Discover why Marbella is the crown jewel of the Costa del Sol – from world-class beaches to exclusive golf courses, vibrant nightlife, Michelin-star fine dining, natural beauty and cultural treasures: you will find endless entertainment around Marbella.
Marbella is more than a destination – it’s a way of life shaped by the sea, the mountains, local tradition and an international culture of relaxed sophistication. From outdoor adventures to fine dining, beach clubs to historic Spanish streets, the city offers experiences for every season and every style of living – get a taste of what to do in Marbella and the Costa del Sol.
Marbella offers an extraordinary lifestyle that combines Mediterranean charm with luxury living. Whether you’re a property owner exploring your new neighbourhood, a potential buyer discovering what makes this destination special, or a visitor seeking the ultimate Costa del Sol experience, this comprehensive guide reveals some of the best activities and experiences Marbella offers.
Marbella life is inextricably linked to the beach, paseo maritimo beach promenades, and the classic beach clubs and chiringuitos that border the Mediterranean. So many activities are centred around the beach and the sea, even in winter. From beach clubs to water sports, or simply enjoying the best beaches in Marbella, this is a beach lover’s paradise. Below, we outline some of the region’s most popular beachside activities.
One of the best things about Marbella is the excellent variety of beach clubs, chiringuitos, and kiosks that create an enchanting culture of enjoying Mediterranean sunsets in good company. Whether it be a morning coffee, relaxed lunch, afternoon drinks, or stylish seaside dinner, Marbella’s beaches offer the perfect opportunity to dine on the beach and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. From Trocadero Playa or MC Beach on the Golden Mile, El Ancla in San Pedro, La Cabane by Dolce & Gabbana or La Plage Casanis in Marbella’s East, there are an excellent range of top Marbella Beach Clubs to enjoy throughout the year.
Here in Marbella, the line between a chiringuito, beach club, bar or café is blurred. Each venue does what its license and owners decide, so some will be open for lovely beachside breakfasts (usually not before 10 am), while others will serve drinks and tapas all day, and others will just be open for drinks at certain times. The typical Spanish chiringuito will serve fresh seafood for lunch and dinner, accompanied by coffee, drinks, and dessert between 10 am and 10 pm in the summer months. Whether it be fresh grilled calamari, lightly fried sardines, fish al sal, or espeto, discover some of the tastiest fish you have ever tried in one of the most beautiful, relaxed settings. So if you are visiting Marbella, make sure you do this… but remember to book, especially on weekends and in the summer.
The chiringuitos on offer are as rich as Marbella culture itself. To give you an idea – Playa de Venus, closer to the Old Town, offers a more local atmosphere, with some of the region’s first chiringuitos known for serving fresh fish and classic sangria, while Golden Mile beaches such as Casablanca and Nagueles offer more upmarket dining options. On either side of these centres, experience a charming mix of more elegant and relaxed venues, so really, during the week, you can walk along and choose the one that looks good to you.
Marbella’s beaches stretch over 25 kilometres of coastline, offering a mix of urban beaches, quiet coves, and family-friendly spots. Walking along the beach with your feet in the water has sometimes been called Spain’s national sport, and this is very true in Marbella. You can walk for hours along the sand, and the lovely sea breeze keeps you cool, making it a fantastic gentle exercise for all fitness levels throughout the year.
While you can walk along the shore on most beaches, beaches with paseo maritimo beachside pathways allow you to choose your sport- walking, running, cycling, skating, hoverboarding – whatever you prefer! You can rent most of these at points along the way, or bring your own, especially in the Marbella centre. Enjoy the paseo marítimo pedestrian promenade now extends from Los Monteros in the east, through the town beaches out to Puerto Banus, and then again west to Cortijo Blanco. Local governments have a very ambitious plan to connect the whole Costa del Sol with these walks, but at this point there are a few patches of promenade here and there. The stretches just outside the town centre are some of the most accessible and popular paseo marítimo beaches, ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling along the beach.
For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, the beaches east of Marbella – such as Playa de los Monteros, Costabella, Elviria, Marbesa, Cabopino or Playa de los Monteros – offer more expansive stretches of sand, surrounded by dunes, chilled chiringuitos and sunset views west to the mountains – perfect for sand-based sports activities and relaxing. These areas also offer an excellent range of Marbella´s stunning beachfront properties allowing you to enjoy sea views and direct access to the relaxing beach life.
Morning and sunset yoga sessions on the beach provide the perfect start or end to your day. Discover classes speckled throughout the coast, including in Elviria, Nueva Andalucía,and various points on the Golden Mile.
