With year-round sunshine and pristine beaches, Marbella is an enticing destination for a summer holiday – but it also makes for a great weekend break destination. The city and resort area is known for upmarket glamour and popularity with the wealthy – George Clooney and Simon Cowell are said to own villas here. But don’t let that deter you from visiting, as there’s plenty to enjoy for your average-budget traveller too!
The whole municipality of Marbella actually stretches across 27 miles across the Andalusian coastline – this weekend guide will focus on Marbella Central, Puerto Banús, and the ‘Golden Mile’ of coastline walkway that links them together.
Read on for a full guide to spending a weekend in Marbella – including a two day itinerary, what to see, and where to eat!
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How long should I spend in Marbella?
Two days in Marbella is a good amount of time to explore the town and surrounding area.
I actually spent almost a week in Marbella, completing my PADI Open Water Diver course. Each day of the course finished around lunchtime, so I got the chance to explore and wander – after eating a massive lunch, of course!
If you’re spending more than a weekend in Marbella, I’ve also shared some day trip ideas to extend your adventure.
Day 1: Marbella Old Town and Seafront
Marbella’s Old Town is a quaint and well-kept district, perfect for strolling around at your own pace as you soak up the historic buildings and quintessentially Andalusian décor.
Plaza de los Naranjos
The beating heart of Marbella’s Old Town, Plaza de los Naranjos brings together stunning flowerbeds and shady trees with bustling restaurants, cafes and bars. The perfect place to grab an outdoor table to enjoy a coffee or snack with a side of soaking up the sunshine and atmosphere.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
Marbella has its fair share of charming churches, and Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación is the best-known and considered the most beautiful. Built in the 16th-17th century, the whitewashed exterior with gold painted detailing sits on a tree-lined square in Marbella Old Town. Inside, you’ll find a magnificent gold altarpiece, as well as the impressive Sol Mayor Organ, regarded as the most important in Spain from the past century.
Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz
Keeping on the church theme, Ermita del Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz is a small, whitewashed church in the Barrio Alto area (the upper section of the Old Town). Built in the 15th century and expanded in the 18th century, it features a small bell tower with a ceramic tiled roof.
The Santiago Hermitage
Finally, to complete the key trio, the oldest church in Marbella! The Santiago Hermitage, established in the 15th century, is a simple and modest place of worship.
Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings
While Malaga doesn’t have lots of museums, it’s worth the €3 entry fee for a visit to the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings, on the outskirts of the Old Town. Home to over 4000 works across a range of engraving and graphic techniques, the artefacts span from 5th century engravings to contemporary pieces.
Opening Times: Mon & Tue 10am-2pm; Wed & Thu 10am-2pm, 5pm-8pm; closed Fridays; Sat & Sun 11am-2pm.
Entrance Fee: €3
Muralla Urbana de Marbella
With origins dating back to the 10th century, this fort contained the the Arab medina during the reign of the Moorish Celiphate. The design incorporates Moorish, Christian and more modern influences, and it’s been well-preserved as an important historical and cultural monument in Marbella.
Parque de la Represa
This long, thin urban park incorporates two urban lakes, with a cabled road bridge intersecting it. The pathway around the park is perfect for a relaxing stroll in nature – and if you’re lucky, you might meet some lovely dogs out for their daily walk too!
Salvador Dali Sculptures on Avenida del Mar
Once you’ve had your fill of old town goodness, take a walk to the seafront via Avenida del Mar.
Here, you’ll find ten bronze statues by iconic Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The artist himself had no direct connection to Marbella, but the statues were purchased by the City of Marbella when the area was under construction. Some of the most notable statues include Perseus with the head Of Medusa, Gala Gradiva (a tribute to Dali’s wife) and an homage to the character of Don Quixote.
Playa de Venus / Playa de Rio Royal
Marbella boasts some truly lovely beaches, with Playa de Venus and Playa de Rio Royal being the two main beach spots in central Marbella. Grab an ice cream, take a walk, or rent a lounger to enjoy some laid-back Marbella vibes. If you’re more of an active traveller, check out some of the watersports on offer including jet ski hire, parasailing and kite surfing.
Marbella’s beaches also offer stunning sunset views – at the eastern end of Playa de Rio Royal, you’ll find a rock outcrop that’s popular for soaking up the last of the day’s rays.
Nightlife in Marbella Centre
Once the sun’s set, it’s time to enjoy a bit of that famous Marbella nightlife. If you’re not into clubbing or fancy bars, there are still plenty of places in Marbella to enjoy a drink and soak up the vibe. Enjoy music, cocktails and a lively atmopshere in the Puerto Deportivo complex, or head back into the Old Town for sangria, tapas and more traditional forms of entertainment.
