If you’re coming to Marbella on holiday and want to make the most of your days, we’ll help you find activities that will give you unforgettable memories and experiences, while learning a little more about Andalusian culture and discovering incredible places you can’t miss.
Marbella is not just about luxury, beaches and sunbathing until you melt. It is much, much more and here we will try to open up the range of possibilities that this area has to offer and encourage you to try the best activities and experiences that Marbella and its surroundings have to offer.
Marbella, a multicultural paradise for all tastes
It must be said that Marbella is a privileged place, both for its mild climate throughout the year and for the opportunities to have a good time.
It is a cosmopolitan city like Barcelona (although much smaller), because the tourism it receives is very diverse, coming from all parts of the world without exception. But its diversity is not limited to tourists: Marbella is home to many families from all over the world who have settled in the area.
The cultural richness and colour of skin, eyes and hair is great and very motivating. Most people you meet will speak at least a couple of languages.
Although we usually associate Marbella with luxury (as it has the most exclusive villas, hotels, shops and nightclubs in the world), this beautiful coastal town also has large green areas, a picturesque historic centre with narrow, winding streets and ‘chiringuitos’ (beach bars) that represent the very essence of Andalusia.
However, Marbella’s diversity is not limited to the city and its beaches: in its surroundings we find incredible natural areas, where the mountains and rivers offer a wide variety of landscapes and activities to enjoy.
Below are some of the activities and places that we think you should not miss when visiting Marbella.
Visit the Old Town of Marbella: points of interest, where to have tapas and eat churros
One of the first things to include in your agenda of things to do in Marbella is a visit to the historic centre, a stroll through its streets and finally some tapas or the typical churros in some of its bars, taverns or restaurants.
You can do it in the morning and have lunch or in the afternoon and have dinner. It won’t take you long as the centre of Marbella is relatively small and easy to get around.
Our recommendation is to get lost in its streets without having a very clear plan. However, we will show you some strategic places in the historic centre so that you don’t miss anything:
- Plaza de los Naranjos: This is the main square in the centre that you are sure to come across during your visit. There is the Town Hall, and in the north-east corner there is a tourist information office where you can ask for a map and, if you wish, they will show you possible places to visit. In the square, you can relax and recharge your batteries with an orange juice or other natural drink from one of the many bars and stalls.
- Calle Ancha: Just behind the Plaza de Los Naranjos (to the north) you will find this beautiful street with old stately houses that leads to the Plaza Santo Cristo (a square with a lot of charm and substance, so don’t miss it). The most striking thing, apart from the old façades of the old houses, is the Hermitage of Santo Cristo de la Veracruz, which dates from the middle of the 16th century, you will love it. And if it’s time for tapas or a short break with a drink, coffee, delicatessen… you can sit in one of the charming rooms or on the terrace of the Casa Rosa Bistro. If, on the other hand, you have decided on a cultural evening, you can go to one of the best flamenco tablaos in Marbella: ‘Tablao de Ana María Los Chatos’.
- The Old Walls of Marbella: is one of the most striking icons of the centre of Marbella. They date back to the 10th century and are the remains of the old walls that protected the ancient city of Marbella. If you know how to recognise them, you can see other remains of walls in the corners of the streets and imagine how they surrounded and protected the city.
- Calle Misericordia and Calle Caridad: You can’t miss the eastern part of the city centre. If you enter through one of these narrow streets, you will discover the essence of the layout of the old Arab streets, narrow and winding, ideal for sheltering from the summer heat. These streets become wider, then narrower again, crossroads appear, they open up into small squares or larger spaces to seek shade. In this environment you will find many shops selling shoes, clothes, souvenirs, pottery, cafes and restaurants, where you can spend a pleasant morning looking for gifts that interest you.
To eat churros:
If you are not from here (Andalusia), we must tell you that churros are one of our favourite breakfasts (and sometimes meals, dinners…).
They are eaten on special occasions, parties, fairs or on Sundays when you feel like eating churros con chocolate (yes, we usually eat them with a glass of hot chocolate). Churros are made from a dough of flour, water, salt and oil, which is fried in a large pot of hot oil.
