reviews)
"Property and rooms were stunning but food in the evening for dinner was terrible. Breakfast was fine."

Reviewed on 11 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
The price is ₹19,971 per night from 28 May to 29 May
₹19,971
per night
28 May - 29 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool.
8/10 Very Good! (600 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
Nobu Hotel Marbella
Nobu Hotel Marbella
5 out of 5
Blvar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe S/N, Marbella, Malaga
The price is ₹72,760 per night from 15 May to 16 May
₹72,760
per night
15 May - 16 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking.
9/10 Wonderful! (189 reviews)
"We absolutely loved our stay here. From the staff, to the food to the beach and pools. Every detail is well thought out and service is at the highest levels. Can't wait to come back."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

Nobu Hotel Marbella
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.
Apartamentos Princesa Playa
Apartamentos Princesa Playa
4 out of 5
Paseo Maritimo, s/n, Marbella, Malaga
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,449 reviews)
"This hotel is a gem on the seafront in Marbella town. The location cannot be beaten with a 5 minute walk to the old town with its bars and restaurants. The rooms have a kitchenette with all you need for a short stay. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Apartamentos Princesa Playa
Hotel El Faro Marbella
Hotel El Faro Marbella
3 out of 5
C/ Virgen del Pilar, 11, Marbella, Malaga
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service.
8.2/10 Very Good! (117 reviews)
"The hotel and staff were great! Friendly staff and great service. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 5 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
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,357 reviews)
Sunshine getaway
"Hotel tired but good location. Very clean. Stayed in a Banus suite, beautiful views but noisy especially early in the morning."

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2024

Gran Hotel Guadalpin 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.

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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