Marbella and the Costa del Sol: 12 Best Things to Do
Marbella's old town, Puerto Banús, beach clubs, Málaga, Ronda, Nerja's caves and Caminito del Rey – the best things to do on Spain's Costa del Sol.
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The Costa del Sol – Andalusia's "Sun Coast" – stretches along the Mediterranean either side of Málaga, with around 300 days of sunshine a year. Marbella is its glamorous heart: a pretty old town, a marina full of superyachts and beach clubs along the shore. Within an hour or so you'll find white villages, mountain gorges and one of Spain's most exciting cities.
Marbella
1. Wander Marbella's Old Town
Behind the busy coast road, the Casco Antiguo is a maze of whitewashed lanes, flower pots and little squares. Have a drink in the orange-tree-shaded Plaza de los Naranjos.
2. Walk the seafront promenade
A long promenade runs along Marbella's beaches, past cafés and chiringuitos – beach restaurants serving grilled sardines on skewers, the local speciality.
3. See Puerto Banús
West of town, Puerto Banús is a marina of luxury yachts, designer shops and people-watching. Go for a drink at sunset rather than a full evening if you're on a budget.
4. Spend a day at a beach club
Marbella is famous for its beach clubs, with sunbeds, pools, restaurants and music – from family-friendly to glamorous party spots. Book sunbeds ahead in summer.
5. Visit Estepona
Quieter than Marbella, Estepona has an old town decorated with flower pots and large murals, a long beach and a good Sunday market.
Málaga
6. Explore Málaga
Picasso's birthplace has become one of Spain's most exciting cities, with the Alcazaba fortress, a hilltop Gibralfaro castle, the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou Málaga, plus great tapas bars and a lively port.
7. Eat at the Atarazanas Market
Málaga's central market, in a 19th-century iron-and-glass hall, is perfect for a tapas lunch of fried fish, olives and local cheese.
Day trips
8. Ronda
A white town perched on a cliff, split by a deep gorge spanned by the dramatic Puente Nuevo bridge. Allow a full day, about an hour from Marbella.
9. Caminito del Rey
A once-infamous walkway pinned to the walls of a narrow gorge, now a safe, spectacular trail with timed tickets. Book well ahead.
10. Nerja and its caves
East of Málaga, Nerja has the "Balcony of Europe" viewpoint, pretty coves and vast caves with remarkable rock formations.
11. Mijas Pueblo
A classic Andalusian white village in the hills above Fuengirola, with views across the coast.
12. Gibraltar
The British territory and its famous Rock, with Barbary macaques and a cable car, makes an unusual day trip – bring your passport.
Getting there and around
Málaga Airport is the gateway to the whole coast. Trains run from the airport to Málaga and along part of the coast to Fuengirola; buses connect Marbella and Estepona. A hire car is best for day trips inland. Continue to Granada for the Alhambra – about two hours by road.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Marbella from Málaga Airport?
About 50 km – roughly 40–50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Buses also connect the airport with Marbella.
When is the best time to visit the Costa del Sol?
May, June, September and October are warm and less crowded than high summer. Winters are mild and sunny, ideal for golf, walking and city trips.
Do I need tickets for the Caminito del Rey?
Yes. Visits are by timed ticket, and helmets are provided. Book well ahead on the official website, especially at weekends and in spring and autumn.
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