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Romantic things to do in Marbella
Marbella for couples
Marbella is the ultimate luxury and one of the most romantic spots in Spain. Glitz comes at a price, of course: many of the chic restaurants, bars and cafés cash in on the hype, and everything costs considerably more than elsewhere in the region.- Enjoy Marbella’s fine beaches
- Take a walk-through Marbella’s old town
- Feel luxurious at Puerto Banus
- Have a romantic dinner at one of Marbella’s top restaurants
- Make the most of Marbella’s vibrant nightlife
- Enjoy a romantic stay in one of Marbella’s hotels
Marbella is home to its share of fine attractions. Head to the beach (of course!) and enjoy a romantic walk through the old town to name a few. If you’re inspired to jet off to sunny Spain, take a look at our tempting Marbella holidays.
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Rough Guides
1. Enjoy Marbella’s fine beaches
South of Marbella’s centre, you’ll find a beautiful stretch of coastline featuring three excellent beaches. These run from Playa de la Bajadilla and Playa de Venus in the east to Playa de la Fontanilla further west, each beach offering its unique charm. As you move westward, the atmosphere becomes more peaceful and less crowded, making it ideal for couples looking to escape the busier spots.
Spend a relaxing day with your partner on the soft, golden sands, soaking up the sun and enjoying the gentle sea breeze. If you're in the mood for adventure, the clear, calm waters are perfect for trying water sports such as jet skiing or paddleboarding. Whether you're after relaxation or excitement, these beaches offer one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences for couples visiting Marbella.
If you're seeking a quieter, more intimate setting, consider a visit to Cabopino Beach. Tucked away from the busier areas, it’s known for its natural sand dunes and peaceful vibe, making it a lovely spot for a romantic walk or a laid-back beach day.
Best for:Enjoying Marbella’s water and sand opportunity
Don’t forget: After the beach, enjoy some tapas - head to La Trilla for some home-made croquettes.
2. Take a walk-through Marbella’s old town
Centred on the pretty Pza. de los Naranjos and still partially walled, the old town is hidden from the main road and can be easy to miss, so keep a lookout for it! Nestled in the heart of Marbella, this historic quarter feels like stepping into another era, with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and bursts of colour from bougainvillaea spilling over balconies.
Slowly, this original quarter is being turned into clothes and jewellery boutiques and restaurants. Despite these modern touches, it retains much of its old-world charm and Andalusian character, blending tradition with a vibrant, contemporary flair.
Enjoy sitting in a bar in a small old square and look up beyond the whitewashed alleyways to the mountains of Ronda. As you sip on a coffee or a glass of local wine, the peaceful surroundings and gentle hum of local life create an atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The pretty setting makes for a romantic spot with your loved one. Whether you visit by day or in the soft evening light, the Old Town offers a quiet escape filled with beauty, history, and unforgettable charm.
Best for: Exploring a historic part of the city
Don’t forget: The Alameda Park is near the old town and is a great spot for a stroll.
3. Feel luxurious at Puerto Banus
For those drawn to the glitz and glamour that Marbella is famous for, there’s a whole other world waiting just beyond the town centre. It's a world of high-end luxury, privacy, and indulgence where the elite enjoy life at an entirely different pace.
The wealthy and rich don’t stay in Marbella itself. They secrete themselves away in villas in the hills in the area or relax on giant, luxurious yachts at the marina and enjoy the delights of the Puerto Banus casino complex, 6km west of the town. Puerto Banus has more than its complement of swanky designer boutiques, beach clubs, cocktail bars and restaurants, most of them very pricey. If you and your partner are looking for luxury, this is it.
Whether you're admiring the superyachts in the harbour, browsing the latest collections from world-renowned fashion houses, or simply people-watching from a chic terrace, Puerto Banus offers an experience that feels straight out of a movie. For couples seeking something truly extravagant, this is where Marbella shines brightest.
Best for: Splashing out
Don’t forget: Dezentral is a great spot for a coffee and a pitstop in the area.
4. Have a romantic dinner at one of Marbella’s top restaurants
Avoid the touristy and overpriced restaurants on the Pza. de los Naranjos, which turn the whole square into their dining terrace when the sun sets - you’re better off checking out some of Marbella’s superb tapas bars. Despite its flashy reputation, it’s possible to dine well in Marbella at normal andaluz prices. For one of the most romantic things to do in Marbella head to Messina . Marbella’s Michelin star, Mauricio Giovanini, cooks Mediterranean dishes with a modern take. Two tasting menus showcase his signature dishes raya en amarillo (skate) and chivo lechal malagueño (suckling goat), or you can eat à la carte where innovative dishes such as erizo micuit (sea urchin mi-cuit) and Spanish-Thai-French toast feature. There is an extensive wine list, too.
Best for: Enjoying fine dining
Don’t forget: Santiago is also a great place for dining. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in Marbella.
5. Make the most of Marbella’s vibrant nightlife
As the sun sets over Marbella, the town begins to glow with a different kind of energy. The air fills with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses, as people spill into plazas, bars, and terraces to enjoy the lively social scene.
Marbella has one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in this area of Spain, with the best of the venues centred around Pza. Puente de Ronda, Pza. De Africa in the old town and Pza. de Olivos to the west side. The Puerto Deportivo, the seafront yacht harbour, is filled with mostly chilled copas bars with terraces and are peppered with sofas, so it makes a cosy setting. Enjoying a drink here is one of the most couple things to do in Marbella.
From stylish lounges to tucked-away tapas spots, there’s something for every mood. Whether you’re in the heart of the old town or overlooking the sea at the marina, the warm Mediterranean nights set the perfect tone for romance, connection, and conversation.
Best for: Dancing the night away
Don’t forget: Franks Corner is a fantastic spot for a drink. It hosts live music nights too.
6. Enjoy a romantic stay in one of Marbella’s hotels
If you're travelling on a budget but still want charm and character, Marbella won’t disappoint. The town offers several affordable places to stay that don’t compromise on style, especially if you're drawn to the history and beauty of its older quarters.
All Marbella’s budget accommodation is in the old town and south of Alameda. Pressure on rooms is tight in July and extremely so in August, when you’ll need to book ahead. Hotel La Morada Mas Hermosa is sited to the north of Pza. de los Naranjos, and is an enchanting small hotel in a refurbished eighteenth-century townhouse, with elegant, individually styled rooms (most with terraces).
Staying in this part of town means you're just steps away from cobbled streets, quiet squares, and family-run cafés where you can start your day with fresh coffee and Andalusian pastries. It’s the kind of setting that brings out the romantic charm of Marbella without the high price tag.
Best for: Cosy accommodation
Don’t forget: The Townhouse’s rooms mostly have balconies, which makes a romantic setting.
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