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Marbella

Andalusia (Spain)

Marbella

Marbella is the glamorous heart of the Costa del Sol, a sun-soaked resort town where whitewashed lanes and orange trees in the old town sit a few kilometres from the superyachts of Puerto Banus and the beach clubs of the Golden Mile.

In a single base you can wander the Plaza de los Naranjos, eat tapas with a local guide, sail the coast at sunset and ride the seafront to the marina. Behind the coast the Sierra Blanca rises for hiking and canyoning, and a short drive inland lies a string of memorable day trips: the gorge-top town of Ronda, the rock-roofed village of Setenil de las Bodegas, the walkways of the Caminito del Rey, the wild monkeys of Gibraltar and the prehistoric dolmens of Antequera. Estepona, with its flower-lined old town, dolphin cruises and wildlife park, makes a calmer neighbour. This guide shows you which experiences to book ahead and which hotel suits your trip, from a Golden Mile resort to a simple central stay.

Don't miss

Things to do in Marbella

Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.

Gibraltar Rock Guided Tour

Gibraltar Rock Guided Tour

A guided tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, the British territory at the southern tip of Spain, with its nature reserve, caves, views and wild macaques.

3 hours (tour)$$Get tickets →

Where to stay

Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.

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Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort and Spa

Golden Mile

The grand name of the Golden Mile, a low-rise beachfront resort set in subtropical gardens that helped invent Marbella’s glamorous reputation in the 1950s.

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Puente Romano Beach Resort$$$$

Puente Romano Beach Resort

Golden Mile

A village-style luxury resort on the Golden Mile, with whitewashed houses, gardens, a beach club and a famous collection of restaurants.

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Don Carlos Resort and Spa

Elviria

A long-established beachfront resort east of Marbella, with big pools, gardens, a spa and a family-friendly atmosphere in Elviria.

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Hotel El Fuerte Marbella

Seafront and Old Town

A well-known seafront hotel within walking distance of the old town, with palm gardens, pools and direct access to the beach.

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Hotel Claude Marbella

Marbella Centre

A boutique hotel in the heart of Marbella, close to the old town, with a design-led style and a walkable location.

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Hotel San Cristobal

Marbella Centre

A simple, good-value hotel in central Marbella, ideal for travellers who want to spend their budget on the coast rather than the room.

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Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banus$$$

Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banus

Puerto Banus

A resort-style hotel close to Puerto Banus, with pools, a spa and an easy walk to the marina, restaurants and beach.

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Kempinski Hotel Bahia

Between Marbella and Estepona

A beachfront resort between Marbella and Estepona, with big pools, gardens, a spa and a quieter, more relaxed feel than central Marbella.

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Hotel Fuerte Estepona

Estepona

A hotel and spa resort in Estepona, a calmer and more local alternative to Marbella, close to the old town and the coast.

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Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella

East Marbella Beachfront

A beachfront resort-style hotel east of Marbella town, with gardens, pools and a relaxed, design-minded atmosphere. A good choice for travellers who want sand and space within reach of the old town.

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Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach

Golden Mile

A large beachfront resort on the Golden Mile with pools, gardens and a family-friendly feel, a short drive from both the old town and Puerto Banus.

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Hard Rock Hotel Marbella

Puerto Banus

A lively, music-themed resort hotel at Puerto Banus, with big pools, bars and entertainment, a short walk from the marina and the beach.

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Hotel Don Alfredo

Marbella Old Town

A small, good-value hotel near the old town of Marbella, a short walk from the Orange Square, the lanes and the seafront, for travellers who want to save on the room and spend on the experience.

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Tour + stay

Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.

Marbella guides

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