Marbella: What to See, How to Get There & Best Tours from the Costa Tropical
Marbella is one of the most iconic destinations on the Costa del Sol and a popular day trip for travellers staying in the Costa Tropical. Known for its Mediterranean charm, historic old town, luxury marinas and golden beaches, Marbella offers a mix of culture, gastronomy, shopping and coastal experiences that appeal to all types of visitors. Whether you’re based in Almuñécar, Salobreña, Motril or the surrounding areas, Marbella makes for a perfect full-day or half-day excursion.
What to See in Marbella
Marbella combines Andalusian tradition with a cosmopolitan coastal atmosphere. The city is divided into several areas, each offering something different:
Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
A picturesque maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, flower-filled balconies and lively plazas.
Highlights include:
Plaza de los Naranjos, the heart of Marbella with Renaissance buildings and cafés.
The old Arab walls, remnants of the city’s Moorish past.
Local boutiques, artisan shops and tapas bars, perfect for a relaxed stroll.
Puerto Banús
Just west of Marbella, Puerto Banús is one of Europe’s most famous luxury marinas.
Visitors can enjoy:
Designer boutiques
Waterfront restaurants and cocktail bars
A lively beach promenade
Yacht spotting along the harbour
Promenade & Beaches
Marbella’s coastal promenade stretches for kilometres along sandy beaches. It’s ideal for walking, cycling or stopping at a beachfront chiringuito for fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
Museums & Cultural Spots
For culture lovers, Marbella offers:
The Bonsai Museum
The Contemporary Spanish Engraving Museum
Art galleries and local craft markets
How to Get to Marbella from the Costa Tropical
Marbella is easily accessible from the Costa Tropical, making it a convenient destination for a day trip.
By Car
The fastest and most flexible option.
Route: A-7 motorway (scenic coastal drive)
Time from Almuñécar: approx. 1 hour 20 minutes
Time from Motril: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
The drive is straightforward and offers beautiful sea views along the way.
By Bus
Direct buses between the Costa Tropical and Marbella are limited.
In most cases, you will need to:
Travel to Málaga
Transfer to a bus heading to Marbella Bus Station
This option is budget-friendly, but not the quickest.
Best Guided Tours & Experiences in Marbella
Marbella offers a diverse selection of activities for every type of traveller—from relaxed coastal experiences to cultural walks and adventure outings. Visitors can enjoy boat and catamaran trips, explore the charm of Marbella’s Old Town with a guided tour, discover its culinary scene through tapas experiences, or opt for something more adventurous like a buggy tour in the surrounding hills. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of guided tours and activities available to book directly through the widget.
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