Top 10 Things To Do in Marbella

In a small stretch of Mediterranean sandy beaches backed by the Sierra Blanca mountains and dotted by luxury villas, five-star hotels, golf courses and star-studded beach clubs, you will find the chic, sun-drenched Costa del Sol town of Marbella. In this classy, glamorous and expensive resort town, modern day amenities glitter against hints of its former Moorish occupation.

Rent a luxury car in Malaga Airport (AGP), the gateway to Costa del Sol, and aboard your Aston Martin DB9 Volante rental, cruise elegantly with the top down towards Marbella. Get ready to be ‘blinded by the light’ and all the shiny sparkle of supercars, mega yachts and other ‘runners in the night’. Marbella also has a breathtaking natural setting and a lovely casco antiguo (old town). With so much to do and so many places to see, here is a countdown of the top 10 things to do while vacationing in Marbella.

1. Climb La Concha and Parapente your Way Down

At 1200 mts above sea level, La Concha mountain is one of Marbella’s most popular landmarks. Begin your hike at the Juanar natural park and resort hotel and hike up 8km to the top over the mountain’s chiseled face. Along the way, see olive groves, berry bushes, walnut trees, Spanish goats and eagles. Once you find yourself up high, lay your chute on the ground and take off on a parapente flight over the sea.

2. See the Sea

Charter a yacht for the day and soak up the sun in the bow as your crew serves you champagne and prepares a gourmet seafood lunch on board. Get ready to learn the ropes (pun intended) in a beautiful sail boat, or catch that big fish when you charter a fishing boat for a fun afternoon at sea.

3. Shop Til you Drop

From designer boutiques and back-street tourist shops, Marbella is a shopper’s paradise. The narrow cobblestone streets around Plaza de los Naranjos are lined with interesting little shops selling hand-made jewelry, wooden toys, soaps, olive oils, scarves and other gifts, while Avenida Ricardo Soriano is home to well-known brands like Mango and Zara for the more serious shopper. Drive down to the famous Puerto Banus to find designer shops like Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Versace fronting the port.

4. Dance the Night Away

From midnight and into the morning hours of the following day, Marbella, Puerto Banus and the surrounding resort towns turn into party towns. The “in” place changes often, so check with the locals, although for a fool-proof night out, the best parties are usually thrown by the beach clubs. Funky Buddha, Aqwa Mist, Olivia Valere and Tibu are popular night clubs usually frequented by celebrities and the local glitterati.

5. Soak up the Sun

Beach Clubs in Costa del Sol are like a ritual, a religious experience if you will. From a quiet day sipping sangria by the pool on a huge sunbed, to sunset parties where champagne is sprayed over beautifully tanned people dancing to the tunes of international DJs, the beach clubs are the place to see and be seen. Nikki Beach, Ocean Club and La Sala by the Sea are the most luxurious and ultra VIP of the bunch.

6. Drive Around in Style

Remember as a kid playing “spot a VW Beetle?” Costa del Sol’s streets are the perfect place to play “spot a luxury car” and you would never stop counting. The streets of Marbella, Puerto Banus and other resorts along the coast are flooded with supercars with black-tinted window, sporty convertibles and other luxury cars. Blend right in and be graciously greeted by valet parkers and bystanders wherever you go as you arrive in a luxury car rental of your own. Consider the fabulous James Bond-esque Aston Martin DB9 Volante.

7. Stroll and Strut

Walk along the seafront in Puerto Banus. Be greeted by an open armed man, the landmark statue of Puerto Banus. Walk on the marina, where yachts of some of the world’s wealthiest people, including the King of Saudi Arabia, are docked. Behind the harbour, you will find a fashionable street lined with bars, boutiques and nightclubs. Sit on a bench or at one of the the bars and watch beautiful people and beautiful cars go by.

8. Play a Round of Golf

Marbella is without a doubt one of the most popular golfing destinations in Spain. Beautiful greens in stunning settings are awaiting for you to tee off. Finca Cortesin, Royal Las Brisas, Los Naranjos and Atalaya, the official headquarters of the European PGA are some of the best courses in Costa del Sol.

9. Table for two or for ten

Food in Costa del Sol is an art form and the Spanish being regarded as foodie fanatics, dining out in Marbella and its neighboring towns is a true pleasure. From the gastronomic wonders prepared by well-known chefs, to traditional tapas and the decadent churros with chocolate, be ready for a food extravaganza. Try Dani Garcia’s Andalusian flavours at Calima, the creative dishes at Skina and the classy tasting menu with a view to die for at Med.

10. Buggy it

Get your feet muddy and your adrenaline flowing. Explore the coast, splash through rivers and go up hills through Costa del Sol’s stunning scenery on a two-seater buggy.