Marbella is two things at once: a whitewashed old town with orange trees around Plaza de los Naranjos, and a long strip of beach clubs, villas and golf courses running west towards Puerto Banús and San Pedro.
It has one of the largest foreign communities in Spain, many international schools and services in English, at the highest prices on the coast.
Climate: Mild, sunny winters and warm summers, sheltered by the Sierra Blanca mountains.
Visiting Marbella
How long: 2 days
Don’t miss
- Old town and Plaza de los Naranjos
- Paseo Marítimo seafront walk
- Puerto Banús
- Hiking La Concha mountain
- Day trips to Ronda and Gibraltar
What to eat
- Grilled fish at chiringuitos
- Ajoblanco
- Spanish and international fine dining
Tip: Without a car, choose somewhere near the main bus routes; the town is long and spread out.
Plan a visit
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A perfect first day
- Morning: coffee in the Plaza de los Naranjos in the old town.
- Afternoon: walk the seafront promenade towards Puerto Banús, stopping at a beach club.
- Evening: dinner back in the old town’s narrow streets.
Easy day trips
Where to stay as a visitor
For charm and restaurants.
For upmarket beach hotels.
For golf and Puerto Banús.
More of Marbella
Fiestas
Living in Marbella
Best for: Families wanting international schools, retirees and high earners.
Neighbourhoods and areas
Walkable and Spanish in feel.
Luxury villas and hotels.
Golf valley above Puerto Banús.
More local, family-friendly, good value by Marbella standards.
Pros
- English widely spoken
- International schools
- Great climate
Cons
- Expensive
- Car-dependent
- Busy and showy in summer
Cost tiers compare places within Spain (€ = among the cheapest, €€€€ = among the most expensive). Rents change quickly: check current listings for the exact area before you decide.
Thinking of moving?
Get your personal paperwork list for visas, NIE, padrón and more.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Marbella?
2 days is enough for the main sights: old town and plaza de los naranjos, paseo marítimo seafront walk, puerto banús. Without a car, choose somewhere near the main bus routes; the town is long and spread out.
Is Marbella expensive to live in?
On our scale it is very high (€€€€). It is among the most expensive places in Spain, mostly because of housing.
How do I get to Marbella?
By air: Málaga (AGP), about 45 minutes by car or bus. By rail: No train; buses to Málaga.
Have you been to Marbella?
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