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Marbella Travel Guide

Author: Crystal
Author: Crystal

“The most beautiful in the world is, of course, the world itself.” - Wallace Stevens

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Our 2023 Vacation Travel Guide for Marbella, Spain.

Marbella at night

Save this Marbella travel guide if you’re dreaming of a vacation that combines beachside bliss with a taste of Spanish charm. Nestled along the sun-kissed Costa del Sol, this vibrant coastal town is your ticket to an unforgettable getaway.

Get ready, because we’ve got your back with all the tips and tricks you need to make the most of your time in Marbella. From airport arrival to the hottest spots in town, consider this your go-to guide for an epic Marbella adventure!

Currency used in Marbella

The currency used in the Marbella is the Euro (€), which is the same currency used throughout Spain and most other countries in the European Union.

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Getting There

Before embarking on your Marbella adventure, you’ll need to arrive at the nearest airport, Malaga Airport (AGP), which is well-connected to major European cities. From there, you have several transportation options to reach Marbella:

Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport, and the average cost for a 40-minute ride to Marbella is approximately 60-70 EUR (100-120 AUD).

Bus: The airport offers a direct bus service (Line A) to Marbella, with a ticket price of around 8 EUR (13.5 AUD). The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

Rental Car: If you prefer flexibility, you can rent a car at the airport. Prices vary depending on the rental company and vehicle type.

How to get around the Canary Islands?

Once you’re in Marbella, getting around the town and its surroundings is a breeze. Here are some local transportation options and their average costs in local currency and AUD:

Marbella has an extensive bus network, and a single journey typically costs around 1.50 EUR (2.50 AUD).

Taxis within the city are convenient and relatively affordable, with fares starting at around 5 EUR (8.50 AUD) for short trips.

Ride-sharing is available in Marbella, there is Uber, Bolt, and Cabify. Prices will be accessible on the app.

Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The road infrastructure is generally good, and there are car rental companies available at major airports and towns.

Car hire rates starting at around 20-30 EUR per day for a compact or economy car.

Marbella is a bike-friendly town, and you can rent a bike for about 10-15 EUR (17-25 AUD) per day.

Dining in Marbella

Dining

Marbella, like many places in Spain, offers a delightful array of local dishes that showcase the country’s rich culinary tradition. While it may not have a cuisine unique to Marbella itself, you can enjoy many classic Spanish dishes in this coastal town.

Famous Spanish dishes you can try in Marbella:

Paella

A quintessential Spanish dish, paella is a saffron-infused rice dish cooked with a variety of ingredients, which can include seafood, chicken, rabbit, or vegetables. It's a must-try in Marbella, especially the seafood paella.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho

This refreshing cold soup is perfect for the warm Marbella weather. Made from tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and other fresh ingredients, it's a great appetizer or light meal.

Gambas al Ajillo

Garlic shrimp is a simple but flavorful dish where prawns are sautéed in olive oil with garlic and chili flakes. It's usually served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Rabo de Toro

This hearty oxtail stew is slow-cooked in a rich red wine sauce until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. It's a comforting and flavorful dish.

Churros con Chocolate

While churros are not unique to Marbella, you can enjoy these fried dough pastries dipped in thick hot chocolate at local cafes and dessert spots.

The Highlights

Marbella, located on Spain’s Costa del Sol, boasts stunning Mediterranean beaches, a historic Old Town with Moorish influences, and a vibrant nightlife. Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss:

Old Town Exploration

Wander through the charming streets of Marbella's Old Town (Casco Antiguo). Admire the historic architecture, including the Orange Square (Plaza de los Naranjos) and the town's Moorish and Andalusian influences.

Basilica Vega Del Mar

Visit the Basilica Vega Del Mar, a beautiful church in San Pedro de Alcantara, just a short drive from Marbella. Its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings make it worth a visit.

Marbella Promenade (Paseo Maritimo)

Take a stroll along the Marbella promenade that stretches along the coastline. You can enjoy scenic views, outdoor art installations, and the sea breeze.

marbella highlights

Puerto Banús Marina

While it's a famous spot for luxury shopping and dining, you can also stroll along the marina for free. Admire the impressive yachts and people-watch.

Bonsai Museum

Visit the Bonsai Museum (Museo del Bonsai) located within the park of Arroyo de la Represa. It houses a collection of beautiful miniature bonsai trees and is open to the public for free.

Night Clubs

Marbella boasts a variety of nightclubs catering to different music genres. Popular venues like Olivia Valere, Aqwa Mist, and Tibu Banus feature top DJs, stylish interiors, and a lively crowd.

Beaches near Marbella

Marbella’s first three beaches is a must! Playa de la Fontanilla is vibrant and offers great dining options. Playa de la Venus is perfect for families with its calm waters. Puerto Banús Beach adds a touch of glamour with luxury yachts and designer boutiques nearby. Each beach has its unique charm, ensuring a fantastic day in the sun!

