Heading for Spain’s Costa del Sol? Discover our guide to the best places to stay in Marbella!
Situated between Gibraltar and Malaga is a small seaside resort with a population of 130,549: Marbella. Mild winters, hot summers: this former mining and fishing village enjoys a Mediterranean climate and has profited from its economic transition to become a mecca for Spanish tourism in the 20th century. Known the world over for its luxurious mansions and celebrity resorts, accommodation in Marbella can be expensive.
From Puerto Banús to Marbella’s marina, from the historic district to Las Chapas beach, you’ll enjoy different atmospheres, with a sometimes old-fashioned charm, between history and modernity. Here’s where to stay in Marbella.
The historic center
Photo credit: Flickr – Roberto Pasini
A maze of white alleyways, traditional Spanish Moorish houses with bougainvillea snaking from the windows, lush vegetation: Marbella has a unique cachet with the feel of a tropical town. The historic town center is as charming as the small fishing village it once was. The Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square) is, as its name suggests, a district where orange blossom hires the atmosphere. In the evening, the terraces are invaded by the city’s night owls.
Take a stroll through the Parque de la Repressa, Parque de la Alameda and Parque de la Constitución before enjoying one of the many terraces along Avenida Duque de Ahumada. Not far away, don’t miss the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Printmaking, a marvel containing over 4,000 prints and works by Picasso, Miró, Dalí, Chillida, Tápies and Barceló. Luxury, calm and pleasure invite you to discover a district forgotten by visitors: the old medieval wall and the parish church of La Encarnación will punctuate your visit. Choose this area for accommodation in Marbella to get a front-row seat and do it all on foot.
Puerto Banús
Photo credit: Flickr – Jilles Dissel
This is the place to be for luxury lovers. Located to the west of Marbella, the town attracts a host of celebrities who come to stay in ultra-prestigious mansions. Puerto Banús has been compared to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, the open-air den of the world’s wealthy stars. A stroll along the seafront will make you feel like you’re in Saint-Tropez, wandering among the jet-set. If you feel like it, rent a boat and sail a catamaran on the peaceful waters of the bay. This is an ideal area for luxury and fashion shopping. But beware: yachts, luxury cars and exorbitant prices for accommodation in Marbella.
Playa de las Chapas
Photo credit: Flickr – Michael Vadon
Marbella’s coastline stretches for over 30 kilometers: urban beaches, seafront promenade, cheap and luxurious party huts, peaceful corners that have retained their authentic, wild soul. Las Chapas beach has the advantage of being uncrowded yet well-equipped. To the east, the Artola dune and Cabopino beach will delight you if you want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city and listen to the waves roll in. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, look to the east coast for accommodation in Marbella.
Main photo credit: Flickr – Gilles Messian