Travel to Marbella and Puerto Banús: Mediterranean style and exclusivity

Between the historic charm of Marbella and the exclusive dynamism of Puerto Banús, explore the Mediterranean through unique experiences designed for every traveler.

Travel to Marbella and Puerto Banús: Luxury tourism, family, and much more

Tourism in Marbella and Puerto Banús is one of the favorite holiday choices not only for premium travelers, but also for many families, nature lovers, and other profiles who enjoy this jewel of the Costa del Sol for many other reasons. On this Andalucía Exclusiva page, we show you all the information you need to know if you are coming to this tourist destination soon. You will not be disappointed!

Contents

Location and geography

Marbella is located in the Costa del Sol Occidental region, being its largest, most famous, and iconic city. Situated about 60 km from the capital, it is nestled at the foot of Sierra Blanca, a small mountain range from which Pico de la Concha stands out, at 1,215 meters above sea level. This geographical feature rises imposingly and very close to the coastline, serving as a perfect backdrop for the city when viewed from the sea or the promenade. At the same time, from its heights, it offers exceptional views of the entire Bay of Marbella, the gentle sea inlet in the center of which the city is located.

It is a very extensive municipality (over 115 km2) and stands out for the great extension of its coastline: 27 km covering a good part of the bay. In fact, the city has several districts, with Marbella Centro being the smallest. In contrast, the others cover large areas of land: a vast inland area on the mountain slope (often occupied by small villas and high-end urbanizations) and a generous strip of coast. These are, broadly speaking, San Pedro de Alcántara (North and South), Marbella North, Marbella East, Las Chapas, and Nueva Andalucía. Precisely in the latter is where Puerto Banús is located, a luxury marina to which we dedicate ample space at the end of this page. Therefore, tourism in Marbella does not refer only to its primitive urban core, but above all to the large residential and holiday areas developed to the east, west, and north of the city. tourism in Marbella does not refer only to its primitive urban core, but above all to the large residential and holiday areas developed to the east, west, and north of the city.

A bit of Marbella's history

Although tourism in Marbella is mainly associated with luxury and sun and beach holidays, the truth is that this city holds some surprises from a historical point of view, which will appeal to the most curious travelers. And if we focus on the present, it is the best example of the population boom generated after the determined commitment to the tourism sector as an economic engine, which is its great source of wealth, as in the entire region.

The city of Marbella in the past

The slopes of Sierra Blanca were home to populations in the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, as evidenced by remains found in different parts of its municipality. Later, as happened with many other nearby towns (Málaga, Cádiz, etc.), Phoenicians and Punics set their sights on this coastal strip to profit from it commercially, settling in the Río Real area around the 7th century BC.

But the main archaeological remains discovered in Marbella are from the Roman era. Although it does not appear in the historical sources of that period, the sites unearthed in recent decades suggest that there was a settlement of some importance here. Some of these sites are the Roman Villa of Río Verde and the Roman Baths of Guadalmina or Las Bóvedas, in addition to other findings in the old town.

It is mentioned in the Middle Ages during the period of Islamic rule. It was the Muslims who undertook a large construction plan, which included a wall that completely surrounded the medina and had three access gates. And within it, a 10th or 11th-century castle that is still preserved. It was part of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, although it was not exempt from conflicts with the Marinids from the other side of the Strait of Gibraltar, signing peace at the end of the 13th century in the so-called Treaty of Marbella.

The Christian Reconquest materialized in 1485, when Ferdinand the Catholic took possession of the city’s keys. The following century saw much of the Muslim constructions demolished to create more airy spaces like the Plaza de los Naranjos and larger buildings, such as the Cortijo de Miraflores. However, streets in the old town still evoke what was once the small Muslim medina of narrow, winding alleys.

In the 19th century, Marbella experienced another key moment in its history, as it was one of the participants in the booming industrialization of the province, positioning this territory among the most important in the entire country. Specifically, the iron deposits of Sierra Blanca attracted numerous investments that created blast furnaces and other facilities. The founding of the British company The Marbella Iron Ore Company & Limited is a good example of this. However, some of the areas that today receive numerous tourists in Marbella maintained their traditional agricultural activity for a long time, with sugar mills and agricultural colonies, such as that of San Pedro de Alcántara.

