Destination
Marbella
Book your hotel in Marbella
Without a doubt, Marbella is an icon of the Costa del Sol and the most famous town on the Málaga coast. It lies on the shores of the Mediterranean, between Málaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. This location, along with luxurious Puerto Banús, the beaches, booming nightlife and enviable climate, with an annual average temperature of 18 °C, contributes to the city’s important role as a popular holiday destination. Considering all these features, choosing our hotel in Marbella for your Andalusian holiday will be a decision you won’t regret.
Another important factor is Marbella’s proximity to some of the main transport hubs on the Iberian Peninsula, such as Málaga International Airport, only 30 minutes by car, and an AVE high-speed train station, located just 45 minutes away. Yet another good reason to come and enjoy the Marbella summer.
In fact, there are so many reasons to choose this magnificent beach destination, we've summarised them for you below.
Book your hotel in Marbella
An experience as special as this one deserves accommodation in Marbella that is just as special. For this reason, we present you Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach, an perfect for adults, 4-star hotel that is among the best hotels on the Costa del Sol. With a beach club located in one of the most elite areas of the city, it is the best choice for a romantic getaway.
Be that as it may, this select establishment offers you much more. Without going any further, it is a spa hotel where you can relax with beauty treatments and massages from our team of professional therapists, before you recharge your batteries with a delicious lunch or dinner buffet or why not order a la carte?
Check our Marbella offers, book one of our rooms, and come and visit a destination that will leave you speechless, and one you will want to return to very soon.
Exclusive beaches in Marbella
Marbella has a 26km long coastline with beaches that offer all kinds of services. There is a huge variety of beaches from the centre of town to the area of San Pedro de Alcántara, where the most unspoiled beaches can be found. The most exclusive and crowded beaches in Marbella are those close to Puerto Banús, with fashion shops and a great atmosphere to enjoy with your partner.
Main beaches in Marbella:
- Río Verde beach: A golden sand beach with low to moderate swell, ideal to relax in the sun. Along its 1.5km runs a sea promenade lined with shops, restaurants, bars, etc. The beach is quiet and offers a host of services that turn it to a perfect place for families with kids.
- Puerto Banús beach: It is the most elegant beach in Marbella, as it is next to the stylish Puerto Banús marina. Surrounded by fashion boutiques, this fine golden sand beach has a low swell.
- El Duque beach: Located between Puerto Banús and San Pedro de Alcántara, next to the Marbella Casino, El Duque is one of the best known beaches in town. Its beach clubs gather elegant travellers beneath the sun. Its sheltered location and low swell make it perfect for couples and families with kids.
- Nagüeles beach: Nagüeles extends along 1.6km and has a moderate swell. It lies between Puerto Banús and central Marbella, on the so-called ‘Golden Mile’. In summer, it becomes a meeting point for locals and tourists, and in winter it is a nice, quiet spot to take a stroll.
Things to see in Marbella
Marbella is much more than the jet set: although its beaches and nightclubs are universally renowned, this location is full of wonderful secrets known to very few. Such as for example, the notable archaeological heritage and various museums; culture lovers can find a huge offer here.
If this is the case, pay a visit to the old town of Marbella, which has maintained its 16th century layout and old walls almost intact. One of the most picturesque places is the beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos, a legacy of the Renaissance Period. It is surrounded by the town hall, built in 1568 by the Catholic monarchs, the Mayor's house (Casa del Alcalde) which combines Gothic, Renaissance and Mudejar elements, and the Chapel of Santiago, the oldest religious building in Marbella, which probably dates back to the 15th century.
Among other interesting buildings to see in the city centre are the church of Santa Maria de la Encarnación (1618), the Casa del Roque, the vestiges of the Moorish castle, the Chapel of San Juan de Dios, the Royal Hospital of Mercy and Bazán Hospital, where the Contemporary Spanish Engraving Museum is located. Among the installations one can admire the works of great artists such as Dalí, Miró, Picasso, Tàpies and Chillida.
An absolute must for those visiting Barrio Alto is the Hermitage of Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz which was built in the 15th century and extended in the 18th century. Conversely, the Barrio Nuevo neighbourhood, which is separated from the city walls by a dam, lacks monumental buildings, but offers typical whitewashed houses with wooden beams, orchards and small farmyards.
