7 things to do in Marbella absolutely

Beaches, sangria and tapas, the Andalusian city is the perfect destination to spend a summer vacation full of fun. The youngest will be able to dance the small hours in the many discos of the seafront, while all others can enjoy the evening in the characteristic squares of the center. There are many things to see in Marbella and whether you are with friends, family or as a couple you will surely find the best way to have fun. Below we suggest what are the 7 things to do in Marbella absolutely.

1. Walking in the Casco Antiguo

A walk through the narrow streets of the characteristic old town of Marbella is a must.

Among the typical whitewashed houses of the Costa del Sol your gaze will be lost among the flowered balconies, stores and many small squares scattered everywhere.

The most important square in the Casco Antiguo of Marbella is Plaza de los Naranjos, the true heart of the city. The square dates back to 1485 and is surrounded by buildings dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

At the center of Plaza de los Naranjos there is a fountain surrounded by orange trees (from which the square takes its name). On the sides, instead, are the many umbrellas and tables of bars and restaurants. Sit back, relax and enjoy life as it flows by!

2. Enjoy art in the open air on Avenida del Mar

Not far from the promenade is Avenida del Mar, another of the city’s most famous squares.

Its peculiarity is that it is a real open-air museum: here, you can see some sculptures by Salvador Dali and Eduardo Soriano.

Avenida del Mar is also full of bars and restaurants where you can stop for a cool drink, perhaps returning from the sea.

3. Go to the beach

If you visit Marbella during the summer, you will surely want to go to the beach.

There are many beaches: more than 20 for 30 km of coastline. All clean and equipped with every type of service.

The city beaches are Playa del Faro and Playa del Cable. The latter is also known as Bounty Beach and is one of the most popular and loved by young people: in the afternoon it comes alive with games of beach volleyball and water sports and in the evening remains crowded until late thanks to the many clubs in the area.

If you’re looking for a bit of tranquility, head west to Playa Fontanilla and Playa de Casablanca.

If, on the other hand, you want to enjoy a day at a beach with an exotic atmosphere, don’t miss Playa Artola with its large sand dunes and palm trees.

4. Visit the most beautiful churches

Marbella is full of beautiful and interesting churches that deserve to be visited during your stay in the city.

In the old town, in Plaza de los Naranjos, we recommend you visit the Ermita de Santiago, the oldest church in Marbella.

A short distance away is Plaza de la Iglesia, where the city’s most important place of worship is located: the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. The majestic High Altar of this church will leave you speechless.

Continuing through the old town, you’ll come across the Capilla San Juan de Dios, the old Hospital Real de la Misericordia where health care and charity were offered to the less fortunate.

5. Take a Food Tour

Among the things to do in Marbella is definitely a Food Tour.

In this way, you can taste some of the best Spanish tapas and, in the meantime, learn about the history and anecdotes of the city.

The Marbella Food Tour will take you through the historic center of the city to discover how architecture and culinary tradition have been influenced by the same mix of cultures that have met and mixed here. The guided tour will continue between tastings and stories also on the waterfront to discover the most modern part of Marbella.

From pescaito frito to Jamon Serrano, from boquerones en vinagre to croquetas caseras de jamón, the evening will pass in a pleasant and… delicious way!

6. Spend a few hours in the green at Arroyo Park

If you’re in the mood to rest and get away from the beach for a bit and get some fresh air, head to Arroyo Park.

The park is built over a stream and features a large play area for kids, restaurants, bars, tennis courts, and a couple of man-made ponds.

7. Visit the museums of Marbella

Finally, we would like to recommend a visit to the interesting museums of Marbella.

Despite its vocation for a summer tourism made of fun, the Andalusian city has a rich cultural offer.

Among the museums to visit, we recommend two:

The Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo: a collection of engravings, lithographs, serigraphs and woodcuts of Spanish art from the 15th century to the present day. It also houses works by artists such as Picasso, Dali and Miro.
The Bonsai Museum: a museum dedicated to the small trees born from the Japonese art that is located inside the Arroyo Park.

We hope that our tips on things to do in Marbella will be useful to you during your next trip.

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SELENE

A graduate in Literature and Media Communication and Culture, she loves to write and tell stories. She made her first trip when she was only two and a half months old and hasn't stopped since. Each of her trips is accompanied, of course, by several samples of the local cuisine! Today she tells all this and more on her blog "Viaggi che Mangi" and in the meantime writes for other portals.

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