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Introduction

Visiting Marbella Old Town is a must-do activity for anyone who wants to explore the city beyond its luxurious port of Puerto Banús and exclusive beach clubs. The old town is the prettiest and most unique place in Marbella, offering a lively atmosphere in the summer with pretty flowers and fewer tourists in the winter for a more relaxing experience. It's one of our favourite places to wander.

We also really like this location to stroll around and enjoy the nice restaurants and shops. Hopefully this guide helps you make the most out of your visit.

Table of contents

What to see and do in Marbella Old Town

If you're looking to explore the sights of Marbella's Old Town, you're in luck! You can easily tour this area within half an hour to an hour. This blog provides a walk-through guide for the Old Town, starting from the popular Plaza de los Naranjos where you can stroll by the beautiful orange trees. As you follow the path, you'll come across the stunning 16th-century Iglesia de la Encarnación church, which is definitely worth a visit.

Marbella's Slider

Avenida del Mar

If you're driving and need a convenient parking spot in Marbella, the Indigo - Avda del Mar parking garage is the perfect choice. It's affordable and offers spacious parking on level -1. Once you exit the garage, you'll find yourself on the picturesque Avenida del Mar square, which offers stunning views of Marbella's boulevard and beach. Additionally, this square boasts several masterpieces by renowned artist Salvador Dalí. As you stroll through the charming pedestrian zone lined with orange and palm trees, you can almost visualise the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy from a bygone era, arriving in decorated carriages to showcase their riches.

Parque de la Alameda

Where you have driven into the parking garage by car, you can walk up the stairs where you end up in Parque de la Alameda. This quaint city park, established in the late 1990s, offers a tranquil green retreat. As you explore the park, you'll come across charming benches adorned with exquisite Spanish tiles, a stunning fountain, and a nostalgic merry-go-round perfect for little ones.

Iglesia de la Encarnación

The magnificent Iglesia de la Encarnación is a stunning 16th-century church and one of Marbella's most significant landmarks. Originally constructed in 1505, this church boasts a remarkable architectural design and size, especially for its time. Located in Plaza de la Iglesia, the church underwent significant renovation in 1712, and the main façade, which dates back to 1756, was created by the renowned artists Pedro del Castillo and Salvador Galvez. The church features three naves that lead to the stunning main altar, which is home to the Sol Mayor (C Major) organ, considered one of the most beautiful organs in Andalusia. When you enter the church, visitors are greeted by a dazzling golden high altar. The church's interior houses several statues that are paraded through the streets during Holy Week, including the Virgen de la Soledad (Our Lady of Solitude), among others.

Calle carmen

Located just on the corner from Iglesia de la Encarnación, you will find Calle Carmen. It is one of the most photographed streets in Marbella's old town. This charming street is reminiscent of the white villages (pueblos blancos) found in southern Spain, and features the classic blue painted flower pots perched on its whitewashed walls. As a popular spot for taking photos, this street can get quite busy during peak months, so you may need to exercise a bit of patience to capture a shot without any photobombers in the background.

Murallas del Castillo

It takes just three minutes to walk from Calle Carmen to the Murallas del Castillo, which are the last remaining ruins of the old Moorish Castle built in the 11th century. The castle was constructed using materials from earlier Roman structures, and while there isn't much to see within the walls today, it's still well worth a visit. The ruins can be easily spotted already from the square where the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación is located.

Plaza de los Naranjos

After Murallas del Castillo it is just 3 minutes walk to Plaza de los Naranjos, also known as Orange Square, was constructed following the Christian conquest of Marbella from the Moors in 1485. Since then, this stunning square has become the heart of the city, a bustling hub of urban life where both locals and tourists come together to unwind and enjoy various coffee shops and restaurants. Two of the city's most significant landmarks are located on the plaza: the 16th-century Ermita de Santiago, the oldest parish church in Marbella, and the Casa Consistorial, built-in 1568 in the Renaissance style, now serving as Marbella Town Hall. In the centre of the plaza stands a stunning Renaissance fountain, surrounded by orange trees that were planted in 1941, giving the square its name. Undoubtedly, Plaza de los Naranjos is a must-see when visiting Marbella, so don't miss out!

Shopping in Marbella Old Town?

The area surrounding Plaza de los Naranjos is brimming with quintessentially Spanish streets to explore, lined with galleries, trendy boutiques, craft shops, as well as charming terraces and restaurants. Whether you're on the hunt for a pair of handmade espadrilles or a vintage handbag, you're sure to find what you're looking for in this bustling hub of shops and eateries.

Where to eat good food in Marbella Old Town?

After soaking in all the beauty and picking up some souvenirs, it's time to take a break and grab a bite at one of the many restaurants located in Marbella's charming old town. One of our personal favourites is Restaurante Nolita bistro.