Marbella’s calm Mediterranean waters and long stretches of coastline make it an ideal destination for water sports, offering a wide range of activities for all levels of adventure. Jet skiing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and pedal boating are widely available along beaches such as Playa del Casablanca, Elviria, and Puerto Banús. Swimmers will find calm, swimmable waters, while surfers can venture out on windy days to Cabopino or take a day trip to the Atlantic beaches of Tarifa or Bolonia for more consistent waves.
You will also find various inflatable aquatic parks in the sea, including in Nueva Andalucía, Playa de la Zaragoza in Marbella East and Playa de San Pedro for confident swimmers. These pop-up marine parks allow you to climb up and slide down pyramids in the Mediterranean, providing a sea based obstacle course for those wanting a fun physical challenge.
For those wanting a different perspective of the coast, boat rentals – from small license-free vessels to fully crewed yachts – can be arranged at local marinas, including the Marbella main port, Cabopino and Puerto Banús. More immersive waterside experiences in Marbella include deep-sea fishing, dolphin and whale watching charters, and you can even venture out east past Málaga to enjoy cave scuba diving at nearby sites like Nerja or Rincón de la Victoria.
For the sky-loving thrill seekers, Marbella offers various helicopter tours, parasailing and paragliding experiences. Enjoy the salty air and Mediterranean views from the sky as you glide over the coastline and see Marbella from another angle.
For those adrenaline junkies who prefer stay on solid ground, Marbella offers Go-Karting at Funny Hill, as well as various adventure quad-bike or dirt-bike tours. Often located in the mountains over Marbella, you can ride around enjoying the Mediterranean backdrop.
Several equestrian centres offer lovely routes and nature rides, sometimes with beautiful Mediterranean views, mountain trails, and lessons for all skill levels.
With over 70 golf courses in the Costa del Sol, including around 20 in Marbella, there is no shortage of choice for golf lovers, justifying the nickname of the Costa del Golf. Whether it be Golf Valley in Nueva Andalucía, out west in Guadalmina, east around Elviria, or north around Benahavís, there are many fantastic golf courses in Marbella. Golf enthusiasts often choose to live in Marbella’s exclusive golf communities, where many Costa del Sol golf properties offer direct course access and stunning fairway views.
Golfers can also access some of Europe’s most prestigious courses within an hour’s drive. Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande, host of the 1997 Ryder Cup, remains one of the continent’s most respected clubs. Finca Cortesín near Estepona, venue of the 2023 Solheim Cup, offers a championship course in a serene setting. Closer to Marbella, Villa Padierna Golf Club features three courses and a luxury resort atmosphere. Altogether, the region blends elite golf with high-end living, making it a premier destination for amateurs and seasoned players.
Marbella’s historic town centre (el casco antiguo, or el centro historico in Spanish) is one of southern Spain’s most beautiful white town centres. With the central part reserved for pedestrians, Marbella’s historic centre features traditional squares, narrow cobblestone streets and boutique retail and hospitality, charmingly decorated with hanging vines and potted geraniums that give colour and freshness to the town. Highlights include Plaza de los Naranjos, Iglesia de la Encarnación, Castillo de Marbella and Parque Alameda that connects the old town to the paseo maritimo, port and beach.
Marbella’s art scene balances traditional and contemporary, both in the old town and the surrounding areas. In the centre, you can visit Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo which features contemporary Spanish engravings and hosts rotating exhibitions by renowned artists. While Ralli Museum on the Golden Mile offers an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings from classic to modern art.
Marbella offers a rich blend of luxury shopping options ranging from high-end designer boutiques to traditional markets. Puerto Banús is the most upscale retail destination, featuring global fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Gucci alongside luxury car showrooms and waterfront cafés, making it Marbella’s most glamorous and energetic shopping area. Nearby, El Corte Inglés is a destination in itself, offering a refined department store experience with every luxury brand available – and constantly adding more, along with premium service and gourmet products under one roof.
For those after a more understated, boutique-style atmosphere, the Golden Mile is the place. At Puente Romano you have Orlebar Brown blending seamlessly into the resort lifestyle, while the Marbella Club Hotel is home to the top tier Chanel boutique, as well as Louis Vuitton, Loewe and Escada.
For a more authentic experience, Marbella’s Old Town offers a mix of local boutiques, artisanal products, and gourmet goods in a charming historic setting. Avenida Ricardo Soriano, the town’s main shopping street, features a mix of Spanish and international labels, while the municipal market and weekly street markets offer a taste of traditional Andalusian commerce.
Just above town, La Cañada shopping mall rounds out the retail landscape with a wide selection of global fashion and beauty brands, creating a comprehensive shopping experience from heritage to high fashion.