Marbella in the 20th and 21st centuries

Agriculture and mining gradually declined as a new avenue to explore opened up from the beginning of the 20th century: Marbella tourism, which began to generate a floating population made up of vacationers from other parts of Spain and abroad. The first hotels for these visitors were founded back then, although development came to a halt during the tragic chapter of the Civil War and the post-war period. Nevertheless, the city was subsequently very well positioned in this regard and continued to be at the forefront of the emerging tourism industry as an economic engine for both the province and the country.

The 1950s and 60s witnessed a new impetus in this area, with the founding of other new hotels that are still among the most prestigious in the city today. Some personalities decisively invested in what was still a small town of just over 10,000 inhabitants. This is the case of José Banús, who promoted the Marbella Club port, which eventually adopted his surname. The European and North American jet set (families like Thyssen-Bornemisza, Bismarck, Rothschild, etc.) became regulars of Marbella and Puerto Banús, gradually expanding to include great sheikhs, actors, and celebrities in general. And between the late 20th and early 21st centuries, media-savvy mayors (Jesús Gil, Julián Muñoz) contributed to this tourist destination often being in the headlines, though not always for good reasons but for urban corruption.

In any case, the prestige of tourism in Marbella and Puerto Banús is now irreversible and consolidates this Malaga city as one of the most dynamic in the entire southern peninsula. With nearly 150,000 inhabitants, it is a quality destination for all types of travelers: from luxury to the family segment, including culture lovers, entertainment enthusiasts, and even nature lovers. It is no coincidence that the number of visitors in 2019 reached a record figure, close to 3 million people.

Marbella

Of course, if you are going to travel and do tourism in Marbella and Puerto Banús, you will spend a good part of your time at the beach and the sea, major attractions of this holiday destination. But you will also find other monumental and cultural attractions to complete your travel program. Below, we group the main proposals by areas and themes.

Square in Marbella Old Town
Square in Marbella Old Town

Marbella's Old Town

If you wish to experience tourism in Marbella from a cultural point of view, this will be your favorite area, as it preserves charming spots. It is, broadly speaking, what was once the Muslim medina. And in fact, the Islamic castle built in the 10th-11th centuries and some sections of what was the defensive wall of this enclave, a strategic point as an outpost for the defense of the Kingdom of Granada, are still preserved. It is located in the heart of the old town, surrounded by narrow streets and low houses that will undoubtedly surprise visitors.

The liveliest square in the center is the Plaza de los Naranjos, from the 16th century and a good reflection of the new Christian architecture after the Reconquest. Its name leaves no room for doubt, as it refers to these beautiful trees that add a touch of greenery to this charming space where terraces cluster. Therefore, it is undoubtedly one of the most genuine places to enjoy a cold drink after a day of tourism in Marbella.

Three buildings stand out in the Plaza de los Naranjos. Firstly, the Town Hall, which houses municipal offices. With origins in the 16th century and restorations in the 20th, it preserves a picturesque sundial and inscriptions about its past, such as the surrender of Marbella to the Catholic Monarchs in 1485. Secondly, the Casa del Corregidor, from the same period and with genuine elements that take us back to the past. This is the case of its coats of arms and arcades with Gothic, Mudejar, and Renaissance influences. And finally, it is worth mentioning the Chapel of Santiago, from the 15th century, small in size and with a single nave.

In contrast, the main religious temple in the old town is the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, larger in size, with three naves and a bell tower built over the minaret of the old mosque. Its origins as a church date back to the 16th century, although its current appearance is predominantly from the 18th century, when the beautiful main Baroque facade was carved. Its interior is spacious and bright, although it suffered losses of artistic heritage during the looting of the War of Independence and the Civil War. The Chapel of San Juan de Dios is also a charming small Catholic temple, with a beautiful wooden coffered ceiling inside.

