Marbella Travelers Recommend

With two days in Marbella, you’ve got enough time to enjoy palm-lined beaches and chic bars, and explore the Old Town; you can also take a day trip to the historical cities of inland Andalucia. To get the most from your short stay on the Costa del Sol, here are our top tips.

Day 1: City Sights and Beaches

**Morning:**The best way to tick off Marbella’s highlights is on a sightseeing tour, which typically cover Alameda Park, the sculpture-lined Avenida del Mar, and the Old Town’s plazas and chapels. Or, opt for a Marbella and Puerto Banus tour to discover old Marbella, the Golden Mile, and Puerto Banus’ marina, home to expensive yachts and swanky restaurants.

**Afternoon:**After lunch, hit Marbella’s beaches, which are scattered along its 16-mile (27-kilometer) coastline. Alternatively, explore Andalucia’s rugged countryside and White Villages (Pueblos Blancos) on an electric mountain bike tour that focuses on tapas and wine. Or, take a hiking excursion into the hills to discover Roman ruins and prehistoric caves.

**Night:**Marbella’s locals and party crowds play hard at night, so follow their cue and enjoy some high-octane nightlife. Glam up with a makeup masterclass from professional makeup artists and enjoy a decadent night out in Marbella’s bars and clubs. 

Day 2: Explore Wider Andalucia

**Morning:**Granada’s Alhambra is within day-tripping distance of Marbella, making it a must-visit. Book a private trip to this UNESCO-listed palace for undivided attention, or visit Cordoba to experience its old-world streets and UNESCO-protected Mezquita Cathedral-Mosque.

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon exploring your chosen destination. At the Alhambra, admire the elaborately carved stonework, patios, and gardens as your guide chronicles the palace’s Moorish rulers. In Cordoba, view the multi-arched Mezquita and explore historical enclaves such as the Jewish Quarter.

**Night:**After a busy day’s sightseeing, ease back into Marbella’s nightlife scene. Sip a cocktail overlooking the yachts at Marbella’s marina (Puerto Deportivo), stroll the promenade for pre-dinner tapas, and then hit the Old Town’s cobbled plazas for dinner. 

From Blue Flag beaches to glitzy marinas, Marbella has plenty to keep you busy over three days. Lounge on the sands; explore the orange-scented Old Town; discover star Andalucia attractions such as Granada’s Alhambra; and enjoy high-octane bars and nightclubs. Here’s how to plan the perfect 3-day break.

Day 1: Classic Marbella

Today, get acquainted with Marbella’s key sights and Andalucia’s countryside. Take a walking tour of landmarks such as the 9th-century castle, Alameda Park, and the Old Town, where cobbled plazas are framed by orange trees, whitewashed churches, and balconied townhouses.

Many visitors opt for tours that focus not just on Marbella but nearby Puerto Banus. Take a private excursion to discover Puerto’s upscale marina while also checking out Marbella’s traditional quarters and Golden Mile—a coastal strip of lavish villas and estates.

Later, chill out on Marbella’s Blue Flag beaches and perhaps set off into the nearby hills, home to the White Villages (Pueblos Blancos)  on an electric mountain bike tour. With power-assisted pedals to help conquer the steep trails, you’ll explore with ease before cruising back down to town to refuel with tapas and drinks.

Day 2: UNESCO-listed Sights

Moorish rulers once held sway over southern Spain, and some of their most beautiful palaces are easily accessible from Marbella. For the best experience of Moorish masterworks, opt for a private day trip to Cordoba to see its Jewish Quarter and Mezquita Cathedral-Mosque. This UNESCO World Heritage Site centers on a a prayer hall filled with red-and-white arches built on columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite—its an extraordinary sight.

Closer to Marbella is Granada—home to The Alhambra, another of Andalucia’s UNESCO-protected highlights. Largely built by the Moorish Nasrid dynasty in the 13th-century, the palace comprises richly-decorated halls and gardens on a hilltop above the city. Private day trips from Marbella promise full appreciation of the site with the benefit of a personal guide and round-trip transport.

Day 3: Coast, Countryside, and Clubs

Now you’ve ticked off Marbella and Andalucia’s big-hitters, use your last day for a final out of-town trip. Spend the best part of the day in Ronda, a medieval town that straddles a gorge in the Serrania de Ronda mountains. Explore the Old and New Towns, and soak up views from Puente Nuevo bridge. Malaga is another popular day trip destination; visit on a tour to discover its Roman theater, Alcazaba Citadel, and Renaissance-style Cathedral without having to worry about car hire. 

Dedicate your final evening to Marbella’s nightlife. Book a professional makeup class accompanied by Cava to create the perfect party look, and make for the bars of the Old Town before hitting the fast-paced clubs at the Marina (Puerto Deportivo) and Puerto Banus.

Backed by the rocky Sierra Blanca mountains of Andalucia, Marbella’s sandy beaches, glittering marinas, Old Town, and beach clubs make it one of the most exclusive resorts on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Here are some ideas for how to spend a day in the sophisticated city.

Morning: Get to Know Marbella

While Marbella flaunts its beaches and marinas, the more traditional districts tend to stay in the shadows. Stray from the beaten path on a walking tour that focuses on the Old Town, which is characterized by whitewashed houses and cobbled plazas. Chart Marbella’s history at the Plaza of the Orange Trees (Plaza de los Naranjos) and City Hall; explore Alameda Park; and admire the Salvador Dali sculptures. 

Alternatively, book a hike into the Andalucian hills or choose a tour that covers both Marbella and neighboring Puerto Banus—a jet-setters’ playground centered on a glittering, yacht-filled marina.

Afternoon: Beaches, Mountains, and Wines

Most visitors flock to Marbella for its beaches, so spend the afternoon enjoying a slice of Marbella’s ultra-cool beach life. The town boasts 23 different stretches, with highlights including Bounty Beach and Playa Nagueles, where the water’s edge is hemmed by plush beach clubs and restaurants. 

After a spell on the sands, head for the cool of the Sierra Blanca mountains on a late-afternoon electric bike and wine tour, which typically follow trails through Andalucia’s White Villages (Pueblos Blancos) before descending to the coast for tapas and wine.

Evening: Sunsets, Cava, and Nightlife

Kick-start the evening with a makeup masterclass, during which you’ll receive professional tips on how to create your sultriest look while sipping on Cava. Alternatively, join the locals on a sunset stroll along Marbella’s palm-dotted seafront promenade (Paseo Maritimo), enjoying tapas and drinks at the sidewalk cafes. 

After dinner at a beachfront restaurant, head for glitzy Puerto Banus or Marbella Port (Puerto Deportivo), to sip cocktails and dance the night away with glitzy party crowds.