Marbella, Spain Travel Guide: Old Town, Beaches & Top Things to Do on the Costa del Sol

AbouTravel.
1 day ago
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About Marbella

Located in southern Spain, in the heart of Andalusia, Marbella is one of the most sought-after destinations on the Costa del Sol.

With its mild Mediterranean climate, golden sandy beaches, and over 300 days of sunshine a year, it attracts visitors all year round.

Known for its upscale atmosphere and glamorous lifestyle, Marbella offers far more than luxury resorts. From its charming historic center to its vibrant coastline, the city blends culture, history, and relaxation in a truly captivating way.

a beach promenade with palm trees on both sides and people walking

How to Get to Marbella

The nearest airport is Málaga Airport, located about 50 minutes away.

From there, you can easily reach Marbella via direct buses operated by Avanza, with regular connections to both Marbella and Málaga city.

Explore Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo)

Marbella’s Old Town is a picturesque, almost fairytale-like place that perfectly captures the essence of traditional Andalusian charm. Its narrow, winding cobblestone streets are lined with whitewashed houses, boutique shops, and inviting cafés and restaurants serving everything from authentic tapas to refined cuisine.

Colorful flower pots decorate nearly every corner, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere that makes wandering through the streets an experience in itself.

At the heart of the Old Town lies Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square), one of the most beautiful spots in Marbella. Surrounded by cozy restaurants and orange trees, the square comes alive in the evening with music and, at times, passionate flamenco performances.

Here you’ll also find important landmarks such as the City Hall, the tourist office, and Ermita de Santiago—the oldest religious building in the city.

Marbella’s rich history is still visible throughout the Old Town. The area preserves much of its original layout, influenced by its Moorish past, with roots dating back centuries.

a narrow street between buildings adorned with flowers and a cafes with small tables — Marbella Old Town

Other highlights in the Old Town include:

Iglesia del Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz
Capilla de San Juan de Dios
Iglesia de la Virgen de los Dolores
Church of Santa María de la Encarnación
Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo

A short walk from the center will take you to the remains of the ancient Marbella Castle, originally built during the Moorish period, along with parts of the old fortress walls—important remnants of the city’s Islamic heritage.

a building on a corner with a cafe with tables and many national flags adorned on the building

a narrow street surrounded by white buildings adorned with lots of flowers

Marbella Beaches & Coastline

Stretching along 27 kilometers of coastline, Marbella is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which have been awarded Blue Flag status for cleanliness and quality.

Whether you’re looking for lively beach clubs or quiet spots to unwind, Marbella offers something for every type of traveler. Along the coast, you’ll find a mix of free public areas as well as sections with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent.

Golden Mile & Promenade

Between Marbella and Puerto Banús lies the famous Golden Mile—a scenic stretch lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and elegant beach clubs. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing seaside walk, especially at sunset.

Best Beaches in Marbella

Central Marbella

Some of the most popular and easily accessible beaches include:

La Fontanilla
La Venus
El Faro
Casablanca
Nagüeles
La Bajadilla
El Cable

a big beach with lots of sunbeds and umbrellas lined along the promenade with palm trees and white buildings

Beaches in East Marbella

Known for being more spacious and tranquil:

Bounty Beach
Playa del Alicate
Los Monteros
Playa Hermosa
Real de Zaragoza
Playa de las Chapas
Cabopino
Nikki Beach

a wide golden sand beach with waves in the sea and people on the beach under colorful umbrellas

Beaches in West Marbella

Perfect for a more relaxed atmosphere:

Nueva Andalucía Beach
Guadalmina Beach
San Pedro de Alcántara Beach
Cortijo Blanco Beach
Puerto Banús beaches

sunbeds on the beach with tatched umbrellas, palm trees behind, no people

Things to Do in Marbella

Marbella offers a wide variety of experiences beyond the beach:

Stroll through the charming Old Town streets
Enjoy traditional Andalusian cuisine and tapas
Shop in luxury boutiques and local markets
Relax at stylish beach clubs
Take the catamaran and go to the nearby luxury resort Puerto Banús
Play golf at world-class courses
Experience Marbella’s vibrant nightlife

Places Worth Visiting Near Marbella

During your stay in Marbella, I highly recommend exploring a few nearby spots that each offer a different side of the Costa del Sol.

One of my favorite beach experiences was at Nikki Beach Marbella—a stylish and lively beach club known for its relaxed luxury atmosphere, great music, and excellent food. It’s the perfect place if you want to treat yourself to a more upscale beach day.

beach club with white sunbeds with people and palm trees — Nikki Beach Marbella

Just a short distance away, Puerto Banús offers a completely different vibe. Famous for its luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and vibrant nightlife, it’s a great place for an evening stroll, people-watching, or enjoying a drink by the marina.

You can easily get there by car or along the seaside promenade, but for a more memorable experience, consider taking a catamaran—my trip took around 25 minutes and offered beautiful views of the coastline along the way. (You can read more in my dedicated guide to Puerto Banús here.)

puerto banus sign in the city with white buildings in the background — Puerto Banus

For something more authentic and charming, head to Estepona. This picturesque town is often considered one of the most beautiful on the coast, with its flower-filled streets, colorful murals, and relaxed atmosphere. It feels quieter and more traditional compared to Marbella, making it a wonderful place for a day trip. (I’ve also shared a separate post about Estepona if you’d like to explore it in more detail here)

narrow street between white washed buildings adorned with pot flowers — Estepona

Final Thoughts

Marbella is a destination that truly has it all—sun-drenched beaches, rich history, elegant lifestyle, and authentic Andalusian charm. Whether you’re exploring its historic streets or relaxing by the sea, it’s a place that effortlessly combines tradition and modern luxury.

✨ Some journeys deserve more than photos. Preserve your memories from Marbella in a Travel Journal — designed to capture moments, reflections, and places you don’t want to forget.