Marbella Holidays

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Destination highlights

Over 18 miles of sandy beaches

Stylish and trendy resort

Great for nightlife

World-class restaurants

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What are the best beaches in Marbella?

If you love beaches then Marbella may just be the perfect pick for you with over 18 miles of sun-soaked sandy coastline. Family-friendly, lively, sheltered, romantic - you name it, Marbella has a beach for that.

If you’re looking for plenty of facilities and something for the whole family then head to Playa del Venus. This beach is located right by the town centre making it really easy to get to. There are plenty of facilities, restaurants close by for lunch and gently sloping sands to the water’s edge so it’s a perfect pick for a family day out. If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter to take the kids then head to Playa de Real de Zaragoza. The waters are much calmer here and it’s slightly further out making it less crowded in summer.

For groups of friends, couples and anyone else looking for a lively beach day out then head straight down to Puerto Banus Beach. Lined with bars and restaurants, this golden stretch of sand is great for a lively beach day - expect sun, sand, sangria and good vibes here.

What are the top hotels in Marbella?

Whether you’re taking the whole family away on holiday or whisking your significant other away for some quality time, Marbella has a hotel to suit you.

For those travelling with the kids in tow, we recommend the Gran Melia Don Pepe. As part of the Melia chain, you know the hotel will be of a good standard and feature a range of great facilities. Not only does the Gran Melia Don Pepe feature a large swimming pool area, a choice of restaurants, sport facilities, seasonal entertainment including a kids club but it’s in a great location overlooking the seafront. If you’re more f an apartment-style family then take a look at Monarque Sultan. Offering all the freedom of an apartment with the comforts of a hotel, the Monarque Sultan offers an oasis-style swimming pool area - including a kids pool - just 150m from the beach.

A great Adult Only pick has to be the Amare Marbella Beach Hotel. With a beachfront location, stylish pool area and a menu created by a Mitchelin star chef, this hotel is perfect for a relaxing and romantic Marbella break. Another great choice is the Senator Marbella Spa Hotel. A rooftop swimming pool with outdoor Jacuzzi, on-site spa and rooftop bar make this hotel an ideal choice for a tranquil break.

What’s the food like in Marbella?

Marbella’s restaurant scene is nothing sort of amazing. From traditional tapas at the quirky La Bodega del Mar to contemporary Japanese fine dining at Nobu, Marbella is the place to go if you love your food. With venues serving up a range of cuisine, and catering to a range of budgets, a holiday to Marbella is foodie heaven.

If it’s traditional Spanish cuisine you’re after then here are a few of our favourite dishes to try in Marbella. As you’d expect, from being so close to the shore, seafood is huge here - and it’s super fresh. Sometimes the best way to see this for yourself is to eat it simply barbequed - you’ll see plenty of stalls along the sands (some just an upturned fishing boat) selling estepos de sardinas or sardine skewers. From fish to prawns, the next must-try dish has to be gambas al pil pil - a tasty combination of fresh prawns, garlic, olive oil and chilli. If seafood isn’t your thing there are still plenty of tapas dishes for you to try. Albondigas (meatballs), sizzling chorizo and iberico ham are just a few dishes to try. For a true taste of Marbella, try the local gazpacho. This cold soup is served all over spain but is said to be the best here - a perfect afternoon snack to cool off and recharge.

Where is the best nightlife in Marbella?

Marbella is well known for its sophisticated beachfront bars, super-stylish venues and world-famous nightclubs. If you’re looking for a party holiday with a touch of class then Marbella is the one. Enjoy evening cocktails at a beach club, hit the town to find hidden gems or dance the night away an exclusive rooftop club, the choice is yours. And, if you’re looking for something quieter, Marbella Old Town has plenty of cosy tavernas and relaxing bars that are perfect for a chilled out night in gorgeous surroundings. A few places to try are Air by Breathe, Pangea, Tablao Flamenco Ana Maria and Linekars.

