Marbella Beach Resort Guide

Introduction

Marbella is the aristocrat of the Costa del Sol, patronised since the 1950s by princes, sheikhs and Spanish socialites, and developed as a playground for like-minded and like-monied people. Nowhere is this more conspicuous than at its famous leisure port, Puerto Banús, where some of the world's biggest and most expensive private yachts moor. For a taste of old Marbella, wander round the picturesque Casco Antiguo (Old Town) with its narrow whitewashed alleyways and flower-filled balconies. Around the exquisite little main square, Patio de los Naranjos, are some beautiful 16th- and 17th-century buildings.

Who goes there?

The wealthy and famous have holiday homes here and the beautiful people come for the summer. Tour operators have been bringing families here from all over northern Europe and from Britain in particular for over three decades. Marbella is also home to many expats.

Where in the world?

Marbella is 55km (33 miles) west of Málaga and 50km (30 miles) west of Málaga Airport on Spain's Costa del Sol. Gibraltar lies 71km (44 miles) south west.

When to go?

Between May and October the daily average temperatures for Marbella never falls below 20ºC and rises above 30ºC in July-August. The ideal time to visit is May-June (average daily max temperature 23ºC to 27ºC) and September-October (average daily max temperature 28ºC to 23ºC). The crowds are also less overbearing at this time of the year. There is very little rain and almost guaranteed sunshine year-round. The winters are mild and mostly dry.

Beach

Marbella comprises 27km (17 miles) of coastline with 24 named beaches, stretching from San Pedro de Alcántara (west) to Calahonda (east). Most are naturally formed from soft golden sand, some are grey and man-made. The popular ones offer all watersports, inflatable rides, beach bars, showers and other facilities. The most popular are the centrally located Puerto Banús, La Fontanilla, La Venus and La Bajadilla  (the last two are also known as El Fuerte). Heading east, the beaches of Las Chapas, Artola/Cabopino, and Calahonda are rated by many visitors as the best. Cabopino is a naturist beach with dunes.

Beyond the beach

The Costa del Sol is also known as the Costa del Golf, with a dozen clubs in and around Marbella alone - the Nueva Andalucía area is home to several courses. Just along the coast are several world-famous championship courses. There are also top-class tennis clubs and sailing opportunities locally. You can learn to water-ski the easy way (on a lake, by Cable Ski) at Parque de las Medranas in San Pedro de Alcántara.

On those rare rainy days, there are two important museum collections to visit. The Museo de Bonsai (Avenida del Dr Maiz Viñal) holds Europe's finest collections of tiny trees. The Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo (Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings) at Calle Hospital Bazán (www.museodelgrabado.com), houses etchings by such famous names as Picasso and Miró.

Family fun

Despite its adult-oriented jet-set image, Marbella is very well equipped for families. Funny Beach (Carretera N-340, Km 184) includes trampolines and mini-motorbikes plus water-skiing, jet-skis and go-karts for older kids and adults. At Puerto Banús, Cortylandia is designed for younger ones and includes gentle train trips, mini cars and canoe rides. Selwo Aventura (Carretera N-340, Km 162.5, between San Pedro de Alcántara and Estepona: www.selwo.es) is an impressive African-themed nature park where 2,000 animals and 700 birds roam in as-near-natural-as-possible conditions. Natura Aventura (Calle Santa Beatriz 32, San Pedro de Alcántara: www.natura-aventura.com) is an outdoor pursuits adventure park for all ages, including canyoning, climbing, go karts, paintballing, and canoeing.

Retail therapy

You can buy just about anything in the way of fashion from Marbella with all the big international and Spanish names represented among the hundreds of designer boutiques. For one-stop shopping there is a branch of El Corte Inglés at Puerto Banús, and two major malls: Málaga Plaza (Armengual de la Mota, 12) and La Cañada (Parque Comercial Autovía, Salida Ojén). Marbella market takes place every Monday at the Recinto Ferial (Zona de Las Albarizas). There are two flea markets in town on Saturday; one at Nueva Andalucía (Centro Plaza), the other at Puerto Banús, next to the bull ring.

A night on the town

Marbella enjoys a vibrant nightlife from sophisticated piano and cocktail bars to smoky karaoke joints, authentic flamenco shows to imported rock music and exclusive members-only nightclubs to fun pubs and discos. Big name acts and visiting international DJs are commonplace in the summer.

Sintillate (www.sintillate.co.uk/sun-marbella.htm) is currently Marbella's most happening party for beautiful people with deep pockets; at Nikki Club on Friday, Ocean Club Saturday daytime, and Tibu on Saturday night.

Eating out

Marbella boasts top quality cuisine from every continent and school: French, Italian, Japanese, Lebanese, Thai, Moroccan, Greek, Russian, even Polynesian! There are also plenty of Spanish tapas bars and restaurants at more down-to-earth prices.

Getting around

Marbella is a large and sprawling resort. Many holidaymakers drive but beware, particularly if you are considering a motorbike that the main Carretera N-340 is very congested at peak periods and is renowned for its accidents. Local buses will take you quickly and easily to most places.

Exploring further afield

Mijas (33km/20 miles east) is an idyllic little Andalucian village which has been over-gentrified to accommodate the expectations of coach loads of daily visitors, but is still worth seeing, particularly at quiet times. At Mijas Costa (27km/17 miles east), Parque Acuático (Carretera N-340, Km 209; www.aquamijas.com) is a popular waterpark with the usual rota of white-knuckle flumes and rides. For more major family attractions head 45 km/28 miles east to Benalmádena Costa. Ronda (61km/38 miles north west of Marbella), set above a spectacular ravine in the midst of classic rolling Andalucian countryside, is one the region's most attractive and historically interesting towns.

Splashing out

There is no shortage of places in Marbella where you can blow the budget. If you want to do it on a meal try La Hacienda, a delightful quiet rustic spot 13km (8 miles) east of Marbella (Urbanización Hacienda Las Chapas, Carretera de Cádiz Km 193; www.restaurantelahacienda.com). Or maybe The Beach Club (Rio Real Playa, Carretera de Cádiz), a buzzy beachside restaurant where you can spot celebs, listen to live music and tuck into lobster lasagne with truffles.

If you want to spend yet more serious money after that, dress to kill and head to the Olivia Valere Discoteca (Carretera d'Istan, Km 0.8, near the mosque; website: www.oliviavalere.com). The guest book includes Bruce Willis, Naomi Campbell and Joaquin Cortes!

Flying in

Malaga Airport (AGP)
Need some holiday inspiration?
Tired of the same holiday destination?
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Sign up for our newsletter
Be the first to hear about the coolest destinations and the latest travel trends. Plus, competitions, holiday inspiration and amusing facts, delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter
Advertisement

Travel Deals

Advertising features
Travel Partners
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Spot the holiday killer - Protect yourself from malaria. Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.

Quick links