Marbella began as a Phoenician settlement and later a modest Andalusian village, but the 20th century turned it into a Mediterranean icon. Royals, actors, and artists flocked to its Golden Mile while fishermen still mended nets on the beach—two worlds that still mingle today. Between citrus-scented plazas, Dalí sculptures, and a palm-fringed promenade, this is classic Spain kissed by the sea.

Beyond its beaches, Marbella is a springboard to Andalusia’s greatest hits. You can cross mountain switchbacks to Ronda’s famed gorge, tiptoe along the cliff-walks of Caminito del Rey, or pop into Britain for a day in Gibraltar. Prefer to linger? The Old Town’s tapas bars and stylish chiringuitos reward slow travel and second helpings.

Practical notes: Fly into Málaga (AGP) and transfer 45–60 minutes to Marbella. Summer sun is strong—book shade and lunchtime tables in advance, and remember many shops pause midafternoon. Bring passports for Gibraltar day trips; book Caminito del Rey tickets early; and dine late like a local (9–10 pm is normal).

Marbella

Marbella blends whitewashed alleys, bougainvillea balconies, and orange trees with a breezy boardwalk and yacht-studded Puerto Banús. Stroll Plaza de los Naranjos, admire the Iglesia de la Encarnación, and follow Avenida del Mar past bronze Dalí sculptures to the sea. Then graze from tapas to fresh-caught espetos (sardines) at the beach.

• Top sights: Old Town (Casco Antiguo), Alameda Park, Avenida del Mar, Paseo Marítimo, Puerto Banús, Cabopino’s Artola Dunes, La Concha hike from Refugio de Juanar.
• Food scene: From Michelin-star temples (Skina; El Lago) to beloved institutions (Bar El Estrecho, Altamirano) and elegant seaside spots (La Milla, Trocadero Arena).
• Fun facts: Dalí sculptures outdoors, a 16th-century watchtower at Cabopino (Torre Ladrones), and a promenade you can bike for miles.

Where to stay: Base in the Old Town for romance and easy dining; the Golden Mile for beach access and spa days; Puerto Banús for nightlife and shopping.

• Browse Marbella vacation homes on VRBO (great for families, private pools, and kitchens).
• Compare Marbella hotels on Hotels.com (filter by beachfront, spa, or boutique).

Getting there & around:

• Flights: Into Málaga (AGP). For international long-haul, search Kiwi.com flights. For intra-Europe deals, see Omio flights (2–3 hours from many hubs).
• Trains to Málaga: High-speed options to Málaga María Zambrano; compare on Omio trains. Then bus/taxi to Marbella.
• Málaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella: Direct Avanza bus ~50–60 min, ~€8–12 (check Omio buses); taxi/transfer 45–60 min, ~€70–100; rental car €25–50/day.
• Local transport: Promenade is walkable; e-bikes abound. Taxis are plentiful; local buses connect Old Town–Banús–San Pedro.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Town Golden Hour, and Tapas Welcome

Afternoon: Arrive at AGP and transfer to Marbella (plan ~1–1.5 hours door-to-door). Check in and decompress with a seaside stroll along Paseo Marítimo. Coffee and a pastry at Cappuccino Grand Café on the waterfront or a fresh juice at Organic Market & Food on the Golden Mile.

Evening: Meander through the Old Town: Plaza de los Naranjos, the 16th-century Town Hall, and jasmine-scented lanes. Tapas hop—start with anchovies and gambas al pil-pil at Bar El Estrecho (a locals’ classic since 1954), then octopus and clams at Bar Altamirano. Finish with gelato at Più di Prima or a sunset drink at the Belvue Rooftop (Amàre) overlooking the Med.

Day 2: Marbella Old Town deep dive + tapas tour

Morning: Churros con chocolate at La Canasta bakery (central, reliable), then a guided wander of the Old Town. Don’t miss the Iglesia de la Encarnación’s baroque portal and the Spanish Print Museum (Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo) for a quick culture hit.

Afternoon: Beach time at Playa de la Fontanilla or La Venus; rent loungers and order espetos and a cold tinto de verano from the chiringuito. Coffee upgrade: head to Dezentral Coffee near Puerto Banús for specialty roasts and light bowls if you want a midday reset.

Evening (featured experience): Join a local-led tapas walk to decode Andalusian flavors and ordering rituals—standing at the bar, sharing raciones, and finishing with a local sweet wine.

Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour With Local Guide on Viator

Post-tour, grab a nightcap at La Polaca for vermouth on tap, or drift to Puerto Banús for cocktails at Astral, the ship-shaped bar by the marina entrance.

Day 3: Puerto Banús, the Golden Mile, and a Michelin moment

Morning: Sunrise jog or cycle along the promenade (flat and scenic). Brunch at Rachel’s Eco Love (fresh-pressed juices, avo toast) or Goyo Marbella (classic Spanish pastries and a deli counter). Browse Puerto Banús boutiques, the marina, and El Corte Inglés’ gourmet floor for Iberian ham tastings.

