Free walking tours in Marbella and what to see

Must-sees

Marbella’s old town keeps its narrow white streets full of flowerpots. Its heart is the Plaza de los Naranjos, with the town hall, the Casa del Corregidor and the Santiago chapel. Close by is the church of the Encarnación, and there are remains of the wall of the old Moorish castle.

From the old town you walk down to the sea through the Alameda park and the Avenida del Mar, which has a collection of sculptures by Salvador Dalí. The seafront promenade runs along much of the coast and links several town beaches. To the west, the Golden Mile leads to Puerto Banús, with its yachts, shops and nightlife. San Pedro Alcántara has a quieter promenade, and the Sierra Blanca, with La Concha peak, offers mountain walks above the town.

Free tours and guided visits

Marbella’s free tours focus on the old town, and you tip what you like. They explain the town’s history since Moorish times, pass the Plaza de los Naranjos and the wall, and tell how it went from fishing village to international resort. Among the paid activities, trips to Ronda and its gorge, to Mijas or to Gibraltar, the Caminito del Rey and boat trips along the coast, where you sometimes see dolphins, are all worth it.

How long to spend

To see Marbella without rushing, allow two or three days: one for the old town and the promenade, another for Puerto Banús and the beach, and another for a trip to Ronda or the mountains. If you’re after rest, a week lets you mix beach, walks and trips to Málaga or the white villages. In summer, save sightseeing on foot for early morning or late afternoon, when the heat eases.

Where to stay

The centre, between the old town and the promenade, is the best area for sightseeing: you can walk to the beach, the restaurants and the bus station. If you want nightlife and a marina feel, Puerto Banús is the choice, although prices go up. The Golden Mile has luxury hotels with gardens and beach access. For a quieter, family-friendly stay, San Pedro Alcántara has plenty of options and its own promenade.