With its sun-drenched beaches and luxury feel, it’s no surprise that Marbella is one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular destinations. Between relaxing, shopping and visiting museums, you can party with rockstars or tee off at exclusive golf courses. Our travel experts at Plum Guide have spent many a time waltzing around the city (in the name of research, of course), so we can tell you one thing for sure – pack your bags and book that holiday immediately. Want to know what we’re talking about? Take a look at our top reasons to visit Marbella, and thank us later.

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Marbella has a wide range of beaches to choose from, boasting just under 30 kilometres of coastline. For those days when you don’t feel like moving much at all, opt for the selection that is a little closer to home, like La Bajadilla beach, Venus beach and La Fontanilla beach, all of which have easy access to bars, restaurants and shops. For a taste of that Marbella glam, you’ll want to visit Puerto Banus beach. This famous beach is one of the most exclusive enclaves along the coast, with golden sands and clear waters to tempt you. You’ll find all kinds of amenities, including some of the best restaurants in Marbella.

As the city is such a popular destination, many beaches can get crowded during peak summer months. However, some quieter options exist, such as Playa de los Monteros, a vast, sandy stretch with a peaceful dune landscape. For something even more secluded, Playa Artola-Cabopino is one of the best virgin beaches along the Costa del Sol. This is a protected area of dunes and pine forests, where you can swim in crystalline waters and relax on fine sands.

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If the idea of lying on a beach all day bores you (it’s a tough life), perhaps watersports are a better way to spend your holiday. Marbella is full of options for water-based adventures, from high-adrenaline rides to more relaxed choices. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities like surfing (Cabopino beach is perfect for beginners), banana boats, kayaking and even whale and dolphin watching tours. The Alboran Sea is a sanctuary for dolphins, whales and orcas, and you and the whole family can enjoy an unforgettable day out. For those who prefer to enjoy the views without getting wet, why not rent a boat or a yacht at Puerto Marbella or Puerto Banus? If you’re on a romantic getaway, bring a bottle of bubbly and set sail into the sunset.

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One of the most scenic historic districts on the entire Costa del Sol, Marbella’s Old Town is something special. Get lost in the labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways, admiring the traditional whitewashed houses decorated with bright splashes of colourful flowers. Surrounded by the remains of the 10th-century castle walls, a walk here offers a great view of the city. Soak up the history and culture in Plaza de Iglesia, home to the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation with its stunning paintings and statues.

The Old Town is a great place to shop, where you can find souvenirs, local crafts and clothing. Head to Plaza de los Naranjos for a cold drink when the sun gets too warm. This friendly square is named after the fragrant orange trees growing within it, and you’ll find open-air cafes and bars spilling out onto the cobbles. Stay until dinner, when you can share tapas and a bottle of wine at the highly-rated Taberna La Niña del Pisto.

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If you’re craving a sunny beach holiday at any time during the year, Marbella is the perfect escape. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, its idyllic Mediterranean climate is one of the best reasons to visit Marbella. During the summer months (June to September), the average temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius. If you love the heat and the sun, this is the best time to visit. This is also when the sea is at its warmest, with an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. Remember that July and August are the busiest months, so you may find the beaches crowded and the restaurants full. If you want to avoid heavy crowds, it’s best to visit in the shoulder months of May and June or September and October – the weather is still warm and dry. Most of the rainfall happens during the winter (December to February), but the temperatures remain mild, averaging around 16 degrees Celsius.

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Although Marbella isn’t just about partying, those who come for a good night out won’t be disappointed. Behind the Paseo Maritimo is a profusion of late-night bars and clubs, but the Puerto Banus area is where the high-end bars and clubs are – be sure to meet the dress code as you could be rubbing shoulders with celebrities and footballers. Some of the most exclusive party spots in Puerto Banus include Tibu and Pangea. Marbella also has numerous live music venues featuring a mix of local and international acts. Some of our favourites include La Catarina and Louie Louie. If your idea of a night out is a little more low-key, there are numerous bars and pubs in the Old Town area where you can enjoy drinks and tapas on the terrace.

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If you enjoy good food (and drink), the city’s amazing culinary scene is one of the top reasons to visit Marbella. Its rich culinary tradition is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean diet, and its location means some of the freshest seafood you’ve ever eaten. Some of the traditional dishes to order include paella (a must when in Spain), espetos (grilled sardines on a skewer), gazpacho (an Andalusian speciality of cold soup made with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, cucumbers, sweet peppers and onion), and ensalada malagueña (Malaga salad with cod, oranges, boiled potatoes, onions and green olives).

Downtown Marbella is excellent for dining. You’ll find whatever type of restaurant you’re looking for, whether that’s seafood restaurants serving up the catch of the day, Michelin-star restaurants or casual, family-run eateries. To wine and dine, swing by Primeria Selection, a wine bar serving up an impressive collection of wines (including Spanish favourites), cured delights, exquisite preserves, and fresh oysters.

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Home to some of the best golf courses in Spain, Marbella is a favourite destination for golfers worldwide. One of the top picks is Valderrama Golf Club, located in the nearby town of Sotogrande. Consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in Europe, it has played host to several major tournaments, including the 1997 Ryder Cup. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, La Quinta Golf & Country Club offers three 9-hole courses, so there’s something for everyone. Perched in the hills above Marbella, the views from here are incredible. Check out Marbella Golf & Country Club for more panoramic views, or for something a little more complicated, Los Naranjos Golf Club has a challenging 18-hole course with water hazards and bunkers – there’s even a wine cellar. Many golf clubs also have superb restaurants and sometimes even a spa, perfect for when your other half isn’t keen on teeing off.

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You may be surprised to hear that Marbella has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums and art galleries to visit when you aren’t tanning on the beach. When it comes to museums, you have a wide choice starting with Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo, which features over 4,000 prints and engravings by Spanish artists from the 20th century, including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. For something a little different, the Bonsai Museum in the centre of town has over 300 bonsai trees from around the world, a Japanese garden and a tea house – a welcome respite from the heat.

If art galleries are more your scene, be sure to swing by the Galería de Arte Afra to admire a range of traditional and contemporary art, such as paintings, sculptures and ceramics, focusing on local artists. Scope out emerging artists at the Kasser Rassu Gallery, or step into another world with conceptual and installation art at the Almacén de Little Dreams.

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