Things to do in Marbella

Marbella's coastline offers a delightful blend of sun, sea, and sand, making it an ideal destination for beach enthusiasts. The town boasts several beaches, each with its unique charm and amenities, catering to both relaxation seekers and adventure enthusiasts.

One of the best things to do in Marbella is simple: enjoying the three excellent beaches just south of Marbella’s centre. They stretch east from Playa de la Bajadilla and Playa de Venus to Playa de la Fontanilla to the west, which gets much less crowded the farther west you go. Playa de la Bajadilla is overlooked by a hulk of the white apartment tower blocks, but instead, focus on the view ahead with beachfront and waterside restaurants, boat rentals and access to the swanky marina. Further along, Playa de Venus is best for watersports, from paddleboarding to jet skis - and loads of options for sailing trips, too (served with a glass of cava, of course), while Playa de la Fontanilla is perhaps the quietest of the three and backs onto a relaxing oasis of a park.

Whether you're looking to bask in the sun, indulge in water activities, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, Marbella's beaches provide the perfect setting. The combination of natural beauty and available amenities ensures a memorable seaside experience for all visitors.

Marbella might be best known for its beaches and glittering marina, but beyond the polished surface lies a more traditional side. Tucked just slightly inland, away from the buzz of the coast, is a pocket of the town that feels like stepping back in time. For couples seeking slower, more intimate moments, this is where you’ll find some of the most romantic things to do in Marbella.

Despite Marbella’s fleet of hotels and luxury pads, this swanky hotspot still holds onto the greater part of its old town. Set back a little from the sea and the new developments, head here if you're looking for things to do in Marbella that involve a little more peace and quiet. In fact, it’s so quietly hidden that you might miss it altogether - aim for the centre of the attractive Plaza de los Naranjos to find the partially walled old town. While more boutiques and restaurants are starting to open up, you can still savour the atmosphere from an ordinary-looking bar in the small old square.

It's a place to slow your pace, soak in the charm, and enjoy a side of Marbella that hasn’t been polished to perfection. Lose yourself among narrow alleys, sit beneath an orange tree, or simply listen to the quiet hum of local life—it’s the kind of spot that invites lingering and connection.

Not everything in Marbella is on display. Some of its most extravagant experiences happen behind the scenes, far from the beach crowds and hotel terraces, where privacy is part of the appeal.

The seriously rich don’t stay in Marbella itself, you know. They hide themselves away in villas in the surrounding hills or laze around on phenomenally large and luxurious yachts and the marina and casino complex of Puerto Banus, 6km west of town. As you’d expect, Puerto Banus is home to a wad as big as their notes of big-name designer boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Gucci), cocktail bars, beach clubs and restaurants. And some of the most expensive cars in the world, of course.

Even if you’re not arriving by private jet, it’s worth wandering through Puerto Banus just to soak up the scene. It’s flashy, fun, and completely over the top—in the best way. Think of it as Marbella’s shiny alter ego, perfect for a decadent evening stroll or a bit of star-spotting with your partner.