10 Best Things to Do in Marbella (Spain)

For the Mediterranean glamor, Marbella resists the French Riviera and has everything to enjoy in a luxury seaside destination: Michelin-starred restaurants, marinas filled with high-end yachts, golf courses, designer boutiques and long chain beaches .

It is no wonder that celebrities and millionaires have come here for decades. For the curious, there are many small discoveries to be made around the resort, be they Renaissance palaces in the old town or remnants of Roman villas hidden between the luxury complexes.

Let's explore the best things to do in Marbella:

1. old town

The oldest part of Marbella is a real discovery. It's a labyrinth of pedestrian streets with red tiles and a crazy pavement.

The buildings are all whitewashed and topped with terracotta roofs, and many date back to the Renaissance. Some are wrapped in bougainvillea; in fact, the whole region is illuminated with flowers.

The houses are all set in streets resembling corridors that lead to small squares like the Plaza de los Naranjos, where the restaurants of the place are installed in a small garden in the French bordered with orange trees.

2. Alameda Park

A few steps south of the old town is a park that looks like a private garden.

Under a thick canopy of tropical foliage are paved marble walkways, fountains and benches where you can sunbathe in the afternoon or sip a cup of coffee in the morning.

Most of the benches are dressed in azulejos, hand-painted traditional Andalusian tiles that represent the monuments and history of the city.

On both sides, the park is also delimited by a balustrade, which only adds to the sense of refinement.

3. resort beaches

There are 20 beaches along the Marbella front, most of them with dark sand, and all are served by facilities such as chiringuitos (beach bars). Rescuers are on duty in almost every camp since Holy Week until the end of September.

One of the choices is El Faro, on the west side of the harbor.

At 200 meters, it is not the biggest, but it was awarded the blue flag in 2016 and has a bow of sand bathed by the water up to the knees, which is ideal for little boys who like to feast.

4. Avenida del Mar

This beautiful alley leads from Alameda Park to Playa de la Venus, next to the Marbella marina.

It is a wide pedestrian avenue with palm trees, carefully carved hedges and several works of art.

The bronze sculptures were designed by the surrealist Salvador Dalí of the twentieth century. So you can easily spend a few minutes studying them, perhaps from one of the beaches along the way.

There are shops and bars along the footbridge. If you visit Marbella by car, you will find a convenient car park under this esplanade, which will allow you easy access to the old town and beaches of Marbella.

5. Puerto Banús

A few kilometers east of the old town of Marbella is the busiest part of the resort

If Marbella makes comparisons with the French Riviera, it's shops, super yachts and luxury sports cars that await you everywhere in Puerto Banús.

The area deserves some of your time just to see the ostentatious displays of wealth, but you should go to the great rhinoceros sculpture, also of Salvador Dalí, which weighs 3.6 tons.

Go for a few hours on the sandy beach or dress up in the evening in one of the chic restaurants - if you can book a table!

6. Iglesia de la Encarnación

The historic monument of Marbella is a magnificent baroque and Renaissance church completed in the mid-eighteenth century.

The city was "reconquered" by the Moors only at the end of the 15th century, much later than almost everywhere else in Spain.

This ancient mosque was immediately sanctified and became a place of worship.

Part of the architecture of the building has just been adapted to Christian use.

Take the church steeple, which was once a minaret.

7. Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving

Hidden in an alley in the old town of Marbella is the only museum devoted to engraving in Spain.

The coming is part of the experience. It is a sixteenth century Moorish style palace built for the Naval Order Alonso de Bazán, which he bequeathed to the city as a hospital for the poor.

The collection contains some 4,000 engravings, etchings, aquatints, xylographies, lithographs and other graphic elements designed by some of Spain's most celebrated artists.

Goya, Picasso, Miró, Chillida and Dalí all have works on display.

8. golf

Convenient as a playground for the rich, Marbella has many golf courses.

There are 32 less than half an hour from the resort, including chic, invitation-only clubs, sumptuous resorts with stunning green fees, and a more affordable, no-frills option for beginners and gamers alike. rusty.

If you are new to this sport, then Monte Paraiso is for you. it is a few minutes from the center of the resort and features relatively short level 3 holes that forgive newcomers but still provide a test for seasoned golfers.

9. Nautical activities

At the edge of the sea of ​​Marbella, the Mediterranean will challenge you and, fortunately, there are all kinds of ways out.

If you're a thrill-seeker, there are several marina-based companies offering jet skis, parasailing, wakeboarding and powerboats.

If you do not dream of the sea at 50 km / h, you can always rent a luxury yacht to discover the lifestyle of ultra-rich Marbella, if only for a day.

If you gather with friends or family, a yacht with captain is surprisingly inexpensive.

10. The beaches for excursions

The Costa del Sol is full of beaches with blue flag and you will only scratch the surface in Marbella.

Maybe you want to change the landscape or find a less touristy place by the sea.

You will never have to go far; Estepona is just after the western boundary of the municipality of Marbella where El Padrón is located, with cafes, restaurants, the Puro Beach Club and a large shopping center nearby.

