It has much more to offer than just partying. Artists represented in the permanent collection include Goya, Picasso, Mir, and Dal. Art-lovers will want to make time for a stroll down the Avenida del Mar, a lovely pedestrian way that stretches from the Paseo Maritimo to Parque Alameda. At 200 metres its not the largest, but has been awarded the Blue Flag in 2016 and has an arc of sand washed by knee-high waters, great for the little guys to splash around to their hearts content. A one hour drive from Marbella, Gibraltar is a unique destination to visit its location, nature and fauna as well as multicultural influences. 
A nearby attraction for gourmands is the Restaurante Skina, a restaurant that holds two Michelin stars. The Playa Real de Zaragoza is a favorite beach known for its chiringuito (snack bars) and trendy restaurants. 
If youre looking for something, its very likely youll find it at La Caada. You can see street art and colourful cafes in many areas of the city.
Two important historic landmarks are found on the Plaza de los Naranjos. I loved walking around the old town! Taking advantage of the charming old-world ambience, two restaurants on the Plaza Altamirano have outdoor terrace seating. However, there is much more than Nikki Beach in Marbella. This lovely cobblestone square is filled with leafy palm trees and old-fashioned street lamps. Share the blog with them , Pin these things to do in Marbella for later, Top things to check before visiting Marbella and Costa del Sol. If you prefer a food tour, then you want to check this tapas and wine tour where youll be taken to two traditional tapas restaurants in the old town. There are 20 beaches along the front of Marbella, most with sand that has a darkish tint, and all are served with facilities like chiringuitos (beach bars). The quaint old buildings feature classic ironwork balconies and are trimmed with climbing plants and blossoming purple bougainvillea. The sanctuary boasts a Sol Mayor Organ, considered the finest type of modern organ built in Spain. Parque de la Represa is a beautiful urban park that used to divide the historic centre of the new district conjoined by the Malaga bridge. On two sides the park is also bounded by a balustrade, which only adds to the sense of refinement. Thank you. Between Puerto Bans and Marbella's Old Town, the Museo Ralli is a worthwhile excursion (about a 10-minute drive away). It would also be fun to stroll through the higher end shopping districts- Europeans have such a flair for style and I love even seeing what they wear!! Although it isnt a budget-friendly place, its a nice place to see the sunset and have a taste of this luxurious area in Marbella. I desperately want to visit now! Especially if you want to take photos, enjoy a meal or take it easy. If youre into Roman times and history, you definitely cant miss this place. Some of the best things you can do in Setenil include wandering its streets, visiting the Arab Castle, enjoying the views from different points across Setenil, visiting the churches, and of course, tasting the local food. Copyright 2022 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Marbella is a beautiful place. Skina has been winning acclaim since 2008 for its Andalusian-style cuisine with avant-garde inflections, while El Lago has a zero kilometre philosophy, with a menu with produce sourced in the Mlaga province.
