Making a quick pit stop in Marbella and want to see what all the fuss is about? Follow the dolce guide to making the most of a day in Spain’s glamour capital.

10am:          Take in Marbella Old Town

The jewel in the Costa del Sol’s crown, Marbella Old Town’s a must see and there’s no better time than first thing in the morning when the air’s fresh and the sky’s blue. Head to the Plaza de los Naranjos and enjoy the scent of the orange trees that give the square its name. Try some churros and chocolate or a fresh juice at one of the many cafes and admire the beautiful architecture.

Plaza de los Naranjos Marbella

12pm:          Pick up some souvenirs

Old Town’s narrow, cobbled streets are a treasure trove of artisan shops selling unusual gifts. Gorgeous children’s flamenco dresses, handmade leather goods, carved wooden toys and exclusive jewellery are all good buys.  

Souvenir Shop in Marbella Old Town

2pm:            Head to the beach!

Even if you’re not a sun worshipper, or if it’s not quite sunbathing weather, a stroll down to the sea is essential to feel the spirit of Marbella. The seafront is lined with restaurants and cafes where you can watch the sun glint off the water and admire the palm trees. Try a sherry at one of the bodegas or sample some paella at one of the beach bars on the sand.

Marbella Beach

4pm:            Down to the port

A walk down the promenade in Marbella will take you to the port where you can catch a ferry or a catamaran to the area’s other famous port: Puerto Banus. Buy a return ticket for 15€ and admire the coastline from a new perspective.

4.45:            Arriving in style

Step off the boat and onto one of the world’s most privileged shopping streets: Muelle Ribera in Puerto Banus. Take in Bvlgari, Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana, Chloe, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi and see how the other half live! If prices are a little too rich for your blood, then walk away back from the marina and into Plaza Antonio Banderas and Marina Banus. Here you’ll find Spanish fashion staples Zara and Mango as well as the enormous El Corte Ingles department store.

Puerto Banus

8pm:            Back on board                

Head back to central Marbella for an evening stroll and work out your plan of action for the night ahead. The shops stay open until 9pm so there’s still time to pick up a last minute gift.

9.30:            Time to eat

The only problem you’ll have eating in Marbella is deciding where to go. If smoky bars are your thing, head back down to the seafront and pitch up at one of the bodega-style bars with the large sherry barrels outside. Try Marbella port for fresh seafood or some more unusual selections like Caribbean. There are some good Italian restaurants in the old town if you’ve had enough of tapas or try Patio de los Perfumes for something more exclusive. The Spanish like to eat late so expect restaurants to be busy until midnight.

Traditional Tapas Bar

11.30:           One for the road

Bars and clubs really start to fill up at this time and the party goes on until 5 or 6am, especially during the summer. In the old town you can try Bambinos on one of the side streets off Plaza de los Naranjos for a classy, London-style haunt, Bar 7 for your Irish fix or Lolita for a more indy vibe.

4am:              Time for bed

Congratulations for lasting the distance, but we’re sure you’re pretty tired by now so head back to wherever you are staying and sleep well!

10am:           Start the following day with a visit to a beachside cafe and enjoy a cafe con leche accompanied by toast with tomato and olive oil, a typical Catalan breakfast and very delicious!

A Typical Beachside Cafe

There's plenty to do in and around Marbella and 24 hours just isn't enough

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