If serenity is in order, San Roque is about 40 minutes from the coast, but secluded Cala Sardina is worth every minute of driving, with only a few whitewashed villas on the hills behind it.

10 Best Things to Do in Barcelona (Spain)

Capital of Catalonia and second city of Spain, Barcelona is absolutely incomparable. It is one of the rare cities to see absolutely with its own identity. This is partly due to a generation of artists and architects of the early twentieth century, like Antoni Gaudí, whose unforgettable buildings are like nothing you will not see anywhere else.

There is something to delight everyone in Barcelona. If you love gastronomy, the city has 20 Michelin stars and if you want culture, you have an inexhaustible choice of beautiful buildings and events. Add to that clean urban beaches, world-class nightlife and so many interesting shops that you will not know where to start.

1. Las Ramblas

It does not matter that many people are fleeing this sequence of walks that goes from Plaça de Catalunya to the Columbus monument at the edge of the water.

If you are a tourist, this is one of those things you must do.

In summer, you'll be in the shade of the big plane trees and fight your way through the crowd passing by living statues, street performers, bird merchants and flower stands.

From time to time, you will seem to cook some waffles (gofres).

Once in the water, continue along the boards to visit the Maremagnum shopping center or the Barcelona Aquarium.

2. Sagrada Familia

This is where your adventure begins in Barcelona and the dreamlike works of Antoni Gaudí.

Its minor basilica is a project of incredible scale and ambition that is still only three-quarters complete more than 140 years after Gaudí's first participation.

When its bell towers are over, it will be the tallest church in the world and will not look like a religious structure you've seen in your life.

The Sagrada Família combines several architectural styles, including Catalan Modernism, Art Nouveau and Late Gothic Spanish, but Gaudí's masterpiece defies this type of definition when you gaze open at the ceiling of the nave.

3. Casa Batlló

Another of Antoni Gaudí's most user-friendly creations for postcards, this building was not created from scratch but was transformed in the early 20th century.

It is not necessary to have visited Barcelona to recognize the roof of the building, whose tiles are the scales of a big dragon.

Like all his work, Casa Batlló has a sinuous quality, with few straight lines and a particular attention to detail.

Take the mushroom-shaped fireplace on the noble floor which, like a comfortable cave, has been designed to allow couples to warm up in the winter.

4. Casa Milà

Also known as La Pedrera, the facade of the building resembling a little the face of a quarry, Casa Milà was completed in 1912 and is another emblematic building of Gaudí.

It is one of many Catalan Modernist works to be on UNESCO's World Heritage List and Gaudí's fourth and last building on Passeig de Gràcia.

Architects will appreciate contemporary innovations such as freestanding stone facades and underground parking.

It was designed so that the industrialist Pere Milà i Camps becomes his family home, with apartments for rent on the upper floors.

The coherence between the design of the building and the furniture of Casa Milà is a real pleasure to see, and it goes back to the time when Gaudí was at the top of his art.

5. beaches of the city

Barcelona's seaside promenade stretches for miles. It will take a good hour to walk from Barceloneta to Diagonal Mar, but it's a walk that really helps you understand the city.

The most western beaches, such as Sant Sebastià, are more crowded and more touristy, but are supported by Barceloneta's narrow network of trendy shops and bars with terraces and outdoor seating.

As you move along the waterfront after the Olympic port, you will find a little more space and more locals in Barcelona.

Finally, Platja de Llevant is the huge new Diagonal Mar shopping center, which revitalizes a former industrial district of the city.

6. The Boqueria

It's an iconic show and an educational experience at a time. There has been a Boqueria market in Barcelona since medieval times, although this place has only been marketed for about 200 years.

This elegant and distinctive glass and glass roof you will see was built in 1914.

Whether you want to do some food shopping or simply admire the sounds of a bustling urban market, this is a real eye opener.

It is a grid of permanent stalls selling fruits, vegetables, cold cuts, cheese and olive products.

The whole market converges on an oval plan of fishmongers in the center.

Refresh yourself with a beer and a tapa in one of the market bars.

7. Camp Nou

In the western district of Les Corts, is the stadium of 99,000 seats of FC Barcelona since 1957.

This is one of the European football cathedrals and even if you have no affinity with the team, you have to go to Camp Nou to enjoy the breathtaking expanse of this arena.

And if you are a fan, you will be in paradise, visiting the stadium and browsing the memories of one of the most prestigious teams in the world.

The stadium tour is not available on game days or just before, so keep an eye on the calendar.

8. Park Güell

Complete your Gaudí experience with a visit to this garden complex on Carmel Hill.

Many go to this part of Gràcia to admire the magnificent panoramas of Barcelona from the main terrace of the park.

You will have seen these serpentine benches and their mosaics on postcards and in movies.

Elsewhere, there are colonnades, fountains and sculptures, all in the distinctive style of the architect.

If you still do not have enough Gaudí, you can enter his house-museum, where he lived from 1906 to 1926, with furniture and decorative objects designed by him.

