Old Town of Marbella: The Andalusian Heart of Luxury on the Costa del Sol
What is the Old Town of Marbella?
🍊 A Hidden Treasure between Glamour and History
When you talk about Marbella, your mind quickly travels to the superyachts of Puerto Banús, its exclusive beach clubs and the famous Golden Mile. However, just minutes from that cosmopolitan bustle stands a place that seems frozen in time: the Old Town of Marbella.
Here there are no tinted windows or luxury cars. Instead, the scent of orange blossom floods the cobbled streets, bougainvillea climbs the whitewashed facades and the background sound is that of centuries‑old fountains and tapas in the small squares. It is the most authentic essence of Andalusia, a white labyrinth that contrasts with and perfectly complements the city's most international side.
📜 A Stroll through History: From the Romans to the Catholic Monarchs
The Old Town of Marbella is the living reflection of the civilisations that have inhabited this land. The Phoenicians and Romans left their first traces, but it was during the Muslim domination, when the city was called Marbiliya, that the labyrinthine layout of its streets was forged, designed to protect from the sun and preserve privacy.
In 1485, the Catholic Monarchs took the city, marking the beginning of a new Christian era that transformed the medina into the core we know today. The coexistence of these styles is what makes this neighbourhood unique.
What to see or do in the Old Town of Marbella
🏛️ Must‑Sees in the Old Town of Marbella
To get to know it thoroughly, you need to get lost, but there are also essential stops:
🍊 Plaza de los Naranjos: The Heart that Smells of Orange Blossom
- It is the nerve centre and the most photographed spot. Commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th century, this arcaded square is presided over by a stone fountain and surrounded by bitter orange trees that in spring perfume the entire area.
On its sides stand the most emblematic buildings:
- The Town Hall (Ayuntamiento): Dating from 1568, it is a Renaissance gem. Its façade is adorned with coats of arms and an inscription commemorating the conquest of the city in 1485. Inside, a spectacular Mudéjar coffered ceiling is preserved.
- The Casa del Corregidor: Built in 1552, it stands out for its portico with semicircular arches.
⛪ Church of the Incarnation (Santa María Church)
- Built on the former main mosque, it is the most important church in the historic centre. In the Baroque style of the 17th century, its interior houses an impressive monumental organ that took several years to install and is one of the most valuable in the province.
🎨 The Museum of Engraving (Bazán Hospital)
- Located in a former 16th‑century hospital, this museum is a must‑stop for art lovers. It houses a vast collection of engravings ranging from the 15th century to the latest avant‑garde movements, including works by Picasso and Dalí.
🏰 Urban Wall and Castle Remains
- In the streets bordering the neighbourhood, especially near Calle Virgen de los Dolores, you can see the remains of the 10th‑century Arab wall. Right next to it are the remains of Marbella's castle, built in the 11th century with stones from Roman buildings.
🎨 Art and Atmosphere in Every Alley
- Walking through the Old Town of Marbella is a sensory pleasure. Streets like Calle Virgen de los Dolores or Calle Carmen are perfect examples of Andalusian aesthetics: cobblestones, pots with geraniums and wrought‑iron balconies.
🗿 Dalí's Sculptures
- At the nexus between the historic centre and the promenade, on Avenida del Mar, a surrealist surprise awaits you. A collection of 12 bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí preside over this pedestrian walkway. Among them, the famous "Woman with Flower Head" and the "Rhinoceros Dressed in Lace" are the favourites for photographs.
🍽️ Where to Eat in the Old Town of Marbella
From Centuries‑Old Taverns to Michelin Stars
The Old Town of Marbella is a gastronomic paradise where the most traditional beach bars coexist with some of the temples of haute cuisine.
⭐ Haute Cuisine with Stars
For an unforgettable evening, the historic centre is home to two Michelin‑starred gems:
- Skina (2 Michelin Stars): Hidden on Calle Aduar, near Plaza de los Naranjos, it is the ultimate expression of author cuisine in Marbella. It offers tasting menus of innovative Andalusian cuisine with seasonal products. The venue is tiny (only 4 tables), guaranteeing intimacy and almost personal service.
- Restaurante Paco Jiménez: Located in Plaza de los Naranjos itself, this cosy restaurant offers creative Mediterranean cuisine of high quality. Its chef, winner of a gold medal at a world gastronomy congress, offers dishes such as lamb rack or turbot with saffron.
🍷 Tapas and Traditional Cuisine in the Old Town of Marbella
For those seeking the most authentic essence of tapas:
- Marbella Patio Restaurant: A charming restaurant located in a 16th‑century building next to the wall. It is famous for its award‑winning tapas and its speciality, suckling pig. Dining in its interior courtyard, at the foot of the Arab wall, is a unique experience.
- El Estrecho: A local institution for tasting authentic Andalusian fried fish and prawns pil‑pil in a traditional, no‑frills atmosphere.
- La Taberna del Pintor: With a terrace on the square and an interior decorated with works of art, it is ideal for a variety of tapas and local wines.
🌙 The Perfect Plan: Afternoon and Evening in the Old Town of Marbella
We recommend setting aside the afternoon to explore it. With the sunset light, the white facades take on a golden hue and the terraces come alive.
- Afternoon (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): Stroll along Avenida del Mar to see Dalí's sculptures.
- Sunset (8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.): Go up to the Cerro de San Cristóbal viewpoint (accessible by car or on foot from the neighbourhood) to get the best panoramic view of the white city with the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Blanca mountains in the background.
- Dinner (9:30 p.m.): Enjoy a tapas dinner through the streets of the centre or, if you're looking for something special, book in advance at Skina or Paco Jiménez.
Where to Stay in the Old Town of Marbella?
🏡 THE SUN PLACES: Your Luxury Retreat in Marbella
At THE SUN PLACES, we know that the perfect Marbella experience combines the glamour of its coast with the authenticity of its history. That is why we offer you our exclusive selection of Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús .
🌟 Why stay with THE SUN PLACES in Marbella?
- Privileged Location: Enjoy properties located on the Golden Mile or close to the centre, allowing you to combine afternoons of shopping and beach with cultural evenings in the historic centre.
- Absolute Comfort: Our accommodations offer spacious areas, equipped kitchens and private terraces so you feel at home, but with the luxury of a 5‑star hotel.
- Expert Concierge: Our local team will help you with reservations at the most coveted restaurants (such as Skina), recommend the best tapas routes and organise private guided tours of the historic centre.
- The Perfect Retreat: After a day exploring the whitewashed alleys or the shops of Puerto Banús, return to a space of tranquility and elegance.
"The Old Town of Marbella is the Andalusian soul that beats beneath the sparkle of the Costa del Sol. A place where luxury is not measured in yachts, but in the scent of orange blossom and the tranquillity of its centuries‑old squares. At THE SUN PLACES, we open the doors for you to discover this essence with the comfort you deserve."
📞 Contact THE SUN PLACES to book your stay in Marbella. Discover the city that has everything: luxury, sea and history.