A Destination that Has It All: Marbella
There are destinations that remain a postcard, and others that invite you to become part of their history. Marbella belongs to the second category. Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, about 45 minutes from Málaga Airport, this city is much more than the glamour of its marinas and exclusive beach clubs.
🌊 It is a place where the most authentic Andalusian tradition coexists with cosmopolitan luxury, where the scent of orange blossom mingles with the sea breeze and where every corner hides a story worth discovering.
Legend has it that it was Queen Isabella the Catholic herself who, upon gazing at the sea from these lands, exclaimed: “Oh, what a beautiful sea!”. That is how its name was born: Marbella.
And although the anecdote may be apocryphal, the truth is that the city has lived up to that name for centuries, becoming one of the most coveted destinations in Europe. In fact, in 2024 it was chosen as the "Best European Destination" by the European Best Destinations Organization.
What is the history of Marbella?
📜 A Journey Through Time: From Muslim Marbiliya to Today's Luxury
The history of Marbella dates back to ancient times, when Phoenicians and Romans left their mark on these lands. Remains such as the Río Verde Roman Villa or the Las Bóvedas Roman Baths (Las Bóvedas), from the 2nd century AD, speak of a prosperous city, with an economy based on fishing and maritime trade.
It was during Muslim rule, from the 8th century onwards, that the city, then called Marbiliya, acquired its current appearance. The medina became an important urban centre, surrounded by walls and dominated by a fortress. Its narrow, winding streets, designed to protect against the heat, are a living legacy of that Islamic urban planning.
The Reconquest in 1485 marked a new chapter. The Catholic Monarchs transformed the city into a Christian stronghold, building emblematic buildings that today form the heart of the Old Town. However, the great transformation that brought Marbella to international fame came in the 1950s.
It was then that Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe founded the Marbella Club Hotel, attracting European aristocracy and the first Hollywood stars. Shortly afterwards, in the 1970s, the construction of Puerto Banús consolidated its reputation as the quintessential luxury destination in the Mediterranean.
🏛️ What to See in Marbella?
From the Old Town to the Golden Mile
🍊 Plaza de los Naranjos: The Heart of the City
The best starting point is Plaza de los Naranjos, the nerve centre of the most authentic Marbella. Surrounded by orange trees that perfume the air, this Renaissance square is where the city's most emblematic buildings stand: the Town Hall, with its 16th-century façade, and the Casa del Corregidor, a gem that blends Gothic and Mudéjar styles. It is the perfect place to sit on a terrace and watch the hustle and bustle while enjoying a coffee or a glass of wine.
🏘️ The Old Town: A Labyrinth of Flowers and Alleys
Getting lost in the streets of the Old Town is one of the great experiences of Marbella. Alleys like Calle Ancha or Calle Fortaleza are lined with whitewashed houses, full of pots with bougainvillea and geraniums hanging from balconies and walls. Don't miss the Church of Santa María de la Encarnación, built on an old mosque, which blends Gothic and Baroque styles, or the Chapel of San Juan de Dios, a small Baroque treasure.
🏖️ The Golden Mile and Puerto Banús
From historic Marbella we move to the most cosmopolitan. The Golden Mile is a palm-lined avenue that connects the centre with Puerto Banús. Here you will find some of the most luxurious hotels in Europe, as well as dreamy mansions and haute cuisine restaurants. The port itself, with its moorings full of superyachts and its streets of luxury shops, is a spectacle in itself. Strolling along its docks, seeing the sports cars and admiring the boats is almost a must-do activity.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Marbella?
From Taverns to Michelin Stars
Marbella is a paradise for lovers of good food. The gastronomic offer ranges from the most traditional beach bar to Michelin-starred restaurants.
🐟 Traditional Beach Bars: The Taste of the Sea
To taste the authentic flavour of the coast, you have to go to the beach bars (chiringuitos). If you're looking for tradition and perfect sardine espetos, Los Manueles is a local legend with over 50 years of history. Their fresh sardine espetos from Conil are a classic, at a very reasonable price for the area (an espeto of 12 sardines is around €14.50).
🍹 Beach Clubs with Style
The Marbella experience involves spending the day at a beach club. The offer is immense and caters to all tastes:
- Nikki Beach Marbella (in Puerto Banús): It is the symbol of the most ostentatious luxury. Famous for its champagne parties and celebrity atmosphere. Important: the sunbed has a minimum consumption of €120 for two people, and cocktails are around €24. It is the place to go to "see and be seen".
