Is Marbella Safe? All Your Questions Answered
Whether planning a holiday or considering moving to Marbella, you’d probably ask yourself if it’s a safe destination.
Is Marbella safe? The short answer is yes. Of course, things can happen in Marbella, but overall, it’s a safe place for travellers and expats.
Whenever I’ve walked around Marbella alone, I never felt unsafe. There are always lots of people around, especially in the old town.
You’ll find that most beaches have a lifeguard in summer, and it isn’t unusual to see police patrolling the main areas.
In this blog, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Marbella – from the safest and unsafest neighbourhoods to safety tips.
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Important: This article is based on research and my experience as a Costa del Sol local who has visited Marbella numerous times. It’s a guide to understanding what safety is like in Marbella and provides local tips to help you have a better holiday. However, check out the government’s safety advice before travelling to any destination.
How safe is Marbella? An overview
Security for locals and tourists has become a priority for Marbella and its town hall.
Among other safety measures, you’ll see more police patrolling Marbella’s main tourist spots and districts, lifeguards on the beach during the summer months, and an increase in lighting in spots like the beach promenade.
You’ll find many hotels and apartments have security 24/7, providing peace of mind. Despite providing a security service or not, most houses in areas like the old town and its surroundings are very safe. The locals are very friendly and keep an eye on each other’s houses.
So, what’s the most common crime in Marbella? Pickpocketing is one of the most common crimes in Marbella. You should keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas, at events, and on the beach.
I’ve never experienced pickpocketing in Marbella, but I must admit that I don’t trust leaving my things unattended, even if there are barely any people. I’m always aware of my surroundings.
If you rent a car, don’t leave anything of value inside. There’s always a chance that someone might break in unless you’re in private parking with security.
But what about drugs and Marbella gangs? According to Numbeo (2025), the crime rate for people using and dealing with drugs is high.
However, it’s very rare to see people dealing drugs in the streets in Marbella, except for marginalised areas (which I’ll mention below). The same happens with gangs.
The number of incidents in Marbella increased last year, so the local police will implement extra security in Marbella’s main areas during the peak season to protect locals and tourists, according to Area Costa del Sol.
Overall, follow the same safety rules you would follow somewhere else, and everything should be fine. If you’re worried about your safety, contact the local police.
You can find all the important phone numbers on Marbella’s official website.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR MARBELLA
The best areas in Marbella
Whether you’re looking for accommodation or the best place to live in Marbella, you probably ask yourself, “Where should I stay?” Marbella’s most safe areas include:
Centro histórico de Marbella
Marbella Old Town and its surroundings are among the best areas to stay and live in if you love a good atmosphere and being close to all the attractions, shops, restaurants, and beaches.
If you move to Marbella with kids, there are also good public schools.
Despite attracting many travellers and expats, the historic centre of Marbella keeps its charm and authenticity.
La Milla de Oro
La Milla de Oro (the Golden Mile) is safe for a reason, mainly because it’s the most luxurious area in Marbella. If you visit this area, you will see expensive cars, out-of-this-world hotels, incredible houses, and beautiful beaches.
With all these fantastic things, it’s also a popular place for celebrities, so keep your eyes open.
San Pedro de Alcántara
San Pedro de Alcántara is on the outskirts of Marbella. This is a tranquil and safe area for travellers and future expats.
Its centre doesn’t feel touristy; I’d describe it as more of an unspoilt pueblo near Marbella. However, you still find some incredible houses and apartments in the area.
Other good areas in Marbella are Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía.
Are there any dangerous areas in Marbella?
I don’t feel there’s such a thing as describing some areas like the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Marbella. However, one of Marbella’s most unsafe areas is Las Albarizas.
This neighbourhood is probably the poorest in the city and doesn’t look as developed or well-maintained as others. I have walked close to this area (I didn’t know about it then) and didn’t like the atmosphere, so I wouldn’t recommend doing so.
Some Spanish documentaries show the area’s pretty shocking conditions. They’re far from the luxurious Puerto Banús. It’s dirty, and it’s said that the council isn’t very interested in working on making it better.
Safety tips while sightseeing in Marbella
Walking in Marbella is very safe during the day, especially in areas like the old town or Puerto Banús.
The only thing to be aware of is pickpocketing when it’s crowded, which often happens in the summer months or special events like Christmas and Easter.
If you’re wondering, “Is Marbella safe at night? Walking in Marbella at night is safe in popular areas. Nevertheless, if you travel solo, as I sometimes do, don’t walk late in quiet areas with poor lighting, and be careful in nightclubs if you choose to go out.
If you travel solo to Marbella and want to meet people, I recommend joining Facebook groups (this group is only for female travellers) where you can chat with other travellers or expats to meet up.
Also, going on a walking tour or excursion can help you make friends.
Safety tips for beaches in Marbella
Beaches in Marbella are safe, so you would follow the same rules anywhere else in the Costa del Sol.
➢ Many beaches have lifeguards and SOS stalls to treat minor injuries, and it’s common to see police patrolling the beach promenade day and night.
➢ Don’t leave your belongings unattended on the beach. If you’re with someone else or a group of friends, make sure one stays in the towel, watching out for your valuables.
➢ Wear 50 SPF sun cream and apply it regularly. The sun is very strong in the summer, and the last thing you want is sunburn. Avoid being in the sun at peak hours (between 2 and 5 pm), but if you’re on the beach, take an umbrella or a hat to protect your face.
