How to Spend One Day in Marbella: Itinerary & Travel Guide
Sparkling seas, a charming Old Town and Andalusian glamour! If you’re spending just one day in Marbella, this itinerary will show you the very best of this upmarket and stylish Spanish city.
The whole municipality of Marbella actually stretches across 27 miles across the Andalusian coastline – this weekend guide will focus on the central area and Puerto Banús. Marbella is a great choice for a day trip from Malaga, as it’s just an hour’s drive or bus ride away.
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How long should I spend in Marbella?
A day trip to Marbella will give you enough time to see the highlights of the Old Town and Golden Mile. Many visitors do stay longer, and if you’re wanting to explore at a more relaxed pace, check out my two day Marbella itinerary.
Looking for an even simpler option? Take a guided trip to Marbella, Mijas and Puerto Banus from Malaga with transport and free time in each location.
One Day in Marbella: A morning in Marbella’s Old Town
An essential visit in Marbella, the old town is typically Andalusian. A maze of winding, well-kept streets, where whitewashed walls are lined with bursts of greenery and colourful flowers.
Simply wandering the streets is a pleasure in itself here, and these are some of the highlights that you’ll see on your way around:
Plaza de los Naranjos
With thriving flowerbeds and shady trees, Plaza de los Naranjos is the beating heart of Marbella’s old town. Lined with restaurants and bars, it’s a quintessential Spanish square. Take a seat with a coffee and pastry to rev you up for the day as you watch the morning bustle begin to unfold!
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
With calming whitewashed walls and pretty gold detailing, it’s no surprise that Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación is the best-known church in Marbella. Built in the 16th-17th century, it’s home to a magnificent golden altar, and the impressive Sol Mayor Organ.
The Santiago Hermitage
Marbella’s oldest church was established in 15th century, is a simple, modest place of worship.
Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz
This small, whitewashed church in the upper end of the Old Town (Barrio Alto) has a small bell tower with a ceramic tiled roof.
Muralla Urbana de Marbella
During the reign of the Moorish Celiphate, this fort dating back to the 10th century was home to Marbella’s Arab medina. Preserved as an important cultural and historical monument, it incorporates elements of design from Moorish and Christian influences.
Parque de la Represa
A cabled bridge stretches over two urban lakes in this long, thin park. The pathway around the lakes is an enjoyable short walk, surrounded by well-maintained green space.
One Day Marbella: Golden Mile & Puerto Banus
Once you’ve explored the old town, head down to the seafront via Parque de la Alameda and Avenida del Mar.
Parque de la Alameda
This small urban park divides the old town and seafront. Surrounded by leafy trees and shrubs, this green oasis is home to a beautiful fountain and colourful ceramic benches.
Avenida del Mar
This iconic plaza in Marbella is lined with bronze statues, sculpted by Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali. Although Dali himself has no connection to Marbella, the City of Marbella purchased works that can be found around the city. Avenida del Mar has ten pieces by the artist, including an homage to the character of Don Quixote, Perseus with the head Of Medusa; and Gala Gradiva, a tribute to Dali’s wife.
By this point, your stomach might be rumbling, so it’s the perfect time to…
Take a lunch stop
Marbella has plenty of great cafes and restaurants for a casual lunch that won’t eat into your day trip too much. An absolute favourite I discovered on my diving week in Marbella? Manuka! Perched on the Golden Mile right on the seafront, Manuka’s terrace and restaurant serves natural and organic cuisine – including lots of plant-based options. I chose the tofu Pad Thai, which was gorgeously fresh and packed with flavour.
Looking for something different for lunch on your Marbella day trip? Try Brodernas for juicy burgers; Yabaof for Middle Eastern deliciousness; or Kohala Poké for create-your-own poké bowls. All are within easy walking distance of both the Old Town and Golden Mile.
Golden Mile
The seafront walkway that borders land and ocean is considered the most beautiful boardwalk in the Costa del Sol! Part of the much longer Malaga Coastal Path that snakes along the entire province, the entire Golden Mile actually stretches for over 7 miles along the coast, from Puerto Bajadilla east of Marbella, to the port of Puerto Banús.
