Planning a trip to Marbella? Discover practical insider tips on when to visit, where to stay, how to get around, local customs and how to make the most of your time on the coast. Whether for a weekend or a longer stay, this advice will make your trip smoother and help you experience the best of Marbella like a local.
Marbella’s charm lies not just in its sunshine and scenery but in how seamlessly it balances beach life with sophistication. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or exploring the area before renting, these insider tips will help you travel and live smarter.
Marbella continues to be one of southern Europe’s most sought-after destinations – whether you’re visiting for a short break, planning an extended stay, or exploring the idea of moving here. With its Mediterranean climate, refined hospitality, and a blend of beach life and mountain views, it offers something for every kind of traveller.
If you’re thinking of finding a rental property in Marbella or just want to get to know the area better before making any big decisions, this guide covers practical tips, including the best times to visit Marbella, how to get around, and where to stay.
From hanging at Marbella beach clubs to enjoying the mountain escapes and charming Andalusian culture, Marbella offers a unique blend of Mediterranean lifestyle, natural beauty, and refined living, making it one of the most appealing destinations in southern Europe. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s ideal for year-round visits – whether you’re here for a beach holiday, golf getaway to enjoy one of Marbella’s world-class golf courses, or to explore the local food and culture.
From the historic charm of the Old Town to the elegant beach clubs of Marbella Golden Mile and the panoramic hiking trails above the coast, Marbella combines leisure, nature, and luxury in a way that few places can. Add to that world-class restaurants, international schools, and charming tradition and relaxed way of life, and it’s easy to see why so many visitors end up staying longer than planned.
The question is, what can´t you do in Marbella. Take a look at our list of 40 activities to do in Marbella to help you make the most of your time in Marbella.
Spring is widely considered one of the most pleasant times to visit Marbella. With daytime temperatures between 18°C to 24°C, fewer crowds and colourful blooming streetscapes, it’s ideal for outdoor pursuits like hiking, beach walks, and day trips inland. Hotels, flights, and Marbella rental properties are also more affordable during this shoulder season. If you’re visiting to scout properties or check out schools, this is a smart time to come.
If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, long beach days, and buzzing social events, then summer is the peak season and ideal time to visit. Expect highs of 30°C and above, sunset around 10 pm, and beach clubs, concerts, and festivals in full swing. It’s the most expensive time to visit, but also the most energetic.
Temperatures start to dip slightly, but it’s still warm enough for swimming through to October. In autumn, the beaches quiet down, and the surrounding hills and golf courses become more enjoyable to explore. If you’re visiting to find a Marbella property for sale, this is a great time to come as prices start to dip towards the end of the year.
While quieter, winter in Marbella is far from bleak. With average highs around 16°C, many visitors from northern Europe choose this season to escape the cold and enjoy the sun. Some beachfront chiringuitos remain open, and local life continues at a slower, more relaxed pace. This season is also a good opportunity to explore to buy or rent property in time for summer, and Christmas events around the old town and throughout the coast keep the atmosphere festive.
Marbella offers a wide range of accommodation including wonderful holiday rentals and some of the regions most luxury hotels.
Many smart visitors are now opting for holiday rentals as a way to experience the region with greater comfort, privacy, and connection to the local lifestyle. Staying in a private villa or apartment offers a more flexible pace – whether you’re travelling with family, working remotely, or simply looking for more space than a hotel can offer.
Many properties come with private pools, garden terraces, and open views of the golf courses, mountains, or the Mediterranean Sea. It’s an opportunity to step into the rhythm of everyday life here: coffee on the terrace, sun-drenched afternoons by the pool, evening walks to beachside restaurants, and the feeling of home – just with all the benefits of Marbella at hand.
If you’re looking to stay a little longer or enjoy a more relaxed, self-contained holiday, take a look at our curated selection of Marbella holiday rentals.
That said, luxury hotels in Marbella still have their place – particularly for short stays, events, or guests who value hotel-style service. If you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a wedding, or simply prefer having concierge services, daily housekeeping, on-site restaurants, and spa facilities at your fingertips, then a hotel like Marbella Club, Puente Romano, or Nobu Hotel may be ideal. These hotels also offer unbeatable locations right in the heart of the Golden Mile, where everything is within walking distance – perfect for those who want a high-end, convenience-focused experience without the need for a car.
There are also an excellent range of five-star beachfront hotels just outside of the Golden Mile, including Amaré adults only on the paseo maritimo in the town centre, Iberostar in Coral Beach, Gran Hotel Guadalpín in Puerto Banus, and then many set wonderful hotels set back from the beach like Hardrock in Puerto Banus, Don Carlos and The Marriot in Marbella East. If luxury hotels are your thing, or even if you prefer something more modest, you will find no shortage in the Marbella area.
Each neighbourhood offers its own character, lifestyle, and advantages. Choosing the right area depends on what kind of experience you’re after:
The Golden Mile – Close to the action yet peaceful and refined. Ideal for those who want to walk to Marbella Club, Puente Romano, beach clubs, and fine dining. Rental properties in the Golden Mile are a favourite for short stays with a luxurious feel.
Puerto Banús – For travellers who want to be in the heart of Marbella’s late-night scene, luxury shopping, and marina lifestyle, rental properties in Puerto Banus are ideal. The energy here is high, especially in summer and you have everything you need just outside your door.
Nueva Andalucía – A residential area just inland from Puerto Banús, popular for its chic villas, wonderful golf courses, and quiet leafy streets. Great for families and those looking for a stylish villa-based stay with easy access to the nightlife, rental properties in Nueva Andalucía are a popular choice for a vibrant stay close to Marbella´s popular amenities.
