Discover Marbella, Spain: Sun, Style & the Best of Costa del Sol

Just a short stroll from Marbella’s charming Old Town, Fontanilla Beach is a 1.6-mile stretch of golden sand that's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean vibe. This lively beach is one of Marbella’s most popular seaside spots—and for good reason.

Highlights:

• 1.6 miles of golden sand just steps from Old Town Marbella
• Popular for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching
• Full beach facilities, including showers and toilets
• Beachfront restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops
• Exciting water activities: jet-skiing, parasailing, and SUP

Pro Tip:

Visit in the late afternoon and stay for sunset—then grab dinner at one of the beachside chiringuitos for the ultimate Mediterranean evening.

Address: Playa de la Fontanilla, Marbella, Spain
Phone: +34-952-82-35-50

Nestled next to Marbella’s old fishing port, Playa de la Bajadilla is an 850-meter stretch of sand that’s perfect for families and beach lovers looking to enjoy a relaxed day by the sea. Just a short walk from Avenida Ricardo Soriano, one of Marbella’s most popular shopping streets, this beach offers the perfect balance of convenience and coastal charm.

Highlights:

• Family-friendly beach with 850 meters of shoreline
• Located near Marbella’s old fishing port and city center
• Shallow, calm waters—great for kids and wading
• Close to Avenida Ricardo Soriano shopping and dining
• Shops, bars, and restaurants line the beachfront
• Showers and restrooms available for public use

Pro Tip:

For a full day of fun, grab a light lunch from a nearby chiringuito, then take a seaside stroll down to Marbella’s marina in the evening.

Address: Playa de la Bajadilla, Marbella, Spain

Recommended Activities for Families

Tucked away in the heart of Marbella, Old Town (Casco Antiguo) is a picturesque maze of narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and colorful bougainvillea—a timeless Andalusian gem that feels like stepping back in time.

Highlights:

• Wander through a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings
• Visit Renaissance-era landmarks and hidden courtyards
• Shop at local boutiques and art galleries
• Relax in the Plaza de Los Naranjos with sangria and tapas
• Capture postcard-perfect shots of blooming bougainvillea and terracotta rooftops

Pro Tip:

Visit in the early evening when the golden light hits the buildings—then stay for dinner at one of the hidden tapas bars tucked just off the plaza.

Address: Casco Antiguo, Marbella, Spain

Tucked in the heart of Marbella’s Old Town (Casco Antiguo), Plaza de los Naranjos is a charming square that has been the center of local life since the Christian Reconquest.

Highlights:

• Historic square at the heart of Marbella’s Old Town
• Lined with orange trees and outdoor dining terraces
• Home to the 1572 Town Hall and Ermita de Santiago
• Perfect for photos, people-watching, and soaking up the atmosphere
• One of Marbella’s top spots for tapas and local cuisine

Pro Tip:

Visit in the morning for a quieter stroll and fresh-squeezed orange juice—or in the evening when the plaza comes alive with music and conversation.

Address: Plaza de los Naranjos, Marbella, Spain

Attractions for Couples

Tucked in a working-class neighborhood just outside the tourist bustle, the Parroquia de la Divina Pastora is a humble yet beautiful church that serves as a spiritual center for the local community.

Highlights:

• Located in the heart of the Divina Pastora neighborhood
• Features colorful biblical murals and tile artwork
• Wooden crucifix and religious paintings throughout the church
• Beautiful stained-glass windows with symbolic sun imagery
• Rotating angel-topped bell tower visible from the street

Pro Tip:

Stop by during late afternoon when the light filters through the stained glass—the colors inside the sanctuary truly come to life.

Address: Av. Europa, 19, 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34-952-77-45-48

Nestled between Marbella and Fuengirola along Spain’s southern coast, Miraflores is a charming seaside village that blends tranquility with vibrant local culture. Known for its breathtakingly beautiful gardens, this peaceful retreat offers a slower-paced alternative to Marbella—without skimping on scenery or amenities.

Highlights:

• Quiet, garden-filled seaside village near Marbella
• Uncrowded beaches with beautiful coastal views
• Excellent selection of restaurants, tapas bars, and cafés
• Miraflores Golf Club—ideal for casual or serious golfers
• Wide range of activities: horseback riding, tennis, scuba, jet-skiing, and more

Pro Tip:

Head out early for a morning beach walk, then stop at a local café for churros and coffee with views of the gardens.

Address: Miraflores, Málaga, Spain

For art lovers and casual strollers alike, Avenida del Mar and the Salvador Dalí Sculptures is one of Marbella’s most striking public spaces. This pedestrian-only avenue connects the Paseo Marítimo with Parque Alameda, creating a beautiful walkway filled with greenery, art, and places to pause and relax.

Highlights:

• Pedestrian avenue connecting Marbella’s seafront to Parque Alameda
• Features a permanent outdoor collection of ten Salvador Dalí sculptures
• Fountains, ponds, and shaded trees create a peaceful setting
• Perfect for art enthusiasts and casual sightseers
• Surrounded by cafés, tapas spots, and boutiques

Pro Tip:

Visit early in the morning or around sunset for the best light and smaller crowds—it's the perfect time for photography or a quiet stroll.

Address: Avenue del Mar, Avenida, 14, 29602 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

Unique Attractions

Tucked into a quiet alley in the heart of Marbella’s Old Town, the Contemporary Engravings Museum is a true hidden gem—and the only museum in Spain entirely dedicated to the art of engraving.

Highlights:

• Only engraving-focused museum in Spain
• Located in a beautifully preserved 16th-century palace
• Over 4,000 works by artists like Dalí, Goya, Miró, and Picasso
• Rotating exhibits highlight modern printmakers and techniques
• Charming setting in Marbella’s Old Town

Pro Tip:

After your visit, head just around the corner to a nearby café for coffee and conversation—this museum is perfect for sparking artistic inspiration.

Address: Calle Hospital Bazán s/n, 29600 Marbella, Spain
Phone: +34-952-76-57-41

Just five miles west of Marbella’s historic core, Puerto Banús is where luxury meets the sea. This world-famous marina is lined with designer boutiques, upscale restaurants, and stylish beach clubs—all set against a backdrop of superyachts and sparkling Mediterranean views.

Highlights:

• Luxury marina with 915 yacht berths
• Designer boutiques and high-end restaurants along the waterfront
• Plenty of water sports, including jet-skiing and paddleboarding
• Surrounded by stunning beaches and exclusive beach clubs
• Great for nightlife, celebrity spotting, and luxury experiences

Pro Tip:

Arrive early to stroll the docks and grab a terrace seat for lunch with a view—sunsets here are just as glamorous as the yachts.

Address: Puerto José Banús, Muelle de Honor, Marbella, Spain

Just steps from Marbella’s Old Town, Parque La Alameda (Alameda Park) is a serene green space where both locals and visitors go to relax, recharge, and soak in the charm of the city.

Highlights:

• Historic 1792 tiled fountain as the centerpiece
• Stone benches shaded by lush tropical plants
• Surrounded by cafés, tapas spots, and local eateries
• Great place to relax and unwind between sightseeing stops
• Horse-and-carriage tours depart from the park

Pro Tip:

Stop by in the late morning for a quiet stroll, then hop on a carriage ride to explore Marbella’s Old Town in style.

Address: Parque La Alameda, Marbella, Spain