Marbella holidays

Marbella holidays

Deals from £244 per person

Dubbed the Miami of Costa del Sol, holidays to Marbella are perfect for those seeking year-round sunshine, pristine beaches and glitzy nightlife. You can soak up more days of unspoilt sunshine here than you can in the Canaries. And when the sun sets, head down to the world-famous Golden Mile for an evening of high-profile clubbing.

There are plenty of things to do in Marbella with the kids, too, from the thrilling water parks to the beautiful eco reserves. And the region is full of old-world charm, from the pretty village of Mijas to the cobbled streets of Old Town. So if you want guaranteed sunshine, ancient architecture and a heavy dose of glamour, holidays to Marbella are for you!

Beaches 

Marbella holidays are heaven for sun-seekers with over 20km of golden coastline. There are 23 beaches to explore, including six with Blue Flag status. The weather in Marbella is also calmer than its neighbour town, thanks to the towering Sierra Mountains, creating a sun-trap for sunbathers.

Playa de Puerto Banus

A popular choice for families, Playa de Puerto Banus, has soft golden sands and paddle-friendly waters. The shores are calm thanks to the breakwater, while full-time lifeguards monitor the area. Located alongside the famous Puerto Banús Marina, it's also one of the most glamorous beaches in Marbella.

Playa de la Fontanilla

Playa de la Fontanilla is popular among both tourists and locals. This is the place to be to get a real taste of Marbella. You'll find a wide variety of local shops and restaurants along the Paseo Marítimo – or promenade, where you can enjoy delicious regional specialities. This is also an excellent beach for jet-skiing.

Playa del Faro

Playa del Faro boasts a wonderful children's play area. The sea is shallow and sheltered, making it ideal for paddling with your little ones. In a vibrant location, you'll find the marina and lighthouse to the west and plenty of attractions along the promenade. It's a short stroll from exclusive shops, terraces, and restaurants, too.

Playa de Artola

Playa de Artola lies away from the hustle and bustle of the glamorous Marbella shopping zones. Surrounded by sand dunes and lined with ancient watchtowers, it's one of the most remote spots in the city.

Playa de la Vibora

Famous for its stylish club, Nikki Beach Marbella, Playa de La Vibora is a hub for the rich and famous. Splurge on some opulent lunches or Champagne tastings. Or just enjoy some quiet time on the beach. It's remote enough to disconnect from the buzz of the city.

Nightlife

Marbella holidays have been a favourite amongst the rich and famous since the 60s. White villas meet the yacht-filled marina, making it look like something straight out of a James Bond film. Many celebs come simply for the nightlife, which bursts into life after dark on the legendary Golden Mile. Enjoy the glamour of the lavish nightclubs, where the party usually starts after midnight, so be prepared to dance until the sun comes up. 

History & Culture

Marbella has a rich and fascinating history. Long before it attracted jet setters, it was home to civilisations, from the Phoenicians to the Romans, and later the Moors; you'll see architecture that stretches back to the 1st Century AD. Take a trip to Basilica Vega Del Mar to see the 4th-century Roman ruins. Here you can walk among some of the most ancient archaeological findings of early Christianity. Visit the public Guadalmina Thermal Baths and the unique mosaics in Rio Verde.

Shopping

Shoppers can flex their bargain-hunting muscles in Puerto Banus, which is also where you're likely to spot a celebrity or two. For booshy boutiques, head to Marbella Old Town. It's filled with cosmopolitan pavement cafés, vintage shops and Mediterranean restaurants. Order your travel money before you go, and you can practice your haggling skills at the famous Nueva Andalusia Market.

Natural Beauty 

Standing at 1200m, La Concha Mountain in Spain is the highest point in Marbella. There are many viewing points on the way up, so you can make it as challenging as you want. Mirador del Macho has a well-marked path that will take you through the olive groves. If you're going to take on the peak, bring food, water and plenty of charge on your phone. It will take roughly 4 hours, and the views are breathtaking.

Places To Stay

See Hotels in Marbella

More travel guides

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Map of Marbella

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11°C - 29°C

If you’re looking to make the most of the Spanish sunshine, book your holiday between June and August, when the mercury creeps from the high 20s into the low 30s.

View Marbella weather forecast >>>

Approximately two and a half hours.

Flights land at Malaga Airport, which is around 40 minutes' drive from the resort.

Marbella is best for...

Golfers: The destination is in the heart of Spain’s finest golfing region, with some of the best courses and clubs in Andalucía just minutes away.

Night owls: From dancing on the Golden Mile to sipping cocktails in plush Puerto Banus, Marbella has the finest nightlife in Andalucía.

Shopaholics: The city’s cosmopolitan shopping is a big attraction, from designer boutiques to large, modern malls and colourful street markets.

Fast facts for Marbella

Language: While the primary language spoken here is Spanish, the locals speak English fluently, but do appreciate any attempts at a few Spanish basics, so pack your phrasebook or download our language app.

Currency: You’ll need to exchange your Sterling for Euros, before flying off on your holidays to Marbella. 

Local time: Marbella is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Malaga Airport. Transfers to Marbella take 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Flight time from UK: The Marbella flight time is 2.5 hours.

Tourist Information: Further Marbella tourist information can be found on the visit Spain website

Visa / Health: Before you travel, it's worth visiting The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for advice on visas and health for your holiday to Marbella.

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Getting around Marbella

By horse and carriage: It doesn’t get much more fun or romantic than seeing the sights from a horse-drawn carriage. 

By taxi: Taxis are a good option for short journeys; the area’s full of taxi ranks and cars can be flagged down from the street without much problem. Bear in mind that licensed taxis should have meters and will charge more at night.

On foot: It’s a lovely place to get around on foot, particularly in the Old Town where the streets are too narrow for cars.

Events in Marbella

Starlite: Taking place each July and over the course of a month, the Starlite Festival is the resort’s glitziest event. The event is held in the open-air Nagϋeles quarry, a natural amphitheatre in the depths of the mountains. Enjoy a feast of music, fashion and art. Previous headliners include Enrique Iglesias, Jamie Cullum and Tony Bennett. The festival also has a special VIP gala night for charity.

Marbella Feria: The first week of June sees the annual fair take to the streets in honour of its patron saint, San Bernabe. The fair features fun activities for kids, such as fairground rides, zip-wires and bouncy castles, plus live music, dancing, food, and a fantastic firework display to round the week off.

Marbella weather

Temperature: Average of 24°C-29°C in summer.

Best time to visit: Easter for slightly cooler temperatures.

Basking in Spain’s classic, Mediterranean climate, summers here are hot, with up to 12 hours of sunshine day. If you like things on the warmer side, book your break between July and August, when the temperatures climb into the low thirties. For cooler conditions, better-suited to sightseeing, book your Marbella holidays in the spring or autumn, when the mercury hovers in the low-to-mid-twenties. Winters are mild, but November can be wet.

What should I pack?

Marbella can get very hot in the summer, so be sure to pack light items and comfortable shoes for those walks about town. For days on the beach, remember your sun cream, shades, and a hat to protect you from the rays. If you want to make the most of Marbella's nightlife, pack a selection of your favourite going-out ensembles.

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