This Spanish Coastal City Has All the Charm of Amalfi or Santorini at a Fraction of the Cost — How to Plan Your Trip

Here’s what you need to know to plan a trip to the glamorous, sun-soaked Mediterranean retreat of Marbella, Spain.

Marbella, Spain, is a beloved spot for Europeans seeking sun, and it’s gaining popularity for Americans in recent years looking to escape the crowds and high prices in other Med hotspots like Italy's Amalfi Coast and Santorini in Greece.

Nestled on Spain’s storied Costa del Sol, saturated with sun for much of the year, Marbella is the answer for a quieter yet still luxurious beach getaway with excellent food, shopping, golf, and nightlife. Plus, it’s near some of Spain’s best cultural destinations in Andalucía, including Malaga, Picasso’s birthplace; Ronda, known for bullfighting and its dramatic ravine; and the Alhambra palace complex in Granada.

“People love Marbella because it offers the great energy of a jet-setter Mediterranean beach resort town without being pretentious,” says Jack Ezon, founder and managing Partner of EMBARK Beyond. “You’ll still find all the fabulous shops, great restaurants, beach clubs, and resorts, though at a cost of about 30 to 40 percent less than you would get in France or Italy.”

Ready to discover this sun-drenched beach town on the Spanish coast? Here’s what you need to know about visiting Marbella.

Marbella, Spain

·  Stay at Marbella Club, voted the fifth-best resort in Europe by Travel + Leisure readers.

·  Don't miss a round of golf at the world-famous Marbella Club Golf Resort, a legendary 18-hole course created by Dave Thomas.

·  Spend a day on beautiful Nagüeles Beach.

·  Wander around the narrow streets of the quaint old town.

·  Visit during the spring or fall to enjoy pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Marbella Club

A glamorous beachfront icon backed by the imposing La Concha Mountain on the southern coast of Spain, Marbella Club has been welcoming travelers since 1954. In 2024, it was voted the fifth-best European resort by T+L readers.

The 132 elegant rooms, suites, and villas feature details like hand-painted tiles and rattan and wood furnishings against neutral tones. All have private outdoor spaces. Guests can stroll the perfectly manicured grounds, play golf and tennis, lounge by one of several pools, frolic on the beach and walk down the iconic pier, or luxuriate at the spa.

Little ones here are exceptionally well cared for, thanks to the 53,000-square-foot Kids Club, with programming that includes everything from gardening and cooking to arts and crafts to clambering up the treehouse and ropes course. In honor of the hotel’s 70th anniversary, new additions like a vegetable garden, storytelling tree, natural maze, and glamping experience are just a few of the latest amenities.

Simply put, Ezon says: “Marbella Club reflects the essence of the destination. It’s an old school beach club resort out of a Slim Aarons photo, with a thoroughly modern and relevant vibe.”

Puente Romano Beach Resort

An Andalusian village-style resort with direct beach access, the all-suite Puente Romano Beach Resort offers guests 162 spacious suites and three villas secluded amongst lush botanical gardens that reach down to the Mediterranean Sea.

The resort is known for its extensive culinary options, with an impressive line-up of global restaurants, including Nobu; Peruvian restaurant COYA; Greek restaurant GAIA; and Cipriani, as well as award-winning Leña and Bibo, both by Michelin-starred Spanish chef Dani Garcia, and a second of location of Pimpi, a Malaga institution. There’s also a trendy beach club, several buzzy nightclubs, and a beachfront Mediterranean restaurant, Sea Grill, which earned the Wine Spectator’s 2023 Best of Award of Excellence.

While kids are at the massive La Casita Club for kids and Teen Spirit for teenagers, parents can enjoy the resort’s fitness and wellness facilities, encompassing a Six Senses spa, the health and fitness Center, a professionally equipped outdoor gym, and a reformer Pilates studio. The resort also includes the internationally acclaimed Puente Romano Tennis Club, which hosts ATP, WTA, and Davis Cup Championships.

Nobu Hotel Marbella

Nobu Hotel Marbella is a 101-room property with creamy-toned interiors accented with light wood and a coastal cool vibe. Open-plan guestrooms with spacious terraces overlook tropical gardens or the bustling La Plaza, a day-to-night hotspot for Marbella's fashion scene.

