8 Hidden Gems in Marbella and its Surroundings
If you’re looking for a guide that offers alternative activities to the top things to do in Marbella, I’ve got you covered.
Puerto Banus, the Golden Mile and the historic centre appear everywhere and yes they should be on your itinerary, especially if this is your first time visiting Marbella.
However, other lesser-known sights and places are worth your attention.
I’m passionate about discovering places in the Costa del Sol, after all, it’s where I’m from, and I love sharing my knowledge from a local perspective with people.
If we focus on Marbella, you’ll be surprised by how many places don’t often make it to travellers’ lists.
Here is my list of the best and unusual things and places to see in Marbella.
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Hidden gems in Marbella
Mezquita del Rey Abdelaziz
King Abdul Aziz Mosque, which is often referred to as the Marbella Mosque among us locals, is another building that deserves to be on this list.
Prince Salman, who was a regular visitor to the city, ordered the construction of the mosque to commemorate King Fahd. It was built by a Spanish architect inspired by Andalusian architecture, yet it retains the Arab influence.
In comparison to other mosques in southern Spain, this one is quite modern, as it was built in 1981.
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this iconic building and its surroundings. The Mosque also has a ladies’ prayer area and a library.
Dunas de Artola
The best beaches in Marbella aren’t precisely in the city centre, but outside.
Cabopino Beach is one of those, and the reason why I love this beach is its beautiful dunes and hiking trail.
This walking route ticks all the boxes for beginners. It’s short and wheelchair-friendly, and the cherry on top is the stunning coastal views.
If you look in the distance, you’ll see a big rock, and yes, that’s Gibraltar. I love that view, especially at sunset.
Local Tip
If you want a chilled experience in Marbella, consider staying in this area. There are also camping and glamping options.
Museo Ralli
Marbella doesn’t have a wide array of museums, and the one most travellers are familiar with is the Spanish Contemporary Engravings Museum, as it’s located in the historic centre.
However, it’s very easy to drive from the centre to Puerto Banus and miss the Ralli Museum on your way.
This museum contains important works from Latin American and European artists. You can admire the collection of contemporary paintings, sculptures and graphic works across the gallery.
I was surprised to discover that there are more Ralli Museums across the world, specifically in Chile, Uruguay, and Israel. And I love the fact that it can be visited for free. It’s definitely a hidden gem in Marbella.
I recommend scheduling between 45 minutes and 1 hour so you can visit the permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Parque de las Ranas
Parque de las Ranas is one of my favourite secret places to disconnect from the crowds in Marbella. It’s a bit hidden, but you can find the exact location here. It’s near Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá.
The tall trees and vegetation make it the perfect location to cool down on a hot day, especially in the summer.
From here, you can also start the 17-kilometre Marbella-Ojen hiking trail.
Parque de la Constitución
Marbella has quite a few parks. Parque de la Alameda, with the beautiful tiled fountain in the middle, and Parque de la Represa are the most visited.
Both are worth seeing, and I guess most travellers visit them because they’re on the way to the main sights.
However, Parque de La Constitución is a bit hidden, away from the hustle and bustle of Marbella, and you’ll likely miss it unless you come across it in an article like mine.
One of the things that makes this park special is its amphitheatre, which is still in use during the summer months. You can expect concerts and other entertainment events taking place here.
Even if there isn’t an event going on, it’s worth exploring this park, which features vegetation from different parts of the world, beautiful star-shaped tiled fountains, and a small observatory.
There’s also a cafe with outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a tranquil coffee. But it isn’t open all year round.
Ancient Ruins
If you love all things history and archaeology, you won’t want to miss the ancient ruins in Marbella and San Pedro de Alcántara.
First on my list is Villa Romana de Río Verde situated near Playa Rio Verde, not far from the famous Puerto Banus port.
Villa Romana was a former Roman town called Cilniana. However, you can only see a few small walls and part of its floor. It might not sound like much to go and visit, but believe me, the floor is worth seeing. It’s like no other.
It consists of black and white mosaic tiles forming beautiful patterns. The most unique is the one with Medusa’s head covered with snakes.
Unfortunately, the site only opens on a reduced timetable (Friday to Sunday from 10:30 to 13:30)
Another must-see ruin is the Paleochristian Basilica Vega del Mar in San Pedro de Alcantara. Again, it doesn’t open for very long, like Villa Romana, but I loved exploring the ruins with the on-site archaeologist. He was very knowledgeable and discovered that some of the remains belonged to a mosque.
Very close to these ruins, you’ll also find the Roman baths of Las Bóvedas, which I haven’t had the chance to see yet.
Hidden gems near Marbella
Ojen
Ojen isn’t technically in Marbella, but it’s a short drive, which makes it a fantastic day out.
This little town keeps its authenticity and charm and feels much quieter than Marbella. It’s a fantastic place to escape the crowds.
It isn’t a sightseeing place as there aren’t many attractions, so you don’t need a full day to explore it.
From my visits to Ojen, I recommend climbing to the Cave for the best views, wandering its centre with cobblestone and white-painted streets decorated with lovely flower pots and enjoying a meal.
If you’re a nature lover, there are a few hiking trails in the area, including La Concha, one of the hardest but rewarding trails. You get stunning panoramic views of the coast and Gibraltar.
This isn’t a hike I would do on my own, and I advise against going on it without a guide or if you’re not fit. There have been several incidents where travellers had to be rescued.
Benahavís
Benahavís is another small charming town near Marbella, and it’s here where you’ll find one of the most unique activities to do: a walking river tour.
It’s a fantastic activity for nature lovers and adrenaline seekers. It takes between 2.5 and 3 hours to complete and is a great alternative to visiting the busy beaches in Marbella in the summer.
You won’t find as many people, and you will have a completely different experience.
Local Tip
Stop by Benahavis to explore the mountain town and have delicious food at Amanhavis Restaurant, the setting and food are gorgeous.
Map with lesser-known spots in Marbella and its surroundings
Conclusion
I hope this article has inspired you to explore beyond Marbella’s main attractions.
If you’d like to connect with me and other travellers who love Marbella and the Costa del Sol, join my Facebook group.
Enjoy your trip to Marbella!
Cristina x
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