Marbella East – Known for its relaxed atmosphere and some of the finest beaches on the Costa del Sol; rental properties in East Marbella are ideal for those seeking a quieter coastal stay, often in low-rise communities or beachside villas close to the town centre, children’s activities and relaxed restaurant areas.
Sierra Blanca – Set on the hillside just above Marbella, this is a prestigious, semi-gated patrolled area with panoramic views, modern architecture, and a peaceful setting. Located on the Golden Mile, you’re still just minutes from the town centre, Sierra Blanca rental properties offer all the benefits of an exclusive villa lifestyle in Marbella.
Benahavís – A short drive inland, Benahavís area appeals to those seeking a luxury villa lifestyle in a tranquil mountain setting, often with sweeping views, large plots, and proximity to golf and gourmet restaurants, a little further from the beach and amenities of the Golden Mile. Learn more in our full Benahavís lifestyle guide.
Marbella´s nearest airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, about 35–40 minutes by car, although Gilbraltar Airport is also around one hour drive. You can even arrive by helicopter direct to La Zagaleta or just west of Sierra Blanca.
The best way to get around Marbella is by car, so rental car is probably the best option if you want freedom to enjoy the beauty and surrounds of Marbella in comfort throughout your stay. It is best to book your car rental beforehand- the main names will be located within the airport but there are plenty of newer car hire companies that offer cheaper rates and shuttle services to their offices in the nearby polygono industrial area. In Marbella you will find only a couple of well-known car rental offices in the town centre and Puerto Banus.
Advanza runs regular buses to and from Marbella Bus Station, including from Málaga centre, Málaga Costa del Sol airport and other surrounding towns. Local buses sometimes make many stops, so it is best to book direct trips beforehand, especially in summer peak season.
You can also take a taxi to Marbella from the airport, with some car companies offering fixed rates around 60 or 70 euros. While there is no direct train to Marbella, you can take a train from Málaga or the Costa del Sol Airport to Fuengirola, and continue by taxi or bus.
Once you are in Marbella, it is easy to find your way around – especially if you have a car.
The Marbella Old Town and beachfront areas are very pedestrian-friendly- and once you are the beach you can walk until your heart´s content to find the right beach, ice-cream, retail or chiringuito for you. The beachside prominades are perfect for getting around on your bike or skate of choice, and you will find plenty of places to rent bikes or hover boards on the central Marbella paseo maritimo.
The A7 does tend to get congested in August and around then, so you want to avoid too much travelling east or west along the main highway in the middle of summer, especially between mid and late afternoon. The A7 stretch of road is notorious for suddenly stopping (and then speeding up again), so make sure you stay alert.
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt operate in Marbella and are often cheaper than traditional taxis and there are plenty around so are also great option.
There are regular local bus services running from around Marbella to the town centre, La Cañada and bus station – just check on Google Maps for routes, stops and times. For local buses, you can purchase a bonobus multi-trip card at the bus station, or buy a single ticket on the bus with cash, but make sure you carry a €10 note or smaller
If you have a car you can easily drive to the town centre, but you will probably have to pay for parking in a private underground parking, such as Avenida del Mar on the paseo maritimo or in the Marbella municipal markets. However in the Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella East and surrounds, you can often find street parking by driving around side streets and looking – just note that blue line is paid, white line is free, and yellow line is prohibited to park. In some places you will find dirt car parks with an attendant wearing a bright yellow vest. These are volunteers, and it´s optional to give them a little tip but they are always appreciative – so anything you would like to give is fine, even just a coin or two.
Marbella is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), shifting to CEST in summer, making it the same timezone as Madrid, and one hour in front of the UK.
Spanish is the official language in Andalusia, but English is very commonly spoken in service industries on the Costa del Sol and many expats live here for decades without ever learning Spanish. In fact, many locals will ask if you prefer English or Spanish before starting to talk to you- or just speak English directly.
As in most of Europe, the Euro (€) is the local currency in Marbella and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Having said that, it´s good practice to always carry a little cash and change, since many places have a minimum card spend, and some kiosks or little shops will only accept cash.
Eating of all meals tends to happen quite late in Marbella and the Costa del Sol in comparison to other places in the world. Breakfast places are usually only open from 9 am, and lunch tends to be between 1 pm and 4 pm. Dinner starts late in Marbella, you can usually eat between around 7.30 pm and 10.30 pm, although some tourist areas will serve earlier.
Tipping is optional in Marbella, but tips are always appreciated of course, and 5–10% is a general guide for good service.
Many smaller shops close between 2 pm–4 pm for siesta, although this is less common in tourist-heavy zones especially in the peak summer season.
Smart casual dress is generally appropriate everywhere anytime, including for restaurants and nightlife venues, but it´s always wise to check ahead of time for the most high end places.
A friendly “Hola” and a smile go a long way when entering shops or restaurants. Spanish will often say “Buenas dias” in mornings, “Buenas tardes” in the afternoon, “Buenas noches” in the evenings, or simply “Buenas, qué tal”, which is “Hi, how´s it going”. A simple “Buenaaaaas” is a sufficient response to all these greetings, or just speak in English.
Marbella offers far more than a beach escape – it’s a destination with cultural depth, modern comforts, and exceptional quality of life. Whether you’re planning a holiday, an extended stay, or even considering buying property in Marbella, taking the time to understand local customs, seasonal patterns, and the best areas to stay will ensure a better experience.
If you are coming to Marbella, MPDunne are here for your real estate needs, whether it be help with Marbella rentals, exploring the market or finding you a home or investment in this wonderful part of the world.
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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