Things To Do in Marbella
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Marbella Attractions
Even if you don’t stay here, you might want to spend a day exploring. Marbella retains traces of its origins as a pleasant seaside town at the foot of the Sierra Blanca. That past persists in the palatial town hall, medieval ruins, and ancient Moorish walls.
Marbella’s most charming area is the Old Quarter of narrow cobblestone streets centered on Plaza de los Naranjos. From the wide promenade along the beach, you simply climb a set of marble stairs past several Salvador Dalí bronze statues and cross the Alameda, a leafy park with tiled benches. Suddenly you’re in a tangle of medieval streets and whitewashed houses hung with pots of geraniums.
For a break from nonstop boutiques and sidewalk cafes, visit the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo ♥ (Calle Hospital Bazá, s/n; tel. 95-393-88-40) for lithographs and other graphic art ranging from Picasso and Dalí to contemporary Spanish artists. It’s free and open Monday to Saturday 10am‒8pm, Sunday 10am‒2pm.
About 6km west of town, the striking Museo Ralli Marbella (N-340, Km 176; tel. 95-285-79-23) specializes in European and Latin American surrealism, with many works dating from the late 20th century. Chances are good that the museum—one of a group of museums around the world founded by Harry and Martine Racanati—will surprise you, as many of the artists are little known outside their home countries. Admission is free; it’s open Tuesday to Friday 10am‒5pm, Saturday 10am‒4pm (closed Dec 22 to Jan 22).
The leading attractions in Marbella, however, are the beaches along the maritime promenade. They are lined with often very good and reasonably priced fish restaurants. More secluded beaches lie farther out but you’ll need a car to get to them.
Marbella Shopping
Shopping runs the gamut from international designer boutiques to tourist trinket shops. In between, you’ll find the old quarter filled with shops selling stylish beachwear. Try Razza Espadrilles, c/Peral, 11 (📞 649-73-33-75), for dressy espadrilles hand-stitched in Spain. For colorful boho beachwear, check Island Spirit, Plaza José Palomo (tel. 590-690-50-4123). If you’d like to purchase some of Andalucía’s regional ceramics, a good bet is Cerámica San Nicolás, Plaza de la Iglesia, 1 (tel. 95-277-05-46).
Marbella Nightlife
You will need to pack more than a bathing suit and flip-flops if you want to join the nightlife scene. There’s more international wealth hanging out in the watering holes of Marbella, and a wider choice of glam (or pseudo-glam) discos, than virtually anywhere else in Spain. Foremost among them is Discoteca Olivia Valere on Carretera Istan, N-340 Km 0.8 (tel. 95-282-88-61), which can hold up to 1,000 people. It’s open 9pm‒7am and charges a cover of 30€. Fashionable club wear is essential.
You can enjoy a more low-key night in the heart of historic Marbella in its bodegas and taverns. La Venencia Los Olivos, Avda Miguel Cano, 15 (tel. 95-285-79-13), is conveniently located adjacent to one of the town’s widest thoroughfares. Its wide choice of sherries, wines, and tapas draws lots of chattering patrons.
Although hardly authentic, Flamenco Los Chatos Ana María, Plaza Santa Cristo, 4 (hardoklaamann.wixsite.com/flamencomarbella; 📞 634-366-578), is a good start for foreign visitors who speak limited Spanish. The long, often-crowded bar area sells tapas, wine, sherry, and a selection of international libations. This is late-night entertainment—the doors don’t open until 9pm, and the crowd really gets going between midnight and 3am. Cover and one drink cost 25€.
Seven kilometers west of Marbella, near Puerto Banús, Casino Marbella is another popular nighttime option for Marbella visitors.
