13 Fun Things to Do in Marbella in October + Local Insights

Is Marbella worth visiting in October? My answer is yes.

If you’re looking for a destination with good weather in October, you can’t go wrong with choosing Marbella.

Summer is lively but busy, and the heat is definitely not for everyone. However, October in Marbella is ideal if you want a quieter atmosphere while enjoying the beautiful sunshine and don’t mind about beach clubs as these close in late September.

The fewer crowds do make a difference and allow you to have a more authentic experience.

There are many activities that can be done all year round, such as exploring the old town, but some are better to do in autumn, and I’ll tell you about them.

I want to bring up the fact that you won’t see us, locals, swimming in the sea in October, and this is cultural. We dress for the season, not the weather. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t warm enough to dive into the sea.

The first weeks of October are usually warm, sometimes very similar to summer temperatures.

In this article, I’m going to cover what to do in Marbella in October, the weather, the events, and my tips for having a great trip there.

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Quick overview of Marbella weather in October

Overall, Marbella has plenty of warm and sunny days in October. However, there is a higher chance of rain. On average, it rains 2 or 3 days, so you might not see the rain when you come to Marbella.

If you’re wondering about sunlight, the sun rises at 8:15 am and sets just after 8 pm, however, these times are different when they change the clock at the end of the month.

Things to do in Marbella in October

1. Take a tour of Marbella Old Town

Marbella Old Town is one of the prettiest in Costa del Sol. It has a lovely and tranquil atmosphere which is quite different from areas like Puerto Banus.

While it isn’t home to many attractions compared to big cities like Malaga, there are still historic buildings and points of interest to be discovered.

My advice is to start from the entry from Parque de la Alameda and walk your way to Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square), the city’s main square. The plaza is surrounded by small bars and restaurants and it is home to the town hall.

I don’t recommend eating in this square as it feels touristy and you can find better food in other areas within the old town.

However, I do love having a hot drink or refreshing juice at Churrería Ramón. Sitting on their outdoor terrace overlooking the square and town hall is an experience. You can people-watch while chatting with your partner or friend and enjoy the scent of orange trees.

Personally, the best way to explore it is by getting lost in its alleyways, but there are a couple of streets you don’t want to miss. For example, Calle Carmen, the most photographed street in Marbella, and Calle Ancha.

A tour of the old town isn’t complete without seeing Marbella Castle Walls.

You don’t need a guide to explore the historic centre. It can be explored in less than an hour. However, if you’re interested in Marbella’s history, this free walking tour is great. I really enjoyed the insights from the local guide.

2. Indulge Andalusian tapas

Marbella and the rest of the Costa del Sol might not be known for the cuisine, but I can assure you that we have delicious food. Whether you’re into the tapas culture or love trying regional dishes, you’ll enjoy the food scene.

Taberna La Niña del Pisto is my favourite tapa restaurant in the old town. They serve Andalusian dishes like espinacas con garbanzos (Chickpeas with Spinach), rabo de toro (Oxtail Stew) and Berenjenas con miel (Fried aubergine with drizzled sugar cane honey).

If you love meat, order the sirloin with Pedro Ximenez wine that comes with chips and Padron peppers. It’s simply delicious.

Another good place to eat tapas is Casa Blanca, situated a short walk from the historic centre.

Fancy something different? There are plenty of food options in Marbella, from pizza and pasta to noodles and curries.

And if you’re up for an upscale experience, visit Michelin-star restaurant SKINA or one of the restaurants of the local chef Dani Garcia. I recently visited Tragabuches and loved his Andalusian-themed menu.

3. Go for a hike to La Concha

With cooler temperatures in October, a great activity to do in Marbella is hiking.

La Concha is a popular hiking trail, but it’s important to clarify that it isn’t for everyone. It’s a challenging route. Also, it isn’t specifically in Marbella, but a short drive from Marbella.

The route starts in El Refugio del Juanar (Ojen), and you’ll walk up to La Concha, the highest peak. It takes approximately 4 hours one way.

I haven’t done this trail, but one of my friends has and told me she was scared of walking in some areas as there are big cliffs and it isn’t a surprise to see mountain goats on your walk.

Before adventuring yourself to La Concha, make sure to check the weather conditions on that day and pack hiking essentials with you.

4. Visit a nearby vineyard

You can do this activity any time of the year, but September and October are definitely prime for wine production in Malaga province.

The best area to visit for a wine experience is Serranía de Ronda. Whilst driving there is totally viable if you don’t rent a car, there are guided trips to wineries in Ronda that include transport from Marbella, like this one.

This wine region produces a wide variety of wines, including red, white, rose and the traditional sweet wine.

There are also a few wineries in the Mijas and Fuengirola areas.

If you come to Marbella for a couple of days, you won’t have lots of time and in that case I recommend going to D-OLIVA for wine tasting rather than going on a day trip to a vineyard.

5. Stroll along Puerto Banus, Marbella’s glamourous port

Do you want a taste of the luxurious and lavish scene in Marbella?

Go no further than Puerto Banus. The port is home to international yachts, exclusive boutiques with some of the most renowned brands like Gucci or Versace and restaurants.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Puerto Banus, Pizzeria Picasso restaurant is a popular choice.

Not far from Puerto Banus, you’ll also find popular hotels like Hard Rock Café and beach clubs like Ocean Club.

