Whether you’re wandering Marbella’s labyrinthine Old Quarter, swinging your golf clubs at one of the area’s many courses or strolling the seaside Avenida del Mar, you’ll find no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy the city’s warm and temperate climate. When you need a break from sightseeing, find a spot in the sand at one of Marbella’s picturesque beaches, specifically Puerto Cabopino. When you need a break from the heat, head into the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo to learn more about the region’s artists.
HOW WE RANK THINGS TO DO
- Marbella Old Quarter
Although much of Marbella is defined by its glitzy resort-town trappings, the Marbella Old Quarter – also known as Casco antiguo de Marbella – gives travellers a taste of old Spain. Here you’ll find plazas spilling with flowers, punctuated by orange trees, narrow, cobblestone streets and historic residences and churches. The heart of this quarter is Plaza de los Naranjos – Orange Square – and around it, visitors will find a 15th-century fountain, a 16th-century town hall, a 17th-century church and a handful of unique shops. The best way to experience this area is by slowly meandering, stopping in various shops and eateries along the way.
It is highly recommended a stroll through Marbella’s pedestrian-friendly Old Quarter, but be warned that the district is hilly. Restaurants, cafes and bars are filled with delicious treats; freshly squeezed orange juice and churros, for instance.
For more information, stop by the tourist office located on Orange Square to pick up a brochure and a map of the Old Quarter. Access to the Old Quarter is free and open 24/7, though businesses in the neighbourhood operate their own hours.
- Avenida del Mar
Avenida del Mar is a popular pathway that offers access to both Marbella’s beaches and some of its most popular restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. Along the scenic walkway, visitors will also enjoy sculptures by artists, such as Salvador Dali and Eduardo Soriano.
Walking along Avenida del Mar is highly recommended, not only because of the sculptures, but also because it’s the most convenient way to traverse the distance between the Old Quarter and the seafront. You will also appreciate that it’s well-lit at night.
You’ll find Avenida del Mar on the southern side of Marbella’s Old Quarter, running between Parque Alameda and Paseo Maritimo.
- Puerto Cabopino Beach and Marina
Puerto Cabopino, translated as Pine Cape Beach, feels a world away from all of Marbella’s resorts, shops and restaurants. Here, you’ll find sand dunes backed by pine trees and rolling waves. What’s more, the amenities surrounding the beach offer all you need for a day along the shore – easy parking, casual restaurants and bars, and restrooms.
Most travellers appreciate Puerto Cabopino’s family-friendly atmosphere and gentle waters, as well as its nearby collection of restaurants and bars, ample parking and restrooms. You will also find vendors hawking their goods; it is recommend to ignore these sellers.
You’ll find Puerto Cabopino Beach and Marina less than 10 km east of Old Quarter Marbella. Access to the beach is free. Keep in mind: It can get busy with tourists, especially during peak tourist season. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, consider Playa Artola – a shoreline home to protected sand dunes right next to Puerto Cabopino.
- Alameda Park
Filled with native Andalusian greenery, marble walkways, beautiful ceramic benches and the gushing Virgen del Rocio fountain, Alameda Park is a refreshing place to meander while enjoying some shade. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage through the small park. And for further refreshment, there are a collection of bars and restaurants that line the serene green space.
Alameda Park is as an oasis in the centre of a bustling city. Although you can walk the park’s length in about five minutes, it’s nonetheless a great excursion – and the cool benches offer a refreshing respite from the heat.
You’ll find Alameda Park near Marbella’s main thoroughfare Avenida Ricardo Soriano, otherwise known as the N-340. It’s also a short walk from Old Quarter and the seaside via Avenida del Mar. Access to the park is free.
- Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo
The Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo showcases some interesting pieces by Miró, Picasso and Dalí, along with some others by Spanish artists, in an intimate space near Old Quarter Marbella. It’s best-known for its prints and graphic works, and the museum also organizes courses and lectures on print-making and drawing.
It is a small, yet beautifully designed museum with some interesting pieces, but noted that it might not appeal to everyone.
The Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo is open on Mondays and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Between Tuesday and Friday, it’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs 3 euros. For more information, visit the museum’s website.
- Marbella Golf Courses
With Marbella’s stunning coastal views and frequent inflow of well-heeled visitors, it should come as no surprise that golfing is a popular pastime here. Many of the region’s top hotels boast their own courses, but if you want to venture beyond your resort, you’ll find several highly praised greens.
One of the most popular is Los Naranjos Golf Club, which is located down the coast from central Marbella near Puerto Banús. The greens are immaculately kept and the staff is friendly and helpful. The course charges different fees based on the time of year and the number of holes played. For instance, from March to May and October to November.
Marbella Club Golf Resort, located about 15 miles down the coast from central Marbella, is another favoured spot. The staff members earn high praise from recent golfers thanks to their warm and friendly service. Tee times will cost visitors who are not guests of the adjoining hotel 80 euros for a round of 18 holes.
Published by travel.usnews.com