Marbella is one of the most visited cities on the Costa del Sol. The city is mainly known for Puerto Banus, the large marina full of luxury yachts located outside the city. The area around Puerto Banus has perhaps the most extensive selection of bars, clubs, luxury hotels and restaurants on the entire Sol Coast. ( note, tips on cheap flights and hotels in Marbella at the bottom of the article).

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Marbella has long been famous for attracting wealthy visitors from all over the world - the jet set. In addition to exclusive restaurants and large luxury yachts in the harbor, there are also lots of fine golf courses around Marbella. Perhaps the most popular golf course is called Atalaya. Read our article on golf trips to Spain.

Marbella came into the world's focus again in August 2010 when President Obama Barack and his family spent their vacation in the city. It was hoped that this would lead to Marbella becoming as uniquely exclusive a jet-set destination as it was in the 60s when John F. Kennedy and famous Hollywood stars danced in the city's nightclubs (in 2023, Seven Nighclub is one of the trendiest clubs to visit) along with European royalty. Now it didn't quite turn out that way (the really big celebrities rather flock to Ibiza), but the city is still a haunt for international tourists with a lot of money. Already in June after the corona crisis, it is also clear that Marbella, like so many other municipalities on the Sunshine Coast, is gassing out of the crisis. They are thus building additional luxury hotels in Marbella, which will thus go from 8 luxury hotels to 12. Already with 8 five-star hotels, Marbella was the city with the most such hotels in Spain.

Here's what you need to know about what's happening in Marbella 2024:

• El Lebrillo : A new restaurant from star chef Dani García, opened in December 2023. The restaurant serves modern Spanish cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
• El Jardín de las Olivas : A new restaurant with a roof terrace overlooking Marbella Bay, opened in January 2024. Focus on modern European cuisine.
• El Jardín Botánico de Marbella : A new botanical garden with over 3000 different plant species has opened. The garden is on a slope overlooking the Bay of Marbella.
• Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo : A new museum of contemporary Spanish graphics, opened in January 2024. The museum is located in a beautiful historic building in the center of Marbella.
• Marbella Film Festival : An international film festival, held in Marbella from 25 to 29 April 2024. The festival shows a selection of new films from around the world.
• Marbella Horse Week : An international horse show, held in Marbella from 22 to 29 October 2024. The show showcases riding, dressage and other equestrian sports.

Guide to things to do and attractions in Marbella

People come here mostly to party, sunbathe and shop, and just feel good. Marbella is a very clean city and in 2019 it was found that no place in Andalusia with more than 100,000 inhabitants has cleaner air than Marbella. This is thanks to the location by the sea combined with the fact that there are many trees in the area. The city offers lots of water and beach activities, such as sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, beach volleyball, etc. Another experience industry that is very large in the area is various facilities that offer massages, beauty treatments and spas. In addition, there are activities such as horse riding, "laser war" (the new form of paintball), paragliding, etc.

One of Europe's best destinations for fishing trips

Recently, the area was also named one of Europe's "best fishing destinations" according to the world's largest site for booking fishing trips: FishingBooker. According to these experts, Marbella is an excellent destination for fishing trips (right on par with, for example, Dubrovnik and Santorini) thanks, among other things, to the rocky seabed providing an attractive environment for young fish (the rest of the Costa del Sol is, by comparison, very sandy). There are lots of options to choose from and you can rent fishing boats for 4, 5 or 8 hours for a relatively cheap price. Fish you can catch are, for example, tuna, sea bass and red snapper.

The Trenecito de Marbella is a popular tourist train that takes you sightseeing around the old town (casco Antiguo) of Marbella in about 25 minutes.

A big favorite for many tourists is to splurge and rent a dinner on one of the marinas' luxury boats that sail around the beautiful and sunny surroundings. while enjoying the good food. However, if you are going to book a trip with a real luxury yacht , you should book at least one day in advance. Sometimes several days before during high season.

A slightly cheaper but at least as pleasant excursion is to walk along the nice beach promenade from Marbella to the marina Puerto Banus.

Do you like wine? For a wine excursion in the Marbella area, most people recommend Vina & Bodega Remsamen. They go through the entire process of growing wine.

The city is not exactly known for having many museums, but the Galeria de Arte Alvaro Reja is highly recommended. Here you will find local and international works of art of a high international standard.

Incidentally, nightlife is most intense around Puerto Banus, with lots of nightclubs and casinos. This is also where you have the best chance of catching a glimpse of an international star. But here you can also see the backside of the city after midnight, with widespread prostitution and flocks of pickpockets.

