Holidays to Marbella
With upscale resort vibes, beautiful beaches and a cracking Old Town, Marbella holidays pack everything you’d want into a sensational slice of southern Spain. Magnífico!
Explore the captivating Old Town
Marbella’s Old Town is home to plenty of high-class hotels and Michelin-star restaurants that will tempt you off its pretty cobbled streets. What else? Quaint alleyways, terracotta tiles, charming balconies festooned with hanging plants and super-cute plazas perfect for an afternoon spritz. Yes, please! At over 500 years old, Plaza de los Naranjos is a win, with swaying palms and charming bars ideal for some next-level people watching. Or you could stroll to the sea past the surreal Dalí sculptures in Alameda Park.
From fairways to waves
Swing over to Los Naranjos for a spot of golf on Atalaya’s Old Course, or hit the gleaming greens of Marbella Club Hotel – an iconic celebrity hotspot. Beyond the green, take in the shimmering Costa del Sol coastline, stop for a swim, or watch dolphins dance from a catamaran or sailboat. Feeling adventurous? Strap in for some kitesurfing or go canyoning in the Guadalmina River.
The Golden Mile and Puerto Banús
The tourist-friendly Golden Mile (it’s actually way longer than a mile) runs from Marbella to Puerto Banús, with its glitzy clubs, bougie eateries and lush hotels. In Puerto Banús, check out the luxury yachts, designer stores, and epic beach clubs of the spectacular marina. The clubs and bars get busy here so book ahead!
Boutiques and brushstrokes
Time for some retail therapy! For authentic Spanish vibes, spend some time shopping in the Old Town’s small boutiques. Alternatively, Marbella’s large shopping centres, like El Corte Inglés and La Cañada, have stacks of brands you’ll recognise from home. Roll into luxury at Vintage Deja Vu for true retro designer gear. We’re talking 60s suits and statement shirts from Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.
Give your credit card a break at Museo Ralli – a nifty gallery housing vibrant works from top Latin American and European artists. Over at Museo del Grabado Español, there are some impressive pieces from masters like Picasso – and more Dalí!
Sneak Peek
Best for... Holidaymakers who love sandy beaches, Old Town charm, and a touch of luxury 🏝️
Go... From June to August for the classic Marbella experience ☀️
You have to... Visit an Old Town joint for a mesmerising flamenco show 💃🏻
Marbella holiday deals
Hard Rock Hotel Marbella
4.2
Very Good
- 28 Dec 2025
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Manchester
Prices from
Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella
- 16 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Room only
- From Manchester
Prices from
Monarque Sultán Aparthotel
- 10 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Edinburgh
Prices from
Puente Romano Marbella
4.7
Excellent
- 25 Dec 2025
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Manchester
Prices from
Details
Currency
Euro
Language
Spanish
Time difference
GMT +1
Cost of a beer
€3.50
3-course meal
€35
Flight time
2 hours
Top beaches: Pristine sands and go-karting
Marbella boasts 27km of stunning sandy beaches. So take your pick! Visit La Venus near the Old Town — a curving golden beach with plenty of facilities. Puerto Banús Beach has a luxury vibe and is perfect for when you’re tuckered out from mooching around fancy shops. Elsewhere, Playa de Calahonda feels more intimate. Love an action-packed beach day? Get a giggle on as you head to Funny Beach Marbella, where bumper boats and go-karts bring the entertainment.
Food and drink: The true flavours of Marbella
Marbella’s Old Town has chic cafés galore and tonnes of lovely local energy! Restaurante Altamirano is a popular spot for Andalusian tapas, as is the rustic wooden bar of El Estrecho – a super-sweet watering hole tucked down a tiny alley. What to order? Try the scoffable meatballs, fried fish and refreshing seafood salads. Or, if you’re looking for breakfast, sample plato alpujarreño — Spain’s answer to a full English, with spicy chorizo, morcilla (like black pudding) and fresh eggs. Oh, and you’ve got to make room for at least one paella during your holiday.
Nightlife: The fun starts after golden hour
After a busy day catching rays, get your groove on as the sun sets! Funky Buddha plays funk, rock and hip-hop, while Tibu is a classy see-and-be-seen nightclub with big name DJs and a proper swanky rooftop bar. Meanwhile, Nikki Beach has that plush, white-cushioned feel of an Ibiza favourite, with DJs cranking out big tunes. For a touch of tradition, head to an Old Town restaurant to watch a vibrant flamenco show.
When to go to Marbella
Seeking peak Marbella? The Golden Mile is at its most buzzy from June to August. March, April, May, September and October are a little cooler, but still good for an alfresco dinner most of the time. After all, Marbella enjoys an average of 320 days of sunshine every year. The shoulder seasons are also a great time to enjoy the great outdoors on day trips.