You may have heard of Leeds, York or even Bradford because theyre the most popular. A historic church in the Old Town near the Murallas del Castillo, the Iglesia del Santo Cristo de la Veracruz was built in the 16th century as part of a Franciscan convent. I was pleasantly surprised when I visited Marbella with how many things there were to do besides visiting the beaches and partying. It has cosy facilities such as a communal swimming pool with a terrace and Andalusian-style patios. In Marbella's charming Old Town (Casco Antiguo), the Plaza de los Naranjos was built after the Christian Reconquest in the area that was a center of urban life. There are plenty of things to do in Costa del Sol. You dont need to visit a destination restaurant for a great meal though; in fact the most satisfying local dish is espetos, usually sardines skewered with bamboo and roasted over a wood fire on the beach. For anyone that prefers a tranquil and less crowded beach in Marbella, El Alicate is your best option. In the old town, youll also find many boutique and independent shops that are perfect to buy something unique or a souvenir. The reserve has a cable car to provide the best views, and is home to Europe's only wild monkeys, the Gibraltar apes. The collection hold some 4,000 engravings, etchings, aquatints, xylographs, lithographs and other pieces of graphic design by some of Spains most vaunted artists. Its a small beach with plenty of activities to do in case youd rather be doing something different than sunbathing. Ronda offers many activities to do in a day bird watching, visiting the Arabic Baths, strolling through the old and new town, exploring the Moorish Palace (La Casa del Rey Moro), and walking in El Tajo amongst other activities. All the public beaches have restroom facilities and lifeguards on duty during summer. Its a broad pedestrian avenue with palm trees, meticulously-trimmed hedges and several pieces of great public art. Id definitely want to check out the Roman ruins and the historic buildings! From Avenida del Mar, you can go down to the beach and continue a relaxing walk along the promenade. P.S. This charming town, located at the top of a mountain, is known for being the birthplace of bullfighting. 7 Places to Visit in Nottingham Is it worth visiting? It was built by Prince Salman of Saudi Arabia in 1981, and is a splendid example of contemporary Andalusian architecture inspired by the Moorish heritage. Next to La Alcazaba you can visit the Roman Theatre, and at the top of the hill is Gibralfaro viewpoint and Castle. The collection includes archeological discoveries found in the Marbella city center and its surroundings such as at the Alcazaba, Roman Baths, Ro Verde's Roman Villa, and the Vega del Mar Paleochristian Basilica.
On top of this, other reasons to visit this lovely park are the impressive fountain in the centre of the park, which has become a popular photo spot, and its benches made with beautiful tiles. The setting is delightful for al fresco dining, especially on balmy summer evenings. I love places that have a something for everybody vibe; especially when youre traveling with friends, some members of your group may be into beaches and relaxation while others are more into history. Some are wrapped in bougainvillea; in fact the whole area is bright with flowers. In this blog, Im going to tell you the best activities you can do in Marbella from a local perspective. I hope you have the chance to visit Southern Spain soon , Your email address will not be published. While away a few hours on the sandy beach or dress up for one of the posh restaurants here in evenings if you can book a table. Little wonder that celebrities and millionaires have been coming here for decades. The Pearl is beautifully decorated with unique pieces of contemporary work from around the world. This popular beach extends for 1,000 meters and has a promenade with restaurants and shops. After the guided tour and a glass of wine in a lovely restaurant that overlooks the bridge, we were given 3 hours to explore Ronda on our own. Built in the 16th-century by the Catholic Monarchs, the church stands on the site of the former Mosque of Marbella. Locals and tourists alike enjoy this refreshing oasis on warm sunny days, and it's a wonderful area for a leisurely stroll. Close to Puerto Bans, the Playa Alicante is a long stretch of sandy shore with beachside restaurants; beach chair and parasol rentals are also available. In the 1990s, the space was converted into a modern promenade but is still a popular place to visit for locals and visitors. If youre looking for a quiet and relaxing stay in Marbella, youll love this boutique bed and breakfast. This village is an hour and 25 minutes drive from Marbella, but you can also find tours from Costa del Sol to Setenil. Visiting Marbella Old Town is one of the best things to do in Marbella. Address: Puerto Jos Bans, Muelle de Honor, Marbella, Avenida del Mar and the Dali Statues | Herry Lawford / photo modified. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Casco Antiguo, the Plaza Altamirano captures the historic ambience of the Old Town. The Marbella Mosque was the first Mosque built since the Christian Reconquest of Spain in the 15th century. Entry to this small but exciting attraction is restricted to Thursday lunchtimes. The Plaza de los Naranjos blossoms with fragrant orange trees in springtime, reminiscent of the Moors' homeland in North Africa. This small, simple whitewashed church possesses a noteworthy contemporary sculpture of Saint James the Apostle. Anyone who loves learning about a place from a locals perspective or someone who has living in Marbella for a while can book a free walking tour in Marbella. The church is open to the public daily (free of charge) for cultural visits and prayer. If you appreciate the outside of this beautiful church, then youll love the inside with its religious statues and little coloured-painted windows near the roof. The paintings on display reflect the influence of the great European masters. For the inquisitive there are lots of little discoveries to be made around the resort, whether its the renaissance palaces in the old-town or the remnants of Roman villas hidden between the luxury developments. With hundreds of berths for yachts and other boats, Puerto Bans is considered the best yacht marina in Spain. Related blog post: 19 Beautiful and Secret Beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol. Bounty Beach best for a great atmosphere. A must-see attraction is La Alcazaba de Mlaga, this fortress-palace takes you back to the Moorish times in Andalusia. If Marbella draws comparisons with the French Riviera, its down to the boutiques, super yachts and luxury sports cars that meet your gaze everywhere you look in Puerto Bans. Marbella looks like an enchanting place to visit in Spain! Are you looking for the best accommodation in Costa del Sol. Goya, Picasso, Mir, Chillida and Dal all have works on show here. This ice cream shop has many delicious ice cream flavours from cookies and tiramisu to mango, fresh smoothies, crepes, waffles and other sweet treats. If you pool together with friends or family a yacht with captain is surprisingly inexpensive. Discover the highlights of this alluring seaside resort on Spain's southern coast with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Marbella. Such pretty pictures! The walk takes about four hours in all. To get from Marbella to Ronda, you can drive about an hour via A-397, or take an Avanza bus from Marbella bus station which can take up to two hours. You could set off for open sea or drop anchor at exclusive beach clubs where launches will even bring out your food and drinks. The only museum of its kind in Spain, the Spanish Contemporary Engravings Museum is devoted to the preservation and exhibition of contemporary engravings and Spanish graphic artwork from the 20th and 21st century. I love places that have a bit of everything, so it makes it easier to make everyone happy Marbella is definitely one of those. I went on this trip and it was totally worth it! Heres a shortlist of the best day trips from Marbella. Its an incredible place to visit as you can also contemplate outstanding views of Gibraltar, Africa and Spain. The beaches around Puerto Bans are equally chic, with beach clubs, sunbathing rentals, and seafront restaurants. This archaeological site just in from Guayaba Beach may look modest but it has vast historical significance, and objects recovered here have ended up at the National Museum of Archaeology in Madrid. Theres no doubt why many tourists keep coming back to Marbella whether its for its beautiful old town, delicious tapas, luxury shopping or nightlife. This tidy and fashionable town nestles along an idyllic portion of the Costa del Sol, with the Sierra Blanca mountain range as a backdrop. Love your photos. The museum occupies the Bazn Hospital, an elegant Renaissance Gothic-Mudjar building founded in the 16th century and registered as a protected historic monument. Below a thick canopy of tropical foliage are marble-paved walkways, fountains and benches where you can hide from the sun in the afternoon or sip a cup of coffee in the morning. If you want to go all-out try Los Naranjos or La Quinta Golf and Country Club. Just a few steps south of the old-town is a park that feels like a private garden. One of the picks is El Faro, on the west side of the port. However, if you dont have a car, you can also get to Malaga by coach, Avanza buses are comfortable, affordable and quick. Mlaga: Mlaga is among the loveliest of the Costa del Sol vacation spots and is one of the best beach destinations in Spain. Thank you for the great guide! Gibraltars most popular attraction is the Rock of Gibraltar, located in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve home to the cheeky macaques and St Michaels Cave. When you walk from Alameda Park, it gives you the feeling of walking in a small jungle. Apart from London, Manchester is one of the most well-known and visited cities in the UK. Its a very artistic city and youll realise that very soon. Filled with lush vegetation, leafy palms, and shady pine trees, the Paseo de La Alameda is a peaceful public park in the Old Town that joins the Alameda del Mar and the Paseo Martimo along the seafront. This renowned art museum is another top attraction in Marbella's Old Town. The town hall, also called the Casa Consistorial, was built in 1572 and enhanced in the 17th century. Under a permanent canopy lie the ruins of what must have been a stately Roman villa. These immense crenellated walls with two towers are the only relic of Muslim civilization in Marbella. A three minute walk from Marbella