Here's are 3 Beaches that you can visit when you're in Marbella:

Puerto Banus beach
Cabopino ancient watch tower near the beach
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Things to do in the Marbella

Marbella, a beautiful coastal town on the Costa del Sol, offers a wide range of activities and attractions to suit all interests, here are a few things to do:

Marbella Old Town

Old Town Exploration

Walk through Marbella's Old Town and visit the historic Orange Square.

Cost: Free.

Golf course

Los Naranjos Golf Club

Play a round of golf at this prestigious course. We recommend booking in advance.

Golfing at Los Naranjos Golf Club: Prices for a round of golf can vary widely but typically start at around 100 EUR.

Facial Massage at day spa

Marbella Club Thalasso Spa

Unwind with thalassotherapy treatments and also try the massages, facials, and body treatments

Prices vary widely depending on the treatments but can range from 50 EUR to several hundred EUR.

Bonsai Tree

Bonsai Museum

Explore the Bonsai Museum and its beautiful collection.

Average cost is around 4-6 EUR for admission.

Tree with Direction signs

Sierra de las Nieves Hike

Take a guided hike with Sierra Blanca Adventures.

Prices vary, but expect to pay around 30-50 EUR per person for a guided hike.

3 Sand buggies with 3 people

Marbella Buggys

Take an off-road adventure with guided buggy tours.

Prices for guided buggy tours can range from 70-120 EUR or more per person.

Marbella Old Town

Local customs

When visiting the Marbella, tourists should be aware of the following local customs to show respect for the culture:

Although controversial, bullfighting has a cultural significance in some regions of Spain. Marbella occasionally hosts bullfighting events, and it’s essential to be respectful of local customs and traditions if you attend.

Marbella, like other Spanish towns, celebrates a variety of festivals and holidays throughout the year. These often involve parades, music, dancing, and traditional costumes. La Feria de San Bernabé in June is one of the most significant local festivals.

It’s customary in Marbella, as in most of Spain, to greet friends and acquaintances with two kisses on the cheek (one on each side). This is a warm and friendly way to say hello.

Spanish is the official language, so learning a few basic Spanish phrases or greetings can go a long way in showing respect for local customs.

Many Spaniards are Catholic, and religious customs and festivals are important. Be respectful if you visit churches or participate in religious events.

The siesta, a short afternoon nap, is a longstanding tradition in Spain. Many shops and businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon, particularly in the summer when the midday heat is at its peak.

Tipping is customary in restaurants and for services like taxis and hotel staff. A standard tip is around 10% to 15% of the bill.

Marbella - beach

Weather

Marbella, located on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain, experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Here are the typical weather seasons in Marbella:

Marbella weather and seasons:

  • Spring in Marbella is pleasant and mild.
  • Temperatures gradually rise during this season, with daytime highs ranging from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F).
  • It’s a great time to visit for those who prefer milder weather and want to avoid the peak summer crowds.
  • Summer in Marbella is hot and dry.
  • Daytime temperatures often soar above 30°C (86°F) and can sometimes reach into the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F).
  • This is the high tourist season, with plenty of sun and ideal beach weather.
  • Be prepared for warm evenings, making outdoor dining and nightlife enjoyable.
  • Autumn is still warm and pleasant in Marbella, but it starts to cool down gradually.
  • Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) in September but decrease as the season progresses.
  • This is a great time for outdoor activities, with fewer tourists compared to the summer months.
  • Winters in Marbella are mild and can be quite rainy.
  • Daytime temperatures typically hover around 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F), but it can occasionally get cooler.
  • Rainfall is more frequent during this season, especially in December and January.
  • While it’s not the best time for beach activities, it’s an excellent season for exploring cultural attractions and enjoying the local cuisine.

Marbella Tourist & Visa Information

As an Australian tourist, you do not need a visa to enter Marbella, Spain. 

Marbella is part of the Schengen Convention. Under the Schengen Convention, Australian citizens intending to travel to any Schengen country*, for a holiday or business, are authorised to stay in the Schengen zone for a maximum of 90 days, without a visa, during any six months.

90 Day visa reasons:

  • tourism and holidays
  • cultural and sports events
  • visiting friends and family
  • airport transit and transit for seafarers
  • official visit
  • business purposes
  • medical reasons
  • short-term study and research purposes.

After spending 90 days in the Schengen countries, travellers are required to remain out of the Schengen area for a period of at least 180 days before they can re-enter.

* Countries part of the Schengen Convention: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovak Republic, Sweden, Switzerland and Spain.

  • When entering the Schengen Area, you must present a valid passport.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the Schengen Area.
  • Make sure you get a clear entry stamp in your passport when you enter the Schengen Area for the first time. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained.
  • Some countries need you to register with local authorities within 3 days of arrival.

Note: Please double-check the above links and requirements before making travel arrangements, as they are subject to change.

SmartTaveller.gov.au travel advice is to exercise normal safety precautions. All COVID-19 travel restrictions for entry into Marbella, Spain have been removed, and face masks are no longer required.

Other important information

While the Marbella is considered safe for tourists, it’s still important to take precautions to avoid theft and stay safe. Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone at night, especially in less touristy areas. It’s also a good idea to carry cash in case credit cards aren’t accepted or there are issues with the card machines.

Marbella at night

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