Marbella

Marbella, a city on Spain's Costa del Sol, offers visitors a range of experiences. You can explore the winding streets of the Old Town, observe luxury yachts in Puerto Banús, or relax on golden beaches. The Sierra Blanca mountains provide shelter to Marbella, creating a pleasant climate throughout the year. This weather allows for year-round swimming, hiking, and enjoying local cuisine at outdoor terraces.

Wandering Marbella's Old Town

The Old Town, or Casco Antiguo, forms the core of Marbella. As you walk through narrow cobblestone streets, you'll see white buildings decorated with colorful flowers. Plaza de los Naranjos is the main square in this area, surrounded by orange trees and outdoor cafes. You can see the 16th-century Town Hall and the Chapel of Santiago, the oldest religious building in Marbella. Parts of the old Moorish castle walls, dating back to the 9th century, still stand and provide insight into Marbella's past.

Enjoying Marbella's Beaches

Marbella has 27 kilometers of coastline with 24 different beaches. Playa de la Fontanilla, close to the city center, is popular among families and sunbathers. It has fine sand and offers facilities like beach bars and water sports equipment rentals. For a calmer experience, you can visit Artola beach in the protected Dunas de Artola area. This natural monument preserves one of the few remaining wild beach ecosystems on the Costa del Sol. If you prefer a more active atmosphere, you can go to Nikki Beach, which has beach clubs and hosts parties.

Exploring Puerto Banús Marina

Puerto Banús, located just west of Marbella, is known for its luxury shops and expensive yachts. Designer boutiques, restaurants, and nightclubs line the waterfront. You can walk along the harbor and see some of the world's most expensive boats. While Puerto Banús has many high-end establishments, you can still enjoy the atmosphere without spending a lot. You might consider having a drink at one of the waterfront cafes and watching people pass by.

Tasting Marbella's Culinary Offerings

Marbella's food reflects its coastal location and Andalusian heritage. You can try local dishes like gazpacho, a cold soup ideal for hot summer days, or espeto de sardinas, sardines grilled on bamboo skewers. For an authentic taste of Marbella, you can visit the beachside chiringuitos (snack bars) that serve fresh seafood and traditional tapas. If you want high-end dining, Marbella has several restaurants with Michelin stars. Skina in the Old Town serves creative versions of Andalusian dishes.

Moving Around Marbella

While a car can be useful for exploring the Costa del Sol, you can easily get around Marbella on foot or by public transport. The city operates a free bus service for residents and visitors with the Tarjeta Municipal de Movilidad card. Taxis are readily available throughout the city. The Paseo Marítimo, a well-maintained promenade, extends for 7 kilometers along the coast. You can walk or cycle on this path between the city center and Puerto Banús.