Old Town, the park is an escape from the lively atmosphere to a relaxing place. From the 90s onwards, the avenue changed to what its now. Saving your blog post. The park features a main promenade with marble walkways; decorative benches shaded beneath banana palms; and fountains, like the Fuente Virgen del Rocio, which was made in 1762. There are 32 within half an hour of the resort, including very posh, invitation-only clubs, plush resorts with eye-watering green fees and more affordable no-frills option that will suit novices and rusty players. A few kilometres east of old Marbella is the flashiest part of the resort. Marbella has a big reputation for luxurious parties and nightlife. The museum has an extensive collection of more than 4,000 artworks. Marbellas most worldwide famous port, Puerto Banus, is a must-see during your time in Marbella. In addition to that, the town is very close to other amazing places too. Not far from Plaza de los Naranjos, its Plaza de la Iglesia, a charming square with a fountain that has a cross, palm trees, a statue and La Encarnacin church on the side. Im always happy to help. This handsome walkway leads down from the Alameda Park to Playa de la Venus next to Marbellas marina. The church opening times vary from summer to the rest of the year. If youre a thrill-seeker youve got a couple of companies based around the marina providing jet-skis, parasailing, wake-boarding and white-knuckle powerboat rides. I am happy that it made it to your list! Villa Roman de Rio Verde is a villa complex situated a few meters away from Rio Verde in Marbella, between Puerto Banus and Marbella. Youll never have to go far; just past the western edge of the Marbella municipality is Estepona where theres El Padrn, with cafes, restaurants, the Puro Beach Club and a large shopping precinct close by. Its a good day trip if you dont have much time on Costa del Sol and dont want to miss the opportunity to see these incredible towns. I hope you visit it one day. Not only is the location excellent, but the hotel facilities and rooms will surprise you too! Its a picturesque place no matter which path you take. The shade from the plants and trees makes the place cool. Maybe youll want a change of scenery, or to find a less touristy place by the sea. The chapel of this church was built in the 15th century and expanded in the 18th century. Puerto Bans and its Waterfront Restaurants | Toms Fano / photo modified. , Thank you, Jan! I am glad that you have discovered a new place by reading the blog! The Ralli Museums boast one of the world's best collections of Latin American art. The houses area all arranged on corridor-like streets that emerge on little squares like Plaza de los Naranjos, where the squares restaurants place their seating in a small formal garden bordered by orange trees. Vacationers will enjoy exploring Marbella's town squares, historic landmarks, art museums, and boutiques to balance time spent sunbathing and relaxing at the beach. Before visiting Marbella, I was expecting to see a castle, however, nowadays youll only find the restored remaining walls of what used to be Marbella Castle. The best way to get to La Caada is by car, take AP-7 and exit 186 towards A-355 / Ojen / Marbella (East). Alternatively, you can get a bus to La Caada from the Marbella bus station. For Mediterranean glamour Marbella holds its own with the French Riviera and has all the things you want from a luxury beach destination: There are Michelin-starred restaurants, marinas filled with high-end yachts, golf courses, designer boutiques and a long chain of sandy beaches. Several of the specimens are olive trees, the oldest of which is an olea oleaster (wild olive) dating back 300 years. The pedestrian avenue is in an area where prominent residents once came to show off their decorated carriages. Paddleboarding has become more and more popular in Costa del Sol, and you can find very good tours and classes where youll learn stand-up paddleboarding. History-lovers will want to see the Roman amphitheater, old Moorish Castle, and the 13th-century Alcazaba. Yes, Marbella is definitely a place you dont want to miss in Costa del Sol. I love Andalusia too, and its great to hear youve added Marbella to your list . Marbella Castle is a historic landmark located in the Old Town. The group of orange trees is planted right in the middle of the square, providing welcome shade during summertime. Lifeguards are on duty at nearly all of them from Holy Week right the way through to the end of September. This beach also offers golden sand and crystal blue waters, which makes it a very special beach. I cant believe a lot of people only go there to party. Weve been only to Northern Spain, Barcelona and Madrid so far. Several restaurants have outdoor patio seating, arranged at the center of the square beneath the leafy trees. If you want to explore other towns near Marbella, have a look at this Costa del Sol itinerary. Its a great place to wander around and contemplate the different bronze sculptures by the artist Salvador Dal. Alternatively, Get Your Guide offers a great full-day tour to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas. Stylish restaurants and upscale boutiques line the waterfront. Gastronomy is one of the factors that pulls in the rich and famous, and in 2016 the resort had five Michelin stars to its name.
