This beautiful city located in the Sierra Bianca Mountains in the southern Spain, has been many times compared to the jewel of Spain. Marbella is kind of like cut - price Monaco, with beautiful architecture that embraces modernity and history. The city offers finest restaurants, unforgettable parties surrounded by yachts, breathtaking views from the Sierra Bianca Mountains and beautiful seacoast for a morning swim in the ocean.
I've had a chance to visit Marbella multiple times and I must say no matter how many times I visit this Spanish jewel, it always surprises me with something new & unexpected. One of the things that make me want to return every year is the friendliness and kindness of the people. The hosts of the villas we stayed in would go above and beyond to reassure we are having the best time. The villas are kept in amazing condition and offered not only spectacular views, but also comfort, safety and privacy.
Beautiful sunset from our Villa in Estepona
Wearing dress (currently sold out, available in different colours)
Renting a villa in Marbella...
When it comes to choosing accommodation for your stay, I highly recommend using Airbnb and renting a private apartment/house/villa. There are so many beautiful villas located in the heart of Marbella offering private golf club membership and private pool with your stay. I do recommend doing your own research and finding which area would work best for you. As I've had an advantage of a rental car I decided to venture out of the city centre. First time I've visited Marbella, I've stayed in a golf resort called Capanes del Golf, where I've rented a beautiful apartment in the centre of the resort with private pool (offered to the members).
Costa Del Sol and our apartment from the outside
Stunning bathroom views from our Costa Del Sol apartment
During my second visit I've decided to explore even further and I've rented an apartment in Estepona. Estepona is located approximately fifteen minutes drive from Puerto Banus. The apartment is located in the mountains and to make it even more interesting there is a zoo on the right opposite mountain. So some nights you can hear the lions roaring. The host of the apartment, Francisco, owns couple of properties in the area and is a five- star host.
Sunrise on our terrace in Estepona apartment
Places I loved and would visit again
One of the most known beach clubs in Marbella - Nikki Beach. Where the atmosphere, food and service is exceptional. Prices for food range between £15-£100, I highly recommend trying their signature cocktails too. If you want to jump to Nikki Beach for lunch you don't necessarily need a booking, although if you are planning on spending your day here make sure you prebook as the place gets easily busy during the high season. With its amazing entertainment Nikki Beach is definitely a place you must visit!
The walkway that was originally built to cross between Chorro Falls and Gautanejo Falls to provide transport of materials, and to help facilitate inspection and maintenance of the channel. Is now considered as one of the world's most dangerous walkway. Although I didn't feel as much in a danger as I felt exhausted and dehydrated haha. One advice I would definitely give is to bring water, SPF and comfortable shoes with you; also think in advance about the time you would like to visit to avoid midday sun and 37 degrees. The hike takes approximately 2 hours in total.
Another place on the list is Ocean Club, located in the heart of Marbella, Puerto Banus. If you're looking for a relaxed day treated to five star standards, you're on the right place. Booking a table at Ocean Club comes at affordable prices with complimentary bottle of champagne provided to sip your day through. The place is also well known for bringing one of a kind parties with well known international DJ's. The place gets very busy in the high season so make sure you arrive before noon if you're not planning on booking your table in advance.
Wearing swimsuit
Largest city on the Costa del Sol set along the sparkling coast -Malaga. The port city is best known for its most famous son - artist and sculpture Pablo Picasso. Dressed in golden beaches and charming Old Town, the city is loaded with history. The historical centre of Malaga offers full-bodied flavours of Andalusian cuisine in the many bars and restaurants throughout. A must visit is the best preserved alcazaba in Spain, Alcazaba de Malaga. Set on the top of the hill the alcazaba offers stunning views of the city. If you like shopping as much as I do, you must visit the old town where on the second Sunday of each month, local artisans and merchants share stalls at the El Zoco de Muelle Uno, a local market selling handmade products, vintage clothing and local specialities.
Wearing dress (Bershka, sold out on official website but I found a similar for you here)
Visiting Ronda felt like stepping into a fairytale, this mountaintop city is set dramatically above the gorge. The gorge (El Tajo) separates the city's new town from its old town. Everything about Ronda is just magical, from the small white houses set along the gorge to the tiny streets with charming little cafés and restaurants. The area is well known for its wine production known as the Serrania de Ronda.
Wearing dress ( PrettyLittleThing, currently sold out)
If you're looking for a chilled day filled with good vibes and beautiful views of the Sierra Bianca mountains head to Nao. With delicious kitchen, affordable prices and amazing lounge music, Nao is a place like no other. The service is very polite and effective, the beach club has limited availability so make sure you book your place in advance. Compare to most of the beach clubss I have been to Nao has the perfect balance of relax, calmness and peace. something I definitely look forward on a weekend.
An absolute highlight of the list is the ATV tour in Sierra Bianca Mountains. From the start to finish this has been one of the biggest adventures of my Marbella travels. Our tour guide was very knowledgable with good sense of humour, which made the trip very enjoyable and fun. We started our tour in Estepona and drove all the way through the beautiful countryside to the top of the Costa del Sol Mountains. The buggies were fully automatic, powerful and very safe to drive with, the tour lasted around 2 hours and was great fun!
Favourite Restaurants & Bars in Marbella
My all time favourite restaurant is Occo, bringing the Scandinavian vibes to Marbella. I don't think I can ever get enough of their food, their hospitality and the atmosphere the place brings. Occo focuses on Mediterranean cousine with a twist, serving amazing dishes with a side of the finest Spanish wines. Occo is one of the local's favourite place to hang out over the weekend, so make sure you prebook your table to avoid any disappointments.
Another great restaurant on the list is Paco Jibenes, located in the heart of the new town. With a great attention to the presentation of the food the restaurant offers the finest of Mediterranean and Spanish cousine. The staff of this little gem is very professional, kind and efficient. Prices are top end but only reflect the quality of the dining experience.
For a delicious and healthy breakfast head to Rachel's Eco Love and enjoy their signature juices, açai bowls, cakes and picnics on the beach. We all need a bit eco love in our life and especially on the mornings when we're looking to start the day energised.
Looking for a something little extra on your night out? I recommend La Suite, Puente Romano's seductive, VIP nightclub where Manhattan Loft meets authentic Marbella style. La Suite is one of the local's favourite place to hang out, it's a place where you most likely to be seated next to a celebrity while sipping on your espresso martini. I advise booking a table in advance as this place is absolutely buzzing on the weekends and it's very difficult to get in.
Have you visited Marbella? Let me know if I've missed any of your favourite spots in the comment section below.
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