- El Boli Beach House (Playa del Cable): Offers a different experience with high-quality Nikkei cuisine (Peruvian-Japanese fusion). It is one of the few places where you can find local craft beer and spectacular ceviches. The budget is around €50-80 per person.
- Los Manueles: If traditional is your thing, its Ancón beach is the perfect option for a family day with quality, at affordable prices (a menu for two with espetos and beers is around €38).
Which Restaurants have Michelin Stars in Marbella?
⭐ Haute Cuisine with Stars
The high gastronomy offering is impressive. In the small Marbella, there are 17 restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide, including 4 with one star and 1 with two stars.
- Skina (⭐⭐): Located near Plaza de los Naranjos, it is the ultimate exponent of author cuisine in Marbella. It offers innovative Andalusian cuisine made with top-quality seasonal ingredients.
- Nobu (in Puente Romano): An icon of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, famous for its sushi and trendy atmosphere. It is a luxury experience that combines gastronomy with a chic vibe.
- Cipriani (in Puente Romano): The quintessential Italian institution, with its Venetian charm and a menu that is a journey to Italy's most classic flavours.
- El Lago: A Michelin-starred restaurant located in an idyllic setting by a lake on the outskirts of the city, specialising in avant-garde Spanish cuisine.
🍷 Where can I go for tapas in Marbella's Old Town?
The Old Town is full of charming taverns. El Estrecho is an institution for tapas, with specialities such as fried fish and prawns pil-pil. Taberna Casa Curro is another classic to enjoy an authentic atmosphere and local tapas.
What are the main beaches in Marbella?
🏖️ Its Beaches: 24 Kilometres of Fine Sand
Marbella has more than 27 kilometres of coastline and 24 Blue Flag beaches. Each has its own personality.
- Playa de la Fontanilla: This is the quintessential urban beach, very close to the centre and the promenade. It is well-equipped and perfect for a quick swim without leaving the city.
- Playa Nagüeles: Located on the Golden Mile, this is a lively beach surrounded by the best hotels and beach clubs in the area. It is the ideal place for "see and be seen".
- Playa de Cabopino: One of the most beautiful and natural beaches, with sand dunes. Next to Cabopino marina, it is a more family-friendly beach than the centre. At the far end you will find nudist areas.
- Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara: This is the green lung of the area. Its long promenade is ideal for cycling or running. Next to it are the Las Bóvedas Roman Baths, an archaeological site of great value.
🎯 Beyond the Beach: Activities and Experiences
- Golf: Marbella is known as the "Costa del Golf in Marbella". It has more than 50 golf courses in its area of influence, some of them world-famous like Real Club de Golf Las Brisas or Los Naranjos Golf Club. The climate allows play all year round.
- Hiking: The Sierra Blanca, which protects the city from the north, offers spectacular hiking routes. Climbing La Concha, the most emblematic peak, is one of the best ways to get a 360-degree panoramic view of the coast and the sea.
- White Villages: Just a 20-minute drive away, the white villages of the Ronda mountains, such as Ojén or Mijas, are a perfect escape to discover the most authentic Andalusia.
- Water Sports: From the marinas you can rent yachts, catamarans or go paddle surfing and kayaking. Sailing is one of the city's star activities.
Where to stay if I go to Marbella?
🏡 THE SUN PLACES: Your Luxury Retreat on the Costa del Sol
At THE SUN PLACES, we know that an experience in Marbella deserves accommodation of the highest standard. That is why we offer you our exclusive selection of Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús, designed for you to experience the destination with the utmost comfort and elegance.
🌟 Why stay with THE SUN PLACES?
- Privileged Location: Our properties are located in the best areas of the city, from the heart of the Old Town to the exclusive Golden Mile and the vibrant Puerto Banús, so you are always close to the action.
- Absolute Comfort: Enjoy spacious areas, equipped kitchens, high-quality beds and private terraces where you can relax after a day at the beach and enjoying the vibrant nightlife.
- Specialized Concierge: Our local team will be at your disposal to help you with reservations at the most coveted restaurants (such as Skina or Nobu), manage your day at the beach club, rent a yacht or get you tickets for the best events.
- The Perfect Retreat: After a night out in Puerto Banús or a day under the sun, return to a space of tranquility and elegance where you can rest and recharge.
"Marbella is a city of contrasts where tradition embraces luxury and the sea merges with the mountains. At THE SUN PLACES, we open the doors to this paradise for you to experience it with the comfort and elegance you deserve."
📞 Contact THE SUN PLACES to book your luxury apartment in Marbella. Sun, sea and luxury await you on the Costa del Sol.