I’ve been wanting to visit Marbella for quite some time after hearing so many people speak so enthusiastically about it. Personally, I’ve always been more of an Ibiza girl, but it turns out Marbella has quite a few similarities in both atmosphere and lifestyle. Perhaps the Spanish identity has something to do with that.

What I enjoyed most was how diverse Marbella felt. It’s not exclusively about luxury hotels or beach clubs, nor is it simply a tourist destination. Instead, it feels like a place where many different worlds coexist. Families, golfers, yacht owners, locals, digital nomads, and holiday seekers all seem to find their happy place here.  One of my favourite moments was driving a cabriolet through the hills of Nueva Andalucía, where tall palm trees and white villas line the road. It reminded me a little of Beverly Hills, albeit with a distinctly Andalusian character. (Later, while doing research for this piece, I found out that the port of Marbella was designed by architect Noldi Schreck, who also participated in the construction of Beverly Hills – so I guess my initial observation wasn’t too far off.)

I also noticed a remarkable number of new residential developments across the region. Thanks to Marbella’s mild climate (with sunny winter days often reaching around 18°C) the destination has become increasingly popular as a year-round base. More and more international buyers are choosing to invest in second homes here, and based on what I saw in just 4 days, I could easily understand why.

To get a proper impression of Marbella, I tried to experience different sides of the destination. These were some of the places that stood out.

Shopping in Puerto Banús

For those who enjoy luxury shopping, Puerto Banús remains the heart of Marbella’s glamorous side. Designer boutiques, glitzy superyachts and waterfront cafés create the luxe atmosphere the destination is famous for. What I particularly liked was that the shopping area doesn’t feel overly commercial. The boutiques are housed in white buildings with traditional Spanish architecture, giving the marina a Mediterranean feel while still feeling polished and upscale.

 A stop at the El Corte Inglés is also worthwhile, particularly for fashion and beauty. I finally found the perfect birthday dress here, something that was impossible to find in Switzerland. 

Exploring Marbella Old Town

One of the most charming parts of Marbella was undoubtedly the Old Town. Picturesque buildings, flower-filled squares, and narrow streets offer a completely different atmosphere from Puerto Banús.

Stopping for tapas here is almost mandatory and provides a glimpse into Marbella’s more traditional side. The streets are filled with boutiques, whitewashed houses and cozy restaurants. 

The rooftop at La Fonda Heritage Hotel with a view of Marbella old town

While I was wandering the old town of Marbella,I stumbled across a beautiful property, La Fonda, which turned out to be a relatively new boutique hotel by Relais & Châteaux. Its inviting rooftop terrace with live music lured me in, but inside the renovated 16th-century townhouse, I discovered the most beautiful courtyard restaurant. This is the kind of place I’d definitely come back for a romantic dinner date with my boyfriend. When you step outside of the hotel, you are right in the historic center, with its location next to an old church and opposite a tablao (a club hosting flamenco performances). I would definitely recommend this place if you want to stay in the center.

Chiringuito vibes at Victor’s Beach

If there is one thing I love to do on holiday, it’s spending an afternoon at a low-key chiringuito where I can properly relax.

Even in Ibiza, I tend to prefer laid-back beach restaurants over flashy beach clubs, so when I heard we were heading to a little place called Victor’s Beach for our beach day in Marbella, I was very pleased to say the least.

Set in a beautiful bay, the restaurant has exactly the kind of easy-going summer atmosphere I look for when travelling. A handful of sunbeds are positioned right on the shore, making it easy to spend a few hours moving between the sea, lunch, and a good book. We settled in for a long and leisurely lunch, complete with a bottle (or two) of chilled rosé and gambas pil pil — a classic Spanish dish and an absolute must-try when visiting the country.

The restaurant scene at Puento Romano

If you want to get a feel for Marbella’s social scene, there is probably no better place to start than Puente Romano.

While technically a hotel resort, the property feels more like a small village. Spread across spectacular green gardens, you’ll find some of Marbella’s most sought-after restaurants, making it a worthwhile place to visit even if you’re not staying there.

Among the venues are Nobu, famous for its sushi; Cipriani, the Italian hotspot; Gaia, the place to go if you enjoy Greek cuisine; and Coya, which serves Peruvian dishes in a lively ambiance. While all of them were tempting, I decided to book a table at Le Petit Maison, which had just opened this spring and seemed to be the restaurant everyone was talking about.

The restaurant is located right on the beach, which gives a beautiful background of pink skies. The service was really good, with attentive waiters, and the food was nice too. Also a big fan of the shared dining concept, which allows you to try way more dishes.

Where to dine inside Puento Romano

FINAL NOTES

• Favourite hotels: La Fonda Heritage Hotel, Marbella Beach Club, Puento Romano

• Best times to visit: June and September

• Favourite area: Puerto Banus and Nueva Andalucia

Still on My Marbella List:

• Marbella Club Hotel 
• Forum Marbella (a shopping mall that combines gastronomy, luxury shopping and wellness)