Marbella

A beautiful place is made up of lovely areas and so it is in Marbella. Here are five of the prettiest spots in town:

Benahavis

Benahavís is known to be the most expensive municipality in Spain when it comes to purchasing a home. It’s very exclusive and upscale and the perfect marriage of lush green spaces and close proximity to the coast and its lovely beaches. Benahavís’ center is on a hilltop with tiny streets, where some of the best restaurants in southern Spain can be found. Visitors will find everything within a five-minute walk.

Marbella East

This area has a lot of green space, no high rises and lovely golf courses. It offers wonderful beaches with a beach bar/chiringuito every 325 feet or so. Most of Marbella East is surrounded by pine trees and cork oaks. The area is busy year-round with a number of boutiques, restaurants, and bars. It’s also home to four 18-hole and three nine-hole golf courses on a more than six-mile stretch.

Nueva Andalucia

Nueva Andalucia is the largest neighborhood in Marbella with 15,000 permanent residents. That number swells in the summer. Centro Plaza shopping center – a popular meeting point – includes and number of quality shops, restaurants, bars and offices, as well as a supermarket, and gym. Sports enthusiasts can find plenty of activities here including tennis, paddle tennis, and several gymnasiums as well as the Aloha Sports Club. Travelers who want to settle in a private location like Nueva Andalucia, but want to be close to bustling nightlife, shops and restaurants will enjoy staying at Villa Sana. This very elegant property is just a hop, step and jump from the beautiful Club Naranjos Golf Club and two minutes to local amenities. It has a beckoning heated outdoor pool along with an outdoor Jacuzzi. With seven sumptuous bedrooms, up to 14 people can enjoy these lovely surroundings.

Santa Margarita

Santa Margarita is the small enclave that ultimately gave Marbella its essence. It has been home to a number of film stars, entertainers, royalty and business moguls and it is definitely the most expensive area of the city. Elite visitors continue to flock to Santa Margarita for its coastal magnificence. The guest list at the Santa Margarita/Marbella Club has been a who’s who of the great and the powerful of society from the 1950s onward. This is an ideal place for luxury travelers to put down vacation roots and Villa Denise is a befitting choice. The palatial beachfront mansion has utterly amazing water views. Up to 12 guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, gym, sauna, and hammam. Take advantage of the famously beautiful weather in this area and stretch out on a lounge chair on the terrace by the pool, step down to the ocean for a swim, and end the day with an al fresco dinner.

Sierra Blanca

Sierra Blanca is one of the most exclusive residential areas of Marbella and has been dubbed the Beverly Hills of Marbella. The area takes its name from the mountain range just north of Marbella famous for its iconic La Concha mountain peak which offers shelter from the summer heat and strong winds. This gated location offers tranquility, privacy and fresh air and it’s close to all amenities. It is right in the middle of stunning countryside and natural beauty. It’s the ideal area for Villa Lucinda with its spectacular water view and lush landscape. Amenities include a private elevator, sauna, cinema room, massage room, and indoor and outdoor heated pools. This luxurious home can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests in total comfort, discretion and style.

There is no shortage of fine dining establishments in Marbella. For a lazy lunch or an elegant dinner, these six establishments are worth investigating:

Amore & Fantasia

This is an authentically Italian restaurant in a true Spanish setting. For more than 30 years, this establishment – on the Puerto Banús boardwalk – has been famous for its incredibly delicious Italian cuisine and excellent service. There are 32 kinds of pizza and 29 kinds of pasta on the menu. And that's not counting the different variations of risotto, salads and homemade desserts. Be sure to try the Milan meatballs and panna cotta. The wine list has a vast selection of wines from Italy, Spain, and France. Amor & Fantasia is cozy at any time, but you'll get the most unforgettable experience if you get a table on the restaurant's terrace in the evening to admire the sunset and view of the majestic yachts in the marina.

Besaya Beach

This international fine dining restaurant on Marbella’s Golden Mile has stunning sea views paired with a contemporary vibe. Specialties are fish and seafood dishes with a nouvelle cuisine approach and a pinch of Asian influence. Here, guests will find platters of fresh oysters, king crab salad, octopus salad and fresh salmon tartare. The restaurant also offers steaks cooked on a hot stone that some say even the fussiest love. Besaya is also open for breakfast and has an incredible selection of fresh juices. It’s the ideal place to push the pause button for those on a morning run or bike ride along the Promenade.