In Andalusia, the dough is put into a churrera, a machine that forms the dough into a tube and draws a spiral in the oil. Here they are made in the shape of a spiral and then cut into pieces. In other communities they are made in the shape of a bow. Personally, I like the spiral shape much better. You can order for 1, 2, 3 or more people… It is quite oily but very tasty.
The best places to eat churros in Marbella are:
- Churrería Marbella in the Plaza de la Victoria, tel. +34659069042
- Generalife Churreria on Avenida de Nabeul, tel. +34692225386
I would recommend booking in advance, especially if it is a weekend or public holiday, as the last time I went there was quite a queue at these places!
Canyoning in Marbella
This activity is the hidden gem around Marbella. Located just 20-25 minutes by car from the centre of Marbella, in the town of Benahavís, a beautiful gastronomic town to visit and where you can eat after canyoning.
And what is canyoning? It is an adventure activity that takes place in a canyon created by the erosion of a river, a spectacular natural environment. In addition to swimming in the river, walking and climbing small obstacles, you have to practise two techniques that are very characteristic of this sport: abseiling and jumping. Sometimes the waterfalls form slides and you can “slide”. In this gorge there are several jumps of up to 6 metres, a 2-metre slide and a 5-metre abseil, all in an incredible setting.
You can enjoy this experience all year round and it is suitable for both adrenaline junkies and families with children from 7 years old (depending on the season).
The tour lasts 3 hours and is adapted to your abilities.
Summer is the most popular time, due to the influx of tourists and the desire to cool off on the hottest days.
Fun is 200% guaranteed.
Book Canyoning
Book a Night at a Flamenco Tablao
We are in the heart of Andalusia, and flamenco is one of the pulses that makes our culture beat, both the music and the dance, and the creative accompaniment of the clapping. In November 2010, it was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Here are the best flamenco “tablaos” in Marbella and the surrounding area where you can enjoy this show to the full:
- Tablao Flamenco in Marbella: You have several flamenco tablaos in Marbella where you can spend an evening with your partner or your family, surprising yourself with beauty and strength of live flamenco.
Here we give you several options: -
- ‘Tablao by Ana María Los Chatos’ in Santo Cristo Square (tel. +34 667 38 49 46).
- ‘El Tablón Bullfighting Tavern on Severo Ochoa street nº7 (tel. +34 673 60 45 20).
- ‘Passion : The story of Flamenco’ on Camilo Jose Cela street nº12 (tel. +34 617 50 31 26) https://flamencocostadelsol.com/
- Tablao Flamenco in Ronda: In Ronda you also have the opportunity to discover and enjoy authentic flamenco and also take the opportunity to make an incredible visit, since this is one of the cities with the most historical and cultural wealth.
The Tablao Flamenco Ronda offers you this opportunity in the central courtyard of a magnificent modernist building in the Plaza del Socorro, very close to the bullring.
Their schedules are every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Call the phone. +34 617 78 31 44 or reservation at: https://rondaflamenca.com
The Best Via Ferratas near Marbella
The entire province of Málaga is very mountainous and the Via Ferrata is one of the many attractions for adventurers and nature lovers. There are numerous via ferratas in Malaga, each with its own charm, whether due to its location or its design.
Via ferratas are routes drawn on rock faces and cliffs, equipped with clamps (U-shaped metal steps), dams, handrails, chains, hanging bridges, zip-lines and much more. These elements make it easier to move around in inaccessible areas and to enjoy the excitement and adventure of an aerial tour.
Safety is guaranteed by a steel cable installed along the entire route, to which you attach yourself with a harness equipped with a shock-absorbing system and special carabiners for this activity.
There are via ferrata routes for beginners and others that require more experience or physical ability. There are around 10 via ferrata routes within an hour’s drive from the centre of Marbella. The most popular, versatile and the ones we recommend are:
- For beginners: The via ferrata of the Tajo de Ronda, is a magnificent via ferrata that offers you truly unique views of the Tajo de Ronda and its ‘New Bridge’ (new since 1759…). If you are with your family and want to surprise them with a great experience, you can do this via ferrata with children from 7 years old.
