Marbella, the glitzy jewel of Spain’s Costa del Sol, is a destination of two halves: a high-end playground for the international jet set and a charming, historic Andalusian town. Whether you’re here for the yachts or the cobblestone streets, here is your 2025 guide.

🏛️ Top Neighborhoods & Landmarks

• Casco Antiguo (Old Town): The most beautiful part of the city. It’s a maze of whitewashed streets and flower-filled balconies.

  • Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square): The heart of the Old Town, lined with orange trees, 15th-century architecture, and vibrant outdoor cafes.

• Puerto Banús: Located a few kilometers west of the center, this is the world-famous luxury marina. Expect to see designer boutiques, super-yachts, and high-end sports cars.

• The Golden Mile: Actually four miles long, this stretch connects Marbella center to Puerto Banús and is home to the most exclusive villas, hotels (like the iconic Marbella Club), and beach clubs.

• Avenida del Mar: A wide pedestrian avenue leading to the sea, featuring a collection of ten original bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí.

🏖️ Beaches & Beach Clubs

Marbella boasts 27km of coastline with diverse beach options:

• Playa de la Fontanilla: The most popular central beach, right next to the promenade.

• Nikki Beach: The legendary beach club for those looking for a “party” atmosphere with white decor and world-class DJs.

• Cabopino Beach: Located a bit further out, this beach is known for its protected sand dunes (Artola Dunes) and a more natural, relaxed feel.

🍴 Food & Dining

From Michelin stars to traditional “Chiringuitos” (beach bars):

• Tapas in the Old Town: Visit El Estrecho or Taberna Casa Blanca for authentic Andalusian small plates.

• Fresh Seafood: Head to a Chiringuito on the sand for Espetos (sardines grilled on a skewer over an open fire).

• Luxury Dining: Marbella has a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, including Skina in the Old Town and Dani García’s various upscale concepts.

💡 Travel Tips for 2025

• Arrival: The closest major airport is Málaga (AGP). It’s about a 35-40 minute drive to Marbella. You can take the “Avanza” bus directly from the airport to Marbella bus station.

• Getting Around: The city is very walkable, especially between the Old Town and the beach. For getting to Puerto Banús, a fun and scenic option is the Fly Blue Catamaran ferry that runs between the two ports.

• Timing:

  • June–August: Peak season, very hot, very crowded, and the nightlife is at its busiest.

  • May & September: The “Sweet Spot.” Great weather, warm water, but slightly less crowded.

• Golf: Marbella is a world-class golf destination. If you play, check out the “Golf Valley” in Nueva Andalucía just behind Puerto Banús.

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