Marbella, the Mediterranean Destination Par Excellence

Marbella is synonymous with sun, sea, and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, this city combines the Andalusian tradition of its charming old town with the sophistication of its modern marinas, golf courses, and renowned restaurants. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and mild weather throughout all seasons, Marbella becomes the ideal place both for enjoying an unforgettable holiday and for establishing a permanent residence. Here, luxury and exclusivity coexist with cultural authenticity, offering each visitor a unique experience that blends history, nature, and modernity.

Marbella’s centre lies in the heart of the Costa del Sol, on the shores of the Mediterranean and perfectly connected to other leading tourist destinations. This enclave combines the charm of the Andalusian old town, with its cobbled streets and lively squares, with the convenience of being just minutes away from beaches, marinas, and shopping areas. Thanks to its mild climate all year round and unbeatable location, Marbella is one of the most sought-after destinations both for those looking for unforgettable holidays and for those choosing to make it their home.

Connections are direct and fast via the AP-7 motorway and the N-340 national road, making it easy to travel to cultural, historical, and leisure attractions. Its proximity to Málaga–Costa del Sol International Airport and to exclusive destinations such as Puerto Banús makes Marbella a strategic point on the Costa del Sol.

Here are the distances from Marbella to other nearby places of interest:

Main nearby points:

• Puerto Banús: 10 minutes (7 km) – Internationally renowned for its marina, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
• Málaga–Costa del Sol International Airport: 35 minutes (50 km) – The main air gateway to the Costa del Sol, with both domestic and international flights.
• Málaga City: 45 minutes (60 km) – A cultural and cosmopolitan city, famous for its museums, monuments, and rich gastronomy.
• Mijas Pueblo: 25 minutes (30 km) – A charming whitewashed Andalusian village with picturesque streets and spectacular viewpoints.
• Estepona: 25 minutes (30 km) – An up-and-coming destination with a beautiful old town and a lively seafront promenade.

Golf Courses in Marbella

Marbella is considered the golf capital of the Costa del Sol, thanks to the large concentration of top-level courses that surround it. With internationally renowned designs and almost year-round sunshine, the city has become a true paradise for golf enthusiasts.

Among the most notable are:

• Río Real Golf
• Los Naranjos Golf
• Aloha Golf
• La Quinta Golf
• Santa Clara Golf

Outstanding Beaches in Marbella:

Playa de la Venus

• Location: next to the Old Town and the Marina.
• Ideal for: families and those looking for convenience without leaving the city centre. With water activities for all ages.

Playa de La Fontanilla

• Location: just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre.
• Ideal for: tourists and locals looking for an urban beach with full services, such as restaurants and a wide range of leisure options.

Playa de Nagüeles (Milla de Oro)

• Location: right on the Golden Mile.
• Ideal for: those seeking a more elegant and exclusive atmosphere. Surrounded by luxury hotels and beach clubs such as Puente Romano and Marbella Club.

Playa de Cabopino (Artola)

• Location: in the eastern part of Marbella.
• Ideal for: nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches, with protected dunes, crystal-clear waters, and a unique natural setting.

Leisure in Marbella:

Water Activities

• Rent a boat for a full day: experience the Costa del Sol from the sea, sailing across the Mediterranean.
• Water sports: paddle surfing, kayaking, jet skis, pedal boats, and parasailing — perfect for the whole family.
• Fly Blue Catamaran: a boat trip from Marbella Marina to Puerto Banús, offering spectacular views of the coastline.

Mountains and Hiking

• Sierra Blanca and La Concha: routes for hikers and nature lovers, with viewpoints offering unique panoramas of the sea and the mountains.
• Family-friendly trails: gentle options in nearby natural parks, ideal for enjoying the outdoors with children.

Padel, Tennis and Sports Facilities

• Marbella is considered one of the world’s padel capitals, with flagship clubs such as the Puente Romano Tennis Club, which combines tradition and modernity and has hosted international tournaments.
• You will also find other sports clubs with top-quality padel and tennis courts, as well as the Paco Cantos Sports Centre, right in the city centre, offering facilities for practising a wide range of sports and activities.

Shopping and Urban Leisure

• La Cañada Shopping Centre: the largest shopping centre in Marbella, with more than 300 fashion stores, restaurants, a large supermarket, a gym, and even cinemas.
• Puerto Banús: an icon of luxury and exclusivity, where in addition to admiring spectacular yachts, you can stroll through high-end boutiques, international restaurants, and vibrant nightlife venues.

Morning: Andalusian Flavour and Historical Walk

There is no better way to start the day than by enjoying a traditional chocolate con churros at Marbella’s most classic churrería in Plaza de la Victoria, a meeting point for both locals and visitors.

With renewed energy, the route continues at Plaza de los Naranjos, the historic heart of Marbella since its foundation after the Christian Reconquest. This square is surrounded by emblematic buildings such as Marbella’s Town Hall, the 16th-century Casa del Corregidor, and the Ermita de Santiago, the city’s oldest religious temple. Its name comes from the orange trees planted in the 18th century, which still perfume the air with the scent of blossom, creating a magical and truly Andalusian atmosphere.

From here, the best plan is to wander through the charming cobbled streets of the old town, such as Calle Ancha and Calle Peral, where flower-filled balconies, whitewashed façades, and small artisan shops convey the authentic Andalusian character.

The cultural visit continues at the majestic Church of La Encarnación, built on the site of a former mosque in the late 16th century. Its Baroque façade and imposing bell tower dominate the skyline of the old town, while inside, visitors are surprised by the gilded altarpieces and the Baroque organ, considered one of the largest in Spain.