See a flamenco show
The Farm restaurant in Marbella’s Old Town regularly hosts dinner and flamenco nights, bringing the action to right in front of your table.
Day 2: Puerto Banús
The second day of your weekend in Marbella is the perfect time to steer down the coast slightly, taking a gentle along the seafront to Puerto Banús, with a few interesting stops along the way.
The walk takes around an hour and a half, but if you’re not able or comfortable with the distance, the number 3 and 12 bus routes from Av. Ricardo Soriano will get you there in 15-25 minutes. A taxi may also be a viable option, as thei drive takes around 15 minutes.
The walkway between Marbella centre and Puerto Banús is also ideal for cycling, with plenty of bike rental spots in town.
Marbella Promenade
This seafront walkway is perhaps the most beautiful boardwalk in the whole of the Costa del Sol! Part of the much longer Malaga Coastal Path that snakes along the entire province, the Marbella Promenade stretches for over 7 miles along the coast, from Puerto Bajadilla east of Marbella, to the port of Puerto Banús. The second day of your weekend in Marbella is the perfect chance to explore a little more of this extensive coastline path.
Embarcadero
Not an essential sight to see in Marbella, but if you’re walking by, make sure to stop for a picture of this charming little pier.
Museo Ralli
A great little stop-off on your Marbella Promenade walk for art-lovers, the Museo Ralli houses contemporary Latin American and European art – and it’s free to enter.
Opening Times: Tue – Friday 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-4pm
Entrance Fee: Free
Villa Romana de Río Verde
Just before reaching Puerto Banús (or a 15 minute walk away if you’ve made your way up via public transport), you can see the remains of a late 1st century AD Roman villa. The unique black and white mosaics are well preserved and depict a patchwork of simple images, in contrast to the grand designs of traditional mosaic work.
Puerto Banús
Now you’ve arrived in Puerto Banús, you’ll see why it’s considered one of the most exclusive destinations along the Spanish coastline, popular with celebrities and the very wealthy. The marina is filled with luxury yachts, and designer clothing stores line the streets. High-end luxury isn’t my usual holiday vibe, but it’s a fascinating insight into how ‘the other half’ holiday.
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.
Sculpture of Victory
On a roundabout between Avenida de Julio Iglesias and United Nations, you’ll find this 30ft sculpture by Russian artist Zurab Tsereteli.
Eating & Drinking in Puerto Banús
In keeping with the area, most of the eateries in Puerto Banús are on the pricier side, however there are a few spots that are slightly less eye-watering for more budget conscious diners. I grabbed a table at Pizzeria Picasso, where I paid a very reasonable €18.20 for a margherita pizza and a glass of wine.
OCCO (££-£££) – straightforward menu of modern Lebanese cuisine featuring mezze dishes and meat-based main courses
Los Bandidos (£££) – seafood, meats, and other Spanish specialties
Beach Clubs in Puerto Banús
I’m usually pretty happy with a towel on the beach, or a cheap and cheerful lounger, so I didn’t indulge in one of Marbella’s more upmarket beach clibs. But if you do fancy a taste of that Marbella beach club glamour in Puerto Banús, there are plenty of beach clubs to indulge in some R’n’R at.
La Sala by the Sea (weekends from €30pp for a beach sunbed/€120 for pool sunbed with €50 food & drink credit)
Nao Pool Club (from €175 + €50 min drink spend for one bed for 2 people)
Ocean Club (from €195 for a small round bed – up to 3 people)
Weekend in Marbella Travel Guide
Getting to Marbella
The closest international airport to Marbella is Malaga, around 40min drive away. Private transport isn’t cheap unless you’re splitting the cost, with average taxi fares being around €65-80. Marbella doesn’t have a train station, so your only way of getting there is by road.
Luckily, there’s a pretty regular coach service running to Marbella Central Bus Station. You can check timetables and book in advance on the Avanza website. The bus station is a little way out of the centre, and it took me around 20minutes to walk to the seafront.
Where to stay in Marbella
Hotel accommodation in Marbella can be where your trip gets pricey, as full disclosure, it’s not always the cheapest place to stay, especially in high summer. However, if you search around and avoid the resort-style hotels, there are still some good deals to be had – with plenty of hotels available for a weekend break on the shoulder season for €200 or under.
I found a cute little apartment at Hotel Finlandia with a kitchen area (great for making my own breakfasts), that cost €300 for four nights.
