Discover the Marbella area with our helpful guide, offering a glimpse into one of the most renowned resorts on the Costa del Sol. Learn about the various neighbourhoods in Marbella, the climate of the resort, and activities to enjoy. Find recommendations on dining options and shopping spots in town.
Where is Marbella? 
Marbella can be found at the western tip of the Costa del Sol, nestled between Fuengirola and Estepona. This beautiful resort town is situated facing south towards the Mediterranean Sea, with the stunning Sierra Blanca mountain range towering behind it, reaching heights of over 1,200m.
What’s Marbella like?
Marbella is renowned as the top resort on the Costa del Sol, known for its glamorous appeal in southern Europe. Unveiled to the global elite in the 1960s, Marbella epitomizes luxury and upscale leisure. It's no surprise that some of Europe's priciest real estate can be found here, along with top-notch golf courses and premier beach clubs.
Spanning 27km along the coastline, Marbella boasts various exclusive areas in this Marbella Area Guide:
Marbella East
The eastern part of Marbella boasts popular neighbourhoods like Cabo Pino, Las Chapas, Elviria, El Rosario, Los Monteros, and Río Real. These areas are well-established with convenient access to Marbella center and offer great amenities such as shops, banks, and a variety of restaurants. You'll also find top-notch private schools like English International College and Colegio Alborán, as well as beautiful sandy beaches perfect for families. Don't forget to check out the famous Nikki Beach club, the luxurious 5-star Hotel Don Carlos, and Hotel Los Monteros. And if you're a golf enthusiast, you're in luck - some of the best golf courses in Marbella, like Marbella Golf and Country Club and Santa Clara Golf, are located here.
Marbella Centre
Marbella's heart is the historic Old Town, featuring a Moorish castle, a labyrinth of narrow streets, and charming churches. The central Alameda park links the Old Town to the seafront promenade, where the Avenida del Mar showcases numerous Dali sculptures. The seafront promenade, a favorite spot in Marbella, stretches from the Bajadilla marina in the east to San Pedro in the west. You can stroll the entire 15km length of the seafront and boardwalk. In the west of Marbella, you'll find beautiful tree-lined boulevards bordered by some of the finest apartments in the city center. The area boasts excellent amenities, including a variety of shops, sports facilities, health centers, banks, and restaurants.
Marbella West/ Golden Mile
The most exclusive area in Marbella, known as the Golden Mile, is located to the west of the Piruli tower and the Corte Inglés store. This area is famous for its mansions and palace-like residences, as well as for being home to two of the most renowned hotels in Marbella – Marbella Club and Puente Romano. Triple Michelin-starred chef Dani García also runs three restaurants on the Golden Mile – BIBO Dani García, Lobito del Mar, and Leña Marbella.
Additionally, to the west of Marbella centre are the exclusive developments of Sierra Blanca, La Virginia, and the Buchinger fasting clinic, all known for their stunning views and properties.
This area is also home to numerous celebrities and royalty, including the Saudi Royal Family, Baroness Thyssen, Simon Cowell, Lord Alan Sugar, and several football personalities.
Puerto Banús
Puerto Banús in Marbella is a must-visit destination, known for its stunning marina filled with luxurious yachts and high-end boutiques. It's the perfect spot for celebrity sightings, especially during the peak season. Additionally, Puerto Banús boasts some of the top beachclubs in Marbella, such as Ocean Club and Funky Buddha, offering both daytime and nighttime entertainment options. Don't forget to explore the variety of nightclubs and pubs in the area for a fun night out!
Nueva Andalucía
Nueva Andalucía, located to the west of Marbella and north of Puerto Banús, offers a wide selection of villa and townhouse properties, with some enjoying prime front-line golf positions. Many homes in this popular development boast stunning mountain and/or sea views. The area features excellent amenities, including a small shopping center at Centro Plaza (next to the bull ring) that hosts a highly popular market on Saturdays. Aloha College, one of Marbella's largest international schools, is also situated here. Sporting facilities are top-notch in this part of Marbella, earning it the nickname Golf Valley. With five golf courses in and near Nueva Andalucía, including top-ranking ones like La Quinta and Las Brisas, it's a golfer's paradise. Additionally, the prestigious Manolo Santana Tennis Academy is located in this area.
