Curator’s statement
Marbella is the ultimate luxury getaway on Spain's southern Costa del Sol. It is the place to see and be seen. The landscape, set against a mountainous backdrop, overlooking the Gibraltar Strait and Northern Africa, is about as dreamy as you can find anywhere. It is also one of the few places in continental Europe with a year-round warm climate. My family and I escaped our cold winter in Denmark, to spend five weeks in Marbella this year, and I can only recommend it! There is nothing quite like sitting in shorts watching a sunset on a beach in January while all your friends are back home shoveling snow.
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Things to do in Marbella
From people-watching while sipping an aperitif at sunset in Puerto Banús to a walk (or run or cycle) along the Golden Mile up to the luxurious, yet understated, Puente Romano, there is something for everyone in Marbella.
Not feeling the run or cycle along the coast? Marbella is a golfers paradise with multiple courses all within short drives of each other. Regardless of your skill level, the panorama alone makes it worthwhile.
For culture lovers, make sure to visit the old town of Marbella for some authentic Andalusian flavor.
Shopaholic? The Corte Ingles located in the center of Puerto Banús will meet all your needs, even the ones you didn't yet know you had.
Day Trips:
Marbella is perfectly placed on the Costa del Sol to enable day trips to the rest of Andalucia. Whether you want to visit the Picasso Museum in Malaga, the Alhambra in Granada, the bright lights of Sevilla or explore Gibraltar (and even Morocco), everything is just a drive away! As your Fora advisor, I can tailor whatever excursion you would like.
Places to eat & drink in Marbella
Besaya Beach: Located along the Golden Mile between Puerto Banús and Puente Romano, this is where my wife and I would stop for our mid-run coffee. A great place for meals of any kind, especially the arroz negro.
Soleo Marbella Beach Club Restaurant: Their slogan is 'beach, life & food'. What more do you want? On the waterfront in Old Marbella, this will likely be the place where you will have the best paella of your stay.
Paisana: A hip but down to earth brunch spot like those back home but with more stunning views. See Marbella from the top!
Ground by Breathe: The place to see and be seen in Puerto Banus between 10am and 1pm. Come for breakfast instead of brunch and it will feel like a private dining room.
LalaLa: The perfect locale for a sunset drink before dinner (and the octopus is pretty good, too).
Mumtaz: A genuine taste of India in the heart of Puerto Banús.
Camuri: An Oasis of Bohemian style on the 'Playa Fantastica' beach. Stratospheric shrimps.
Chiringuito Puente Romano: Part of the Puente Romano beach resort. Sophisticated dining (and/or drinks) with the beach under your feet at any time of the day.
Leone: Open air international brasserie-style dining on the waterfront.
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Travel Advisor
Nicola Volpi
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Spain.