Things to Do Marbella Guide: Beaches, Sights and Weather

Marbella is a coastal town first and a resort second, which is what sets it apart. Within roughly a mile of the centre you will find Castillo de Marbella, the Casa del Corregidor, the Hospital Bazán, the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo and the small Museo del Bonsái, along with the town's bullring. That gives you plenty of stuff to do in Marbella on a cloudy morning before you head back to the sand.

For marbella things to see beyond the old town, the King Abdelaziz Mosque lies about 2.5 miles out and the King Fahd Mosque a little further. The Marbella Lighthouse stands close to the centre, and the beaches line up along the front: Playa de Venus and Playa del Faro near the middle, Playa de la Fontanilla and Playa del Cable just beyond, and Playa de Cabopino about 8 miles east.

Most British travellers stay in Marbella itself, because that is where the beaches, the museums and the seafront are. It is the obvious choice if you want to walk to the sand and to dinner without a car.

The two inland villages are quieter alternatives and among the best places to go in Marbella's hinterland. Ojén sits about 4 miles away on the edge of Sierra Blanca, the mountain that frames the town, and has its own castle. Istán, about 6 miles away and home to fewer than 1,500 people, is the smallest of the three. Both suit walkers and anyone happy to drive down to the coast for a beach day.

The best time to visit Marbella is from April to June, then September, with November a pleasant surprise. April averages 22°C with only two rain days, May reaches 24°C and June 27°C. July and August are the hottest months, at 31°C and 32°C, and July is typically completely dry, so they suit those who want guaranteed-feeling heat but can mean intense afternoons. September eases back to 27°C.

If you are checking the temp in Marbella for a winter break, January and December still average 17°C to 18°C by day, falling to about 10°C at night. Marbella in March is mild at 19°C but is one of the wetter months, with around 104mm of rain over seven days. October is the wettest of the year, with roughly 115mm across nine days, while November settles to 21°C and just two rain days.

Málaga (AGP) is the main gateway, with direct flights from the UK. The drive to Marbella takes about 34 minutes, to Ojén around 30 minutes and to Istán about 37 minutes, so transfers are short.

Gibraltar (GIB) also has direct flights from the UK and is about 51 minutes from Marbella by road, a handy option if flight times suit you better. If you prefer to arrive by sea, the nearest ferry ports are Málaga, about 26 miles away, and Algeciras, about 41 miles.

Most British visitors book Marbella as a package holiday, with flights, hotel and airport transfers bundled together. In practice that means a direct flight into Málaga, a transfer of around half an hour, and a choice of board basis such as room only, bed and breakfast, half board or all inclusive. Prices tend to climb during UK school holidays, so booking early or travelling outside those weeks is worth considering. You can compare deals from Jet2holidays, TUI, loveholidays and On the Beach on this page.

If you would rather arrange things yourself, you can check hotel prices, browse tours and tickets for the area, and compare car hire. A Marbella car rental is useful if you plan to visit Ojén, Istán or Sierra Blanca, or to reach Playa de Cabopino further along the coast.