9. History Museum of the City of Barcelona

The history museum preserves some Roman sites of the Gothic Quarter, such as the Temple of Augustus and the Funeral Way of the Vila de Madrid Square. But Plaça del Rei is where you can see the ancient history of Barcelona in detailed layers.

You will take the elevator to where the remains of a garum factory, laundries, dyeing shops and parts of the old walls of Barcino are visible.

The site is vast, covering 4,000 square meters, which you will explore via raised walkways.

Climbing into the museum building, you will go back in time and enter the arches of Palau Reial Major, seat of the medieval dukes of Barcelona.

10. Montjuïc

This part of the city was built for the international exhibition of 1929 and includes several renowned museums, including the National Museum of Catalan Art, the Museum of Archeology and the Museum of Ethnology.

Of these, the art museum is particularly recommended, and the view of the city from its steps is beautiful.

Below, the magic fountain was also built for the exhibition. It offers light shows and music all half-hour of the weekend. This is best seen at night of course.

At the top of the hill is the fortress of the seventeenth century, which was born in the Catalan revolt in the 1600s and during the civil war in the late 1930s, after which it was transformed into a prison.

7 Best Things to Do in Ibiza (Spain)

As a party, Ibiza has little introduction. For at least 25 years, he has been at the forefront of the European music and dance scene. His super clubs and bars are now legendary.

You can follow wild nights with therapeutic days on breathtaking beaches. For older visitors and those with families, Ibiza also has to recommend it: you can go to the city of Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Ibiza, or visit the beautiful whitewashed villages. lime of the peaceful and rural interior of Ibiza. Meanwhile, the 7 Blue Flag beaches of the island will be a short detour.

1. UNESCO site of Dalt Vila

The highest and oldest part of Ibiza is guarded by strong Renaissance fortifications built by Charles V in the 16th century.

The walls were built to counter the threat of Berber pirates attacks and invasion by sovereign forces like the French.

2. Ibiza Cathedral

Inside the walls, you will discover a maze of steep streets that you will have a lot of fun to explore. These are packed with galleries, shops, and local amenities like bakeries. Sometimes they open to charming old squares like Plaza de Sa Carrosa and Plaza de la Vila.

At the top of the old town is the cathedral, which adjoins a panoramic view of the water. Potter remains a few minutes inside to observe the Gothic monstrance in gold and silver, dating from 1399, as well as Gothic panel paintings of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.

3. Playa d'en Bossa

The main seaside resort of Ibiza is located next to the longest beach on the island. On summer days, it's a paradise for young party-goers; you can sleep the night before under a parasol listening to the relaxing music and low tempo djs seaside floating on the shore.

If you can work, you can rent energy skis and paddle boats next to the beach, as well as plenty of places to grab food when you're hungry.

At nightfall and until the sun rises, it's the party in the center, with two of Ibiza's biggest clubs, Ushuaia and Space, in the resort.

4. San Antonio

On the west coast of the island, the second largest city of Ibiza was famous in the 80's and 90's. It's a bit grown up these days, but it's still the best choice if you're looking for an intoxicating combination of world-famous beaches and discos.

During the day, head to the bay for narrow sandy beaches bathed by crystal clear sea, or take a stroll along the boardwalk to stop for a beer or a coffee along the way. admire the Columbus egg monument.

As the sun goes down, the Café del Mar has been playing lounge music for over two decades, as guests watch the famous sunset.

At night, buses serve the legendary superclubs Eden and Es Paradis.

5. Talamanca

If you are based in Ibiza and want to spend a quieter day at the beach, a few minutes away you will discover another of the largest beaches on the island.

Here, there is a wide range of snow-white sand supported by low density development. The landscape around Talamanca is made up of small hills covered with pine trees and the small holiday community of Cap Martinet.

Right on the beach you will find very good little restaurants where you can enjoy culinary specialties of the Balearic Islands, such as pepper bullit or more cosmopolitan dishes. The beach is nestled between two promontories, so the waters are gentle and child-friendly.

6. Santa Eulalia

Ibiza is not only about the hectic nightlife, as you will find in a popular family resort on the east coast of the island, about 15 km northeast of Ibiza.

Almost all of the resort's seafront is a golden sandy beach, and most of the seaside resort is just behind, full of shops and restaurants to make your day a little more comfortable.

There is also a nice little walk behind which is decorated with lampposts and wrought iron benches under the lush foliage of palm trees.

If you feel like playing golf, Ibiza's only golf course is also right next to this resort. The weekly Las Dalias Hippie market takes place just minutes from San Carlos on Saturday.

7. Punta d'es Moscarter

For a relatively small island like Ibiza, the northern tip is far and wild. This part of the island includes pine forests, farmland and a coastline dotted with small vacation communities grouped around coves that dig deep into the shoreline.

For something a little different, put on some solid shoes and walk the trail from the cliffs of Portinatx to the lighthouse. It was built in the 70's and has a height of 52 meters.

The crossing of pines and junipers is a bit of a challenge, but the pictures you can take from the promontory are worth it.