Similarly, the so-called Barrio Alto is part of the historic center, with pedestrian streets and small squares full of popular charm. In fact, one of the most beloved temples by Marbella residents is located here: the hermitage of Santo Cristo, with its characteristic tower covered with glazed ceramic tiles. Inside, two of the most famous carvings: that of Christ of the Column and that of the White Virgin, which its residents carry in procession during Holy Week.

Marbella's Expansion Area

Between the old town and the coast (Venus beach and Marina) is the so-called Ensanche de Marbella: a neighborhood outlined by the N-340 road as it passes through the city but with ample spaces for walking. Here you will find Alameda Park, one of the favorite green areas for Marbella residents. It evokes the enlightened and reformist past of the late 18th century, the era from which its historic fountain dates. In addition, next to this park, on Avenida del Mar, there is a set of sculptures attributed to Salvador Dalí that decorate this small promenade towards the sea, although their authenticity is a matter of discussion. Also here is the Marbella Lighthouse, next to the Parque de la Constitución, another of the small green areas that serve as a place for walking and recreation for local people.

Alameda Park
Alameda Park

Other places of interest to visit and for tourism in Marbella

Beyond the old town and the historic expansion, there are other areas that offer interesting places for those doing tourism in Marbella. In the San Pedro de Alcántara area, which represents the municipality’s other oldest population center, several 19th-century industrial buildings can be seen, recalling its sugar-producing past. However, the most historically significant spaces are the remains of the early Christian basilica of Vega del Mar, with a large baptismal font, and the Roman baths of Las Bóvedas, which according to some sources could belong to the same urban core, known as Cilniana.

But the most interesting archaeological site in the municipality is located in the Nueva Andalucía district. It is the Roman Villa of Río Verde , a rich villa with a residential area and another probably dedicated to fish salting and the exploitation of marine resources. In fact, one of its most characteristic elements is the mosaic in the residential part, decorated with culinary-themed designs, including fish.

Regarding the Las Chapas district, two watchtowers stand out: Río Real and Los Ladrones. They were part of Marbella’s defensive system, serving as optical towers from which to emit smoke signals as a warning against potential dangers. The first dates from the 16th century and was used until the War of Independence in the early 19th century, while the latter is probably of Muslim construction.

And scattered throughout several districts of the city are the various museums. These are small exhibition centers with different themes, offering light visits without crowds, so they can be part of your Marbella tourism program. They are a good option for a brief cultural and traditional experience, and the following are worth mentioning:

  • Ralli Museum Marbella: it is probably the most important in terms of artworks, as it features pieces by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Giorgio de Chirico, and Marc Chagall, among others. In addition, it boasts one of the richest collections of contemporary Latin American art, representing creators such as Antonio Seguí, Wilfredo Lam, and Roberto Matta
  • Spanish Contemporary Engraving Museum: located in an interesting 16th-century building, the Hospital Bazán. It houses a collection of about four thousand works, created using different techniques: etching, lithography, etc. It also has a workshop that offers courses on this subject
  • Cortijo de Miraflores Museum: hosts temporary exhibitions and is the headquarters of the Municipal Archive. It also displays an old 19th-century olive oil mill, of which the mill is preserved, among other elements
  • Bonsai Museum: this is a botanical garden located in La Represa Park and dedicated to this plant species

Marbella Beaches and Promenades

If you wish to experience tourism in Marbella in a relaxed way, alternating swimming and walks along the seashore, you will have many beaches and kilometers of promenade at your disposal. In fact, one of the most famous attractions of this holiday destination is undoubtedly the Golden Mile. This is how the area connecting Marbella and Puerto Banús is known, and it is considered one of the most exclusive residential areas in all of Europe. In this part of the Nueva Andalucía district, Arab sheikhs, elite athletes, government presidents, and personalities from the highest society have their second homes. Although most of this area consists of chalets and villas with generous grounds around them, it also has a promenade that runs from the Marbella Lighthouse to the mouth of the Guadalmina River. There is less promenade towards the eastern districts of the city, although it is equally walkable thanks to the Coastal Path. In addition, it has interesting beaches from different points of view. Below we briefly mention all of them

Aerial View of Marbella’s Golden Mile
Aerial View of Marbella’s Golden Mile

List of beaches

From west to east, these are the most important of its 24 beaches, distributed along the 27 km of coastline of this municipality. This way, you can take note of the one that best suits your preferences if you are planning to do tourism in Marbella.

