Marbella has three one-Michelin-starred restaurants , the most famous of which is Dani Garcia's Calima (he is said to be the next Ferran Adria - cherry gazpacho with anchovies and queso fresco snow), in the Hotel Gran Melia Don Pepe. The town is home to over 600 more eateries, making it one of Andalucia's top culinary destinations.
Marbella is known as a glamorous resort town and is a favourite location with the rich and famous, boosted by foreign residents who are seduced by the lifestyle. But there's plenty for ordinary folk to see and enjoy too in southern Spain's answer to St Tropez.
See below a selection of group excursions from Marbella. Perfect opportunities to see the major attractions in Andalucia without the hassle of having to organise it yourself.
The Starlite Festival is a three month-long music and cultural event held in June, July and August at the Cantera de Nagüeles, in Marbella. It is now established as one of the important annual social and entertainment events in Spain. First and last dates are 13th June to 27th August 2025. Startlite is also known for its annual gala, an additional star studded event of the year.
Torre Alcon - in the sand dunes of Artola, a square tower near Cabopino marina.
Torre Ladrón - in the sand dunes of Artola, a square tower near Cabopino marina.
Torre del Rio Real - next to the A-7 coast road just east of Marbella town
The Rio Real watchtower is located near the south-western bank of the Rio Real, on raised ground. This land is now a bend in the A-7 coastal road. A few metres away, on its southern side, there were abandoned Civil Guard barracks. There is no documentation of a tower at the time of the Reconquest of Marbella in 1485, so it is assumed that this tower was built at the end of the 16th century as part of the Hapsburg defensive strategy, with later modifications.
This is a defensive watchtower from the XVI century. It takes its name from the Roman baths, which are about 50 metres to the west. It is one of a chain of towers along the coast built at that time to warn the locals of pirates and possible Moorish invasions from North Africa. It is slightly conical in shape, but less so than the others, and leads to a larger terrace, perhaps to accommodate larger artillery. Built of stone, not brick, it is 13m high and has a diameter of 8.3m at the base.
This is a defensive watchtower from the XVI century. It takes its name from the Roman baths, which are about 50 metres to the west. It is one of a chain of towers along the coast built at that time to warn the locals of pirates and possible Moorish invasions from North Africa. It is slightly conical in shape, but less so than the others, and leads to a larger terrace, perhaps to accommodate larger artillery. Built of stone, not brick, it is 13m high and has a diameter of 8.3m at the base.
This restaurant by chef David Olivas from Ubeda is located near the Parque de la Constitución. Olivas brings a sense of fun to his cuisine, which gives a bold contemporary take on traditional Andalucian dishes, with an added global twist.
The Starlite Festival is a three month-long music and cultural event held in June, July and August at the Cantera de Nagüeles, in Marbella. It is now established as one of the important annual social and entertainment events in Spain. First and last dates of currently confirmed concerts are 14th June to 31st August 2024.
Marbella enjoys 14 public holidays a year. This comprises of 9 National public holidays; 2 whose dates are set by the region, 1 regional holidays and 2 local public holidays.
The Marbella Town Hall approved provisionally the ordinance which required an air quality study which has ont been carried out. Marbella introduced sinage in December 2023 just ahead of the end of year deadline. As of July 2025 the ZBE is still in provisionial phase. A vehicle entering without a sticker might receive a warning but not a fine.
The Starlite Festival is a two month-long music and cultural event held in July / August at the Cantera de Nagüeles, in Marbella. It is now established as one of the important annual entertainment events in Spain. The stage is surrounded by 60 metre-high rock walls, which creates an interesting, intimate atmosphere, like a secret, hidden venue beneath the stars for the 2,200 guests.
At this tiny Japanese Michelin one-star restaurant in Marbella, a maximum of 12 diners can have a nine or ten-course meal, including mushimono and nimono (steamed and simmered dishes), shirumono (soup), niguiri sushi (rice topped with raw fish), and dessert.
Funky Buddha Marbella located above the Golden Mile. 2019 opening partner club to the Funky Buddha Banus. Located on the site of the famous Art Deco Marbella night club La Notte which had closed c2000. The La Notte gardens have long gone and have been replaced with soundproofed conservatories that let Funky Buddha play the sounds loud.
If well-priced, environmentally-friendly produce, that supports local businesses and farmers, is your thing, then this is the ideal market. The market opens on the third Saturday of the month in the part of Nueva Andalucia that is close to the River Guadaliza and road to San Pedro.
If well-priced, environmentally-friendly produce, that supports local businesses and farmers, is your thing, then this is the ideal market. The market opens on the first Saturday of the month in the car park in Elveria Las Chapas on the mountain side of the A-7 coast road.
After six years of hosting a 70.3 race, including 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, Marbella won’t be holding the IRONMAN race in 2026. The event has moved Malaga.