A nearby attraction for gourmands is the Restaurante Skina, a restaurant that holds two Michelin stars. The Playa Real de Zaragoza is a favorite beach known for its chiringuito (snack bars) and trendy restaurants. If youre looking for something, its very likely youll find it at La Caada. You can see street art and colourful cafes in many areas of the city. Two important historic landmarks are found on the Plaza de los Naranjos. I loved walking around the old town! Taking advantage of the charming old-world ambience, two restaurants on the Plaza Altamirano have outdoor terrace seating. However, there is much more than Nikki Beach in Marbella. This lovely cobblestone square is filled with leafy palm trees and old-fashioned street lamps. Share the blog with them , Pin these things to do in Marbella for later, Top things to check before visiting Marbella and Costa del Sol. If you prefer a food tour, then you want to check this tapas and wine tour where youll be taken to two traditional tapas restaurants in the old town. There are 20 beaches along the front of Marbella, most with sand that has a darkish tint, and all are served with facilities like chiringuitos (beach bars). The quaint old buildings feature classic ironwork balconies and are trimmed with climbing plants and blossoming purple bougainvillea. The sanctuary boasts a Sol Mayor Organ, considered the finest type of modern organ built in Spain. Parque de la Represa is a beautiful urban park that used to divide the historic centre of the new district conjoined by the Malaga bridge. On two sides the park is also bounded by a balustrade, which only adds to the sense of refinement. Thank you. Between Puerto Bans and Marbella's Old Town, the Museo Ralli is a worthwhile excursion (about a 10-minute drive away). It would also be fun to stroll through the higher end shopping districts- Europeans have such a flair for style and I love even seeing what they wear!! Although it isnt a budget-friendly place, its a nice place to see the sunset and have a taste of this luxurious area in Marbella. I desperately want to visit now! Especially if you want to take photos, enjoy a meal or take it easy. If youre into Roman times and history, you definitely cant miss this place. Some of the best things you can do in Setenil include wandering its streets, visiting the Arab Castle, enjoying the views from different points across Setenil, visiting the churches, and of course, tasting the local food. Copyright 2022 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Marbella is a beautiful place. Skina has been winning acclaim since 2008 for its Andalusian-style cuisine with avant-garde inflections, while El Lago has a zero kilometre philosophy, with a menu with produce sourced in the Mlaga province.
You may have heard of Leeds, York or even Bradford because theyre the most popular. A historic church in the Old Town near the Murallas del Castillo, the Iglesia del Santo Cristo de la Veracruz was built in the 16th century as part of a Franciscan convent. I was pleasantly surprised when I visited Marbella with how many things there were to do besides visiting the beaches and partying. It has cosy facilities such as a communal swimming pool with a terrace and Andalusian-style patios. In Marbella's charming Old Town (Casco Antiguo), the Plaza de los Naranjos was built after the Christian Reconquest in the area that was a center of urban life. There are plenty of things to do in Costa del Sol. You dont need to visit a destination restaurant for a great meal though; in fact the most satisfying local dish is espetos, usually sardines skewered with bamboo and roasted over a wood fire on the beach. For anyone that prefers a tranquil and less crowded beach in Marbella, El Alicate is your best option. In the old town, youll also find many boutique and independent shops that are perfect to buy something unique or a souvenir. The reserve has a cable car to provide the best views, and is home to Europe's only wild monkeys, the Gibraltar apes. The collection hold some 4,000 engravings, etchings, aquatints, xylographs, lithographs and other pieces of graphic design by some of Spains most vaunted artists. Its a small beach with plenty of activities to do in case youd rather be doing something different than sunbathing. Ronda offers many activities to do in a day bird watching, visiting the Arabic Baths, strolling through the old and new town, exploring the Moorish Palace (La Casa del Rey Moro), and walking in El Tajo amongst other activities. All the public beaches have restroom facilities and lifeguards on duty during summer. Its a broad pedestrian avenue with palm trees, meticulously-trimmed hedges and several pieces of great public art. Id definitely want to check out the Roman ruins and the historic buildings! From Avenida del Mar, you can go down to the beach and continue a relaxing walk along the promenade. P.S. This charming town, located at the top of a mountain, is known for being the birthplace of bullfighting. 7 Places to Visit in Nottingham Is it worth visiting? It was built by Prince Salman of Saudi Arabia in 1981, and is a splendid example of contemporary Andalusian architecture inspired by the Moorish heritage. Next to La Alcazaba you can visit the Roman Theatre, and at the top of the hill is Gibralfaro viewpoint and Castle. The collection includes archeological discoveries found in the Marbella city center and its surroundings such as at the Alcazaba, Roman Baths, Ro Verde's Roman Villa, and the Vega del Mar Paleochristian Basilica.