  • Guadalmina Beach: a Blue Flag beach, it is the westernmost, bordering the municipality of Estepona. Approximately 1.5 km long and an average width of 25 meters. Golden sand, coarse grain, and gravel. Artificially formed by various breakwaters
  • Linda Vista Beach: one of several urban beaches in the San Pedro de Alcántara nucleus, it has the attraction of being located next to the ruins of the early Christian basilica of Vega del Mar
  • San Pedro de Alcántara / La Salida Beach: 1.6 km long and about 30 meters wide on average. Dark, medium-grain sand and gravel
  • Cortijo Blanco Beach: 600 meters long and 25 meters wide, it is one of the least crowded. Dark, medium-grain sand
  • Nueva Andalucía / El Duque Beach: just over 1 km long and about 30 meters wide, it has dark sand. It has a characteristic appearance thanks to the numerous breakwaters located on the shore, which facilitate sand deposition. The presence of yachts in its vicinity is also common, signaling the nearby Puerto Banús
  • Río Verde / Puerto Banús Beach: one of the most exclusive beaches on the entire Costa del Sol, as it is located next to this luxury marina. Its sand is golden-pink, it has a high occupancy rate, and it is recognized with a Blue Flag. A favorite among those who engage in tourism in Marbella at the highest level
  • Nagüeles Beach: another beach located right on the Golden Mile, so its occupancy level is usually high. 800 meters long and 40 meters wide
  • Casablanca Beach: long and wide, 2 km x 30 meters, it is one of the preferred places for practicing beach sports, such as beach volleyball.
  • La Fontanilla Beach: very popular due to its proximity to the urban area, it has an extension of about 800 meters and a width of 30 meters. It has dark, medium-grain sand. One of its great attractions is being located next to Marbella’s marina
  • El Faro Beach: like the previous one, it is one of the smallest but also one of the liveliest, as it is in the heart of the urban area, next to one of the city’s marinas. It is named for its location at the foot of the Marbella Lighthouse. Beach bars, shops, and services for bathers abound. It is about 300 meters long and 30 meters wide, and its sand is golden with a medium grain. In addition, it holds the Blue Flag distinction
  • Venus Beach: it is undoubtedly one of the most popular due to its location at the foot of Marbella’s urban area. It is not one of the largest (500 meters long and 50 meters wide), but it has numerous services and is certified with a Blue Flag. For all these reasons, its occupancy rate is high
  • La Bajadilla Beach: one of the two beaches located next to the La Bajadilla marina and fishing port. Very popular, with golden sand, 700 meters long and 40 meters wide. It has a Blue Flag
  • El Cable Beach: located on the other side of La Bajadilla port, with dark and wide sand (50 meters). Its length is also considerable, at 1.3 km
  • El Pinillo Beach: easily accessible from the N-340 road and the A-7 motorway, it has a small karting circuit nearby. Next to the mouth of the Río Real, with dark and medium grain. Its narrowness (15 meters) is compensated by its length (1.6 km). It also has a reserved area for dogs
  • Los Monteros Beach: 2 km long and 30 meters wide, its golden sand is medium-grained
  • El Alicate Beach: dark sand, 850 meters long and 25 meters wide
  • Real de Zaragoza Beach: mainly frequented by tourists from the Ciudad Residencial Tiempo Libre, so its occupancy rate is medium. 1.6 km long and about 30 meters wide, with golden, medium-grained sand
  • Las Chapas Beach: just over 70 meters long and 25 meters wide, it has fine golden sand
  • Las Cañas Beach: relatively narrow (15 meters) but quite long (1.2 km)
  • Artola / Cabopino Beach: another Blue Flag recognized beach. Next to the Torre de los Ladrones, it has added scenic interest for those who engage in tourism in Marbella with an eye on its environmental values, as it features viewpoints over the Artola dunes
  • Calahonda Beach: the easternmost beach in the municipality, bordering Mijas

Marbella Tourism: Leisure and Business

Many people visit Marbella and Puerto Banús attracted by its rich leisure offerings, which cater to all types of profiles. This city is considered, along with the capital, one of the liveliest in all of Andalusia, where it is difficult to get bored, whether you come with family, as a couple, with friends, or even alone.