Afternoon: Book loungers at La Milla for refined beachside rice dishes (order the arroz con carabineros) or go casual at Trocadero Arena for chargrilled skewers. Consider a short boat rental from the marina to cruise the coastline; keep eyes peeled for dolphins on calm days.

Evening: Treat yourself: Skina (two Michelin stars; hyper-seasonal Andalusian tasting) in the Old Town, or Leña by Dani García (wood-fired steaks, smoky vegetables) at Puente Romano. If you’re in the mood after, La Suite at Puente Romano often hosts late-night DJs.

Day 4: Full-day Ronda & Setenil de las Bodegas

Depart after breakfast for the A-397 mountain road (1.5–2 hours). In Ronda, cross the Puente Nuevo over El Tajo gorge, tour the historic bullring (one of Spain’s oldest), and visit the serene Mondragón Palace. After lunch with views, continue 20 minutes to Setenil to photograph cave houses built into the rock on Calle Cuevas del Sol.

From Costa del Sol: Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas on Viator

Logistics: Guided tour is a stress-free option with hotel pickup. Self-drive fuel/tolls ~€20–30; parking ~€2–3/hour. Back in Marbella, dine late at Los Mellizos (grilled fish, paella) or Kava (modern Andalusian plates; save room for the famous cheesecake).

Day 5: Full-day Caminito del Rey adventure

Head to El Chorro (1.5 hours) for Spain’s most photogenic cliffside walkway—safe, renovated, and unforgettable. Expect 2.5–3 hours of linear hiking with boardwalks pinned to sheer limestone, hanging bridges, and gorge views. Wear closed shoes, bring water, and check wind policies; helmets are typically provided on entry.

Guided tour to Caminito del Rey from the Costa del Sol on Viator

Fuel up: Pre-hike coffee and toast at Pan y Mermelada (if you’re leaving later) or grab-and-go empanadas from Goyo early. Back in town, keep it easy with The Farm Marbella (organic tapas in a courtyard) or thin-crust pies at Da Michele if you’re craving carbs.

Day 6: Full-day Gibraltar—monkeys, caves, and views of two continents

Bring passports and head 1–1.5 hours to Gibraltar. Take the cable car to the Upper Rock for sweeping views of Africa and the Mediterranean, meet the Barbary macaques (don’t feed or touch), step into the ethereal St. Michael’s Cave, and, if time allows, walk part of the Mediterranean Steps. Pop down for duty-free shopping and classic British bites before returning to Spain.

Gibraltar Private Tour From Marbella on Viator

Dinner back in Marbella: Lobito de Mar by Dani García for sea-forward plates (ask for razor clams and red prawns), or Ta-Kumi for pristine sushi and a calm dining room.

Day 7: Dunes, a last swim, and farewell lunch

Morning: Coffee at Dezentral or a beachside cortado at La Milla, then drive 15–20 minutes east to Cabopino’s Artola Dunes boardwalk. Walk the protected sands to the 16th-century Torre Ladrones; note there’s a signed naturist section—respect local norms.

Afternoon (departure): Early lunch with toes-in-sand at a chiringuito (grilled sardine espetos, tomato salad, and a cold cerveza). Transfer to AGP for your flight (allow 3+ hours buffer with rental car return). If time remains, pick up olive oil and sea salt at a gourmet shop on the promenade as edible souvenirs.

Food & drink cheat sheet (save for later)

• Breakfast/coffee: Rachel’s Eco Love (healthy), Cappuccino Grand Café (seafront), Dezentral Coffee (specialty), Goyo Marbella (classic bakery-deli).
• Tapas & casual: Bar El Estrecho (old-school tapas), Bar Altamirano (seafood), The Farm Marbella (organic courtyard), La Taberna del Pintxo (skewer-style pintxos, go at peak times).
• Beachside: La Milla (refined rice/seafood), Trocadero Arena (breezy grill), local chiringuitos along Fontanilla and La Venus for espetos.
• Special nights: Skina (creative Andalusian tasting), Leña (wood-fired), Ta-Kumi (Japanese), Nobu Marbella (scene-y, reliable classics).
• Drinks: Astral (Puerto Banús cocktails), La Suite (late-night), rooftop sundowners at Belvue (Old Town seafront hotel).

Optional bonus: A taste of Tangier from Marbella

If you have an extra day or swap Gibraltar, a guided Tangier day trip delivers medinas, mint tea, and ocean views across the Strait. It’s a long but memorable day that pairs well with a light beach day after.

Luxury Tangier Private Day Tour from Marbella All inclusive on Viator

Booking checklist:

• Flights to Málaga: Omio flights (Europe) or Kiwi.com (long-haul).
• Trains/buses to Málaga/Marbella: Omio trains and Omio buses.
• Stays: VRBO Marbella or Hotels.com Marbella.
• Featured tours: Tapas in Old Town, Ronda & Setenil, Caminito del Rey, Gibraltar (links above).

Wrap-up: In one week you’ll taste sunlit Andalusia: marble-paved alleys, long swims, plates passed among friends, and horizons stretching from Spain to Africa. Marbella makes it easy to balance lazy beach hours with bucket-list day trips—then return to candlelit dinners under orange trees. You’ll leave with sand in your shoes and a list of favorites worth returning for.