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What events can I go to in Marbella?

Marbella is host to an endless amount of parties and exclusive club events. But did you know that there’s another side to this glittering town? Expect art fairs, religious fiestas and unforgettable carnivals. Our first must-see event has to be Marbella Carnival which takes place around February or March every year. Fun for all the family, Carnival has something for everyone - from craft workshops for little ones to street parades and plenty of dancing. The festival of San Bernabe, the patron Saint of Marbella, occurs around June 11th with a week of parties and events culminating in one big fiesta. If you’re visiting towards the end of July/beginning of August, then make sure you check out Marbella’s annual Starlite Festival. This month-long cultural event features an impressive stage area that plays host to a number of huge international headline acts! Previous acts include Lionel Richie and Nile Rodgers & Chic - so you know you’re sure to see a stellar performance!

What is there to do in Marbella?

Marbella Old Town

Whitewashed buildings, cobbled streets and picturesque squares, Marbella Old Town is possibly the prettiest part of Marbella. There’s plenty of small shops, cafes, bars and restaurants to explore here - it’s easy to spend a whole day here before you know it!

Spend a day in Puerto Banus

The upscale, chic and stylish area of Marbella. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, shopping at designer shops, looking at all the super-yatchs in the marina and enjoying some of the best food in Spain.

Avenida del Mar

Connecting the town centre to the seafront promenade, this famous boulevard is home to 10 sculptures by the famous artist Salvador Dali. If you’ve got to get to the beach - which of course you do - then you may aswel enjoy the local art on the way!

Vega del mar Basilica

Take a trip back in time and wander the remains of a Paleo-Christian church and necropolis. If you’re travelling with little ones, take them to a real life history lesson and learn all about the a bygone era.

Iglesia de la Encarnación

Dating back to the 16th Century, this stunning church is one of only a few from the era to be built with a round dome.

Watch the sunset

Nothing beats a good sunset, does it? Take a stroll down the beach, enjoy a cocktail in your favourite bar or take a hike up La Concha for unrivalled views. Wherever you watch it, Marbella is in prime position to enjoy spectacular sunsets over the water.

What's the weather like in Marbella?

Marbella enjoys warm, dry summers and fairly gentle winters. Sheltered by the Sierra Blanca, Marbella has an average year-round temperature of 19° Celsius, with highs of 28° Celsius in the summer.

Month	Average temp.	Sea temp.	Hours of sunshine per day
Jan	11 °c	16 °c	6 h
Feb	12 °c	16 °c	7 h
Mar	14 °c	16 °c	6 h
Apr	16 °c	17 °c	7 h
May	18 °c	18 °c	9 h
Jun	22 °c	20 °c	11 h
Jul	24 °c	23 °c	11 h
Aug	24 °c	24 °c	11 h
Sep	22 °c	23 °c	8 h
Oct	18 °c	21 °c	7 h
Nov	14 °c	18 °c	6 h
Dec	12 °c	14 °c	6 h

Click here to book your Marbella beach break »

Important Information about travelling to Marbella

How long does it take to fly to Marbella?

It takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to fly to Marbella from the UK.

What's the time difference between the UK and Marbella?

Marbella is one hour ahead of the UK.

What currency do they use in Marbella?

The official currency of Marbella is the Euro.

What language do they speak in Marbella?

The official language spoken in Marbella is Spanish.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Marbella?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Marbella?

There is no tourist tax in Marbella.

Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Marbella?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Spain on the FCO website.

Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Marbella for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.

William Crawford:

We use On The Beach every time as its convenient, good value and excellent customer service. Over the last year and a half we're had numerous trips cancelled and the staff have bent over backwards for us, right up to a full refund 2 weeks before departure.

Fairs:

Clear, simple, no fuss, no hidden extras, trusted if things go wrong. I've used OTB for some time and have never had any issues. Happy.

Dave Furnell:

Everything is good with all great communication thanks guys ♥️

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