Even if you aren’t into all luxury things, it’s worth a visit. It’s the most expensive port in Spain.

6. Take a boat trip

Providing the weather is good, which should be the most part of October, you can enjoy a boat trip in Marbella.

They’re special because you get a stunning view of the city – the sea, the yachts in the port, the whitewashed buildings and La Concha peak from one place. If I had to choose one place to take a boat trip in Costa del Sol, I’d definitely go for one in Marbella.

These boat trips depart from Puerto Banus, and some of them include dolphin watching and snacks.

They run from morning to evening, but the sunset cruises are definitely the best!

Regardless of the time of the day, I always take a light jacket with me as it sometimes gets cool, especially in the evening.

7. Discover the Bosque Encantado

Marbella is in a fantastic location and a short drive from many picturesque inland towns. October to December are the best months to explore these villages, which, by the way, are so hard to visit in the summer as it’s much hotter than in Marbella.

One of those little towns I recommend visiting towards the end of October is Parauta. Tucked in the Serrania de Ronda region, this village is well-known for its “Enchanted Forest”, an easy hiking trail perfect for families.

Expect to see wooden sculptures of fairies and other magical creatures and beautiful autumn foliage.

I visited this village with my family on a weekend, and it was a rookie mistake. Avoid weekends, especially Sundays, because it gets very busy.

You don’t need a full day to hike and see this village, so you can add another near town like Juzcar, the “Smurf Village” to your itinerary.

8. Soak up the sun at a beach bar

At the very beginning of the article, I mentioned we don’t swim in October, but we love going to the beach restaurants and bars with friends and family over the weekend.

Beach clubs close at the end of September, some at the beginning of October, so you might be able to attend the end of the season party, however, you’ll still find beach restaurants that are open most year-round. They don’t provide the party element, but you can have a nice meal.

Cocoa Beach Marbella and Calma by Koppaberg are usually open during the off-season too.

9. Ride a bike on the beach promenade

If there’s something I can never get tired of, it’s the sea. Marbella has a gorgeous beach promenade that goes all the way from the beginning of Marbella to Puerto Banus. You can actually walk from one side to another.

However, another fun way to discover the beach promenade is by riding a bike.

Hotels like Amare Beach Marbella have available bikes for guests, but you can also rent a bike or take a guided tour to make it more interactive.

10. Visit archaeological ruins

Something that is often missed in travel guides is the archaeological ruins in Marbella. They are mostly located in San Pedro de Alcántara area, but if you’re into archaeology and discovering the past of previous civilizations, you definitely want to check them out.

11. Watch a flamenco show

Whether this is your first time in Andalucia or you love flamenco music and dance, you can have this experience in Marbella.

Tablao Flamenco Marbella in the historic centre is the most popular restaurant where you can watch a live flamenco show. They also offer the option of having dinner before the performance.

The Farm, a few minutes walk from the previous spot, is another restaurant holding flamenco shows. The differences between these two locations are the setting and food.

Tablao is more of a traditional place, while The Farm is more modern and contemporary. Regarding food, Tablao’s menu is based on Andalusia cuisine, whereas The Farm focuses on healthy and organic meals.

12. Book a quad biking excursion

If you’re looking for a pack of adrenaline activity, you must check Quad Marbella. They offer fun quad biking excursions guided by an expert.

This two hour tour is definitely a unique way to discover Marbella from a different perspective.

While they do group tours, you can also book a private tour so you don’t need to worry about keeping up with others speed.

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13. Experience camping or glamping in Marbella

Most Spaniards plan their camping and glamping escapes in the summer months, but there’s no reason to book one in autumn because you’ll guarantee fewer crowds and, therefore, a more tranquil experience.

Another reason why camping or glamping in October is a good idea is the weather. It isn’t scorching as in summer, but it isn’t cold either.

Cabopino Camping has beautiful tents with all the extra amenities you need, from beds to tables and chairs and a small fridge. They feel cosy and comfortable.

You can also enjoy a heated swimming pool from October to May, as well as restaurants and designated areas to play sports.

Frequently asked questions about Marbella in October

Conclusion about visiting Marbella in October

Personally, I love Marbella all year round, but October is a good choice, especially at the beginning of October, because you might get some warm days to swim in the sea and sometimes catch an end-of-the-season beach club party.

October in Marbella is best for sightseeing, going on day trips to Pueblos Blancos, enjoying wine tasting and hiking.

It’s more tranquil than the summer months, but there are still great things to do. I would say the worst month to visit Marbella is January as it’s the coldest month and many bars and restaurants close around this time because there are fewer tourists, plus the locals have just spent money at Christmas and don’t go out for food as much as in other months.

Enjoy your trip to Marbella!

Cristina

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Top things to do before visiting Marbella, Costa del Sol

• Check out cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport here.
• Are you looking for the best accommodation in Marbella? Check this guide to the best accommodation in Marbella
• Book a free walking tour in Marbella Old Town.
• Rent a car to travel with ease around Marbella and Costa del Sol.
• Book travel insurance for your trip. It’s a must for any holiday.

Read more about Marbella

• How To Get From Malaga to Marbella
• Malaga Vs Marbella: Which Place Is Best To Visit?
• The Best Time to Visit Marbella
• The Best Things to Do in Marbella
• The Ultimate Weekend in Marbella
• Best Places to Eat in Marbella
• 15 Fantastic Day Trips From Marbella

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