Of course, there is a globally acclaimed Nobu Restaurant, with signature dishes from rockfish tempura to black cod miso and special creations inspired by Andalusia. Guests have exclusive access to the adults-only Nobu Pool and entrance to Puente Romano Beach Resort’s amenities, including the fitness facilities, tennis courts, Six Senses spa, and the beach.

Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort

A stunning Italianate palace featuring 125 rooms, suites, and villas, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort boasts spectacular mountain scenery within a stone’s throw of stunning beaches.

The resort is home to three world-class golf courses and the Anantara Spa, which has more than 21,500 square feet of Roman baths, a hammam, and a pool set in landscaped gardens, Anantara Spa. There are 10 food and beverage outlets, including Lebanese, Italian, and Japanese restaurants.

Hotel Claude Marbella

For a luxury boutique hotel experience in Marbella’s old town, Hotel Claude Marbella is a historic gem. The 17th-century building was once the home of Eugenia de Montijo, Empress of France and wife of Napoleon III, and it has just seven rooms (renovated in 2020).

Each room features a distinct design inspired by Andalusia, and details like timbered ceilings and Moorish-style arched doorways give a sense of place. Guests can relax on the marble patio and chic rooftop terrace, overlooking the old town of Marbella, or at the intimate Soleil Brasserie, which offers local seafood and produce.

Best Things to Do

Marbella Promenade

This beachfront boardwalk along the Marbella coast is ideal for a relaxed stroll, jog, or bike ride. Stretching for 7.5 miles from the fishing village of Puerto Bajadilla to the luxury town of Puerto Banús and boasting spectacular views of the Mediterranean (plus Morocco and the Rif Mountains on clear days), the Marbella Promenade is a must. There are charming chiringitos (beach bars) and restaurants along the way. “There is no better fitness path for a morning walk or run than the beachfront promenade,” says Ezon.

Avenida del Mar

A modern urban square that links the old town’s green and shady Parque Alameda and the waterfront, Avenida del Mar boasts fountains, pergolas, and a collection of bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí.

Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo

The intimate Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo showcases a collection of more than 4,000 prints donated by artists, individuals, and soccer player Don José Luis Morales. There are pieces by Spanish artists, including Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí on view, and the Old Town Museum also organizes courses and lectures on print-making and drawing.

Marbella Club Golf Resort

Marbella is a golfer’s paradise, and it doesn’t get any better than the iconic 18-hole Marbella Club Golf Resort course designed by renowned golfer Dave Thomas. Players swing amid waterfalls and lakes framed by olive trees and stunning views down to the Mediterranean.

Playa Artola-Cabopino

While beaches like Nagüelos and Fontanilla are more popular, Playa Artola-Cabopino is a hidden gem many tourists miss due to its off-the-main-road location. It’s the only beach in Marbella not backed by development, thanks to its home on the Dunas de Artola (sand dunes), protected as natural monuments, so construction is prohibited.

The golden sand beach has a family area with sunbeds and beach chairs, beach bars and restaurants, and a nude beach section. “Cabopino’s wooden walkway and the protected sand dune natural park are great places to catch stunning sunset views,” says Julian Cabanillas, general manager of Marbella Club.

Best Shopping

Razza Espadrilles

A pair of espadrilles from Spain is a must-buy in summer, and Cabanillas recommends Razza Espadrilles in Marbella’s historic center, which he says is famous for its timeless espadrilles for both men and women.

El Baul Del Artesano

Another must-buy when in Spain are leather goods and El Baul Del Artesano, also in Marbella’s Old Town offers everything from wallets to belts to cowboy boots that will last a lifetime.

D-Oliva

“D-Oliva is where you can explore a delightful variety of local olive oils, including organic and infused options, alongside other eco-friendly local products,” says Cabanillas. This store in Marbella’s Old Town stocks wine, a large variety of Spanish olive oils, sea salt, and other Andalusian-made products. You can also book wine and olive oil tastings here.

Designer and Luxury Shopping at Puerto Banús

Puerto Banús, considered one of the most expensive ports in Spain, is known for luxury shopping. Shoppers can browse brand stores, including Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Armani, and Jimmy Choo. There is also a location of El Corte Inglés, Spain’s flagship luxury department store. There are also independent boutiques like Salotto, which describes itself as a “Mediterranean street market” and sells boho-style summer dresses, beach bags, and throws and cushions for the home.