This atmosphere is completely opposite to the elegant and luxurious Golden Mile of Marbella, a 6.4 km stretch that begins at the western end of the city and extends to Puerto Banús. Some of the most luxurious villas and houses in Marbella are located here, such as King Fahd's palace with spectacular sea and mountain views.
Finally, you should visit the ruins of the Roman villa of Rio Verde. Built in the second century A.D., it has notable original mosaics inside and was declared part of the Historical Cultural Heritage of Spain.
What to do in Marbella
Few beaches on the Costa del Sol are as vibrant as those of Marbella. You can choose from the beaches of Rio Verde, Puerto Banús, El Duque or Nagüeles, each of which offers perfect conditions for safe swimming to relax your mind and body.
We also advise you to take a relaxing walk across the port designed by José Banús, better known as Puerto Banús, where one can see the most extravagant yachts in the world. This is also where one can find bustling nightlife attended by billionaires and celebrities whose faces you’ll recognise from the newspapers. And don't miss all the glamorous boutiques, restaurants and beach clubs which are only 5 km away from the city centre and very close to Iberostar Marbella hotel which entirely justifies your choice of accommodation.
However, the legendary festivities of Marbella are more than just nightlife. Perhaps the most spectacular time to visit the place is at Easter time, when one can see Andalusian Easter Parades. The Marbella Film Festival, held every year in early October, or music festivals, such as the Starlite Festival which has taken place annually in the quarry of Nagüeles since 2012 and congregates some of the best singers from all over the world.
This town is also a success for sports fans, as the modern facilities available in the area make golfing in Marbella accessible to all its visitors.
Of course, we cannot forget that the bars and restaurants of Marbella are the ideal place to savour the essence of the exquisite Andalusian cuisine. In any restaurant you can try local specialties such as Malaga style fried fish, the cold soups: gazpacho and ajoblanco, or the local sweets: tortas de aceite, roscos de vino or torrijas. Try them while enjoying the view sitting outside on a terrace!
Events in Marbella
Popular feasts and festivals do not stop in Marbella. The city has a year-round programme of events that turns it into a cultural hub for the entire coast of Málaga. Tradition and the avant-garde in art fuse to create a wide range of options for visitors to enjoy the city’s charm.
Major events in Marbella
- May – Procession of the Cross: Marbella too celebrates this typical Andalusian feast that the local population enjoys so much. Visitors can taste exquisite local food and get to know the genuine popular culture of southern Spain, as they take in the fragrances of a blossoming spring.
- June – Saint Barnabas: The feast of Saint Barnabas is the major feast in Marbella. It is held in the first half of June and there is fun for all and sundry, from celebrations by the sea to sports and workshops for children, concerts, and so on.
- June – Marbella International Arts Festival: Created by American artist Pixie Glore along with Caroline Bowley, this annual arts festival turns Marbella into a cauldron where the latest artistic trends are broiled, from graffiti and the digital arts to street performances and open-air entertainment.
- 23 June – Burning of the Júas: Bonfires, dance and songs until dawn. On Saint John’s Eve, the night gets filled with magic in Marbella. People tell stories and enjoy the summer. There is the traditional burning of the rag dolls known as ‘Júas’ too, with satirical references to local or international affairs.
- July – Music festivals: Piano, indie music, big artists… July is the month of music festivals in Marbella. Many of them are held in town, including Starlite Festival, drawing artists such as Bryan Adams, Noa, Paco de Lucía, Julio Iglesias, Alejandro Sanz, and many others.
- 16 July – Feast of El Carmen: As in every other coastal village, the feast in honour of the Virgin of El Carmen, the Patroness of seafarers, is a big event in Marbella, including a procession from the fishing port to Puerto Banús.
- October – San Pedro de Alcántara: San Pedro de Alcántara, a district located past Puerto Banús, holds its major feast in October, closing the summer in Marbella in style. It is a very popular, colourful feast, with fun guaranteed for kids and grown-ups alike.
- 1 November – El Tostón: A traditional family feast in the open air in the country. There is food, dance and games for people of all ages. It is held at the same time as the religious feast of All Saints, gathering locals and visitors from different coastal villages in Málaga.