- Medium level: We recommend the Casares via ferrata. It is about 35 minutes from Marbella and has several “monkey bridges” and a few drops that will get your adrenaline pumping. This experience is suitable for children over 155cm tall.
- Medium-high level: The El Chorro via ferrata is without doubt the most spectacular of all the via ferratas in Málaga. Located next to El Caminito del Rey, it offers around 600 metres of route, a 200 metre difference in altitude and, in addition to the monkey bridges, a 35 metre zip line 100 metres above the valley floor.
If you are interested in knowing more, we list other via ferratas such as Gaucín via ferrata, with a 35-metre cableway; the via ferratas of Benalauría and Benadalid, impressive for the views of the valley and the crack in the rock through which part of it passes; the via ferrata of El Hacho (in Gaucín), very complete, long and little used; the via ferrata of Montejaque, also very interesting; and the children’s via ferrata in Benaojan.
La Concha Mountain (Sierra Blanca)
The La Concha mountain, so characteristic of the city’s publicity photos, is the one that Marbella is depicted against, and it provides one of the mildest climates on the Costa del Sol.
Not only does it act as a windbreak, protecting us from storms, but it is also a place of protected natural spaces of great beauty and unparalleled environmental value.
It is crossed by an extensive network of footpaths (around 30 routes), both on its slopes and in the upper part (Juanar area), linking the towns of Marbella, Istán, Ojén and Monda, which surround it on four sides.
The most famous routes in its foothills are the ‘Camino del Faro’ and the ‘Ruta de los monjes’. Also the one that links the area of ‘Puerto Rico’ (after the cemetery area of Marbella) to the cross of Juanar.
In the area of Juanar (Ojén), the two viewpoints and their woods offer very pleasant walks, both in winter and in summer, in the shade of different types of trees. This is the route I would recommend for families with young children: easy, but of great beauty and botanical richness, where children can play, run, build huts with branches and fill their pockets with pine cones and other treasures to collect.
There are many, many other options in the Sierra Blanca, although I would recommend a guide or local hiker to help you find your way, combine one route with another and get the most out of your visit.
If you would like to know more about climbing La Concha and the different routes and paths you can take in its vicinity, visit our blog “Hiking to La Concha peak (Sierra Blanca) and tour of the Juanar forests”.
Remember that this mountain can surprise you with adverse weather (very hot in the summer months), so always bring plenty of water, as well as low clouds that can make you extremely disorientated in colder times. Be careful, even if it seems easy at first glance.
The most charming ‘Pueblos Blancos’ (white villages) around Marbella
It’s time to get out of the coastal cities and visit the interior!
Andalusia is spectacular and you will find its purest and most authentic essence hidden behind the first line of coastal mountains. We encourage you to leave the comfort of your beach hotel, head uphill and follow the beautiful curves of the mountain roads that run along the coast.
What are the ‘Pueblos Blancos’ (white villages)?
The Pueblos Blancos (white villages) of Andalusia take their name from the characteristic white colour of the houses, which are painted with lime. This helps to reflect sunlight and reduce heat inside the houses. Lime is also a powerful antibacterial and anti-allergic agent, which is why it is customary in Andalusia to paint the houses with lime every year.
Most of these white towns are nestled between the mountains, and are reached by winding (and sometimes dizzying) roads.
In these towns you will find narrow and winding streets, houses and ancient buildings and remains of different cultures and eras: medieval castles and walls, Arab buildings, Roman remains and even prehistoric objects.
On many occasions you will cross rivers or streams, where ditches start that irrigate the whole network of orchards, fields and fruit trees. You will also come across many livestock areas where herds of goats graze, but you will also see sheep, horses, mules, cows and bulls scattered throughout the countryside.
Finally, and most importantly (at least for me), you will find a very varied gastronomic offer: from traditional local taverns (each town usually has its typical dish) to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Below we recommend some towns to visit from Marbella if you have a morning or even a whole day free.
Of course, to visit the Pueblos Blancos you will need to have your own vehicle or hire a guide who can take you to the places of interest. If you like motorcycles or mountain bikes, it may be a good idea to visit these mountain towns on one of these vehicles, as they are very popular here and you will see many of them on the roads.
