16 Fun Things To Do In Marbella, Spain - Updated 2024

things to do in marbella
Anne
Anne 
Updated
| 8 min read

Marbella is a traditional Spanish city located on Andalusia’s southern coast and is a tantalizing mix of old and new, with endless sandy beaches. The Old Town is a quaint and lovely place to visit, with its narrow streets and attractive homes lined with colorful flowers on the balconies and the sound of songbirds.

This area also has several fascinating historic landmarks to visit. The newer city offers an upmarket shopping experience and the best party hotels, along with many excellent restaurants, tapas bars, and cafes, serving both Spanish and international cuisine. If you’re ever planning to visit and stay in a hotel in this lovely city, you should consider creating a bucket list of exciting activities to try during your stay. Here are some fun things to do in Marbella, Spain, that you might want to add to that list.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 09, 2024.

1. Be a model for a day and have a photoshoot (from USD 154.0)

Marbella is a popular destination among showbiz personalities and Europe’s elite and royalty, so for a unique experience in the city, why not live like a celebrity for a day and get your photos taken by a professional fashion photographer? Instead of having selfies on your phone as your memorabilia, frame your Vogue-like or street style photos and proudly display them back home! This Airbnb Experience is hosted by Michael and can accommodate up to four people per three-hour session.

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Photoshoot with a Fashion Photographer

Duration: 3 hours

20 reviews

2. Live the luxurious marina life and go sailing (from USD 103.0)

This sailing tour hosted by yacht captain Salvador lasts four hours and is perfect for large groups. You will dock at La Bajadilla Marina, set off to the coast, and take mesmerizing photos of the vista. During the sail, you might get lucky and meet a colony of seagulls and a family of dolphins. Marbella is a luxurious town with a prominent marina lifestyle, so this is actually how most locals go about their day. It takes the saying “live like a local” on a whole other level!

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Marbella Shooting & Sailing

Duration: 4 hours

6 reviews

3. Load up on delicious tapas (from USD 81.0)

Spain does have a great love for its tapas. Have a taste of these delicious snacks by joining a tapas adventure. This Airbnb Experience is hosted by Rebecca and Manuel and can entertain up to 10 people. For three mouthwatering hours, satisfy your appetite at the well-loved tapas bars and oldest tavern in the city. Your hosts have carefully picked local wines that will go well with your tapas. Besides these tasty experiences, you’ll discover how Marbella became the most sought-after spot by the elite, having only started as a quiet fishing village.

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⭐Original Marbella Tapas Adventure ⭐

Duration: 3 hours

69 reviews

4. Visit some of the popular beaches of Marbella (from USD 105)

Dawn at the beach in Marbella, Spain
Source: manolofranco

What to see in Marbella, you ask? One of the perfect answers to this question is the city’s row of stunning beaches.

With a total of 27 km (16.7 miles) of coastline, Marbella’s phenomenal beaches are close to the major hotels — and even some luxury villas — in the city centre. Venus Beach, in particular, offers all necessary services, including beach bars and disabled access, as well as sun beds and parasols for hire. This beach is located between Marbella’s marina and the traditional fishing port.

On the outskirts of the city, enjoy Los Monteros Beach, offering sand dunes and great waves, making it popular for windsurfing and other water sports, along with all the necessary services like showers and beach bars. Visit the beach at Puerto Banús with its fine, clean golden sand, located right next to the Río Verde and with a top-quality range of restaurants, shops and bars.

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Hotel - Apartamentos Greenlife Golf

Wifi Available

Address: Urbanización Elviria Hills, Avda. Marco Polo s/n
13.98 km (8.7 mi) from Bioparc Fuengirola

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre

5. Stroll The Boardwalk from Marbella to La Cala de Mijas (from USD 92)

The Boardwalk from Marbella to La Cala de Mijas, Costa del Sol, Spain
Source: manolofranco

For those feeling a little more energetic, The Boardwalk is a reasonably recent addition to the Costa del Sol. It has gradually spread out from Marbella, winding along the often rugged coastline for just under 6 km (3.7 miles), all the way to the quaint seaside resort of La Cala de Mijas. The combination of concrete and wooden pathways takes you comfortably along the coastline, passing various local homes, with beautiful sea views and surrounding scenery. Along the way the remains of coastal defence towers, placed by the Moors during their occupation of the area, can be seen. Once in La Cala de Mijas, relax at a beachfront restaurant or café in the quaint little town before starting the hike back to Marbella, or catch a bus or taxi back to your hotel.