Given its luxury lifestyle and year-long residential tourism, Marbella offers an exceptional range of exclusive clubs and nightlife to suit all tastes. Really, this one needs a whole detailed article of itself, but Momento is a leading high-end nightclub that brings in top international DJs. Coya in Puente Romano features incredible Peruvian fusion dining, along with live DJ and pisto bar, the newly opened Motel Particulier on the Golden Mile offers French a inspired members only experience, while Fitz (formerly known as the Dreamers) is popular for a late night dance for a younger audience. During the summer months there is also the Starlite festival up in Sierra Blanca, featuring concerts by world-known artists, followed by an outdoor disco surrounded by boutique restaurants and bars.
With Marbella’s fantastic weather, rooftop bars are stunning ways to enjoy the sunset for a special night out. For example, Belvue Rooftop Bar Amare Marbella on the beachfront transforms from a stylish restaurant to a vibrant nightclub as the evening progresses, and Benabola Sky Lounge in Puerto Banus offers stunning views of the marina, mountains, and sea.
Try your luck at this elegant casino, which features slot machines, poker tables, and roulette. The venue also hosts live entertainment and special events.
Marbella offers a vibrant calendar of seasonal events that reflect its growing international appeal, rich local traditions, and festive Mediterranean lifestyle. Highlights include the Starlite Festival between June and August, where world-famous musicians perform in an open-air amphitheatre near Sierra Blanca. June is especially eventful with the San Juan Festival – celebrated with beach bonfires and midnight sea dips – and the Feria de San Bernabé, Marbella’s traditional fair filled with flamenco and music and evening carnival rides, plus Easter processions and Christmas celebrations.
Given Marbella’s history of attracting international jet-setters, it has developed quite an excellent variety of luxury dining experiences throughout the coast, whether it be fresh seafood in one of Marbella’s best chiringuitos, in the old town or another location. Discover excellent quality luxury fine dining restaurants in Puente Romano, including favourites such as Coya, Leña, Cipriani, Sea Grill and Bibo Supperclub. There are always exquisite new restaurants being opened throughout Marbella´s most prime areas, including Brasserie Astoria in Nueva Andalucía, Koi Japanese Restaurant in Golden Mile, with Villa Tatel on it´s way to Marbella Club.
With four Marbella restaurants currently holding the Michelin star badge, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to Michelin dining in Marbella. Currently, Messina, Back and Nintai (all located within the town centre) have received one star, with Skina just west of the Old Town boasting two dazzling Michelin stars. Within a 20-minute drive, you will also find Sollo in Fuengirola, which has one star and one green star for sustainability.
For those wanting expert insights into delicious Spanish tapas, you can find guided tours through the old town’s best tapas bars, learn about local cuisine and culture, or enjoy delicious Spanish wines through wine tastings at specialised wine bars and restaurants throughout the city. If gourmet cooking is your style, you can also take a course on preparing traditional Andalusian dishes from local chefs.
With all the emphasis on high-end residential tourism in Marbella, you will always find a luxury spa experience near you. Some of the most famous are Six Senses Spa in Puente Romano and Thalasso Spa in Marbella Club, both on the Golden Mile, offering everything from massages to holistic healing therapies, including Seawater-based treatments that take advantage of Marbella’s coastal location.
Marbella also contains a range of state-of-the-art gyms and personal training services that cater to all fitness levels. Popular activities include pilates, cross-fit, circuit, and dance training classes speckled throughout the town.
You can also find most types of yoga, including aerial yoga, Bikram yoga, and beach yoga. If you crave a real meditation escape, you can sign up for a multi-day program focusing on nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being, often located in picturesque mountain locations.
Over the decades, Marbella has become an international reference point of world-class tennis, with some of the sport’s biggest names such as Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka either owning homes or investing here. Wherever you are in Marbella, you will find plenty of quality tennis options around you – some of which are favourites of some of the world´s best who visit regularly to train, but below are some of the biggest names.
On the Golden Mile, Puente Romano Tennis Padel & Fitness Club with 10 courts, including 8 clay surfaces, offers professional coaching and hosts world-class events such as the Davis Cup, ATP Andalucía Open, and the Senior Masters Cup. Up the hill, Manolo Santana Racquets Club Tennis & Padel was founded by Spain´s first Wimbledon Champion, also offering excellent facilities.
Around Nueva Andalucía, you will find Tennis Brother and Aloha Golf clubs, and at least another four heading west around the Estepona area. Just east of Marbella town, you will find Los Monteros tennis club or Royal Tennis clubs (where local Malagueño star Antonio Banderas owns a home), also established clubs with world-class facilities – all offering private lessons and group classes for all ages and levels, as well as casual court hire.