Family entertainment is a reality here. There are many entertainment venues for the little ones, as well as companies that organize activities for children. From ball pits to adventure circuits, including public children’s areas where the youngest members of the family can play freely. In addition, there are large themed spaces aimed at them in the surroundings. This is the case of the Eco Reserva de Ojén and Selwo Aventura in Estepona.

Nightlife also occupies a prominent chapter in Marbella tourism. More than twenty nightclubs are distributed throughout the municipality, concentrated mainly in the urban center and around Puerto Banús. A hallmark of this holiday destination are the Beach Clubs, where numerous private parties are organized by the sea. In addition, the summer season is rich in music festivals and concerts, featuring the best artists of the moment, both Spanish and international.

And we can also talk about gastronomic leisure in Marbella, as the restaurants in this city are among the most prestigious in the province and throughout Andalusia. There are large-capacity establishments, sometimes linked to flagship hotels. The most demanding will prefer establishments with Michelin Stars (El Lago, Messina, and Skina) and will opt to shop in gourmet stores with the highest quality products, of which there are about a dozen. Wine lovers also have many wine shops to choose their favorite bottles or try new flavors. And for those who prefer to relax on a terrace with sea views, nothing beats the numerous beach bars scattered along its 27 km of coastline.

But in addition to leisure, tourism in Marbella also encompasses the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions). In this regard, it boasts the large Adolfo Suárez Congress and Exhibition Palace, with a maximum capacity of over 1,500 people and a privileged location, very close to La Fontanilla Beach. Furthermore, the large number of 4 and 5-star hotels with meeting and conference rooms favors the organization of multiple events in the city. In addition, Marbella’s intercultural and dynamic character means that all kinds of necessary services exist to successfully carry out these events, such as translators, private transport, hostesses, and catering.

Marbella Tourist City
Marbella Tourist City

Nature in Marbella

Although it may surprise many, nature is also an aspect to consider very carefully in Marbella tourism. Around the city, you will find protected green spaces and ecologically valuable spots, where you can organize routes on your own or with the help of various adventure companies.

The most outstanding natural environment is, without a doubt, Sierra Blanca. This mountain range is more than just a beautiful backdrop for city photographs taken from the sea. On its slopes, there are trails and paths that run through interesting spots, some of which lead visitors to Pico de la Concha, the highest peak in the mountain range at 1,215 meters above sea level, and from where the views of the Bay of Marbella are spectacular, but also towards other points of the province, such as the nearby Sierra de las Nieves. The same applies from other peaks, such as Pico de Lastonar, Salto del Lobo, Pico / Cruz de Juanar, and Tajo Negro. The neighboring municipalities of Istán and Ojén are often starting or ending points for these routes.

One of the favorite routes for those doing tourism in Marbella and seeking a natural getaway is the Nacimiento del Río Molinos, with a picnic area and recreational space. The Senda de los Monjes or Vereda del Faro are other options of low or medium difficulty. And within the municipality of Marbella, the Pinar de Nagüeles also stands out, one of many people’s favorite places for barbecues or family picnics.

Also of environmental interest is the Coastal Path, a project by the Provincial Council of Málaga that establishes a pedestrian route of about 180 km along the entire coast of the province, including promenades, trails, and other paths. Its sections often correspond to ancient routes, such as the GR-92 or the GR-249. This route is a good opportunity to discover marine fauna and flora, as well as to spot birds or diurnal butterflies. In Marbella, one of the most interesting places is the Artola Dunes, which can be viewed from the wooden walkway installed for this purpose.