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BlueBay Banús

Wifi Available

Address: Carretera de Cádiz, Km 173
31.07 km (19.4 mi) from Bioparc Fuengirola

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace

6. Relax in the Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square) (from USD 116)

Plaza De Los Naranjos, Marbella
Source: Photo by user Mark Gilbert used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The main public square in Old Town Marbella is the Plaza de los Naranjos, which dates back to 1485. The square consists of several “terrazas” (or terraces) and, appropriately for its name, is lined with fragrant orange trees. The plaza is also surrounded by traditional and attractive Castilian Renaissance architecture, including the 16th century City Hall and the “Ermita de Santiago,” the city’s oldest church. In the evenings the plaza comes to life with its open-air restaurants, along with entertainment from street performers, including the local flamenco music and dancing. This area also includes the Tourist Office, offering valuable information about places to see and what to do in Marbella.

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La Morada Mas Hermosa

Wifi Available

Address: Montenebros,16 - Casco Antiguo
23.18 km (14.4 mi) from Bioparc Fuengirola

Meeting/banquet facilities Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Internet services Safety deposit box Tour desk Heating Fax/photocopying

7. The Museums of Marbella (from USD 249)

Placa del Museo del Grabado
Source: Photo by user Té y kriptonita used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Marbella hosts a variety of fascinating museums and art galleries, all of which are reasonably priced or free to visit. The Museo del Grabado is a contemporary art gallery located in the Old Town close to the old city walls and housed in the 16th century Bazan Hospital, a building of cultural interest. The museum offers exhibitions of 20th and 21st century Spanish graphic artwork and engravings. At the time of writing, entrance fees are 3 EUR (3.17 USD) per person. For plant lovers, the Museo Bonsai Marbella (Bonsai Museum) is among the best to be found in Europe and has what is considered to be the largest collection of wild olive trees in the world, including a 300-year-old tree. Other exhibits include the Chinese hackberry, as well as other native trees from the surrounding areas, like the endangered Spanish fir trees. Entry fees are currently 4 EUR (4.23 USD) for adults, and 2 EUR (2.11 USD) per child.

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Hotel Claude Marbella

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: San Francisco, 5
23.17 km (14.4 mi) from Bioparc Fuengirola

Parking Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace Non-smoking rooms

8. Parque de la Constitución in Marbella (from USD 67)

Marbella 2015 10 20 1839 (24112532634)
Source: Photo by user Harvey Barrison used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Built back in the 1950s, Constitution Park is one of Marbella’s most visited areas and is located just outside the city center. With its waving palm trees and pretty gardens, the park is a tranquil and welcoming place to visit and was originally the garden of a private home. There is an amphitheatre in the park, often used for outdoor plays and music concerts in the summer months. The same building houses the Marbella Music and Dance Conservatory (Conservatorio de Música y Danza de Marbella). Enjoy viewing the stars in a small observatory housed in the park or relax at the onsite café while the children enjoy the playground with swings and other attractions.

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Senator Marbella Spa Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: Príncipe Alfonso Hohenlohe, s/n
24.87 km (15.5 mi) from Bioparc Fuengirola

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Terrace

9. Water sports on offer in Marbella

Parasailing in Marbella, Spain
Source: ivabalk

Fans of jetskiing, paragliding, flyboarding, and scuba diving will have the time of their lives in Marbella. Puerto Banús and other strategic areas along the Marbella coastline offer a full range of adventure options from the excitement and daring of paragliding and parasailing through to boat and jetski rentals. For a gentler experience, enjoy a dolphin viewing sail out into the Mediterranean, hire a paddleboat to putt around with friends or family, or a relaxing day of deep sea fishing.

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10. Mingle with celebrities and royalty in Puerto Banús (from USD 65)

Marbella3
Source: Photo by user Tomas Fano used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Located in the Nueva Andalucía area of Marbella, at the end of the Golden Mile promenade, Puerto Banús is a luxury marina and collection of shopping malls that has become one of the largest and most popular entertainment centres along the coast. Popular with both international celebrities and members of European royalty alike, Puerto Banús has a wealth of bars and restaurants, serving all types of cuisine and entertainment. Backed by the looming La Concha mountain, the marina is also home to large luxury yachts and often high end cars, including Ferraris, Rolls Royces, and Lamborghinis can be spotted in the area.

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Marbella Beach Resort at Club Playa Real

Wifi Available

Address: Club Playa Real Avenida cuesta correa s/n
13.43 km (8.4 mi) from Bioparc Fuengirola

Parking Restaurant Bar Sauna Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace

11. Salvador Dali sculptures in Avenida del Mar (from USD 379)

Panoramio - V&A Dudush - Statue, Salvador Dali, Marbella
Source: Photo by user V&A Dudush used under CC BY 3.0

Anyone with a love for the surreal — or art in general — will enjoy a stroll down the Avenida del Mar in Marbella, where 10 pieces of bronze sculpture by the Spanish artist, sculptor and photographer Salvador Dali line the street in style. Each work is signed by the artist himself in a permanent outdoor museum in one of Marbella’s most scenic spots. Among the works, a series of fountains and cafes can be found as well as wonderful sea views. An art shop on the site sells various books and prints of work by both Dali and his fellow famous Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso.