Casa Eladio

This three generation family owned and operated quaint little restaurant is on one of the prettiest streets in Old Town. Casa Eladio offers Spanish, and Mediterranean dishes using the freshest products at the local market. Try a starter such as ham croquettes with toasted almond aioli, a main dish like Pintxo hake with citrus hummus, garlic spinach, sweet potato and toasted pine nuts. A must try dessert is the lemon cream pie with lime meringue, citrus and mint. This is relaxed fine dining at its best.

Lena

Leña is arguably the best steak house in the city. The restaurant is the brainchild of Michelin-starred Chef Dani García, a Marbella native. Set in the Puente Romano Hotel and Resort, this restaurant escapes from the traditional and gives all a gastronomic experience to remember. Leña serves an irresistible duality for its guests: the balance between Dani García’s technique and his sense of honesty and respect for the produce. They say you do not know what indecision is until you read Leña's menu. It’s all about the raw material and its versatility on the grill, but with a highly personal touch and a real international influence, born of the chef’s travels and worldwide experiences. All drinks and dishes come with impeccable attention to detail, fantastic presentation, and exquisite taste. A specialty you must try when eating at Leña is the Yakipinchos, also known as Toripincho, a Spanish/Japanese fusion dish invented by Garcia, which takes traditional Japanese Yakitori to another level. Leña was awarded the title of the most beautiful restaurant in the world at the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards in 2021.

Lobito del Mar

One of Andalusia's best food experts, Dani Garcia, owns the Lobito del Mar fish restaurant and bar on the Golden Mile. A wide selection of dishes will please even the most sophisticated gourmet: fried clams, salmon tartare, shrimp with garlic, Marbella-style salmon, and vegetable snacks. Pay attention to the separate section on the menu devoted to the local delicacy – tuna of Cadiz. In addition to regular dishes, there is a dish of the day. These are usually fresh fish dishes with a variety of appetizer options. The extensive wine list offers 450 kinds of wines from all over the world. The experienced restaurant sommelier will always tell you which wine is perfect for a particular dish.

Magna Café

Located in Nueva Andalucia, Magna Café is a lovely venue with a diverse menu and a tranquil ambiance. From the large, wrap-around terrace, guests can enjoy wonderful views of the golf course, the Mediterranean Sea and Gibraltar. The indoor dining area has a lounge bar, ideal for those pre- or post-dinner drinks. The main course dinner menu offers a selection of lobster, fish, and meat dishes such as monkfish osso bucco baked with black olives, and tomato served with fried eggplant or beef tenderloin with foie gras, prosciutto, Madeira wine and truffle oil.

Tahini

With its magnificent sea view, the Tahini restaurant offers many variations of rolls, sashimi, yakitori, sushi, miso and other exotic meals. Whatever dish you choose, you can be sure it will be cooked from the freshest and highest quality products. The list of drinks will also please you. Tahini offers a wide selection of red, white, pink and sparkling wines, cocktails and aperitifs. Do you want something more substantial? Tahini offers a choice of nine brands of Japanese whiskey and four kinds of sake imported directly from Japan.

The Marbella Club Grill

Thought to be one of the finest restaurants in Marbella, the Marbella Club Grill provides exceptional cuisine on a spectacular terrace that’s hugged by sumptuous gardens. To start, enjoy a cocktail or two before choosing from the delicious and innovative menu. Spanish and international dishes are created by Michelin-starred chef Juan Glavez. The on-staff sommelier is on hand to help guests pair their meals with the perfect wine from the vast wine list.

Trocadero Playa

Trocadero Playa, is the clearest manifestation of what is meant by an enchanting chiringuito. Situated on Santa Petronila beach, in the heart of the Golden Mile, it doesn’t rest any day of the year, opening only during lunch in the cold months. The restaurant is a multi-use venue where you can enjoy a cocktail by the sea or a magnificent rice dish or simply relax on one of its sunbeds. Trocadero Playa will please you with picturesque coastal views, a cozy and calm atmosphere, and an abundance of various drinks. Guests especially praise local cocktails based on sangria and white wines. Trocadero Playa also has an excellent children's menu.