Very close by are the remains of Marbella Castle, a 10th-century Arab fortress that once protected the city. Sections of its reddish-stone walls and towers are still preserved. Walking through this area is like travelling back in time and discovering the Muslim legacy that remains an essential part of Marbella’s history.

Midday: Sun, Beach and Mediterranean Cuisine

After a cultural morning, the best way to continue the day is by cooling off at Venus Beach, one of Marbella’s most iconic spots. Located just steps from the Old Town, this urban beach combines calm waters, golden sand, and a lively atmosphere thanks to its proximity to the seaside promenade, lined with bars, cafés, and places to stroll along the Mediterranean. In addition to sunbathing and swimming, visitors can enjoy water activities for the whole family, such as kayaking, paddle surfing, pedal boats, or even jet-ski excursions. Without a doubt, it is the perfect place both to relax and to have fun at sea under the Costa del Sol sun.

After a Morning of History and the Sea, It’s Time to Recharge with Mediterranean Flavours. Marbella’s Old Town offers a wide variety of quality restaurants by the sea, perfect for replenishing energy. Among the most outstanding options, we recommend:

Da Bruno Sul Mare Restaurant:

A benchmark of Italian cuisine in Marbella, Da Bruno Sul Mare offers a first-class dining experience with dishes made from fresh ingredients and impeccable service. Located by the sea, this restaurant combines Italian tradition with a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. Highlights include the seafood risotto and lobster ravioli with bisque sauce. All of this is accompanied by a carefully selected wine list and sea views that turn every meal into a special occasion.

Soleo Marbella Beach Club:

For those seeking a true beachside experience, Soleo Marbella is the ideal option. With modern and elegant décor while maintaining its maritime essence, Soleo invites guests to savour Andalusian gastronomy right by the sea. Its specialities include freshly prepared rice dishes and the traditional pescaíto frito, a symbol of Malaga’s cuisine. Dining here means tasting the Costa del Sol in its purest form, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop and an atmosphere that blends tradition with contemporary style.

Afternoon: A Sweet Stroll and Shopping in the Old Town

After lunch, the perfect treat is to enjoy an artisan ice cream at Gioelia, renowned for its creaminess and wide variety of flavours — the perfect ending to a seaside meal. Following this sweet indulgence, a stroll under the shade of Alameda Park is highly recommended, a green oasis in the heart of Marbella with fountains, Andalusian tiled benches, and centuries-old trees.

With renewed energy, it is time to lose yourself in the narrow streets of the Old Town, where shops and boutiques hide real treasures. Among them are unique spots such as Salotto, a boutique inspired by Greek aesthetics that blends fashion and Mediterranean style in every garment, or Gia Mia Jewellery, offering unique pieces that reflect Marbella’s elegance.

Sunset: Relax by the Sea

As the sun begins to set, the perfect plan is to unwind with a cocktail at Marbella Marina, enjoying views of the sea and the boats while the sky is painted in shades of orange and pink. Inaugurated in 1976, this marina has become a meeting point for both locals and visitors, thanks to its cosmopolitan atmosphere and privileged location right on the Mediterranean.

In addition to its bars and terraces overlooking the boats, here you can enjoy an unforgettable experience: renting a boat for a private sunset cruise. Another highly recommended option is to board the Fly Blue catamaran, which connects Marbella with Puerto Banús in a journey of around 30 minutes — ideal for taking in the coastal views from the sea and ending the afternoon with a different kind of experience.

Evening: Tapas and the Marbella Atmosphere

To end the day, the perfect plan is to enjoy a dinner of traditional Spanish tapas in authentic venues such as Bodega La Venencia Marbella or Taberna del Pintxo, where the wide variety of dishes and the Andalusian atmosphere provide the perfect finishing touch to your day in Marbella’s Old Town.

For your peace of mind, Marbella offers an excellent network of essential services, easily accessible from anywhere in the city:

• Pharmacies:
  • Farmacia Mingorance
  • Farmacia Berdaguer 24 horas
• Medical Centre:
  • Hospital Quirón
• Supermarkets:
  • Carrefour
  • Mercadona

Taxis and Other Transport Services

Getting around Marbella

Taxis and private transport services, such as Uber or Bolt, are perfect for short journeys within Marbella. However, if you travel beyond the city to other towns along the Costa del Sol, such as Mijas, the price may be considerably high

• Taxi: For those looking for a more direct and private option, taxis are widely available in Marbella. Taxisol (952 77 44 88).
• Uber: The company offers an excellent transport service that allows you to move around Marbella easily. Simply download the Uber app, available on both Android and iOS, and request a ride.
• Bolt: A platform very similar to Uber. Just download the app, available for all operating systems (Android and iOS), and travel wherever you want from areas such as Costabella.
• Cabify: This Spanish company has been steadily gaining popularity. How does it work? Just like the previous two: download the app and request a Cabify — as simple as that! Available on Google Play and the Apple Store.
• Urban and Intercity Bus: The company Avanza connects Marbella with Fuengirola, Málaga, Mijas, Benalmádena, and other nearby towns along the Costa del Sol, in addition to operating urban buses within Marbella.
  • Urban bus ticket price: €1.18

Marbella brings together everything you need to enjoy a full life on the Costa del Sol: over 300 days of sunshine a year, spectacular beaches, history and culture, leisure for all tastes, top-class gastronomy, and a unique Mediterranean lifestyle that combines tradition with exclusivity. Its privileged location, wide range of sports and services, together with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, make it one of the most desirable destinations both for holidays and for establishing your home.

Whether you are thinking of moving, investing, or spending long periods in the city, at Homewatch we offer you a carefully selected portfolio of properties in the best areas of Marbella, tailored to different lifestyles and budgets.

Discover our available properties in Marbella here.