Since I was a kid, my family and I go to Marbella almost every summer. If you haven’t heard about it yet, Marbella is a beautiful city located in the south of Spain. Marbella isn’t a very big city, but it is a great deal for beautiful vacations. The weather is always nice, the architecture is amazing, and the people are just as good.
If you ever plan to go on vacations in Marbella, you NEED this city guide to enjoy every single part of it.
Where to Eat ?
First things first. I will probably never say it enough, but food is just THE MOST important part when traveling. You have to enjoy every meal, and as I am a fan of beautiful views and good food, here are the best restaurants I tried there :
Tahini is a sushi bar located in the Golden Mile of Marbella.
The view is amazing, and the food just as good as their many cocktails.
La Pesquera is a traditional Spanish restaurant. You can find several ones in Marbella.
My favorite one is located in Puerto Banus.
Cappuccino from the Cappuccino group is located in Golden Mile, just under the Tahini.
With a beautiful view, and an awesome menu, you can enjoy Italian, Spanish, and French specialties. (best cappuccino in town)
Rosas Cafe is a healthy, very chic and girly cafe located in Puerto Banus.
You can enjoy healthy food and juice. Especially, for breakfast.
And many others :
Where to Stay at ?
Obviously if you plan on staying in Marbella, you will probably need a hotel. Depending on your budget and needs you have to choose a hotel that suits you well. Here is a selection of my favorite hotels from the simplest to the most luxurious ones.
Since 2003 I go to Marbella approximately every summer, and I’ve always been to the Marbella Club Hotel. It is the best hotel in Marbella in my opinion. It isn’t cheap, but you will find everything you need there : a golf, a beach club, rooms and villas (if you love to be in a more private space), a restaurant, several pools, and stores.
A particularity of the Benabola hotel is its location, in the center of Puerto Banus where everything happens in Marbella. Prices are decent, and they offer rooms and small apartments. They also have an amazing rooftop, the Sky Lounge, which is great if you want to have a drink before going to dinner.
This hotel, I would only recommend for party people or young couples. The prices are decent, and the hotel is located 5 minutes away from Puerto Banus. They offer rooms and small apartments too. If you like to party, then you will LOVE Sisu’s pool parties.
And many others :
Shopping maybe ?
After a good meal, what’s better than a shopping spree ? These are my favorite, but also best spots to shop in Marbella. You’ll find everything you need.
Of course, Puerto Banus is the BEST place to go on a shopping run. You can enjoy a walk, and discover a long street surrounded by restaurants and yachts. Find all your favorite brands from Havaianas, to Dior or Saint Laurent.
Elite Marbella is a multi brand store located in Puerto Banus too. There, you can find the trendiest brands and items in Marbella such as, Off White, Givenchy or Gucci.
El Corte Ingles is a huge shopping center located in Puerto Banus. If you need to shop high hand brands, cosmetics, groceries, shoes, baby clothing, kids clothes, furnitures, sportswear, electronics, anything… you’ll find it there.
Markets
If you want to shop artisanal or very original pieces, you must go to one of Marbella’s Market. There is one open every day in the center of Puerto Banus, and a market that is only open on Saturdays. You will find beautiful beach dresses, Moroccan accessories, jewels, and shoes.
La Cañada is a mall located 20 minutes away from Puerto Banus. It is a regular mall with fast fashion brands like Zara, H&M, Mango, Guess, Oysho… It also has a food court with both fast-food and small restaurants. If you need to buy groceries you can find a supermarket : Al Campo. It almost has everything you need.
And others:
- Centro Urbano
- Puente Romano
What to do ?
Do not worry. I am clearly not done. There is so much to do in Marbella. Not only is it great for eating and chilling at the beach, there are also a lot of places to visit and discover.
Beach Clubs
One of my favorite beach club in Marbella is La Milla. They have a very good seafood restaurant, and also offer local food like Paella and Jamon Iberico. The view on the beach is mesmerizing, and their beds super comfy.
La Sala
La Sala by the Sea is a beach club located near Puerto Banus with an AMAZING view on the beach. Enjoy a lunch, a dip in the pool or a good tan on their numerous beds.
And others :
- Amare Beach Club
- Playa Padre
- Ocean Club
La Fiesta !
I am not necessarily a party animal, but what would be Marbella without its amazing ambiance ? Wanna party at night ? During the day ? Everything is possible in Marbella.
Nao by Olivia Valere is a Pool Club located in the center of Marbella. You can decide to either swim in the pool, or enjoy the beach. The music is nice, and the cocktails amazing.
Olivia Valere
Olivia Valere is a new club that opened in Marbella not so long ago. It is also one of the most luxurious Night Clubs in Marbella. If you like to party and be surrounded by nice people, then you want to go there.
Mosh Fun Kitchen
Mosh Fun Kitchen is a very festive restaurant located in the center of Marbella. Good food, good music, outdoor spaces, and even hookas. There is not much I can say as it is the best combo for me: food, drinks and music. As they say “Eat, Party, Repeat”.
And many others :
- Nikki Beach
- Mirage
- Ocean Club
- Funky Buddah
- News Cafe
City Key Places
Want to be a real tourist in Marbella ? If you are not necessarily a beach and shopping person, then you need to visit these very “Marbellan” places.
Plaza de los Naranjos
Key place of the Old Town of Marbella. Have a coffee, go shopping or just stroll around. It is relaxing and beautiful.
Gibraltar
If you are adventurous, then you can go for a 1 hour drive and get to see the strait of Gibraltar. You’ll be able to see the African continent from Spain. Amazing right ?
And others :
- Turtle Lake
- Bonsai Museum
- Corrida
- Butterfly Park
Other Activities
For thrills fan and big kids, here are a few activities you won’t forget !
Waterpark
There are two amazing water parks in Marbella, Mijas and Torremolinos. If you love slides, then you’ll enjoy spending an afternoon there.
Tivoli World
Tivoli is the only amusement park in Marbella. If you stop by, you need to try one of the highest free fall rides of Europe.
And others :
- Safari
- Tirolienne
- Quad and Buggy
- Selwo Marina