➢ Don’t swim if there’s a red flag; you can put yourself and others in danger. A red flag is a synonym for danger. Also, you might want to avoid swimming when there’s a yellow flag.
➢ If the water is too warm, be careful because it often means there are jellyfish. Generally, the water temperature ranges from 22 to 25 ºC degrees, but it’s still cold for many of us.
➢ Don’t leave the beach only wearing your swimming wear or half naked (aka not wearing a t-shirt or top); you risk being fined.
Safety tips for hiking in Marbella
Marbella isn’t only all about the beaches. There are incredible hiking trails in Marbella and its surroundings, so if you love nature and scenic walks, you must make some time to go for a hike during your trip.
Here are some things to consider before hiking in Marbella:
➢ Don’t hike in summer. It’s too warm and, therefore, challenging. On top of this, there’s always a chance of fire, and there has been an increase in fires in the latest summers. If you decide to hike in the summer, go early in the morning and take plenty of water and snacks to keep you hydrated and going.
If you visit Marbella in winter or early spring, hiking is an excellent option because it isn’t too cold or warm.
➢ Have a look at the hiking route in advance. Is it easy or difficult? Is it a relatively flat path or a rocky one? My favourite website to check all these things and get useful tips from other travellers is AllTrails, but I also recommend checking out the tourism board website.
➢ Stick to the marked routes on hiking trails. Going off the path isn’t a good idea when hiking somewhere you don’t know.
If you love hiking, these are some incredible walks and hikes in Marbella:
- La Concha – best for scenic views of the coast. This route is moderate to difficult.
- Sendero Dunas de Artola – best for a coastal walk. This route is easy, dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
- Paseo marítimo (Marbella’s main beach promenade) – best for a leisure walk. It’s accessible to everyone, and there are plenty of opportunities to sit, shop or swim in the sea.
Safety tips for driving in Marbella
Is driving in Marbella safe? Yes, it is safe in Marbella and the rest of Costa del Sol. Most regular roads and motorways are in very good condition.
However, it’s good to know a few things if you plan to rent a car in Marbella:
➢ If you come from countries like the UK or Australia, you must know that Spaniards drive on the right-hand side of the road. Having driven in Spain and the UK, taking a roundabout feels weird on the other side.
➢ Be aware of speed limits by paying attention to the signs. There are more and more hidden cameras to catch drivers who drive faster than they should. You can easily get a 300 euro fine.
➢ The minimum age to rent a car in Spain is 21, although some rent-a-car companies will only rent certain cars to people over 25.
➢ Roads are busy in the summer months. Avoid driving at peak hours like 9 am and 2 pm (when locals travel from home to work and vice-versa) and Sundays. If you have not heard this, many locals have Sundays off and head to other coastal beaches to spend the day with family or friends.
➢ If you aren’t confident driving, don’t drive to mountain towns like Mijas Pueblo because the roads are narrow and windy. These roads aren’t for everyone.
🚘 Are you looking at renting a car in Marbella? Head to Discover Cars to find the perfect vehicle for you. Remember to rent a car in advance to get the one that suits your holiday. There’s a high demand for renting a car in the summer months!
Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your trip to Marbella
No matter how safe a city is, you don’t want to risk not being covered for things like losing your luggage, being sick or having an accident. Of course, no one wants to think about this when going on holiday, but it’s better to be covered just in case.
SafetyWing includes travel and medical insurance. It covers travel delays, lost checked luggage, hospitals, natural disasters and more.
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Frequently asked questions about safety in Marbella, Spain
Is Marbella safe to live in?
Yes, Marbella is a safe city to live in. More and more people choose to move to Marbella because of its quality of life. There’s a fantastic expat community.
Is Marbella safe for tourists?
Yes, Marbella is a safe destination for tourists. It’s a very inclusive destination; there’s a good police presence in the main areas, the hotels have good standards, and the city constantly works on ways to improve for locals and travellers.
Is Puerto Banus safe?
Yes, Puerto Banus is a safe. It’s one of the most luxurious places in Marbella. You’ll often see police patrolling the area.
Is public transport safe in Marbella?
Yes, it’s very safe. The only thing it’s good to know, which isn’t related to safety, is that buses aren’t always on time. Don’t be surprised if your bus turns up late.
Can you drink tap water in Marbella?
Yes, it’s safe to drink tap water in Marbella. I recommend getting a water filter bottle you can reuse and take everywhere. It will help the environment and save you money from buying bottled water.
Is food poisoning common in Marbella?
No, food poisoning isn’t common. The food in Marbella is very good, and most restaurants have high standards for cleanliness. However, it can happen in some hotel buffets. Don’t eat something cold. Choose nicely cooked dishes or those that are prepared in front of you, if possible. Just follow your judgment.
Conclusion: Is Marbella safe?
Yes, Marbella is safe, and most areas are safe for travellers and expats. As long as you know your surroundings, you shouldn’t worry about safety in Marbella.
If you have any questions about Marbella, you can always drop a comment below. I’ll be happy to help.
Enjoy your trip to Marbella!
Cristina x
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Things to do before your trip to Marbella, Spain
- Compare and book cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport here.
- Book accommodation with Booking.com
- Look at this Malaga food guide for the most traditional food in Malaga and Costa del Sol.
- Get a free walking tour in Marbella with GuruWalk.
- Book fantastic activities and tours in Marbella and anywhere else in Costa del Sol with Get Your Guide.
- Rent a car to travel with ease around Marbella.
- Book travel insurance. This is a must for any trip!
