Every summer, thousands of families from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the Emirates return to Marbella. Some have been coming for three generations. What makes this small town on Spain’s Costa del Sol so special?
A familiar welcome
Marbella has welcomed Gulf visitors since the 1970s. The King Abdul Aziz Mosque on the Golden Mile has been the centre of the community since 1981, and in August Friday prayer fills its garden. Halal butchers, Arabic grocery shops and restaurants make daily life easy, and many shops and hotels have Arabic-speaking staff in summer.
Sun, sea and calm
The sea is calm, the beaches have sunbeds and lifeguards, and the big resorts on the Golden Mile have shallow pools and kids clubs. Days start late and end late: beach in the morning, rest in the afternoon, and a walk in the old town or along the marina of Puerto Banús when the evening breeze arrives.
History at the door
Marbella is the best base to discover al-Andalus. The Alhambra in Granada is two hours away, Ronda one hour, and Seville and Córdoba make wonderful overnight trips. Seeing these monuments with your children – with a good guide who tells their story – is an unforgettable part of the holiday.
Villas or resorts?
Large families often rent a villa with a private pool in Nueva Andalucía or Sierra Blanca, with security and cleaning. Others prefer the service of resorts like the Marbella Club or Puente Romano. Both work well – the important thing is to book early, because the best options for July and August are reserved months in advance.
Our tip: book your Alhambra tickets and a car with driver at the same time as your accommodation. Parking in summer is difficult, and the driver saves hours of stress.
Marbella city guideThings to do, hotels we recommend, halal restaurants, tours and tips.
