7 Days in Marbella, Spain: Sun, Tapas, and Day Trips on the Costa del Sol
Marbella, on Spain’s sun-drenched Costa del Sol, has been coveted since Phoenician times and flourished under Roman and Moorish rule before becoming a jet-set playground in the 20th century. You’ll find cobblestoned alleys draped in bougainvillea, contemporary art promenades with Dalí sculptures, and a microclimate famous for 320 days of sunshine a year.
Beyond its Mediterranean beaches, Marbella is a gateway to Andalusia’s crown jewels—white villages, dramatic gorges, limestone peaks, and a quick hop to British Gibraltar. It’s a place to graze on tapas at lunch, hike a ridge by afternoon, and clink glasses by a marina at sunset.
Practical notes: Spanish is the language, the euro is the currency, and dinner starts late (9 p.m. is normal). Pack sun protection year-round. Bring passports for Gibraltar and any Morocco side-trips, and book Caminito del Rey permits or guided tours well in advance, especially in spring and summer.
Marbella
Marbella balances whitewashed Old Town romance with yacht-life flash in Puerto Banús. Stroll Plaza de los Naranjos for geranium-framed balconies and tapas bars, then amble Avenida del Mar to spot surreal Salvador Dalí bronzes set against palm trees and sea views.
- Top sights: Plaza de los Naranjos, Iglesia de la Encarnación, Avenida del Mar (Dalí sculptures), Paseo Marítimo promenade, Puerto Banús marina, Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo, and nearby La Concha peak.
- Why visit now: Year-round sun, pristine beaches, lively markets, Michelin-star dining, and easy day trips to Ronda’s gorge and Caminito del Rey’s cliff walk.
- Flavor to try: Espeto de sardinas (sardines skewered over olive-wood embers), fritura malagueña (mixed fried fish), and ajo blanco (almond-garlic soup).
Where to stay: For beachfront style, consider Marbella Club Hotel or Puente Romano (Nobu and Leña are on-site). Adults seeking quiet love Amàre Beach Hotel; families often base near Puerto Banús for space and pools. Browse options on VRBO or search hotels on Hotels.com.
How to get there: Fly into Málaga (AGP), 45–60 minutes from Marbella. For flights within or to/from Europe, compare on Omio (flights). For long-haul options, check Trip.com (flights). From Madrid/Barcelona to Málaga María Zambrano, take high-speed trains (≈2.5–5.5 hours) via Omio (trains). AGP–Marbella buses run ≈45–60 minutes for ~€8–12 via Omio (buses); taxis/private transfers cost ~€75–110.
Day 1: Arrival, Marbella Old Town, and Tapas Welcome
Morning: Fly into Málaga and transfer to Marbella. Drop bags and reset with a seaside stroll along the Paseo Marítimo; let the Mediterranean set the pace for the week.
Afternoon: Wander Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo). Start at Plaza de los Naranjos, then peek into the Iglesia de la Encarnación and the small but rich Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo. Coffee and a slice of almond cake at Cappuccino Grand Café or a green-leaning bowl at Manuka make for a light refuel.
Evening: Ease into Andalucian flavors on the Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour With Local Guide—a 3-hour walk with local bites and history.
Day 2: Beach Day and Puerto Banús Style
Morning: Breakfast on fluffy churros and hot chocolate at Churrería Ramón, or choose smoothie bowls at Celicioso (great gluten-free bakes). Claim sun loungers at Trocadero Playa or La Milla for relaxed beach vibes and excellent seafood; order an espeto of sardines right on the sand.
Afternoon: Head to Puerto Banús. Browse luxury boutiques and the open-air art pieces along the marina; spot superyachts and classic cars. Lunch at Lobito de Mar (Dani García’s ode to seafood—don’t miss the sea urchin and the “ajoblanco” with grapes) or the always-lively Los Mellizos Marbella for grilled octopus and a crisp verdejo.
