The famous marina with superyachts, luxury boutiques and waterfront restaurants. Best in the evening, when families walk along the harbour.
Spain
Marbella travel guide
The summer favourite of Gulf families - beaches, the Golden Mile, Puerto Banús and the Alhambra nearby.
- Best time to visit
- June-September for the beach; April-May and October for sightseeing
- Flight from the Gulf
- Fly to Málaga (AGP); 7-9 h from the Gulf, often with one stop
- Airport
- Málaga Airport (AGP), 45 min by car
- Time difference
- 2 h behind Riyadh in winter, 1 h in summer
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Language
- Spanish
- Visa
- Schengen visa (UAE passports visa-free for short stays)
Marbella, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, has welcomed Gulf families for more than forty years. The sun shines most of the year, the beach clubs and resorts are excellent, and the King Abdul Aziz Mosque stands on the Golden Mile between the town and Puerto Banús.
Most visitors stay one to two weeks in summer. Mornings are for the beach and the pool, evenings for a walk in the old town with its whitewashed streets and Plaza de los Naranjos, or dinner at the marina of Puerto Banús with its yachts and luxury boutiques.
Marbella is also a perfect base for day trips: the Alhambra in Granada (2 hours by car), the mountain town of Ronda (1 hour), Málaga (45 minutes) and even Gibraltar. A car with driver is the easiest way to explore – parking in summer is difficult.
Things to do in Marbella
The places our guests love most, with the time you need and how to avoid the queues.
Whitewashed lanes full of flowers around the Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square). Small shops, ice cream and halal restaurants make it perfect for an evening…
The palace of the Nasrid sultans, the most beautiful Islamic monument in Europe. The Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife gardens and the Alcazaba fortress need a full…
A dramatic town on a cliff, split by a deep gorge and joined by the Puente Nuevo bridge. Arab baths and old Andalusian houses tell its…
A spectacular wooden walkway along the walls of a deep gorge. About 3 hours of easy but long walking; not for children under 8 or anyone…
Giant caves with huge stone columns, and the Balcony of Europe viewpoint over the sea. Combine with the white village of Frigiliana.
Hotels in Marbella
Hotels we know and recommend. Send your dates: we book the best rate for you and confirm on WhatsApp.
Summary
Marbella ★★★★★
Golden Mile
Villas with private pool · Kids club
Best priceon request
Summary
Marbella ★★★★★
Golden Mile
Garden suites · Beach club
Best priceon request
Summary
Marbella ★★★★★
Marbella seafront
Beachfront · Garden pools
Best priceon request
Summary
Marbella ★★★★★
Between Marbella and Estepona
Several pools · Private beach
Best priceon request
Tours, packages and transfers in Marbella
Private day trips with your own driver and guide, complete holidays, and airport transfers at a fixed price.
7 days
Price on request
Málaga Airport
AGP Arrival or departure, to or from any hotel in the city
Book transfer
Price per vehicle, one way. Meet and greet with your name, flight monitoring and waiting time included.
Car with driver in Marbella
A private car and a professional driver for half a day or a full day: shopping, visits, day trips or business meetings. Arabic-speaking drivers on request.
- Sedan, minivan or large family van
- Hotel pick-up, waits for you at every stop
- Child seats and water on board
Where to stay in Marbella
Golden Mile (Milla de Oro)The prestigious strip between Marbella and Puerto Banús, with the best beach resorts and the mosque. Our first choice for families.
Puerto Banús and Nueva AndalucíaYachts, luxury shops and restaurants by the marina. Lively until late; villas in the hills behind are quieter.
Marbella town and old townWalk to the beach promenade and the old town restaurants. Good value apartments.
Estepona and BenahavísQuieter coast to the west with large resorts and villas, 15-25 minutes from Puerto Banús.
Halal food and prayer
Casa Latifa
Halal Moroccan · Old town
A riad-style Moroccan restaurant in the old town. Lamb and chicken tagines, couscous and pastilla.
Prince Lebanese
Halal Lebanese · Old town
Mezze, mixed grills, shawarma and kibbeh - the taste of home after a day at the beach.
Al Sham
Halal Syrian · Marbella marina
Casual Syrian food by the marina - shawarma, kofta and falafel at good prices.
Halal status is what the restaurant tells its guests and can change. When you book with us, we check it again before your trip.
Tips for your trip to Marbella
- Book Alhambra tickets as soon as you know your dates - they sell out weeks ahead in summer and are linked to your passport name.
- July and August are the busiest months. Book beach club sunbeds and popular restaurants in advance.
- A car with driver is better than renting a car - parking in Puerto Banús and the old town is very hard in summer.
- Friday prayer at the King Abdul Aziz Mosque is very busy in August; arrive early.
- Sunscreen and a hat are a must; the sun is strong even when the sea breeze feels cool.
- Many villas and apartments need a security deposit - read the conditions before you book.
Questions
Is Marbella good for families with small children?
Very. Most resorts have kids clubs and shallow pools, the sea is calm in summer and Selwo Aventura safari park is nearby.
Can we visit the Alhambra from Marbella in one day?
Yes. It is about 2 hours each way by car. We recommend leaving at 8:00 with a driver and a booked guided entry.
Villa or hotel?
Large families often prefer a villa with a private pool. We can propose both with security, cleaning and a driver.
Do you arrange airport transfers from Málaga?
Yes - a driver meets you at arrivals with your name. Vans for up to 7 people and extra luggage are available.
Read before you go to Marbella
Marbella in summer: why Gulf families love it
Beaches, the King Abdul Aziz Mosque, halal restaurants, the Alhambra nearby and resorts made for families - why Marbella has…
Plan your trip to Marbella with us
Hotel, car with driver, tours and restaurants: tell us your dates and who is travelling. We reply in Arabic or English with a full plan and one price. No payment until you confirm.
- Reply within a few hours
- Family rooms and halal restaurants checked for you
- Support on WhatsApp during the trip
Photo credits
- Marbella — Photo: __Lolo__ · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Marbella — Photo: Milan Trninic (www.wedesignmarbella.com) · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Marbella — Photo: Jebulon · CC0
- Marbella — Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Caminito del Rey — Photo: User Gabirulo on Flickr · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Nerja and its caves — Photo: Fernando · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Marbella Club Hotel — Photo: Zarateman · CC0
- Kempinski Hotel Bahía — Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under their free licences.