San Pedro de Alcántara
A small town west of Marbella, is also known as San Pedro for short. The town offers a variety of amenities such as shops, restaurants, sports facilities, health centers, and schools like Laude San Pedro International College. Additionally, San Pedro boasts a charming seafront promenade and two well-liked parks. The Boulevard, situated in the town center, features children's playparks and a small theater, while the Parque de los Tres Jardines to the north showcases botanical gardens with a mix of sub-tropical, Mediterranean, and Arabic influences. San Pedro is home to sought-after developments like Guadalmina and Linda Vista, both located to the west of the resort.
How big is it?
Marbella is one of the largest resorts on the Costa del Sol, both in terms of population and size.
What’s the population of Marbella?
Around 156.200 people live in Marbella according to official records, although the real population is much higher.
How many foreigners live in Marbella?
Over 41.140 foreigners have made Marbella their home. The biggest group is Moroccan, followed by British and Germans.
What’s the weather like in Marbella?
Marbella, just like the rest of the Costa del Sol, enjoys a perfect blend of sunny days and warm temperatures. You can look forward to at least 320 days of sunshine annually, mild winters, and comfortable summer heat.
How far is it to Malaga Airport from Marbella?
The distance from Malaga Airport to Marbella is 48km, which can be covered in a 30-minute drive. Puerto Banus and San Pedro are a bit farther away at 58km and 61km, respectively, and it usually takes around 45 minutes to reach them from the airport by car.
How far is it to Gibraltar Airport from Marbella?
Gibraltar Airport provides a convenient option for travelers flying from the Costa del Sol to the UK. Located 77km away, it's a short drive of under an hour, although it's advisable to factor in additional time for crossing the border between Spain and Gibraltar.
How far is it to Malaga from Marbella?
Malaga is 60km away – a 45-minute drive or 1 hour bus journey.
What are the main attractions in Marbella?
The beaches (see below) are at the top of the list, with sightseeing and enjoying the resort’s cultural and gastronomic scene coming in a close second. Marbella boasts several noteworthy museums and interesting monuments.
Let's not forget the extensive list of outdoor activities, both in and out of the water. Marbella is also conveniently located near other attractions on the Costa del Sol, such as the Selwo Aventura safari park in nearby Estepona and the Fuengirola Zoo.
What are the beaches like in Marbella?
Marbella boasts 23 beautiful beaches, spanning 27km from San Pedro to Cabopino. By 2024, eleven of these beaches were awarded blue-flag status. Visitors can enjoy excellent facilities, convenient parking, and lifeguard services from Easter to the end of September.
A beach for everyone
Marbella beaches offer a variety of options to suit everyone's preferences. From family-friendly sands in Elviria to beach-fun activities at Puente Romano, there is something for everyone along the coast. Enjoy party time at Ocean Club in Puerto Banús or relax in peace and quiet between Puente Romano and Puerto Banús. For a touch of sophistication, visit the beach clubs at hotels like Puente Romano, Marbella Club, and Los Monteros. And if you're feeling adventurous, Cabopino has a designated nudist beach.
Beaches beyond Marbella
If the 23 beaches don't satisfy you, there are many more nearby. Estepona boasts some of the most peaceful beaches on the Costa del Sol, and just a bit further west, you'll find Tarifa with some of the top kitesurfing beaches in Europe
What is there to do in Marbella?
A comprehensive guide to the Marbella Area wouldn't be complete without highlighting various activities. Beyond the beautiful beaches, the town boasts a wealth of attractions. Be sure to check out the local museums, including the Museum of Engraving, the Bonsai Museum, and the Ralli Museum, all of which are definitely worth exploring. Additionally, the Roman ruins are a must-see, featuring the impressive Roman Villa in Puerto Banús with its exquisite mosaics and the Roman Basilica located in San Pedro.