Nightlife

Tablao Flamenco

For an authentic flamenco performance, book a table at Tablao Flamenco in Old Town Marbella, which has been going strong since 1962. Order some sangria and head upstairs for an intimate performance with live music and showstopping dance.

Nikki Beach Marbella

Miami’s famous beach club, Nikki Beach, has had an outpost in Marbella since 2003. The open-air venue boasts a pool with sunbeds, a restaurant, an octagon-shaped bar, sea views, and music and dancing every night.

Pangea

Puerto Banús is the part of Marbella known for partying and Pangea is one of its number-one spots. An open-air club with a rooftop terrace, its tropical themes and bumping beats ensure a night of revelry.

NYX by GAIA Marbella

Located through a secret passage in GAIA restaurant in Puente Romano, NYX is an exclusive speakeasy-style club. Named after the mythological sister of GAIA, NYX is the Greek goddess of the night who is influenced by the Greek gods Zeus and Chaos.

Best Restaurants

Tapas at Taberna Casa Curro and Taberna La Niña del Pisto

Eating tapas in Spain is a must, and Marbella’s Old Town offers two charming and traditional spots that Ezon recommends for an authentic experience. Taberna Casa Curro is a sliver of space down a narrow alleyway where the charcuterie and cheese selection is sure to impress. Then, walk around the corner to Taberna La Niña del Pisto for gazpacho and the signature dish, pisto.

Restaurante Skina

Marbella has plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants, and one of the best is the two Michelin-starred Restaurante Skina. Book one of the 12 seats for the indulgent tasting menu and settle in for some pampering. The seasonal menu changes almost daily to accommodate the local bounty.

Bibo

Puente Romano is home to more than a dozen restaurants, including international stalwarts like Nobu and Cipriani. But for a local experience, you can’t do better than Spanish chef Danny Garcia’s tapas concept, Bibo. From his signature oxtail brioche to classic ham croquettes to warm prawns with olive oil, Garcia brings his twist to traditional tapas.

Churreria Ramon

Classic, freshly fried churros are a Spanish delicacy and Churreria Ramon in Marbella’s Old Town, dates back to 1941 and has been run by the same family ever since. Order a full or half wheel plus piping hot liquid chocolate for dipping. There are also fresh juices and smoothies available.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Marbella is generally over the summer season. This is when there’s generally the best weather and the most sun. That said, if you can’t come during the summer, there are plenty of other times worth a visit.

“Marbella enjoys mild temperatures year-round, thanks to its unique microclimate and the shelter provided by La Concha Mountain,” says Ezon. “Therefore, March and April and around October are excellent times to visit. You’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures and have the chance to explore Marbella’s charm and attractions at a more relaxed pace.”

How to Get There

To visit Marbella, you can fly into Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, one of the largest airports in Spain. The airport has many direct flights to and from cities around Europe and connections to cities worldwide via airlines like LATAM, Air France, TAP, and Emirates. United flies direct from Newark International Airport (EWR) to Malaga in the summer season.

From Malaga, Marbella is a 40-minute drive. Flying into Gibraltar International Airport is also possible; it is about an hour away from Marbella.

Travelers arriving by bus will arrive at the Marbella Bus Station, about a mile outside the historic city center. There is no train station in Marbella, only in Malaga.

Neighborhoods to Visit

Old Town

The city’s historic center, Casco Antiguo, is a quaint and traditional Andalucian town with winding cobblestone streets, white buildings, and flower pots, adding pops of color everywhere. Picturesque cafés, tapas bars, shops, and charming squares made exploring this area on foot very rewarding.

Downtown Marbella

The heart of modern Marbella surrounds bustling Avenida Ricardo Soriano. The main street that runs through the city, the avenue is lined with hotels, restaurants, local markets, and various shops. The beach and the promenade are nearby.

Puerto Banús

Known for its luxurious visitors, travelers go here to spot mega-yachts in the marina and flashy sports cars on the road. Luxury, designer shopping, and expensive restaurants and clubs are found here, lining the Golden Mile that leads into the port.

Getting Around

Renting a car to explore Marbella and the surrounding area is great if you want to see more of Andalusia. But if you plan to stay in Marbella, there are plenty of taxi stands in the city, and there is Uber in Marbella.

Walking around Old Town is the most accessible, and you’ll also spot horse and carriage rides around that area. Fly Blue catamarans offers daily cruises between Marbella and Puerto Banús, which take about 30 minutes.

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