The white towns near Marbella that you should visit:
- Istán, the white city of water
Visit this mountain town and its orchards in the morning or afternoon and enjoy its cuisine in the main square.
It is only 25 minutes from Marbella and has stunning views of the coast. In its northern part it has beautiful terraced crops, fed by Moorish irrigation ditches, a must see along with the town’s many fountains. And the source of its Molino river (in the upper part of the town) is an essential stop on your visit.In the main square, where the church of San Miguel stands, there are several places where you can try very special dishes and delicious tapas.If you are interested in a guided tour of this town, contact us. We also offer ebike tours from Istán to the town of Monda through the Sierra de las Nieves National Park and around the Sierra Blanca mountain.
- Benahavís, gastronomic village
This town, very close to the coast and Marbella, is also a place to visit in a short time if you do not have time for a 1 day trip. You can plan several activities before going out for lunch or dinner in some of its many restaurants.The town of Benahavis is just 20 minutes from the centre of Marbella and is accessed through a narrow, beautiful and unique canyon that opens up to the town built on the side of a mountain.Its gastronomy is known throughout the coast and is the reason why many tourists and locals come to visit it.If you like hiking, from the town you can go up to the archaeological remains of the Montemayor castle, from where you can enjoy impressive views. Another good option is to follow the marked path of the old irrigation channels that border the Guadalmina River, starting from the car park at the Virgen del Rocío hermitage.And if you are feeling adventurous, we recommend the Guadalmina Canyon, located just outside the village and described at the beginning of this article. It is one of the best activities you can do in the entire coastal area.
- Ronda, the old one
From our point of view, it is the most beautiful city in southern Andalusia, without diminishing or belittling the others.It has a great cultural wealth, a very special geography and relief, a high level of urban beauty, incredible views from its platform, an incomparable Tajo (gorge), World Heritage monuments such as the Puente Nuevo, the Walls, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento or the first bullring in the world.This is where the history of the “bandoleros” was born, where many cultures have passed through and left their mark on the buildings and monuments, where you will find a great culture… Seriously, you can’t miss it if you want to take a little piece of Andalusia home with you in your memory and in your heart.If you want to combine it with a family activity, you can do the Tajo de Ronda via ferrata, which is relatively easy but spectacular, as it will give you the best views of the Tagus and the New Bridge, as well as the most aerial sensations of this place.
- Mijas Pueblo, known for its donkey rides
This town is located between Malaga and Marbella, at the foot of the Sierra de Mijas. It is a small town, very beautiful, with unique streets, enormous panoramic views of the coast and quite touristy. If you’re in the area, a short visit won’t hurt, although if you’re looking for less crowded places, it’s better to choose another option from those we’ve provided.The main attraction of Mijas is the donkey rides and the shopping in its streets, especially the wide range and variety of leather goods.There are also good walking routes through the Sierra de Mijas or MTB linking the town with the coast.
- Tour of White Towns: Sierra Bermeja + Genalguacil + Gaucín + El Colmenar de la Frontera.
If you are looking for the authenticity of our culture and unfrequented but incredible places, we recommend this itinerary, which passes through several white villages relatively close to each other.
You can find all the information and advice on this route in our blog “Tour of the most beautiful white villages near Marbella”.
But here is a little summary:- Sierra Bermeja, enjoy some incredible views from the Carlos Martínez Haro viewpoint at 1268 metres above sea level.
- Visit the artistic town of Genaguacil, in the heart of the Genal Valley, a town full of statues and artistic expression in every corner of its streets.
- Stop off in the town of Gaucín and visit the castle of Águila (mainly tomorrow).
- Go deeper into Málaga and visit the town of El Colmenar de la Frontera, in the Genal Valley. Take a refreshing dip in the Guadiaro River and eat something divine at the Flores Bar.
Marbella sea sports
In Marbella, as in most famous coastal destinations, we have a wide range of water sports and activities. Among them we would like to highlight the first 3:
- Kayak in the Puerto Banus area
- Jet skis both in guided tours and on a circuit
- Private boat tours. Here you have multiple companies and options both licensed and unlicensed.