On top of this, other reasons to visit this lovely park are the impressive fountain in the centre of the park, which has become a popular photo spot, and its benches made with beautiful tiles. The setting is delightful for al fresco dining, especially on balmy summer evenings. I love places that have a something for everybody vibe; especially when youre traveling with friends, some members of your group may be into beaches and relaxation while others are more into history. Some are wrapped in bougainvillea; in fact the whole area is bright with flowers. In this blog, Im going to tell you the best activities you can do in Marbella from a local perspective. I hope you have the chance to visit Southern Spain soon , Your email address will not be published. While away a few hours on the sandy beach or dress up for one of the posh restaurants here in evenings if you can book a table. Little wonder that celebrities and millionaires have been coming here for decades. The Pearl is beautifully decorated with unique pieces of contemporary work from around the world. This popular beach extends for 1,000 meters and has a promenade with restaurants and shops. After the guided tour and a glass of wine in a lovely restaurant that overlooks the bridge, we were given 3 hours to explore Ronda on our own. Built in the 16th-century by the Catholic Monarchs, the church stands on the site of the former Mosque of Marbella. Locals and tourists alike enjoy this refreshing oasis on warm sunny days, and it's a wonderful area for a leisurely stroll. Close to Puerto Bans, the Playa Alicante is a long stretch of sandy shore with beachside restaurants; beach chair and parasol rentals are also available. In the 1990s, the space was converted into a modern promenade but is still a popular place to visit for locals and visitors. If youre looking for a quiet and relaxing stay in Marbella, youll love this boutique bed and breakfast. This village is an hour and 25 minutes drive from Marbella, but you can also find tours from Costa del Sol to Setenil. Visiting Marbella Old Town is one of the best things to do in Marbella. Address: Puerto Jos Bans, Muelle de Honor, Marbella, Avenida del Mar and the Dali Statues | Herry Lawford / photo modified. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Casco Antiguo, the Plaza Altamirano captures the historic ambience of the Old Town. The Marbella Mosque was the first Mosque built since the Christian Reconquest of Spain in the 15th century. Entry to this small but exciting attraction is restricted to Thursday lunchtimes. The Plaza de los Naranjos blossoms with fragrant orange trees in springtime, reminiscent of the Moors' homeland in North Africa. This small, simple whitewashed church possesses a noteworthy contemporary sculpture of Saint James the Apostle. Anyone who loves learning about a place from a locals perspective or someone who has living in Marbella for a while can book a free walking tour in Marbella. The church is open to the public daily (free of charge) for cultural visits and prayer. If you appreciate the outside of this beautiful church, then youll love the inside with its religious statues and little coloured-painted windows near the roof. The paintings on display reflect the influence of the great European masters. For the inquisitive there are lots of little discoveries to be made around the resort, whether its the renaissance palaces in the old-town or the remnants of Roman villas hidden between the luxury developments. With hundreds of berths for yachts and other boats, Puerto Bans is considered the best yacht marina in Spain. Related blog post: 19 Beautiful and Secret Beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol. Bounty Beach best for a great atmosphere. A must-see attraction is La Alcazaba de Mlaga, this fortress-palace takes you back to the Moorish times in Andalusia. If Marbella draws comparisons with the French Riviera, its down to the boutiques, super yachts and luxury sports cars that meet your gaze everywhere you look in Puerto Bans. Marbella looks like an enchanting place to visit in Spain! Are you looking for the best accommodation in Costa del Sol. Goya, Picasso, Mir, Chillida and Dal all have works on show here. This ice cream shop has many delicious ice cream flavours from cookies and tiramisu to mango, fresh smoothies, crepes, waffles and other sweet treats. If you pool together with friends or family a yacht with captain is surprisingly