Marbella is a picturesque coastal city in the South of Spain.  With a shoreline of about 27 kilometres, it has over 20 beaches, luring visitors seeking a relaxing holiday in the Mediterranean.  But beyond its crystal-clear waters, Marbella offers numerous attractions worth exploring, whether you’re coming here solo or with your family and friends.  Below, check out the top 6 places to visit in Marbella.

1. Paseo de La Alameda

When visiting Marbella with the family, take the kids to Paseo de La Alameda.  It’s a fun place to spend quality time playing with your kids.  The serene atmosphere also makes it an ideal place for relaxing.

As one of Marbella’s most beautiful parks, Paseo de La Alameda has vast green spaces and well-paved trails ideal for scenic walks.  During your walk, you will find beautiful ponds amidst lush trees.  There are also numerous sitting areas to take a break and soak up the relaxing atmosphere.

Paseo de La Alameda underwent improvements several times before it became a beautiful park with half a dozen sculptures of Salvador Dali.  In the middle of the park, you will find a ceramic fountain surrounded by ceramic benches.

After spending some time at Paseo de La Alameda, check out the park’s nearby attractions, such as the Paseo Maritimo de Marbella.  It’s a lovely promenade with stunning coastal views stretching from San Pedro to Puerto Banus.

2. Plaza Altamirano

Located in the Old Town of Marbella, Plaza de Altamirano perfectly encapsulates the historic ambience of the Old Town.  It’s a charming section of the Old Town, with central lampposts adorning its picturesque cobblestone streets.

Strolling Plaza de Altamirano is one of the most relaxing things to do on your holiday to Marbella, where you can stumble upon the Tower of the Church of La Encarnación.  You will also find Calle Apartada nearby, another beautiful street that’s fun to explore.

From Plaza de Altamirano, walk towards Calle Mendoza until you reach the Plaza del Puente de Málaga.  Here, you will find one of the old exits from the city. Around the area, you can stumble upon some old buildings and mansions with gorgeous patios and flowery vines.

3. Plaza de los Naranjos

You will find plenty of fantastic places to stay around Marbella, which explains why it’s the perfect destination for those with numerous holiday itineraries.  Many of these accommodations are in excellent locations that give you easy access to the many beautiful places to explore in the city, such as Plaza de los Naranjos, a charming square at the heart of the Old Town of Marbella and is one of the liveliest places in town.

Even though the square can sometimes feel touristy, it still exudes that old-world charm, where local villagers gather with friends and families, making it an ideal place for those looking for an authentic experience in Marbella.  It is also home to Marbella’s Town Hall and a great starting point for exploring the Old Town.

Plaza de los Naranjos in Marbella is only a short walk from the coastline, where the many beautiful beaches are.  Thus, it’s an ideal place to visit after spending time at the beach.  You will find some of Marbella’s great restaurants and cafes here, where you can unwind and enjoy good food.

4. Puerto Banús

Exuding a luxurious vibe, Puerto José Banús is a lovely marina in the sophisticated area of Nueva Andalucia, a few kilometres southwest of the centre of Marbella.  It features a Mediterranean architectural style, making it one of Costa del Sol’s biggest entertainment centres and a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Puerto José Banús is home to many sophisticated shops and upscale tourist residences.  As one of the world’s most exclusive and glamorous enclaves, it’s the place to spot celebrities and jet setters lured to its luxury-village-style atmosphere, where you will find some of the most luxurious boats.

Puerto Banus is also an ideal place to indulge in retail therapy, home to designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci.  It’s also common to see sports cars zooming around the fancy streets of Puerto Banus.  Everything here screams luxury, not to mention fancy restaurants and exclusive nightspots.

5. Avenida del Mar

Avenida del Mar is a scenic pathway offering access to Marbella’s stunning beaches and excellent bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops.  As you stroll through this walkway, you will enjoy many attractions on the way, including sculptures by famous artists like Eduardo Soriano and Salvador Dali.  Walking along Avenida del Mar is highly recommended when you’re in Marbella, not only for the attractions but also because it’s a convenient way to access the seafront from the Old Town.

Avenida del Mar also connects the stunning Alameda Park to some of the most beautiful beaches of Marbella.  Marble tiles line the wide pedestrian walkway, highlighted by the bronze sculptures of Dali.  At the end of the walkway, close to the waterfront, you will find a monument of sculptor Eduardo Soriano, a tribute to Freedom of speech.

6. Playa Casablanca

One of the beaches you should not miss while in Marbella is Playa de Casablanca, a long and sandy beach perfect for families and those seeking relaxation.  It’s located right in the city centre, making it easily accessible.

Playa de Casablanca is vast, with many little oases lined with tall palm trees.  You will find plenty of spots to relax under the shade, so you won’t have to hire a lounger with a sun umbrella.

Aside from swimming and relaxing, take the time to stroll along its well-kept promenade, which runs the entire length of the beach.  It’s also a popular spot for jogging and cycling, with many shops offering bikes and Segway for hire.

Playa de Casablanca is well-equipped with facilities, including showers and lifeguards.  The beach has gentle water slopes, making it safe for little kids to swim and play.  Furthermore, there are many excellent bars and restaurants in the area.  Whether you want to feast on authentic Spanish delicacies or international dishes, you’ll find a dining place to cater to your tastes.