Old Town, Golden Mile, Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía and San Pedro: which part of Marbella to choose for your trip, what to see and how not to overpay. An honest guide by the AltaHomes team.
The Atmosphere
Marbella has two faces and it pays to know that before you book. One is the Old Town: whitewashed lanes with geraniums, Plaza de los Naranjos and a long, elegant seafront with Sierra Blanca and La Concha peak behind it. The other is Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile: yachts, boutiques, beach clubs and prices to match. Same city, different trip.
Our verdict: the most exclusive destination on the Costa del Sol and the one that rewards choosing well. In the Old Town and along the promenade you get Marbella with charm and on foot; on the Golden Mile and in Banús you pay for location and scene. Outside July and August, value improves dramatically.
Marbella area by area
- Old Town and Paseo Marítimo: the prettiest and the most practical without a car. Plaza de los Naranjos, the Encarnación church, remains of the Moorish walls and Fontanilla beach ten minutes' walk away.
- The Golden Mile: the four kilometres between Marbella and Puerto Banús, with the Marbella Club, developments with pools and the best-kept beaches. High rates, guaranteed quiet.
- Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía: the marina, nightlife and, behind it, the Golf Valley. International crowd, ideal if you come to play or go out.
- San Pedro de Alcántara: locals' Marbella, with a renovated promenade, a market and more restrained prices.
What to See and Do
The Old Town
Get lost without a map: Calle Ancha, Plaza de los Naranjos with its 16th-century town hall, the San Juan de Dios chapel and bougainvillea courtyards. It is small, so two hours are enough to see it and have a drink.
Avenida del Mar and the promenade
Avenida del Mar links the old town to the beach and is lined with Dalí sculptures. From there the promenade runs all the way to Puerto Banús: about seven flat kilometres you can cycle.
La Concha
The hike up La Concha (1,215 m) is Marbella's classic excursion, with views to Gibraltar and Africa on a clear day. Experienced hikers only, and never at midday in high summer.
Puerto Banús
Looking at the yachts and shops is free; dining in the port is not. Worth an evening stroll, and in summer the Starlite festival in the old Nagüeles quarry brings international concerts.
Food
Marbella has everything, from Michelin stars on the Golden Mile to espeto chiringuitos on Fontanilla beach and in San Pedro. Our advice: fish on the beach at lunch, the old town at night, and Banús only if the scene is the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Marbella from Málaga airport? Marbella has no train. By car on the AP-7 or A-7 it takes about 45-50 minutes; the direct airport bus takes just over an hour. If you are not renting a car, stay in the Old Town or on the promenade so you can walk everywhere.
Which is the best area to stay in Marbella? Old Town and promenade for charm and walkability; the Golden Mile for a quiet beach and a development with a pool; Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía for golf and nightlife; San Pedro for a local feel and better prices.
Is Marbella very expensive? In July and August, yes, especially on the Golden Mile and in Banús. From October to May the weather is still excellent and rates drop noticeably. Eating in the old town or San Pedro costs the same as any Andalusian city.
Own an apartment in Marbella? AltaHomes manages it as a boutique operator, with a published commission or guaranteed rent with the figure in 48 hours, and one English-speaking contact for owners who live abroad.
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