Further east, we have the recently opened Rafael Nadal Tennis Center and academy next to the Don Carlos hotel on the beachfront in Elviria. The Spanish world champion has also recently invested in ventures, including the Tatel Marbella club in the old Villa Tiberio on the Golden Mile, and has now partnered with Sierra Blanca Estates to develop resort-concept beachfront branded residences in Estepona, demonstrating his commitment to the Marbella area.
If you haven’t heard of it, padel could be described as a mixture of Squash and Tennis. Padel courts are slightly smaller than tennis courts, and the ball can bounce off the back of the courts, making it a little easier than traditional tennis. Padel is very popular in Spain, so you will find many padel courts and facilities around Marbella.
Of course, there are plenty of football fields aroundMarbella, and unless it’s an official game, Spanish people will generally be happy for you to join in if you are just visiting. There are also some rugby fields and groups around that would be worth reaching out to if you’re staying more than a couple of weeks.
It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Marbella to Sierra Nevada, meaning you can do it in a (long) day. Relax on the beach one sunny winter day, and ski in short sleeves the next – another great thing about Marbella is its proximity to these beautiful ski fields.
Within a two-hour drive, you can explore places like the dramatic clifftop city of Ronda and the unique British territory of Gibraltar, famous for its Rock and resident monkeys. At the same time, the whitewashed charm of Mijas Pueblo is only 30 minutes from Marbella. Longer excursions to cities like Seville, Córdoba, and Granada offer deep cultural experiences, from Moorish palaces to flamenco and ancient mosques. And coastal towns like Estepona and Nerja provide a more relaxed alternative, with traditional Andalusian character and scenic beaches.
Families staying in Marbella have access to several well-maintained zoo and nature-focused attractions within a short drive. Selwo Aventura in Estepona offers a safari-style park experience where visitors can observe African animals in semi-natural habitats and participate in feeding sessions and adventure activities. Also nearby, Bioparc Fuengirola offers a more compact, shaded setting with immersive enclosures, daily shows, and an excellent playground—ideal for younger children.
If marine life interests you, at the bottom of Benalmadena you will find Selwo Marina, where dolphin and penguin shows add an aquatic element to the day. At the same time, Sealife Aquarium in Puerto Marina offers an indoor sea life experience with a rooftop café and mini-golf. Remember to plan on Google Maps before leaving because the road down to Benalmadena can get congested in summer.
For those intrigued by reptiles, the Crocodile Park in Torremolinos provides a unique educational experience with live demonstrations and hundreds of crocodiles. Other notable wildlife attractions include the Butterfly Park at the top of Benalmádena, a lush indoor conservatory where butterflies, birds, and insects fly freely around visitors.
Marbella’s warm climate and beachside setting make it ideal for water-based fun in summer. Aquamijas Water Park in nearby Fuengirola or Aqualand in Torremolinos are popular waterslide summer destinations. Open from June to September, they have pools, slides, and interactive areas for all ages.Note that they usually offer lower rates for afternoon arrivals.
For days when you need to escape the sun or find indoor entertainment for younger children, Marbella offers several engaging indoor play options. Known locally as parques de bolas, these soft play centres feature climbing mazes, ball pits, slides, and interactive zones designed for children to explore and play safely. Some facilities also include rock climbing walls, sports courts, or toddler-specific areas, making them versatile for various ages.
Taking it to the next level, you will also find dedicated indoor trampoline parks such as Bobby Jump in Marbella East and Costa Jump in San Pedro in the west that are great fun for most ages. Most have a dedicated section for the youngest kids, while adults can join in the older kids section if they desire.
Marbella offers an extraordinary lifestyle combining the best Mediterranean living with world-class amenities and endless activities. From championship golf courses to exclusive beach clubs, cultural treasures to outdoor adventures, the city provides experiences catering to every interest and age group.
Whether you’re considering making Marbella your permanent home, investing in a second residence, or simply exploring what makes this destination so special, the city’s incredible diversity of activities ensures that every day can bring discoveries and experiences. If you visiting, you may like to read about essential tips for visiting Marbella.
The lifestyle that these activities represent is precisely what makes Marbella properties so valuable and sought after. Living here means having access to some of the world’s best golf courses, beaches, restaurants, and cultural experiences right at your doorstep.
Ready to make Marbella your home? Contact MPDunne Properties to discover exclusive luxury properties in the heart of this Mediterranean paradise, where every day feels like a vacation.
Melinda Rendina Content Writer & Marketing Creator
Melinda is an experienced writer specialising in real estate, urban planning, lifestyle, architecture and design. A seasoned Marbella resident, she holds an Undergraduate Degree in Social Science with Honours in Politics, and a Masters degree in Urban Planning.
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