Also see this totally renovated luxury house in Nueva Andalucia.

Marbella is becoming increasingly popular for filming

Marbella, along with Málaga and Nerja, has recently become a popular location for film production again. After a downturn during the pandemic, the Málaga region has rebounded strongly in the film industry. According to the Málaga Film Office and its partners in Andalusia, local production companies have been at the heart of this recovery, but the area has also attracted over 20 British and several German film projects.

Some films shot in Marbella over the years:

• Marigold Hotel (2015)
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
• James Bond: You Only Live Twice (1967

Eat in Marbella

There are restaurants for all budgets but a big favorite among the beautiful and rich is restaurant La Meridana on the Camino de la cruz. Here, Andalusian food is served in fine surroundings.

There are restaurants and tapas bars for all tastes and budgets (very varied, international selection). At the time of writing, there are 3 restaurants in the city that have received one or two stars in the Michelin guide. 1 star: Skina and El Lago (Elviria Hills), as well as Dani Garcia with 2 stars. Popular chain Hard Rock Hotel Marbella opens its doors in 2022, Puerto Banus.

The weather in Marbella

Thanks to the microclimate, the weather in Marbella is very pleasant. It rarely gets too hot during the summer, and during the winter months it is unusual for it to be below 10 degrees. Even the winter season can offer a lot of beautiful and sunny days. Marbella ranks high on the top list of Europe's best weather.

Shopping in Marbella 

If you like shopping , Marbella is the city for you. Here you can find everything from four flagship stores for major fashion brands, smaller specialty stores, markets, department stores and large modern shopping centers. We recommend that your shopping tour starts from the main shopping street Avenia Ricardo Soriano, which is full of exclusive shops.

The old town with all its small specialty shops, crafts and art is also well worth a visit. A large and good shopping center for fashion is Centro Comercial Canada, in central Marbella. Centro Comercial Marina Banus on Avenida Ramon Areces is also a really good "shopping mall".

Also, don't miss visiting the Saturday market in Puerto Banus, which in recent years has developed into a commercial meeting place similar to the trendy markets in cities such as Paris and London. The focus is on original products, and a large selection of interior design, clothing, etc.

If the accident is imminent - important phone numbers (for Swedes)

• The Swedish consulate is located in Malaga, more specifically at Calle Córdoba 6. Opening hours are normally 10am-1pm. Telephone number for the consulate: +34 952 604 383
• Embassy of Sweden in Madrid +34 917 02 20 00
• Should you happen to be involved in a crime, it is most appropriate that you visit the police station in Marbella. Of. Arias de Velasco, 25, 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain. Phone: +34 952 76 26 00
• The emergency number in Spain is the same as in Sweden: 112.
• If you need to contact the police by phone, call 091.
• The Swedish Church in Fuengirola is still active. Although so many people may not turn there when they encounter problems, it can still be good to know that they have an emergency telephone number: +34 675 945 929.

The housing market in Marbella

The price development has been enormous in recent years and despite the Corona crisis, prices have not decreased in Marbella. Rather the opposite. Many believe that prices are too high in Marbella in relation to other parts of the Sunshine Coast, while some believe that it is quite natural that prices are resilient in the area as investments in this area generate higher income. This is certainly true in terms of the luxury segment, but for those looking for a somewhat simpler apartment with 2 bedrooms, it should be borne in mind that the area is significantly more expensive than other places on the Sunshine Coast.

We have brokers on site in the Marbella area. We also collaborate with several companies in and around Marbella and can offer houses and apartments in Marbella in different price ranges. Right now we think the Nueva Andalucia area is the best value (most of the best has sold out in central Marbella). San Pedro is a very good area for those who want to buy an affordable home around Marbella. Here you will find promenades, cheap housing, 10-12 minutes promenade to Puerto Banus. Easy to get to and from the airport (compared to, for example, Estepona). 2 bedrooms, terrace, sea view, €300-500,000. It is close to everything so you don't need a car. In San Pedro there are also turnkey newly produced apartments.

Through our lawyers and contacts, we also find, on assignment, fine luxury villas and exclusive apartments in Marbella . Mail to info@spanskafastigheter.se

If you have any tips on what to visit or do when you are in Marbella, you are more than happy to share. Write your tip and expand this guide to Marbella in the comment field below!

Read also:

Find cheap hotels in, among other places, Marbella.

Fly to nearby Malaga.

The best car rental companies on the Sunshine Coast.

Collection article with newly built houses and apartments in and around Marbella.