Marbella Travel Guide: Exploring the Old Town, Villages & Luxury Life

During our Southern Spain road trip in 2013, we based ourselves in Marbella, taking day trips to Malaga, Ronda, Seville, Granada, and Gibraltar.

But when we weren’t road tripping or lounging on the beach, we spent time exploring Marbella itself. Here are some of my top recommendations for making the most of this beautiful city. Here are a few places i would recommend visiting if going to Marbella:

Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo)

Marbella has two distinct sides: the new town, bustling with restaurants and shops near the beach, and the old town, “casco antiguo,” which is a delight to wander.

Walking through its narrow streets, dotted with fragrant orange trees, felt magical—especially in the evening. The heart of the old town is Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square). We spent a few hours there sipping coffee and enjoying dessert at outdoor cafés, people-watching, and soaking up the atmosphere.

Every corner offered charming surprises, from whitewashed buildings to historic churches that invited a quick peek inside. Old Marbella feels timeless—perfect for anyone who enjoys wandering without a schedule.

Puerto Banús

If you’re after glitz and glamour, Puerto Banús is the place to go. The lively harbour is full of luxury yachts, designer shops along the “Golden Mile,” and street performers entertaining the crowds.

My father and brother were completely mesmerised by the extravagant boats and cars, while I enjoyed watching the mix of tourists and locals soak in the sunshine. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, strolling around Puerto Banús is a spectacle in itself.

Exploring the Villages Near Marbella

Since we rented a car for two weeks, we took a few day trips to the picturesque white villages of the Andalusian mountains. Two of my favourites were Mijas and Ojen.

Mijas

Getting to Mijas was an adventure in itself! Driving up the mountain was a struggle—we even had to get out and push the car at one point. But once we arrived, it was worth it. Perched high on the hillside, Mijas offers stunning views over the Costa del Sol.

Mijas has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age, and you can see layers of Phoenician, Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences in the architecture. We parked at the outskirts and walked into town, following the crowds up to the Plaza Virgen de la Peña.

Mijas is also famous for its burro taxis—donkey-pulled carriages that tour the village. My baby sister couldn’t resist a ride, and we all enjoyed a short sightseeing tour while the donkey carried us around the charming streets.

Ojén

About 20 minutes from Marbella, Ojén felt even more traditional than Mijas. This whitewashed mountain village somehow avoided the large expat influx that changed many other towns along the coast, keeping its authentic Spanish charm intact.

We wandered through narrow streets lined with quaint fountains, bars, and small restaurants. Locals, especially older residents sitting outside their houses, gave us curious looks—perhaps not all tourists were welcome! Still, the atmosphere was enchanting. We stopped for coffee in the main plaza and soaked in the slow pace of village life.

Our Accommodation in Marbella

We stayed at Jardines de Santa Maria Golf, which was perfect for a family trip. The development was luxurious, with swimming pools and golf courses all around. Plus, it was just a five-minute walk to the beach, making it incredibly convenient.

PS: Apologies for the photo quality—it was a while ago, and I was too young for a professional camera!

Final Thoughts

Marbella is much more than a beach resort. Its old town is charming and relaxing, Puerto Banús offers a taste of luxury life, and the surrounding white villages are perfect for exploration. Renting a car makes it easy to discover the hidden gems around the city while still enjoying the beach and coastal views.

Even just a few days here will give you a beautiful balance of relaxation, culture, and adventure.

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wheremaywanders

April 8, 2020

Europe