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Marbella © Spanish National Tourist Board

Overview
Situated 25 miles (40km) southwest of Malaga, the few miles of coast between Marbella and Puerto Banus is Spain's answer to Monte Carlo. Spain's elite, and Britain's more successful felons, have flashy holiday homes in the surrounding hills, and swanky yachts in the marina. Marbella is the Costa del Sol's best quality holiday resort - the restaurants and bars are more stylish (and expensive) and the town has been spared the worst excesses of concrete development that have blighted neighbours such as Torremolinos. The old town of Marbella is hidden away and retains some of its medieval charm, and has some good clothes shops and restaurants. The more exclusive Puerto Banus, six miles (10km) to the west, is where you will find the casino and the seriously large yachts. Those holiday visitors who drive just a few miles inland, to the villages in the hills around Ronda, will discover a Spain completely untouched by tourism with village markets and tapas bars to be explored.

Shopping
The best shopping is at the markets, which are a focal point of local life. Marbella has a good Monday market at Recinto Ferial de Arroyo Primero, and an antiques market on Fridays in the old town. Good buys in Marbella include Moorish pottery, copies of designer clothing, and Andalucian crafts such as shirts and leather shoes. Tourists should expect to bargain hard on all items from fresh produce to Spanish tourist souvenirs and clothing.

Restaurants
Eating out in Marbella tends to be pricey although there are plenty of good value fish and chips venues around the sea-front promenade. Beach bars offer good pub grub and excellent views at sunset. Tapas is always a good bet, as is the local fish, particularly in paella. Avoid eating the widely touted Chanquetes - tiny, deep-fried baby fish - which are endangered.

• Wok away is some of the best fast food I've ever eaten. But I'd recommend Villa Tiberio - great food, excellent service. : Sadie Fredricks...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Nightlife
Marbella's best bars are Ana Marias, La Notte Piano Bar and Stones Music Bar. Clubs worth trying while on holiday in Marbella are the legendary Nikki Beach, long-standing favourite Dreamers Disco, Suite del Mar and Olivia Valere. Dress codes are the norm in Marbella, and entrance fees often higher than those of Madrid and Barcelona. The Golden Mile in Marbella is the place to be seen and tourists in Marbella should expect to rub shoulders with the rich and famous including many well-known celebrities and even members of the Saudi royal family.

• Two words: Golden Mile. It's the bets place to go for nightlife ion Malaga. Everything can be found along the strip. : Bernadine Frost...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Activities
There is a casino, mega-bowling hall and go-kart track close to town, while the Crocodile Park and Fuengirola Zoo are a short drive away. Local flamenco shows are also fun.

Negatives
Marbella can be expensive when compared to smaller towns on the coast; it has also grown into a busy and modern place, with little of the old world charm that attracted many visitors here twenty years ago.

Nearby Attractions

Granada and the Alhambra

Granada, a high altitude city of romance and folklore, boasts one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain, the Alhambra palace-fortress. Built by the Nasrid rulers in the 14th century the Alhambra is the most important and spectacular piece of Moorish architecture in...  see full details