Messina

Messina has a very exciting, eclectic menu with dishes such as grilled skate with onion cream and tomato; Argentinian fillet steak and Iberic pork “lasagna” with caramelized apples. Diners at Messina are letting themselves experience sophisticated fusion tastes. The extensive wine list is surely to have a pairing with a luscious meal. The atmosphere is casual chic, but the dishes are anything but casual.

Vovem

Vovem is a beef lover’s Nirvana. The restaurant features specialty beef from around the world including Aberdeen Angus, Wagya, Kobe and the famous Chilean beef. Choose a ribeye, porterhouse, fillet or a full rack of ribs. All dishes are made with the utmost care and scented with aromas from oak coals. Vovem also offers tapas for sharing dishes and the freshest fish of the day. Desserts are all homemade, and delicious.

When vacationers want to step away from their luxury holiday villa rentals Marbella has lots to offer such as these five very interesting venues:

Bonsai Museum

This lovely little museum has the largest collection of wild olive trees in the world. The Bonsai trees are glorious with specimens like the hackberry from China, a 300-year-old olive tree, and a 400-year-old juniper, among others. The museum is said to have the best collection of Bonsai trees in Europe. The main part of the museum has a selection of 30 trees all spaced out on columns and plinths. A second indoor selection of very large ficus olive trees between 300 and 500 years old. A third area is outside with a wide variety of all sorts of lovely bits of nature.

Cortijo de Miraflores Museum

The Museo Cortijo Miraflores (Cortijo Miraflores Museum) is an active and versatile little cultural center housed in what was a country estate centuries ago. It hosts all sorts of cultural events ranging from lectures to music, meetings and exhibitions. The original building was constructed in 1706 as part of a country estate, including oil and sugar mills. The building underwent numerous changes over the years, and both the building and the surrounding gardens took on their present look in the 19th century. It was abandoned for years and fell into disrepair, but was renovated and turned into a museum, which includes spaces not only for exhibitions but also for other cultural activities. In one of the museum's rooms visitors will find the old oil mill and see the old process for extracting oil from olives.

Museo del Grabado

This museum schedules national temporary and touring exhibitions of prints and graphic works, and also arranges courses on print-making, lectures on art, concerts and drawing competitions. Every year the Spanish Contemporary Print Museum organizes the National Print Awards. The museum’s collection of prints and artworks covers the whole panorama of the best contemporary Spanish art expressed in a medium widely embraced by contemporary artists, and includes etchings, aquatints, lithographs, woodcuts and other examples of graphic art by such internationally-renowned artists as Dali, Picasso, Tápies and Miró.

Ralli Museum

Located at the very heart of the Costa del Sol, on the avenue that joins Marbella and Puerto Banús, Marbella’s Ralli Museum opened in 2000 and contains one of the most important Latin American art collections in Europe. Ten exhibition rooms show the different avant-garde movements that took place in both continents through various artists from different countries and styles, and with the particular presence of Surrealism from Europe and Latin America. Visitors can see works by Wilfredo Lam (Cuba), César López Claro (Argentina), Roberto Matta (Chile), Herman Braun-Vega (Peru), Mario Aguirre (Mexico), Marc Chagall (Russia), Joan Miró (Spain), Salvador Dalí (Spain) and Giorgio de Chirico (Italy), among others.

Salvador Dali Sculptures

Marbella is home to an open-air collection of sculptures by Salvador Dali (1904-1989). The Catalonia-born artist never lived or worked here, yet 10 of the surrealist’s intriguing bronze works are scattered along the Avenida del Mar, a spacious boulevard connecting the modern city center with the Paseo Maritimo. The seaside location provides the perfect setting in which to contemplate these works of art at leisure.

