Marbella Car Hire

Guide to Marbella

Geography

Marbella is a charming town in Spain, located at the foothills of the Sierra Blanca, between Málaga and the Strait of Gibraltar, and faces the Mediterranean Sea.

Climate in Marbella

The city's lovely weather is the primary draw for visitors. Due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, Marbella has year-round mild temperatures typical of the region. In part as a result of its geographic location, the city experiences few severe weather events and maintains a consistently pleasant temperature throughout the year.

Culture

Throughout the year, Marbella hosts a variety of cultural events, the bulk of which are religious, as a result of the Christian army's victory in the past. Most people are familiar with Carnival, which is a massive fancy dress celebration that takes place in the streets of the city in February.

Things to do in Marbella

Roam around the Old Town

Marbella's enchanting Old Town, or Casco Antiguo, and the streets that surround it are a hidden gem that you should not miss. It's a maze of winding cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with pretty flower pots and vibrant bougainvillaea, boutique shops, and trendy art galleries. The Plaza de Los Naranjos, a 15th-century Castillan square dotted with orange trees and lush tropical plants, is located in the heart of the Old Town. You can visit the town hall, the Casa Consistorial, which was built in 1572 and renovated in the seventeenth century, as well as the Ermita de Santiago, a 16th-century church with a modern sculpture of Saint James the Apostle. You could also wander around Calle Carmen, Calle Neuva, Calle Gloria, and Calle Caballeros for some Instagram shots. Later, unwind with a coffee at one of the traditional cafes or savour authentic Spanish tapas at a restaurant with outdoor patio seating.

Enjoy watersports at the exotic beaches

Marbella translates as 'Beautiful Sea,' and the name is apt for this charming town, which boasts miles of sandy 'Blue Flag' beaches ideal for swimming and wading. Puerto Banus, located approximately ten kilometres from the Old Town, is widely regarded as Spain's best yacht marina. The wealthy and famous flock here to see and be seen, and you're likely to spot some opulent sports cars. Admire Salvador Dali's 3.6-ton rhinoceros sculpture. For the adrenaline junkie, the marina offers jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, and white-knuckle powerboat rides. The Playa Real de Zaragoza attracts a large crowd due to its chiringuitos (snack bars) serving drinks and Mediterranean cuisine. The Playa de la Fontanilla is located near the Old Town and features a promenade lined with restaurants and shops.

Visit Alameda Park and Avenida del Mar

The lovely public park, Paseo de La Alameda, is located just south of the Old Town. The park attracts a large number of visitors due to its banana palms and ornate benches decorated with 'azulejos,' or traditional Andalusian hand-painted tiles depicting the city's history and monuments. Here, fountains such as the 1762-built Fuente Virgen del Rocio, marble-paved walkways, and botanical gardens add to the charm. Art enthusiasts will be astounded by the open-air exhibition of ten original bronze sculptures by surrealist Salvador Dali on the Avenida del Mar, a pedestrian walkway that connects the Paseo Maritimo and the Paseo de La Alameda.

Eating out in Marbella

Marbella welcomes you with an Andalusian meets Mediterranean vibe, and its gastronomy scene rivals that of any major city. These restaurants provide the best in food, service, and ambience, ranging from luxurious fine dining establishments to casual family-run eateries. If you want to get away from the crowds, Cascada, located in the hills, is a great option with its lush gardens and waterfalls. The food is fresh, local, and seasonal. Try the grilled black pudding with red peppers or the chocolate coulant with pistachio heart. Skina, a Michelin-starred restaurant, has a cosy and intimate atmosphere, and reservations are required in advance. Try pairings like deer ham and celery or lobster tartare with strawberry. A visit to The Farm is required if you want to consider organic food. This eco-friendly restaurant has the feel of a beach bar and caters to a wide range of tastes. Choose from spicy Vietnamese rolls, Thai curry, or beef entrecote.

Transport in Marbella

Airport

Marbella is served by Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) which is located in Malaga, around 35 miles northeast of Marbella.

Getting Around Marbella

Take the high-speed Renfe train to other cities such as Madrid or Barcelona. To get around Marbella, car rentals and taxis are plentiful and easily accessible. CTSA-Portillo, which operates a fleet of buses connecting various areas of the municipality of Marbella, provides local public transportation. Purchasing a 'Bonobus' card at the Marbella bus station entitles you to a reduced rate per trip. Many visitors also opt to hire a private vehicle for maximum comfort.