Evening: Sunset cocktails at Astral (fruit-forward showstoppers) then dinner at Leña Marbella (smoke-kissed steaks, ember-roasted vegetables). If you’re up for nightlife, try Momento or Olivia Valère for late-night dancing—dress codes apply.
Day 3: Day Trip to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas
Morning: Depart after breakfast for Ronda (≈1.5–2 hours by road). Join the From Costa del Sol: Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas tour for easy logistics and expert commentary.
Afternoon: Wander Arab baths, peek into the Plaza de Toros museum, and try rabo de toro (oxtail stew) for lunch. Continue to Setenil to see cave houses tucked beneath honey-colored rock—one of Andalusia’s most photogenic white villages.
Evening: Return to Marbella. Keep dinner light with pintxos at La Taberna del Pintxo in Puerto Banús or grab a casual plate of grilled sardines at Victor’s Beach as waves lap nearby.
Day 4: Caminito del Rey—Cliffside Thrills
Morning: Lace up for the famed cliff walk. The Guided tour to Caminito del Rey from the Costa del Sol includes transport and entry, sparing you permit wrangling.
Afternoon: Celebrate with a rustic lunch near Ardales (think porra antequerana, grilled meats). Back in Marbella, siesta or book a spa circuit at Six Senses Spa (Puente Romano) to unwind legs and shoulders.
Evening: Dinner by the sea at Sea Grill (Mediterranean plates, superb wine list) or La Milla (rice with scarlet prawns if available). Nightcap along Avenida del Mar beneath the Dalí statues.
Day 5: Markets, Art, and Wellness (or Golf)
Morning: Hit a local market: Monday is Marbella’s fairground market; Saturdays the Puerto Banús market near Centro Plaza is best for crafts, leather, and Andalusian ceramics. Coffee and pastries at Pan y Mermelada before browsing.
Afternoon: Art stop at Museo Ralli (free entry; Latin American and European contemporary works), then choose your pace: a beach hour, a hammam, or tee time. Golfers should book Los Naranjos or Aloha Golf; non-golfers might hike from Refugio de Juanar to a La Concha lookout for Mediterranean panoramas.
Evening: Casual dinner in Old Town at Casa Curro (excellent ensaladilla and prawns) or El Patio de Mariscal (romantic courtyard). For live music without the nightclub scene, La Sala in Puerto Banús hosts singers most nights.
Day 6: Gibraltar—The Rock, Caves, and Monkeys
Morning: Bring passports and set off on the Gibraltar Private Tour From Marbella (≈1h15 drive each way).
Afternoon: Lunch on Main Street (classic British pub grub or fish and chips) and a bit of duty-free browsing. Return via Sotogrande’s coast for scenic views.
Evening: Back in Marbella, book a special finale at Skina (tiny dining room, deft Andalusian flavors) or opt for Ta-Kumi for refined sushi and Japanese-Mediterranean plates. Toast the day with a vermouth or local fino.
Day 7: Last Swim, Brunch, and Departure
Morning: Squeeze in a final swim or a slow promenade coffee. Brunch at Marbella Club’s Garden Pool (elegant) or a lighter bite at Keto Royale Kafé (good for low-carb and vegan options).
Afternoon: Pick up edible souvenirs: extra-virgin olive oil, almendras fritas, and local wines from a gourmet shop in Old Town. Transfer to Málaga Airport (45–60 minutes); buses run frequently via Omio (buses), or book a car if you’re traveling with luggage.
Evening: If you have a late flight, linger over a paella lunch at Trocadero or a final plate of anchovies by the sea, then say hasta luego to the Costa del Sol.
Optional swap-in day: If Gibraltar isn’t your style, consider a Morocco teaser from the Costa del Sol to Tangier (passport required), or a private foodie day weaving coastal villages and countryside ventas.
In a week, you’ve sampled Marbella’s Old Town, beaches, and glamorous marina while venturing to Ronda’s epic gorge, Caminito del Rey’s cliffs, and the storied Rock of Gibraltar. Andalusia rewards curiosity—leave time to linger over tapas, watch the light shift on white villages, and plan your inevitable return.