8 Memorable Things to Do in Marbella, Spain

Are you taking a trip to Spain soon? If so, you are one of approximately 82 million people planning to visit the country this year. That’s right, as it turns out, Spain is a widely popular tourist destination. In fact, in 2017, it was the second most visited country in the world.

While it’s certainly a good sign that so many people love to visit Spain, a country that receives a lot of tourists each year also comes with its downsides.

If you choose to visit the most popular cities, instead of less popular ones, like Marbella, Spain, or you’ll at some point likely find yourself elbow-to-elbow with other tourists, trying to snag the best view of a historic landmark.

Therefore, that’s why we recommend you spend some time escaping the crowd of big tourist hubs like Barcelona and Madrid, and instead spend some time visiting some lesser-traveled (yet equally as beautiful) cities.

One such city we highly recommend is Marbella, Spain.

Marbella is a city located on the Southern coast of Spain. What exactly does Marbella have to offer, you ask?

Read this guide to learn the top 8 memorable things to do in Marbella, Spain.

1. Puerto Banus Saturday Street Market

There are street markets- and then there’s the Puerto Banus Saturday Street Market.

Stretching all the way down the port, the Puerto Banus Market contains over 120 stalls. From furniture and antiques to clothes to fruits and vegetables, there is something here for even the pickiest of shoppers.

And, even if you aren’t in the spending mood, taking in the sites and just browsing the stalls is certainly enough to keep you entertained for hours. And once you reach the end of the stalls, you can relax with a coffee as you watch the yachts sail into port.

2. Wander the Old Town

If you are just passing through Marbella and only have time for a quick stop, we highly recommend prioritizing the Old Town.

In the Old Town of Marbella, you will find a picturesque maze of cafes, romantic restaurants, and narrow streets. And at the center of it all, you will find a delightful Renaissance-style town square- also known as the Plaza de Los Naranjos.

If you have time, be sure to drop in one of the restaurants to indulge in some of the tastiest Andalusian food you can find in all of Spain. If you aren’t sure which one to choose, this useful article can help you out.

And, be sure to pop into some of the boutique stores to find some one-of-a-kind souvenirs and handmade crafts.

3. Relax By the Beach

Of course, we can’t talk about Marabella without mentioning its wonderful beaches.

Marbella has over 16 miles of coastline that are divided into 24 white sandy beaches in total. One could easily spend their days here exploring the beaches and be perfectly content.

If you don’t have time to enjoy all 24 though, we recommend El Faro, Venus, Fontanilla, Las Chapas, San Pedro Alcantara, and Puerto Banus.

4. Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engravings

Even if you aren’t a big museum person, we promise that the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engravings won’t leave you disappointed.

Founded in 1992, this museum is the very first of its kind in Spain. In fact, the museum is now officially recognized as a building of cultural interest.

Here you can find important engravings from the 20th and 21st century, as well as Spanish graphic artwork. You can also find works by renowned artists like Tapies, Chillida, and even Picasso.

With over 200 pieces of artwork on display, one can easily spend a day browsing through the various pieces.

5. Paseo Maritimo

If you’re looking to take a long walk along the beach but don’t want to deal with getting sand in your shoes, then the Paseo Maritimo is a must for you.

The Paseo Maritimo- or beachside promenade- is a paved path that stretches right alongside the beach. This is the place to go if you want to take in the true energy and ambiance of Marbella, while at the same time soaking in a beautiful sunset.

If you want to feel like a true local, make sure to hit up the paseo on a Sunday. This is when all the locals come out to strut their stuff in their Sunday best.

6. Find the Family Fun

If you’ve got kids in tow, have no fear. Marbella is also a great place for the family.

To start, head to Funny Beach. Here you can keep the kids entertained for hours with go-kart rides, trampolines, electric bikes, a pool, video games, rides, and a kid-friendly restaurant.

If your children are really active, you’ll definitely want to take the to Adventura Amazonia. This is a ropes course that is just a ten-minute drive east of Marbella. Here your children can complete an obstacle course and giggle until their stomachs hurt as they fly through the trees on zip wires.

If you’ve got some tuckered out tikes who aren’t up for all the leg work, horse-drawn carriage rides in the Old Town of Marbella are an excellent option.

7. Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit

In Marbella, you’ll find adventurous activities for the adults as well.

There are plenty of organizations dotting the coastline that offer activities like mountain biking, scuba diving, horseback riding, canyoning, paintballing, and safari-ing through the national parks (just to name a few).

The best part is, there are so many organizations to choose from that you hardly ever have to worry about booking your adventure weeks in advance. You can just stroll the beach and find an activity that suits your fancy a day or two ahead of time.

8. Explore the Nightlife

Marbella may not have the infamous nightlife that Ibiza does, but that doesn’t mean it turns into a ghost town at sunset.

If you’re ready to unleash your inner party animal, there are plenty of nightclubs worth checking out that won’t disappoint. A few we recommend are Pangea, Olivia Valeare, Seven Puerto Banus, Funky Buddha, Seven, La Suite, and Aqwa Mist.

Are You Ready for Your Adventure in Marbella Spain?

As you can see, there is a lot to do and see in Marbella, Spain. Which of these things are you most excited about?

Let us know in the comments below!

And, if you want to stay in touch with friends and family during your vacation in Marbella, be sure to check out these tips about using your cellphone overseas.