The three venues here are sure to give vacationers a terrific night out:

Air By Breathe

On the edge of Puerto Banús, Breathe is a multifaceted and multi-level gastronomic concept, with restaurant and café on the lower levels, and on top, the Air Raw Bar & Signature Cocktails. With a natural and beautiful setting, the open-air and panoramic rooftop sky bar comes with elegant water features, vertical garden, comfy lounge seats and fantastic views over Puerto Banús and La Concha Mountain. Open nightly, the Air rooftop menu includes a tasty selection of sushi, carefully crafted signature cocktails, champagne and craft beer on tap.

Joy’s Live

Joy’s Live pub has made quite a name for itself in Marbella. Over the past three decades, the establishment has been entertaining locals and visitors in the best way possible. There is a front terrace ideal for cocktails while watching the fascinating folk go by. Joy’s really comes to life at night and attracts a varied clientele. Live music is appreciated by the hip crowd and the music genre can vary from rock to jazz. This is a late night bar for those who like to party into the wee hours.

La Sala

The ultimate social and dining experience, La Sala is the place to be seen in Marbella. The venue has many different areas where guests can congregate to eat, drink and reconnect with friends. There is live music and DJs throughout the week to get the party started. It might be best to book ahead since La Sala is a very popular place.

La Suite Marbella

Attracting an attractive crowd, this club is the epitome of glamor. Sip on deluxe cocktails or enjoy a bottle of La Suite's finest liquor from your table circling the dance floor. Music at La Suite comes courtesy of resident DJs Junior D'Acosta, Mike Molina, Edu Reyes and Lola Z, playing until 6 a.m.! La Suite plays host to Marbella's hottest music and people. The refined crowd and the exclusive atmosphere are to be expected in this Puerto Banús club.

Memento

If you want to enjoy the nightlife of Marbella, you cannot miss Momento, a fabulous, elegant place with incredible decoration boasting four unique spaces to enjoy. The food and the environment make Momento a unique temple where people flock to the dancefloor to cherish the pulsating hip-hop and EDM beats. The clubbing destination strives for perfection regarding its guests’ needs. The luxurious night space is the epitome of uber extravagance, so make sure to visit.

News Café

Here is one of the trendiest bars in Marbella. News Café attracts its share of celebrities who like to experience the funky house vibe. The views are pretty amazing as well – overlooking the boats in the port. There are two terraces from which to do so while sipping a cocktail under the stars. News Café is just for summertime fun since it closes during the winter off months.

Olivia Valere

The Olivia Valere Club is the international meeting point for high society, models, influencers and celebrities who seek to enjoy an immersive and unique live music and shows such as the famous Cirque, Jungle and Pueblo Loco. Open every night of the week from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., OV is housed in a Moorish castle, and the setting is nothing short of breathtaking, while the newly attached pool club Nao promises to keep things sizzling.

TIBU

In the heart of Puerto Banus, Tibu is branded as “Marbella's number 1 nightclub.” With a huge open-air terrace, filled with live performances from top DJs and live acts from around the globe, this is really a rooftop bar and club to keep the vibes sky-high, all the way into the morning. But not only a happening nightclub, here you also find the Tibu Rooftop Restaurant, serving a menu of international cuisine. It’s a perfect combo for a stylish rooftop dinner and a happening night out in Marbella.

If travelers like to partake of local events to get a sense of the cultural scene, here are three in Marbella sure to entertain:

Fuengirola International Fair

The Fuengirola International Fair is one of the most anticipated events of the spring on the Costa del Sol. With more than a million visitors per year, the fair is a great way to learn about cultures from around the world without leaving the area. The five-day cultural festival hosts more than 33 countries and features music, dancing and foods from all over the world. Spanish regions such as Madrid, Basque Country and Valencia are represented as well. Visitors can buy all sorts of crafts, clothes, and art. Have fun dancing to international music and celebrating the cultures from around the globe. Guests are encouraged to get into the spirit by wearing something from their own cultures.

Marbella Carnival

This carnival includes fun and entertainment in four different areas of the city: Marbella center, San Pedro de Alcantara, Nueva Andalucia and Las Chapas. The "Carnaval de Marbella" is celebrated every year and is a festive occasion for those of all ages. Everyone dresses up in costume and participates in a number of activities offered by the city such as a parade of costumes, costume contests, a comedy parade and a children’s parade.