Other water activities: - Different attractions/inflatable parks on the beaches of Duque (Pto Banus) or on San Pedro beach (these are only installed in high season, approximately from June 15 to September 15)
- Waterski, Wakeboard or Banana Boat (you will find both in the port of Marbella and Puerto Banus)
- Surf (when the wind blows properly on Cabo Pino beach with the Nalusur company)
- Paddle surf / Stand Up Paddle (in the Marbella marina with Nalusur)
- Catamaran excursions (Fly Blue Marbella)
- Dolphin sighting Royal catamaran
- Diving and snorkeling (Simply Diving Marbella)
- Flyboard (https://flyboardmarbella.com)
- Parasailing (Pirate Parasailing Puerto Banus)
- Sailing (in the Marbella marina with Nalusur)
Cable-ski in San Pedro de Alcántara
This is a good alternative to sea sports when the sea is rough or if you want to practice kitesurfing or wakeboarding at an affordable price.
The centre also has a brunch area, drinks and a very tasty restaurant and a small pool if your partner or children do not want to practice with you.
It has a great tariff table where you can choose to buy tickets for 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 laps that you can use throughout the season, or you can choose to buy a half day or full day ticket. There are also annual and weekly bonuses to suit all tastes.
You don’t need to book in advance.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/c8a1yQMGT3T6J1Jj6
Marbella Fair, San Pedro de Alcántara Fair and other Fairs
The Costa del Sol in Andalusia is famous for its vibrant ferias (fairs), which combine tradition, music, culture and entertainment. If you have never been to one, we strongly recommend that you experience one, you will love it.
Each city has its own fair, dedicated to a saint or a virgin, and each fair is held on specific dates (so there are hundreds of fairs). The first is held in Seville at the beginning of May and the last in San Pedro de Alcántara on 19 October. They are usually celebrated from Sunday to Sunday, but there are two or three days when the city is completely immersed in the fair, from midday to evening (usually from Thursday to Sunday).
The daytime fair is all about eating in stalls, restaurants or on the streets, listening to music and dancing if you feel like it, whether it is ‘sevilliana’ or any other kind of music. You can also see the floats and parades, games and activities for children, watch the horses and their riders, eat and drink…
In the evening, the night fair begins, with musical groups playing at the main fair stands and the attractions open (usually from 17:00 so that the children can enjoy them), the sweets and nougat stands and the old fair games (darts, archery, duck hunting, marksmanship, games of chance and lottery…).
Of course, you cannot miss the typical fairground rides (or ‘cacharritos’ in Andalusian): the Big wheel, the roller coaster, the bumper cars, the haunted house…
Finally, you can eat churros, freshly fried potatoes, fried potatoes, grilled meat and octopus. To eat typical dishes such as paellas, meat in sauce, oxtail… it is better to go to the street stalls at lunchtime.
Here we list some of the fairs that you cannot miss in 2025:
- Marbella Fair: From June 5 to 11.
- Estepona Fair: From July 1 to 6.
- Malaga Fair: From August 16 to 23.
- Benahavís Fair: Around August 15.
- San Pedro de Alcántara Fair: Around October 19.
Each of these fairs has its own charm, but they all share the festive essence and warmth of the Costa del Sol, making them an unforgettable experience for any visitor.
Conclusion
Marbella and the surrounding area offer much more than a sun-drenched escape. From the charming labyrinthine streets of the old town, where tapas and churros offer a taste of authentic Andalusian life, to the exhilarating thrills of canyoning and via ferratas, there’s an adventure to suit every taste.
Whether you’re drawn to the cultural richness of a flamenco tablao, the scenic hikes of La Concha or the picturesque beauty of the ‘Pueblos Blancos’ that dot the landscape, you’ll find a wealth of experiences to enrich your holiday. Not to mention the range of water sports and the lively local fiestas that add a vibrant touch to the region’s appeal.
So when you’re planning your trip, remember that Marbella is a treasure trove of activities that promise a truly memorable and diverse Andalusian experience that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
We look forward to your visit!
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