Luxury Tourism in Marbella

Regarding the leisure and entertainment proposals we have detailed above, you have the possibility to elevate their quality and excellence, as luxury is a true hallmark of tourism in Marbella. It encompasses all establishments and services, with facilities and staff adapted to premium visitors. Hence, its promotional slogan is 5-Star Destination.

Accommodation is precisely one of the aspects with the greatest variety. Not only are there abundant top-category hotels, but also private holiday rentals: luxury chalets and villas with pools, located beachfront or on the slopes of Sierra Blanca, providing truly privileged views of the surroundings. In our Properties section, you can discover some of those we have available at Andalucía Exclusiva.

Much of the leisure, both day and night, is focused on the premium client. A good example of this is the shops: a day of shopping in Marbella will take you on a route through the major commercial brands of Spain, Europe, and the world, covering fashion, cosmetics, beauty, home, automotive, electronics, and other sectors.

Wellness proposals also stand out in Marbella tourism plans. Midway between health and leisure, there are numerous establishments dedicated to wellness. This includes spa centers, where you can enjoy thermal circuits, as well as traditional or innovative treatments for different parts of the body. From a more therapeutic point of view, massages and physiotherapy sessions are also abundant in the city.

And regarding aesthetic clinics and private medical centers, Marbella is one of the cities with the widest offer in the entire southern peninsula. In the first case, for undergoing surgeries and image touch-ups, while in the second, hospitals and medical complexes for tailored treatments stand out.

Sport also occupies a prominent place in Marbella tourism, and particularly in the most exclusive segment. Some of the best golf courses in the entire country are located in this municipality, totaling over a dozen. One of many examples is the Real Club de Golf Las Brisas: it was one of the pioneers, built in 1968, although it was redesigned in 2015. It stands out not only for its precision-based course but also for its first-class landscaping, considered a botanical garden within which its 18 holes are situated.

Marbella also has a close relationship with the world of racket sports: a place of residence for great tennis players who train here for much of the year, it also boasts first-class facilities such as the Royal Tennis Club. And of course, with several top-level marinas, nautical sports are another hallmark of this Malaga city. The Real Club Marítimo de Marbella is a good example of this, as are the prestigious regattas held here, such as the Intercontinental Marbella Ceuta.

And more generally, luxury is present in many other aspects of tourism in Marbella. It is very easy to enjoy services such as high-end vehicle hire, chauffeur-driven car hire, with the assistance of a personal shopper or concierges for fully personalised service, as both supply and demand here are greater than in other parts of Andalusia.

Luxury shop in Marbella
Luxury shop in Marbella

However, when we talk about luxury, there is one place that stands out above all others in tourism in Marbella: Puerto Banús. This exclusive area belongs to the Nueva Andalucía district and has its own history. Emerging from 1970 onwards thanks to the drive of investors such as Alfonso de Hohenlohe and José Banús, this ultra-luxury marina has since become the favourite destination of the Spanish and international jet set for their holiday stays.

Although it features tourist attractions such as the sculpture Rhinoceros Dressed in Lace, by the Catalan artist Salvador Dalí from the 1950s and donated to the city by former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz, its main appeal lies in the fascinating atmosphere created by this nautical setting, inspired by French marinas.

This marina is, in fact, one of the most expensive in Europe, with daily berth hire exceeding €2,000. It has more than 900 berths for vessels up to 50 metres in length and 6 metres in draught. All of this is sheltered by breakwaters and surrounded by outstanding hotel facilities, among which the Marbella Club stands out, closely linked to the birth and development of this nautical and leisure area.

The Casino of Marbella is also highly renowned, the favourite meeting point for lovers of games of chance in Marbella and Puerto Banús. Here you can try your luck at cards, American roulette, sports betting and other games of chance. But the most exclusive experiences top go far beyond that and include other leisure plans. When it comes to shopping, this area is home to boutiques such as Gucci, Dior, Loewe, Bulgari, Hermès and many others. Fine-dining restaurants delight VIP palates, with star chefs such as Dani García also represented, and wellness offers numerous options as well. And, of course, water sports activities are also organised, such as JetSurf, JetLev or Seabob, among many others.