inexpensive. Discover the highlights of this alluring seaside resort on Spain's southern coast with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Marbella. Such pretty pictures! The walk takes about four hours in all. To get from Marbella to Ronda, you can drive about an hour via A-397, or take an Avanza bus from Marbella bus station which can take up to two hours. You could set off for open sea or drop anchor at exclusive beach clubs where launches will even bring out your food and drinks. The only museum of its kind in Spain, the Spanish Contemporary Engravings Museum is devoted to the preservation and exhibition of contemporary engravings and Spanish graphic artwork from the 20th and 21st century. I love places that have a bit of everything, so it makes it easier to make everyone happy Marbella is definitely one of those. I went on this trip and it was totally worth it! Heres a shortlist of the best day trips from Marbella. Its an incredible place to visit as you can also contemplate outstanding views of Gibraltar, Africa and Spain. The beaches around Puerto Bans are equally chic, with beach clubs, sunbathing rentals, and seafront restaurants. This archaeological site just in from Guayaba Beach may look modest but it has vast historical significance, and objects recovered here have ended up at the National Museum of Archaeology in Madrid. Theres no doubt why many tourists keep coming back to Marbella whether its for its beautiful old town, delicious tapas, luxury shopping or nightlife. This tidy and fashionable town nestles along an idyllic portion of the Costa del Sol, with the Sierra Blanca mountain range as a backdrop. Love your photos. The museum occupies the Bazn Hospital, an elegant Renaissance Gothic-Mudjar building founded in the 16th century and registered as a protected historic monument. Below a thick canopy of tropical foliage are marble-paved walkways, fountains and benches where you can hide from the sun in the afternoon or sip a cup of coffee in the morning. If you want to go all-out try Los Naranjos or La Quinta Golf and Country Club. Just a few steps south of the old-town is a park that feels like a private garden. One of the picks is El Faro, on the west side of the port. However, if you dont have a car, you can also get to Malaga by coach, Avanza buses are comfortable, affordable and quick. Mlaga: Mlaga is among the loveliest of the Costa del Sol vacation spots and is one of the best beach destinations in Spain. Thank you for the great guide! Gibraltars most popular attraction is the Rock of Gibraltar, located in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve home to the cheeky macaques and St Michaels Cave. When you walk from Alameda Park, it gives you the feeling of walking in a small jungle. Apart from London, Manchester is one of the most well-known and visited cities in the UK. Its a very artistic city and youll realise that very soon. Filled with lush vegetation, leafy palms, and shady pine trees, the Paseo de La Alameda is a peaceful public park in the Old Town that joins the Alameda del Mar and the Paseo Martimo along the seafront. This renowned art museum is another top attraction in Marbella's Old Town. The town hall, also called the Casa Consistorial, was built in 1572 and enhanced in the 17th century. Under a permanent canopy lie the ruins of what must have been a stately Roman villa. These immense crenellated walls with two towers are the only relic of Muslim civilization in Marbella. A three minute walk from Marbella Old Town, the park is an escape from the lively atmosphere to a relaxing place. From the 90s onwards, the avenue changed to what its now. Saving your blog post. The park features a main promenade with marble walkways; decorative benches shaded beneath banana palms; and fountains, like the Fuente Virgen del Rocio, which was made in 1762. There are 32 within half an hour of the resort, including very posh, invitation-only clubs, plush resorts with eye-watering green fees and more affordable no-frills option that will suit novices and rusty players. A few kilometres east of old Marbella is the flashiest part of the resort. Marbella has a big reputation for luxurious parties and nightlife. The museum has an extensive collection of more than 4,000 artworks. Marbellas most worldwide famous port, Puerto Banus, is a must-see during your time in Marbella. In addition to that, the town is very close to other amazing places