Enjoy beach vibes at Playa de Venus and Playa de Rio Royal, the two main beach spots in central Marbella, before choosing how you’ll make your way to the next stop on your one day in Marbella itinerary…
Puerto Banús
One of the most exclusive destinations along the Spanish coastline, Puerto Banús is a popular spot for celebs and wealthy yacht owners. It takes around an hour and a half to walk here from the Old Town if you don’t have your own vehicle. Along the way, you’ll get to take in some of the Golden Mile.
However, to save time a one day visit to Marbella, you may want to get a taxi or take the the number 3 and 12 bus routes from Av. Ricardo Soriano. The taxi will take around 15 minutes, and the bus between 15-25 minutes.
Another great option is to hire a bike and cycle along the seafront boardwalk. There are plenty of cycle hire spots in the marina area of central Marbella, including Costa Deluxe and FaroBikes.
I didn’t spend a huge amount of time in Puerto Banús, as it’s a relatively small area – but worth checking out for a taste of the Andalusian high life and some excellent people-watching. However, there are a couple of particular points of interest to check out:
Puerto Banús Marina
Take in the luxury yachts moored in the marina, and speculate on how much they cost. (answer: way more than my London flat…).
Avenida José Banús: Walk of Stars
Hollywood Boulevard, but en Espanol – this walk of fame features starfish shaped tiles with the names of some of Spain’s most prominent famous faces, including Antonio Banderas and Julio Iglesias.
One day in Marbella: Evening
To make the most of your day in Marbella, I’d recommend spending at least some of the evening there to soak up the lively yet relaxed vibes in Puerto Banús or the Old Town. And, of course – for dinner!
If you want to stay in Puerto Banús for dinner, there are plenty of restaurants ranging in budget. I ate at Pizzeria Picasso, where most main courses come in at under €20.
However, if you’re heading back to Marbella Old Town for your evening meal, I’d recommend The Farm, an organic restaurant with a welcoming, cosy feel. They have flamenco nights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, with a three course menu starting at €44pp.
For post-dinner drinks, choose from a variety of bars in either Puerto Banús or the Old Town; or head down to the marina for lively cocktails beside the sea! Despite it’s high end reputation, Marbella has plenty of more laid-back spots. I spent a couple of afternoons and evenings at Tiger Bay, a sports bar serving food and drinks.
Marbella One Day Travel Guide
- Language: Spanish, but English is widely spoken
- Currency: Euro. Most places accept card payment, and ATMs are easy to come by
- Weather: Warm throughout the year, with averages of 25-30°C in summer and 15-20°C in winter.
- Time Zone: GMT+2
- Emergency number: 112
Getting to Marbella
By car: Marbella is just under hour’s drive from central Malaga, or 45 minutes drive from Malaga airport. There are plenty of paid parking garages close to the Old Town centre, costing between €19-€33 for a day’s parking. With a bit of sleuthing, there are also free parking spots around – this Marbella parking guide will help you locate the perfect place to park.
By bus: There’s no train station in Marbella, so for public transport, you’ll need to board the bus. A regular service runs from Malaga to Marbella Central Bus Station, which is around a 20 minute walk from the Old Town. Check the timetables and book your travel in advance on the Avanza website. Buses run from 5am-midnight, and I’d recommend booking a late bus back, so you can enjoy an early dinner in Marbella before you leave!
Where to stay in Marbella
To make the most of your one day in Marbella, why not book an overnight stay?
Hotel Finlandia (££) – apartments/studios with kitchen area.
Pension Aduar (££) – simple, no frills, traditional Andalusian style hotel
The Monkey Room (££) – compact, cosy and well located – single rooms available
Hostal El Caprichito Marbella (££) – close to the beach – single rooms available
The Town House (adults only) (£££) – boutique hotel with elegant rooms and private roof terrace
Hotel Claude (££££) – for a luxurious and stylish escape (although you might not want to leave…)
Looking for more Spanish city breaks? Here’s how to spend a weekend in Malaga…