Restaurante Nolita Bistro

Don't let the size of this restaurant fool you - their tapas are simply amazing. Be sure to make a reservation in advance at Restaurante Nolita Bistro, particularly if you're hoping to snag one of the few outdoor seating spots available. It's definitely one of those places where you can truly immerse yourself in Spanish life and savor the local cuisine.

Zozoï

Situated in the picturesque Plaza Altamirano, one of the most charming corners of Marbella's old town, you'll find Zozoï. This restaurant boasts a lovely outdoor terrace and an Andalusian-style courtyard, providing the perfect ambiance for an enjoyable dining experience. We often visit with friends and tend to share dishes, as the restaurant serves both French and Mediterranean cuisine. Some of our personal favourites include the pork ribs, mussels, prawns, king crab leg, and the pizzas.

Afuego

Located beside the hall of the Hotel El Castillo. The Restaurant Afuego is known for its exquisite attention to detail, with everything crafted to perfection. During the summer evenings, the restaurant's terrace becomes the go-to spot for those looking to savor a delicious meal under the stars. The food served here is fantastically flavorful, making for a memorable dining experience. This restaurant is one of our favourites in Marbella Old Town.

Casanis Bistro,

The French restaurant is a part of the Casanis Group that includes La Plage Casanis and Mamzel, among others, is another excellent dining option. Casanis Bistro boasts an incredibly romantic atmosphere, delectable cuisine, and a wide range of cocktails to choose from.

Entre Limones

We love Entre Limones. A lovely little restaurant with a small menu. This is truly a hidden gem. The food and service at this restaurant are really fantastic.

The Farm

The Farm is a popular restaurant known for its trendy atmosphere where patrons are not only permitted but encouraged to join in the dancing if the mood strikes them.

Niña del Pisto

If you're in the mood for some traditional cuisine, make your way to the bustling Taberna La Niña del Pisto. The tables are always packed and share classic tapas, such as lightly fried anchovies and prawns, bowls of garlic prawns pil pil, and hearty portions of tripe stew. Keep in mind that speaking a bit of Spanish would be useful, as the place is typically filled with locals who primarily converse in Spanish.

Thaissence

The latest addition to Maison Ardois' ground floor, has been creating a buzz among both locals and tourists with its unique Thai-Peruvian cuisine, offering a refreshing departure from the traditional Spanish dishes found elsewhere. The menu of Thaissence boasts bold and vibrant flavours crafted from locally-sourced ingredients from the Malaga area. Indulge in their signature flaky empanadas stuffed with rice and morcilla or savor the marinated tuna neck, slow-braised to perfection and served with a sweet and sour sauce infused with pisco.

Brasas Marbella Steakhouse

Brasas Marbella Steakhouse is a well-loved and popular dining spot in Marbella, focusing primarily on beef and steaks but offering a varied menu to cater to all tastes. They also have delicious tapas on the menu, so if you want to share something with friends, this is your spot.

Garnacha Restaurante Tapería Gastronómica.

This unique restaurant is an art lover's paradise, featuring various artworks adorning its walls, and the presentation of the dishes themselves is akin to a work of art. In addition to the à la carte menu, Garnacha offers a degustation menu that pairs perfectly with their selection of custom wines. It's definitely worth a visit!

Skina

Nestled away on one of the charming side streets of the neighbourhood lies the jewel box of a dining room, Restaurante Skina, boasting two Michelin stars. Though the tasting menu may be a bit of a splurge, starting at 225 Euros per person, it's a commitment worth making as you'll need a few hours to indulge in the full experience.

A late night drink with friends in Marbella Old Town

Looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a nightcap before calling it a night? Check out Taberna Casa Curro, tucked away in one of the narrow streets behind Orange Plaza. This hidden gem it's a favourite among both locals and tourists alike, making for a lively atmosphere.

During the summer, it's also highly recommended to grab a drink at Afuego and enjoy the rooftop terrace under the stars, boasting a breathtaking view of the entire city of Marbella. It's the perfect spot to savor a drink and create unforgettable memories.

Hotel in Marbella Old Town

Staying in Marbella Old Town is an excellent choice for those visiting the area, with easy access to shopping and dining it’s just outside the doorstep. If you're looking to enjoy the beach clubs, they're just a quick 5-10 minute taxi ride away. If you are looking for a good hotel, Marbella Old Town offers only boutique hotels, which we love for their personalised service. The best options in the area are Hotel Claude, Hotel Linda, Hotel Maison Ardois, Santo Cristo Hotel, and El Castillo Hotel. For more information on the top boutique hotels in Marbella, you read the blog Top 7 boutique hotels in Marbella.

Parking

Getting to Marbella Old Town is easy, and the most convenient way is by car. There are several parking garages located around the area, such as Indigo - Avda del Mar. Parking here will cost you €1,55 per hour.Make sure you park the car properly in the parking space, otherwise you will pay twice the price when you leave the parking garage.

If you don’t have a car then we recommend you to order a taxi to Marbella Old Town.

Simone Loeff
Author: Simone Loeff

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