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 Farm Lodge (£££) – charming rustic split level apartment
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…)
Where to eat in Marbella
Marbella is absolutely packed with top-tier restaurants, at a range of price points to suit all budgets, from high end gastronomy to quick, casual dining.
The culinary scene here includes a great selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurant options, as well as plenty of healthy spots for lighter dining. Of course, if you want to fill up on a big burger or cheesy pizza, you can find those here too!
READ MORE: 8 of the Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Marbella
On my visit to Marbella, I mostly ate outside of the Old Town area, avoiding the tourist-trap restaurants. Here are a couple of spots I really rated, as well as some further recommendations for dining out on your weekend in Marbella.
Yabaof
So good I went here twice. Delicious Middle-Eastern dishes with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options – including plant-based chicken and falafel.
Yabaof, C. Padre Enrique Cantos, 2, 29602 Marbella
Manuka
Part of the Alanda Marbella Hotel on the seafront, Manuka’s terrace and restaurant serves natural and organic cuisine with lots of plant-based options. I had the tofu Pad Thai, which was gorgeously fresh and packed with flavour. For €14.50, the portion size was generous and filled me up for the rest of the afternoon.
Manuka, Av. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, 29602 Marbella
The Farm
At the end of my trip, I booked a solo dinner at The Farm, coinciding with one of their flamenco shows, which run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The three course set tasting menu costs €48pp (€44 if you book in advance online, which I’d recommend doing), featuring creative dishes made from organic and locally sourced ingredients.
The food was absolutely stellar, my three courses were a Millet Falafel Starter, Pear Sorrentinos and a gorgeously rich brownie dessert. The flamenco was really fun and entertaining, giving the dinner a unique and lively twist.
The Farm, Pl. Altamirano, 3, 29601 Marbella
Brödernas
Sometimes, you just gotta have a burger and chips on holiday. Brödernas offers premium quality burgers with various toppings based on locations around the world. The ‘Rome’ burger is perfect for truffle lovers, and the ‘Athens’ comes smothered in Tzatziki with olive and tomato mayonnaise. For fellow veggies and vegans, I can confirm the Beyond Burger ticks all the boxes.
Brödernas, Av. Duque de Ahumada, 16, 29602 Marbella
Brödernas Puerto Banús, C. las Malvas, 14-15, Nueva Andalucía, 29660 Marbella
Kohala Poké
I LOVE a good poké bowl, and Kohala pack theirs with fresh, healthy ingredients. You can pick a pre-set bowl, or create your own, from €11.45 per bowl.
Kohala Poké, Av. Antonio Belón, 26, Local 8, 29600 Marbella
Book it: Looking to experience more of Marbella’s food cuisine? Book a Marbella Food Tour!
Day trips from Marbella
Spending more than a weekend in Marbella? Discover more of Andalusia and the Costa del Sol with a day trip…
Caminito del Rey
Built in the early 1900s, the Caminito del Rey used to be know as ‘Spain’s most dangerous hike. Luckily, repair work between 2009 and 2015 have made it a much safer option for those looking for a day trip in the Costa del Sol.
Follow the walkway past the old hydroelectric substation and through Gaitanes Gorge, along a path suspended 100feet up on a sheer cliff face.
Book it: Day trip to Caminito del Rey from Marbella
Malaga
With a rich history and immersive cultural scene, it’s really easy to immerse yourself in Malaga for one day. Enjoy charming old town streets and the awe-inspiring castle, lose yourself in the city’s thriving art scene, tuck into tapas and savour sangria. Malaga is less than 45 minutes bus ride from Marbella, and also the closest airport – so it’d be rude NOT to check it out!
Read more: How to spend a weekend in Malaga
Read more: The best day trips from Malaga
Gibraltar
The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar is dominated by the iconic 426m tall Rock, offering breathtaking views over the Strait of Gibraltar. As well as the views from the top, you can also go underneath, by exploring St Michael’s Cave and the Great Siege Tunnels.
Book it: Gibraltar Day Trip with Free Time
Summary: Is Marbella a good weekend break?
Marbella wouldn’t initially have been somewhere I’d have put at the top of my travel bucket list, but honestly, I fell in love with the charming old town and gorgeous coastline. It’s definitely not your regular ‘weekend city break’ destination, but if you’re after a change from the activity-packed vibe of major metropolitan cities, it’s a gorgeous alternative.
Plus, the weather’s basically always warm, and the cocktails are excellent. What more could you ask for?
Looking for another Spanish sunny escape with an island twist? Take a road trip in Lanzarote!
