9 Best Activities in Marbella in August
Is August a good time to visit Marbella? I honestly prefer Marbella in late spring to August.
August is a good time for you if you don’t mind the heat, bear in mind it’s the hottest month, and you love a lively atmosphere and parties.
This is the peak time for visiting beach clubs, spending time at the beach, and engaging in water activities to cool down.
If you’re an active traveller like me, I don’t advise coming to Marbella at this time of the year.
However, if you’re on board with visiting Marbella in August, I’m sharing the activities I do as someone from the area.
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Best summer activities in Marbella in August
1. Spend time at the beach
Clear and sunny skies almost every single day and hot temperatures set the tone for days at the beach.
Marbella has over 24 beaches, and I recommend different beaches depending on where you stay.
My preferred area is the centre because I’m a short walk from the old town, the beach and plenty of restaurants.
The best beach in the centre is La Venus Beach, but I also like to spend time at the beach to the right of Playa del Faro. It’s cosy and the water is crystal clear.
If you’re in Puerto Banus area, the closest beach is Playa de Puerto Banus and Playa del Rio Verde.
When I want to escape the city, I head to Cabopino. You can get a bus there, but it’s quicker and more comfortable to travel by car.
The dunes at Cabopino are stunning and remind me a bit of the dunes near Tarifa in Cadiz province.
2. Visit a beach club
There’s no visit to Marbella without visiting one of its beach clubs.
They can’t be compared to the ones in Ibiza, but are really good and you can recognise some of the club names like Nikki Beach, which you can find in different parts of the world.
I’ve written this detailed guide with the best beach clubs in Marbella and tips for visiting them.
But as a short summary, Nikki Beach, Ocean Club (recently refurbished) and La Cabanne offer an ultimate experience.
If you’re travelling on a budget or don’t fancy spending a chunk of money on visiting an upscale beach club, don’t worry, there are beach restaurants offering great vibes, food and drinks.
Calma by Koppaberg, located near the centre, has a great atmosphere and amazing piña coladas.
A bit more pricey, but stunning scenery is The Dune Beach Club. I can also confirm the food is delicious.
3. Wander the old town
Not a summer activity, but an all-year-round activity that must be done.
You might have heard that Marbella is a party destination, and although there’s some truth, I want travellers to know that there’s more than the party scene.
The most unique place in Marbella is the old town. August is a very hot month, and I don’t even like wandering around at this time of the year, but it’s still possible to have a pleasant walk. Go early in the morning or in the evening.
The morning is, of course, ideal for sightseeing and taking photos of its pretty corners, whereas the night is best for dining out and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
We, locals, have dinner late, so you’ll see all the restaurant’s outdoor tables busy. No matter the age, we love sitting down outside while having tasty food and chatting with our friends or family.
4. Take a boat trip
One of the best activities to do in Marbella in the summer is going on a boat trip. I love sunsets with a view, so I highly recommend a sunset boat trip.
However, another good option is a boat trip with snorkelling or swim stops. The sea life in the area is rich, and you might be lucky enough to see some unique fish and plants.
If you aren’t a swimmer, dolphin watching is a great alternative.
5. River walk in Benahavis
A lesser-known summer activity to do in Marbella is river walking in Benahavis, a charming mountainside town famous for its nature and food. It’s about 25-minute drive from Marbella City Centre, so it’s a great day out.
If you love a bit of adrenaline and being active during your holiday, you’ll love this activity. Just imagine swimming in natural pools and jumping off rocks while taking in the beautiful scenery.
I recommend going on a guided tour like this one as you meet other travellers, learn about the place and even get photos of your adventure.
6. Attend a festival or concert
Are you wondering what the best time to attend concerts in Marbella and its surroundings is? Well, the best season is from June to September, so yes, August is a good time.
Starlite Festival is on until the 31st of August, so I would definitely check out the events and concerts during your holiday dates.
Apart from this festival, various concerts take place at the Malaga Fair, mentioned below, and there are many others in towns such as Fuengirola with its Marenostrum concerts.
7. Sip cocktails in a rooftop bar
Marbella has fantastic rooftop bars, and I feel spoilt for choice, and you probably do too.
Whether you want a view of the old town or the coastline, there’s one for you.
The chillout music, the refreshing drinks on a summer evening, the pastel colour sky and views of La Concha and the coast and good company are all I need in the summer.
If you ask me what my favourite rooftop bars are, my answer is the 360 rooftop bar at the Obal hotel and Belvue. The latter is expensive, but the views are spectacular.
I especially like having a panoramic view of Marbella, and if I look in the distance, I can see Gibraltar and the north of Africa. It’s truly magical.
8. Celebrate Feria de Malaga
Marbella’s fair is in early June, but if you’re around Marbella in mid-August, you can travel to Malaga and experience the fair.
Just to put you in context, Feria de Malaga is the biggest in the area, and it’s celebrated during the day and night for seven days.
Feria de día, the daytime fair, takes place in Málaga city centre, specifically on Calle Larios. You can expect food, drinks and traditional dancing.
Feria de noche, the one during the evening, is next to the Congress Palace, which is outside the city. This fair is much bigger and has concerts and many attractions in addition to food and drinks.
I prefer the one at night because it’s catered to everyone, whereas the fair during the day is more about drinking.
9. Head to a nearby water park
There aren’t any water parks in Marbella, but if you have a car, you can go to one of the nearby water parks. You basically have two options: AquaMijas and Aqualand.
AquaMijas is closer to Marbella, but it’s smaller, and therefore, fewer attractions to enjoy.
On the other hand, Aqualand has many more attractions, but the entry fee is higher.
Neither are cheap, and even less if you go with your family, but I’d pick Aqualand. It’s more expensive, but you have more attraction options for kids and adults.
It’s been renovated since I last went, but my favourite attraction is still there: the crazy river.
Things you should know about visiting Marbella in August
- It’s the hottest month of the year. This means it isn’t for everyone. If you struggle with hot weather, consider visiting Marbella in spring or autumn.
- It isn’t budget-friendly. August is the peak season in Marbella, so flights and hotels have very high prices and make it difficult to find a good deal. The price difference between summer and winter is abysmal.
- If you plan to get a rental car, bear in mind the traffic around Marbella. It isn’t particularly fun to drive around this time of the year. I’d avoid driving from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm, as these times coincide with people leaving work.
What to wear in Marbella in August
I’ve compiled this list of items you should take with you. However, in summary, pack light and opt for lightweight clothing, such as t-shirts, shorts, dresses, bikinis, and sandals.
Conclusion
Whilst I would choose a different month to visit Marbella, you might love it for its lively atmosphere, beach clubs and variety of water activities.
If you’d like to read more information about Marbella, I recommend checking out my Marbella travel guides page, where you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip.
Enjoy your time in Marbella!
Cristina x
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