Sports in Marbella
Doing sports in Marbella is like a ritual. Going running or skating along the sea promenade, sailing on Costa del Sol, surfing or playing golf in one of the fabulous golf courses in this part of Andalusia are some of the most popular sports with locals and visitors. The fine weather invites everyone to engage in outdoor activities throughout the year.
Sports in Marbella
- Golf in Marbella: Golf is the star among sports in Marbella. In the Sierra Blanca and Sierra de las Nieves area there is the Golf Valley, with the best courses in the country and stunning views of the mountains and the sea.
- Canyoning and climbing in Marbella: Canyoning and climbing are more exciting in Marbella than anywhere else. There are authorised companies that take tourists to Sierra de las Nieves to enjoy the waterfalls, lakes, fords, etc. A nice activity to share with friends.
- Sailing on Costa del Sol: In Marbella, sailing can be an unforgettable experience. In the marina there are boat rentals. Some of them offer the chance to go on a 2-hour cruise, a good idea for families with children.
- Hiking in Sierra de las Nieves: Designated as a Biosphere Reserve, Sierra de las Nieves makes an ideal place to go hiking or visit incredible spots. One of the nicest trails unfolds from the shelter of Juanar to La Concha.
- Tennis and paddle tennis in Marbella: The mild weather and the many academies and courts in this Costa del Sol town make tennis and paddle tennis two of the most popular sports here. An exacting match close to the sea followed by a drink is a local tradition in Marbella.
Activities in Marbella
In Marbella visitors can admire modern cultural expressions, attend art shows and go to unique museums, or get to know the genuine traditions that are alive in the narrow streets in the heart of town. The town offers a captivating combination of things past and present that brings tourists to one of the most exclusive atmospheres in Andalusia.
What to do and what to see in Isla Canela
- Plaza de los Naranjos: Los Naranjos square is the heart of Marbella’s Old Town, a charming area with whitewashed houses whose balconies are decorated with colourful flowers. Close to the square stand La Encarnación Church, built in the sixteenth century in the Renaissance style, and the tower of the ancient fort erected by the Arabs.
- Marbella casino: Dating back to the fourth century, it stands in Isla del Moral. Part of it sits under the ground, but remains of a Roman tomb that was part of a large fishing site can still be seen. Unearthed in 1981, this Roman site is also known as Cabezo de las Piedras.
- Spanish Contemporary Engraving Museum: This museum has the largest collection of engravings in Spain. It contains works by renowned artists like Dalí, Picasso and Miró. It is housed in a building dating back to the Middle Ages.
- Roman village of Río Verde: This village in the mouth of the river Verde is one of the best preserved Roman sites in Andalusia. Its buildings and typical food mosaics reveal the fishing character of the ancient inhabitants of Marbella.
Experiences in Marbella
Marbella is synonymous with excitement. Visitors can enjoy an exquisite atmosphere, watch a flamenco performance in a tablao, take a stroll on the beach in the moonlight, go cycling along the coastline or go shopping in a picturesque street market. Marbella is a lively town with a real Andalusian essence.
Experiences in Marbella: What to do
- Puerto Banús street market. Every Saturday, close to the bullring in Puerto Banús opens an open-air market where you can find everything from antiquities to clothes, accessories or shoes and crafts to please all tastes in a pleasantly eclectic atmosphere.
- Coastal bike rides in Marbella: Hiring a bike to roll along the coast on the wonderful Costa del Sol from Marbella to Puerto Banús is a nice experience you can share with your family. It is a nice trip that takes two hours.
- Flamenco evenings: Flamenco is a quintessential part of the Marbella cultural scene. Every night, the tablaos in the Old Town put on flamenco shows. The oldest and most emblematic tablao in Marbella is Ana María’s, in the crowded and bustling Plaza del Santo Cristo.
- Marbella casino: Roulette, black jack, poker... The casino in Marbella offers exciting gambling nights filled with glamour, fun and charm. Visitors can spend a special evening having a romantic dinner in the stylish restaurant (booking required).
- Eating tapas in Marbella: Eating tapas is a very popular tradition in Marbella. On the sea promenade are bars and taverns where you can eat all kinds of tapas: deep-fried fish, gazpacho, ajoblanco, squid, etc. A perfect plan to have a good time with friends or your loved one.
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