too. Not far from Plaza de los Naranjos, its Plaza de la Iglesia, a charming square with a fountain that has a cross, palm trees, a statue and La Encarnacin church on the side. Im always happy to help. This handsome walkway leads down from the Alameda Park to Playa de la Venus next to Marbellas marina. The church opening times vary from summer to the rest of the year. If youre a thrill-seeker youve got a couple of companies based around the marina providing jet-skis, parasailing, wake-boarding and white-knuckle powerboat rides. I am happy that it made it to your list! Villa Roman de Rio Verde is a villa complex situated a few meters away from Rio Verde in Marbella, between Puerto Banus and Marbella. Youll never have to go far; just past the western edge of the Marbella municipality is Estepona where theres El Padrn, with cafes, restaurants, the Puro Beach Club and a large shopping precinct close by. Its a good day trip if you dont have much time on Costa del Sol and dont want to miss the opportunity to see these incredible towns. I hope you visit it one day. Not only is the location excellent, but the hotel facilities and rooms will surprise you too! Its a picturesque place no matter which path you take. The shade from the plants and trees makes the place cool. Maybe youll want a change of scenery, or to find a less touristy place by the sea. The chapel of this church was built in the 15th century and expanded in the 18th century. Puerto Bans and its Waterfront Restaurants | Toms Fano / photo modified. , Thank you, Jan! I am glad that you have discovered a new place by reading the blog! The Ralli Museums boast one of the world's best collections of Latin American art. The houses area all arranged on corridor-like streets that emerge on little squares like Plaza de los Naranjos, where the squares restaurants place their seating in a small formal garden bordered by orange trees. Vacationers will enjoy exploring Marbella's town squares, historic landmarks, art museums, and boutiques to balance time spent sunbathing and relaxing at the beach. Before visiting Marbella, I was expecting to see a castle, however, nowadays youll only find the restored remaining walls of what used to be Marbella Castle. The best way to get to La Caada is by car, take AP-7 and exit 186 towards A-355 / Ojen / Marbella (East). Alternatively, you can get a bus to La Caada from the Marbella bus station. For Mediterranean glamour Marbella holds its own with the French Riviera and has all the things you want from a luxury beach destination: There are Michelin-starred restaurants, marinas filled with high-end yachts, golf courses, designer boutiques and a long chain of sandy beaches. Several of the specimens are olive trees, the oldest of which is an olea oleaster (wild olive) dating back 300 years. The pedestrian avenue is in an area where prominent residents once came to show off their decorated carriages. Paddleboarding has become more and more popular in Costa del Sol, and you can find very good tours and classes where youll learn stand-up paddleboarding. History-lovers will want to see the Roman amphitheater, old Moorish Castle, and the 13th-century Alcazaba. Yes, Marbella is definitely a place you dont want to miss in Costa del Sol. I love Andalusia too, and its great to hear youve added Marbella to your list . Marbella Castle is a historic landmark located in the Old Town. The group of orange trees is planted right in the middle of the square, providing welcome shade during summertime. Lifeguards are on duty at nearly all of them from Holy Week right the way through to the end of September. This beach also offers golden sand and crystal blue waters, which makes it a very special beach. I cant believe a lot of people only go there to party. Weve been only to Northern Spain, Barcelona and Madrid so far. Several restaurants have outdoor patio seating, arranged at the center of the square beneath the leafy trees. If you want to explore other towns near Marbella, have a look at this Costa del Sol itinerary. Its a great place to wander around and contemplate the different bronze sculptures by the artist Salvador Dal. Alternatively, Get Your Guide offers a great full-day tour to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas. Stylish restaurants and upscale boutiques line the waterfront. Gastronomy is one of the factors that pulls in the rich and famous, and in 2016 the resort had five Michelin stars to its name.