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El Fuerte Marbella

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Calle El Fuerte, s/n
23.18 km (14.4 mi) from Bioparc Fuengirola

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna

12. Ride a catamaran with a small group and go dolphin watching (from USD 99.0)

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Since this city is located in the southern part of Spain’s Costa del Sol, one of the fun activities in Marbella is going on a catamaran trip with a small group.

This exciting excursion runs for about three hours, and in that time, you get the opportunity to do so many fun things. Of course, the main highlight is watching the dolphins, but you can also snorkel using the gear available or try your hand at balancing on paddleboards.

What if you don’t want to do either of those activities? No worries — you’re more than welcome to just relax aboard the comfortable boat and drink your preferred beverage while keeping an eye out for dolphins. That sounds just as fun as snorkeling and paddle boarding.

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Half-Day Catamaran Tour with Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling

Duration: 3 hours

84 reviews

13. Join a bike tour (from USD 25.19)

join a bike tour

A beautiful day under the Andalusian sun will not be complete without joining this educational bike tour. As you pedal through the coastal town and its parks and boardwalk with the help of your expert guide, you will also learn about the origin of historical landmarks and fortress remains from the Moorish period. Aside from these attractions, a visit to Barrio de Los Pescadores (traditional fishing village) and yacht marina is on the itinerary too. It’s a great family activity when you’re in Marbella!

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Bike Tour of Marbella: Old City, Harbor, Parks

Duration: 3 hour

71 reviews

14. Hike the peaks of Marbella (from USD 62.65)

hike the peaks of marbella

When you’ve had enough of the countless water activities in Marbella, why not go the other direction and hike up Andalusia’s peaks? From the vantage point, you’ll have an astounding perspective of the city and its twinkling marina lights, as well as Puerto Banus and the Mediterranean Sea. You don’t have to be a hiking expert to join the tour. The hike is family-friendly, so if you have an active bunch with you, it’s a great way to spend the beautiful day!

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Hiking the Peaks of Marbella

Duration: 4 hour

5 reviews

15. Soak in history and tradition in Marbella’s Old Town (from USD 158)

Marbella 2015 10 20 1799 (24112443674)
Source: Photo by user Harvey Barrison used under CC BY-SA 2.0

With its narrow, flower-lined streets and quaint traditional buildings, Old Town (or Casco Antiguo) in Marbella is a must-visit destination. The area is partially surrounded by the remains of the original Roman city walls and many fascinating historic sites can be visited, in a layout that dates back to the 16th century occupation. Many tapas bars, coffee bars, and chic boutique shops are dotted among the homes in the area, along with several interesting museums and historic churches to visit and restful plazas or town squares, adorned with flowers and shady trees. Of particular note among the squares in Old Town is the Plaza de los Naranjos. Strolling down Old Town is one of the memorable activities in Marbella.

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Hotel San Cristóbal

Wifi Available

Address: Avenida Ramón y Cajal , 3
23.29 km (14.5 mi) from Bioparc Fuengirola

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle

16. Stroll the Golden Mile

20140604_122718
Source: Photo by user big-ashb used under CC BY 2.0

The main beach in Marbella is justifiably dubbed the Golden Mile. However, that “mile” actually stretches for around 5 kms (3.1 miles) from the western edge of the city (at Plaza Bocanegra) right through to the Río Verde (Green River) and the posh marina at Puerto Banús. This glorious seafront promenade takes visitors along the golden sands and past various urbanizations, full of beautiful homes, villas, and mansions, as well as many beach restaurants and bars (chiringuitos) enabling you to take a well-earned rest along the way.

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Make a point of visiting Marbella

When travelling to the Costa del Sol in southern Spain, make sure you visit Marbella and experience all the wonderful attractions on offer. The city is easily accessible from Málaga International Airport, 51.1 km (31 miles) away, by rental car, bus, or taxi and offers a great range of hotels and accommodation of all kinds.

Frequently asked questions about the fun things to do in Marbella, Spain

1. What are the best attractions to visit in Marbella, Spain?

Marbella, Spain is blessed with countless beautiful attractions. The beaches are the city’s main highlights, so you can choose to visit some of them — like Venus Beach — and stay in a hotel there. Aside from beaches, other attractions that you can include in your itinerary are the Plaza de Los Naranjos and The Museums of Marbella.

2. What are the fun activities to do in Marbella, Spain?

You’ll never run out of exciting things to do in Marbella. If you love the sea, you can engage in water-related activities like sailing and dolphin watching. Joining a bike tour might also sound fun to you. Since there are many activities to do in Marbella, make sure you’ve prepared a list of all the things you want to try.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Anne Sewell was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Africa - Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and now resides on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain. She loves writing...Read more

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