You know those places that even if you’ve never been there, you know you’re bound to like them? It has happened to me often, and almost always the expectation has then been true to reality.
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As in the case of Miami, for example, which then became and still is, my place of the heart.
Today, however, we are staying in Europe because I want to tell you about Marbella, where I went to celebrate my birthday in early October.
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I had heard so much about it because of the sandy beaches, the nightlife, the trendy atmosphere, the nice clubs, the beach clubs, the long promenade by the sea, the relaxed lifestyle, and the mild and sunny climate: in short, all basic requirements for me when choosing a place to live. And so, I went to see for myself….
DIANA BANCALE
Founder and author, travel blogger since 2014.
Where Marbella is located
Marbella is about a 35-minute drive from Malaga, on the Costa Del Sol in Andalusia.
It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the trendiest resorts in Spain as well as having a great climate all year round with many sunny days and little rain.
Of course, nothing beats the Canary Islands, where I currently live, however, it is not bad 🙂
How to get to Marbella
If you are coming from Italy, the nearest airport is Malaga. From there, you can rent a car, take a 40-minute public bus, or book a private transfer that will take you directly to your hotel in Marbella.
Below you will find all the options:
PUBLIC BUS FROM MALAGA AIRPORT
VIP PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM MALAGA AIRPORT TO YOUR HOTEL
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What to see in the historical center of Marbella
Arriving in Málaga, I first passed through the suburbs and, also accomplice to a bit of travel fatigue and various misadventures with the rental car, I was a bit unmotivated.
It didn’t seem like anything special to me: a bit of that melancholy, forlorn late-summer atmosphere in the tourist resorts.
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Then, as I left the hotel, I entered the historic center in a few minutes and completely changed my mind. The historic center of Marbella is a gem and was a real surprise.
Its history goes back to the 7th century with the Romans, of which there are still visible remains, and then Islamic rule, with the citadel, lighthouse and walls.
The center is made up of narrow, cobblestone alleys, at the end of which are bright, ornate plazas, white Andalusian-style houses, and plenty of chic little bars and stores to stroll among.
If you don’t want to miss the best of Marbella and want to know history and fun facts about the city, make sure to book a guided tour with a locale guide, such as this Get Your Guide tour.
BOOK HERE THE GUIDED TOUR OF MARBELLA CITY CENTER
Plaza de los Naranjos
Among the main sights to see in downtown Marbella is the beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos (Square of the Orange Trees), dating from 1485, which is kind of the heart of the city. There is a relaxed to peaceful atmosphere here and there are several bars and restaurants with outdoor tables protected by the shade of orange trees.
Marbella Town Hall
Another thing to see in old Marbella is its Town Hall, of 16th-century construction. The facade features a sundial and inscriptions telling of the conquest of Marbella by King Fernando the Catholic in 1485, who wrested it from Arab rule on that date.
Marbella Castle Walls
One of the most obvious traces of Marbella’s Moorish past are the castle walls, which were built from ancient Roman constructions. They are located in the historic center of the town.
In some sections, unfortunately, few traces of the original walls remain, but if you approach the area of the Parque de la Represa, you will still find sections of the walls from that time.
Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Church
The mix of East and West that characterizes Marbella, and more generally Andalusia itself, is also very evident in the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación church, built on a former mosque.
Its tall bell tower is a landmark of the town and can be seen from several points in Marbella.
PS: If you visit Marbella during the Easter Semana Santa (a very heartfelt holiday in Spain), this church becomes the center of the festivities.
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Walking through the center of Marbella in the direction of the sea, you come across a beautiful green park where the large fountain of the Virgen de Rocio towers.
This is La Alameda Park, which is one of the symbols of the city.
It is a very beautiful and well-kept place, full of trees that provide valuable shade on hot days and with tiled benches. Crossing it, you arrive at Avenida del Mar.
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Avenida del Mar
The avenida del mar is the street that leads from the historic center of Marbella to the port of Marbella (the puerto deportivo). In this street you will see a collection of bronze sculptures by Salvador Dali and other local artists and a distinctive pyramidal fountain. In short, an open-air museum! On either side of the street, you will find several bars and restaurants.
Marbella Municipal Market
Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Marbella Municipal Market offers a taste of Andalusian gastronomy in a lively and authentic atmosphere. Here you can buy fresh produce to cook or you can stop in for lunch and eat right on the spot.
Paseo Maritimo
Especially when I am in a new place, but in general in life, I am a person who loves to walk for miles and miles.
One of my goals before vacationing in Marbella was to walk its very long paseo maritimo (seafront promenade). This beautiful sea-view, palm-lined walk stretches for 7km and starts from Marbella’s port and ends in Puerto Banus. To me, it reminded me a bit of Miami’s oceanfront.