Traditional old quarter
Make sure to visit Marbella Old Town, where you'll find traditional Andalusian architecture in the charming squares and narrow streets that have remained unchanged for centuries. Don't forget to check out Orange Square with the beautiful Town Hall and the ancient Moorish castle walls. In addition to the historical sites, you'll also find a variety of bars, restaurants, boutiques, and specialty shops. Be sure to explore the traditional toyshops and the olive oil store, where you can sample before making a purchase. And if you venture outside the Old Town, be sure to see the Dali sculptures in Avenida del Mar, which showcase the Catalan artist's surrealist style.
Outdoor activities
Marbella is a fantastic destination for outdoor activities, thanks to its year-round sunshine and beautiful scenery. You'll find top-notch golf courses nearby, as well as tennis and paddle tennis facilities. Water sports enthusiasts will love the variety of options available, from sailing to flyboarding. If you prefer land-based activities, there are plenty of walking and hiking trails in the Sierra Blanca mountain range. Horse riding and mountain biking are also popular choices in the Marbella mountains.
What cultural activities are there in Marbella?
Marbella has a year-round cultural calendar
Marbella is a vibrant city that showcases the best of Spanish culture alongside international events organized by the resort's foreign residents. One of the highlights of the summer is the Starlite Festival, featuring concerts by top musicians from around the world. Throughout the year, Marbella Theatre hosts a variety of shows and plays. In August, the city hosts an annual Art Fair where galleries display works by renowned international artists.
Marbella is also famous for its lively fairs and festivals. In June, the city celebrates San Bernabé, the patron saint of Marbella, with a week-long event featuring a pilgrimage, fireworks, concerts, and fairground rides. The San Pedro fair takes place in October. During Christmas, Marbella is adorned with lights and hosts carol concerts. The traditional Three Kings Parade on 5 January is a must-see event that winds through the city center.
What about eating out in Marbella?
You truly have an abundance of options – Marbella's diverse selection of restaurants caters to every palate and budget. If you're a fan of tapas, the Old Town is particularly rich in delightful choices. Don’t miss the Tapas Trail, showcasing the finest creative bites every autumn.
This resort is home to one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe. In 2024, four establishments in Marbella proudly hold this prestigious recognition: Skina, Messina, Back, and Nintai. Additionally, there are numerous other fantastic dining spots, including many beachside restaurants that serve fresh fish and seafood, like grilled sardines.
If you're in the mood for international cuisine, you'll find a vast array of options. Enjoy meals at bistro-style restaurants like Becketts and The Orange Tree, or explore specific cuisines at Thai, Indian, Argentinian, and Italian eateries.
What’s a typical local dish?
Grilled sardines (espeto de sardinas) are a popular dish in Marbella. Cooked over an open fire at beach restaurants, these sardines are delicious when paired with a roasted pepper salad.
How about shopping in Marbella?
Marbella is arguably the top destination for shopping along the Costa del Sol.
In the heart of the city, you'll discover a mix of popular high street brands alongside charming small shops and boutiques. Don't miss the fresh food market, either! La Cañada shopping center stands out as one of the largest in southern Spain, featuring a diverse selection of stores like FNAC, Apple, Guess, Habitat, and Marks & Spencer. You can also find the Alcampo hypermarket and the DIY store Leroy Merlin in this area.
For those in search of luxury goods, Puerto Banús is a must-visit. This area boasts prestigious designer boutiques such as Carolina Herrera, Louis Vuitton, and Versace. Additionally, the expansive Corte Inglés department store offers a ground floor dedicated to high-end items.
And property?
If you're checking out this Marbella Area Guide, it's clear you have a keen interest in properties in the area. The great thing is, some of the most luxurious properties on the Costa del Sol can be found in Marbella. What's even better is that we have them all listed! And remember, if you can't find exactly what you're searching for, don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team who are experts on the area.
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