Marbella International Film Festival

Marbella International Film Festival – Held each year at the beginning of October, the Marbella International Film Festival is a great way to see foreign language films, shorts, and independent feature-length films. Screenings are held at the Cinema Goya in Puerto Banus and there are also workshops held at the H10 Andalucia Plaza Hotel each day. You can mingle with the stars and filmmakers on the red carpet with a VIP ticket, or simply go and enjoy the films, it’s a great event for film lovers.

Starlite Festival & Gala

\ Along with the cultural events typical for Andalusian culture, the most important charity gala in Spain, The Starlite Festival & Gala, is held in Marbella. Starlite has become the cultural festival of reference in Europe, with a daily program that includes music, fashion, art, film, and gastronomy. The musical event held in the natural auditorium of the Cantera de Nagüeles attracts the best and leading national and international musical artists to the city. Every summer since 2012, Starlite has been offering Marbella the best concerts, attracting some great stars. Its auditorium only counts 2.200 seats to offer an intimate and unique experience. In addition, Starlite dedicates one night to philanthropy celebrating Starlite Gala hosted by Antonio Banderas, which has become the largest charity event in Spain. In previous years, the festival brought together politicians, intellectuals, athletes, and celebrities with more than a hundred public figures, becoming the country's most significant social event. The six-week festival has seen headliners like Elton John, Julio Iglesias, Andrea Bocelli, Tom Jones, Bryan Adams, and many more.

Verdiales Music Festival

The Verdiales Music Festival happens right smack in the middle of Christmas festivities every Dec. 28. The festival brings together competing “pandas” as they are known. These groups practice one of three different forms of Verdiales singing accompanied by traditional folk dance and unforgettable costumes. Agility seems to be one of the top requirements for the couples who provide performances in leaps and bounds. Verdiales is a form of flamenco that first developed a century ago. It's also one of the earliest forms of fandango. This is an original folk song form that has been slowly adopted into the flamenco tradition but still retains its distinctive character.

Activities and experiences in Marbella can be as unique and customized as guests would like them to be. Here are four interesting choices:

Caminito del Rey Trail

Those who aren’t affected by heights, might want to add some adventure to their Marbella holidays by taking a day trip to hike the Caminito del Rey. Once dubbed the world’s scariest hike, it has been completely renovated as a very safe, but still thrilling way to experience the spectacular El Chorro gorge from more than 325 feet in the air. There is a combination of gentle hiking through stunning scenery and vertiginous sections of boardwalks, with an amazing suspension bridge spanning the gorge. The route is nearly five miles and is fairly flat, so hiking the trail normally takes around two-and-a-half hours.

Day Trip to Granada

A day trip will allow travelers to experience the beautiful city of Granada. Explore the Alhambra, the palace of Charles V. Declared a World Heritage Site, it is the most famous and best preserved Moorish building in Spain. Stop by the cathedral in Plaza de Las Pasiegas and the Palace of the Marques de Salar. Before heading back to Marbella, make sure to savor the Arabic-Andalusian traditional cuisine such as Sacromonte tortilla, Papas a lo Pobre, stews and casseroles including the San Antons.

Day Trip to Malaga

Málaga is the largest city in the Costa Del Sol region and provides a good mix between tourist infrastructure and a local vibe. Famed as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, visitors can take in a museum dedicated to the artist right in the city center. There are a myriad of interesting museums and art galleries scattered across the city, making it a cultural delight. There is also a beautiful beach stretching across the waterfront and marvelous views of the Andalusia Mountains. Seafood lovers will be in heaven trying out the restaurants along the coastline.

Visit Puerto Banus

Puerto Banus is one of the oldest and most luxurious marinas on the Andalusian coast. A must-visit place for tourists who choose Marbella and the Costa del Sol as a destination for their holidays. Whether visiting it by day or by night, travelers can enjoy shopping at its fashionable boutiques, have a drink in one of its many bars, eat in its restaurants and admire spectacular yachts and luxury cars. Plus, each summer, Puerto Banus is the place for celebrating artisans. In the Plaza de Antonio Banderas, an international crafts market is set during June, July and August. This is a terrific chance to buy all kinds of objects crafted by artisans from different countries such as Morocco, India and Turkey, among others.