Puerto Banús luxury tourism

Practical information

The success of tourism in Marbella and Puerto Banús is only possible with excellent transport connections. Below, we explain how to get there, how to get around the city, and where its tourist offices are located, should you wish to obtain further information during your stay.

How to get there

By land, sea and air. To enjoy tourism in Marbella and Puerto Banús you can reach this city in many different ways. If you are coming from elsewhere in Spain or from another country, flying will be the option of choice. In this regard, you can land at two airports:

departures

By plane: Málaga–Costa del Sol International Airport (AGP): it is just 45 km from the city, making it the airport most used by visitors to Marbella. It is also one of the busiest in Spain, with around 20 million passengers a year and connections to numerous destinations across Spain and Europe. Many flights are charter services and operate seasonally during holiday periods. There are also flights to other continents and regions of the world, such as North Africa, the Middle East and North America Gibraltar International Airport: located 80 km away and managed by the United Kingdom, it handles fewer than half a million passengers, but it is often the gateway for British travellers, as well as others coming from Morocco

train

By train: The road is also the final option for those travelling by train, as the nearest stations are in Málaga (high-speed AVE at María Zambrano) or the Cercanías commuter line in Fuengirola, although the creation of a rail corridor on the Costa del Sol, starting from Algeciras, is currently planned.

steering wheel

By road in a private car: As a means of access from these airports, there is a charter helicopter service, although the most common way to reach the city is by road. It is also the option used by many travellers enjoying tourism in Marbella from other areas of Andalusia and Spain. In this respect, two major highways pass through the area: A-7: known as the Autovía del Mediterráneo (Mediterranean Highway), as it links Cádiz with Barcelona along the entire coastline. It emerged as a dual carriageway upgrade of the national road N-340, which still retains its urban section crossing the city from east to west. It can be used to travel from Málaga and Almería to the east, and from Algeciras and Cádiz to the west AP-7: known as the Autopista de la Costa del Sol (Costa del Sol Motorway). It is a toll road and was built to ease congestion on the A-7 and the N-340, as is also the case in many other major cities along the Mediterranean coast. In fact, it runs parallel to the A-7 for many stretches

bus

By bus: Intercity buses connect Marbella with the main cities in the province of Málaga, including the capital. The same applies to long-distance buses, which offer numerous routes to other parts of Andalusia (all provincial capitals except Huelva, plus Úbeda and Jerez de la Frontera), to destinations in Spain (Mérida, Madrid, Barcelona) and to Europe (Brussels, Amsterdam, Zurich, among others).

cruise

By boat: Lastly, travelling by boat is also an option to consider if you wish to enjoy tourism in Marbella. It has four marinas (Puerto Banús, Cabopino, Marbella and La Bajadilla), making it easily accessible by yachts and private vessels. In addition, an expansion of the latter is planned to accommodate mid-sized cruise ships. As for regular ferry services, the nearest seaports for passenger arrivals are Málaga, Algeciras and Tarifa.

How to get around

Given the city’s sizeable population, the year-round dynamism of tourism in Marbella and the vast extent of its territory, Marbella has an urban bus network connecting the main districts and points of interest within the municipality. There are nine lines in total (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L25 and L54), plus an additional night route).

In addition, the city has a large taxi fleet, making it one of the most convenient options, available 24 hours a day. Private taxi services via mobile apps (Uber, Cabify) also operate throughout the Costa del Sol, so you can rely on these vehicles when enjoying tourism in Marbella and Puerto Banús. And, of course, companies offering chauffeur-driven vehicle hire are another widely available option.

Tourist offices in Marbella and Puerto Banús

  • La Fontanilla Tourist Office: Glorieta de la Fontanilla, s/n. Located between Faro Beach and Parque de la Constitución
  • Plaza de los Naranjos Tourist Office: located in this central square, next to Marbella Town Hall
  • San Pedro de Alcántara Tourist Office: in this other population centre, at 69 Marqués del Duero Street
  • Marbella – Puerto Banús Tourist Office: in Plaza de Antonio Banderas, very close to the marina and leisure harbour

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