As you might imagine, it is a bit of the center of coastal life with lots of beaches, beach clubs, restaurants, bars and clubs. I recommend taking a stroll at sunset to watch the sun go down over the sea and stop for a drink at one of the many little bars right on the beach.
Marbella’s milla de oro (golden mile)
Have you ever heard of the “milla de oro” in Marbella? If the name already evokes to you an idea of luxury and wealth, you are on the right track. In fact, that part of the paseo maritime that runs from Marbella, specifically from the Pirulì, a monolithic construction that resembles a lighthouse, to Puerto Banus is called this.
This area, near the beach, is one of the richest and most expensive in Spain. In fact, here you find extra-luxury hotels such as the Puente Romano Beach Resort and the Marbella Club Hotel, elegant restaurants with Michelin stars, and wonderful villas with swimming pools, which just looking at them from the outside makes you dream and feel really very poor 🙂
Puerto Banús
Puerto Banus is an exclusive marina, built in the 1970s west of the Paseo Maritimo and over the years becoming the center of Andalusia’s jet set, a bit of a Spanish “Porto Cervo,” frequented by celebrities and VIPs.
Walking down its main street you can admire huge yachts, ultra-luxurious cars and stores of high-fashion brands, along with quite exclusive (and also expensive) bars, clubs and restaurants.
Not surprisingly, Puerto Banus is also one of Marbella’s main nightlife spots.
I went there for dinner to celebrate my birthday and chose an Italian restaurant along the main street. Honestly though, I don’t feel like recommending it 😉
If you want to enjoy a special sunset over the Mediterranean Sea, join this sunset catamaran trip from Puerto Banus. It will be an amazing ride with music from djset and a bar onboard to enjoy your favorite drinks!
BOOK THE SUNSET CATAMARAN TOUR HERE
The most beautiful beaches in Marbella
Thanks to its long coastline, Marbella in terms of beaches is spoiled for choice. The sea is generally clean and transparent but do not expect the Caribbean.
The convenience of Marbella’s beaches is that they are almost all free, with free access.
Wide, sandy and well equipped, almost all of them with public toilets and showers.
So you can stay on the beach freely or choose one of the various establishments (for all budgets) if you are looking for more convenience. Prices for two sunbeds and an umbrella can range from 25 euros to 250 or more, depending on the exclusivity of the beach club.
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The summer season generally lasts until late October, weather permitting, although some beach clubs close at the end of September.
The beaches in and around Marbella are truly many, so here I point you to a selection of the ones I have seen and the most popular.
Playa de La Fontanilla
Town beach near the center of Marbella, equipped and also very convenient for families.
Playa de la Bajadilla
Another town beach, frequented mostly de locals, with clean, shallow waters.
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One of the trendiest beaches in Marbella, along the milla de oro, with golden sand and clear waters.
Playa El ancon
A beautiful beach surrounded by palm and pine trees, where you will also find several bars and restaurants to eat on the beach or have a drink.
Playa del Cable
Another particularly fashionable beach in Marbella, also frequented by young people thanks to popular beach clubs such as Playa Padre.
Playa de Puerto Banus
One of Marbella’s most exclusive beaches, generally that choice of VIPs. Here you will find beach clubs, bars and opportunities for water sports.
Playa Nueva Andalusia
Beautiful beach surrounded by greenery and protected from the wind because it is located in a cove. Here you will find different services from nautical clubs to water sports.
Where to stay in Marbella
Extra luxury hotels
La Zambra Hotel
Completely renovated, this luxury hotel in Marbella, located in Mijas, combines charming Andalusian architecture with the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and enjoy its magnificent facilities and view.
Puente Romano Beach Resort
Luxurious 5-star beachfront hotel along the millo de oro between Marbella and Puerto Banus with Andalusian village atmosphere, spa and beach club.
Marbella Club Hotel
Luxury beachfront hotel, once a princely residence and now frequented by VIPs and show business personalities. It has 2 pools, a spa and 5 restaurants.
High-end
Amare Beach Hotel
4-star beachfront hotel in Marbella (adults only), a 10-minute walk from the historic center. It has a rooftop bar and beach club. Parking is available for a fee.
Iberostar Marbella
4-star hotel between Marbella and Puerto Banus with pool, restaurant and free parking (not a given in Marbella).
Mid-range
Hotel Central Boutique
Small hotel in the center of Marbella, a 5-minute walk from the plaza de Los Naranjos. Basic but clean room, good value for money.
Low-range
Hostal Berlin
Hotel in the center of Marbella just minutes from the the beach. Choice of single, double and triple rooms.
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