Marbella Old Town: Unmissable Spots By a Local
Is Marbella Old Town worth visiting? Absolutely!
Despite having a soft spot for Marbella, I must admit that it has a reputation for being touristy, and there’s a bit of truth in that.
But there’s one place where you’ll discover the authentic essence of Marbella: Casco Antiguo de Marbella (Marbella Old Town).
It’s one of the prettiest historic centres in the province of Malaga, and my favourite too!
Here, you can wander the beautiful cobbled streets home to whitewashed buildings, learn about the town’s history, see important monuments and soak up the lively atmosphere of Plaza de los Naranjos, a meeting point for locals like myself and tourists.
If you’re ready to discover this gorgeous part of Marbella, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
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About Marbella Old Town
Old Town Marbella (Casco Antiguo de Marbella) is near La Represa Park and Puerto Deportivo de Marbella. It’s the prettiest place in the town, and there’s no doubt why.
Get lost in the small white-painted streets, home to boutique shops, learn about the history by seeing and visiting emblematic buildings, and enjoy a culinary experience at one of Marbella’s best restaurants.
Regarding history, Marbella still maintains significant parts of old buildings, such as Marbella Castle, which dates back to the Muslim period. However, there’s also proof that Romans, Byzantines and other civilisations lived in this part of Marbella before.
The Nasrid period was crucial to the development of Marbella Old Town, which continues to shape its character today.
Things to do in Marbella Old Town
Exploring the old town is one of the best things to do in Marbella. If you’re wondering what to do, here are my favourite activities:
1. Unwind at Plaza de los Naranjos
Plaza de los Naranjos, also known as Orange Square, is a lively square where you can enjoy a meal or a drink and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
This square dates back to 1485, when it was built after the Christian conquest of Marbella from the Moors, and if you wonder why the square is called this way, the answer is as simple as it seems: the name comes from the numerous orange trees you find around the square.
It’s surrounded by whitewashed buildings, including Marbella’s Town Hall, Ermita de Santiago and Casa del Corregidor, a 1552 building characterised by numerous architectural styles.
Plaza de los Naranjos is the heart of Marbella’s historic centre, and from here, you can head to charming streets and alleyways home to boutique shops, restaurants, and monuments.
It’s very crowded during Marbella’s peak season (June to September), so if you want a more relaxed atmosphere, visit it at other times of the year.
Local Tip
Having a meal at Orange Square is an experience. I love it there, but the truth is that restaurants and bars are overpriced. You’ll find more budget-friendly options outside this square.
2. Contemplate the interior of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnacion church
Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Church is situated in Plaza de la Iglesia, a charming square with a central fountain and palm trees.
This 16th-17th century Catholic church is a beautiful building with many architectural details and history. Its height and central cupola make you feel like it’s a cathedral rather than a church. This was said by one of the first bishops.
Even if you aren’t religious, it’s worth seeing the interior, which is home to numerous religious statues and small coloured-painted stained-glass windows near the rooftop.
3. See Marbella Town Hall
Ayuntamiento de Marbella (Marbella Town Hall) is the former Casa Consistorial de Marbella, a historical building built in 1568 in a Renaissance style.
It’s in Plaza de los Naranjos, and you can appreciate the beautiful facade, which includes a sundial and coat of arms. In addition, it has memorial plaques, including one to celebrate Ferdinand and Isabella’s conquest of Marbella in 1485.
Marbella Old Town is a familiar spot for photos because of the pretty blue plant pots with bright flowers. I love brushing past the sweet-smelling carnations.
Local Tip
A great way to discover the town’s history is by taking a walking tour. Check out my self-guided walking tour.
4. Take photos at Calle Carmen
Calle Carmen is the most picturesque street in the historic centre of Marbella. Its pretty blue plant pots with red and pink carnations, the contrast of white and gold in the buildings, and a peek-a-boo view of Encarnacion church make it the perfect spot to take photos.
It has become so popular to photograph that it isn’t surprising to see many people hanging around to capture the best shot.
I highly recommend visiting during the off-peak season, but if you’re staying in the summer months, you’ll have to go in the late afternoon (when many people are taking siestas or are on the beach) to find fewer people, or none.
5. Walk on Calle Ancha
Calle Ancha is another pretty street in Marbella, beautifully decorated with bougainvillaea (pink flowers) that hang down in spring and summer.
This street is also home to restaurants like Casanis Bistrot, a popular French and Belgian restaurant, and the lovely Linda Boutique hotel, which serves delicious brunch. Towards the end of this street, you’ll find another whitewashed church called Ermita del Santo Cristo de Marbella.
I love how picturesque Ancha Street is and how it leads you to other gorgeous small streets. In case you love taking photos, as I do, other lovely streets you may want to include in your list are:
- Calle Nueva (where you can take photos with the Marbella sign)
- Calle Gloria
- Calle Caballeros
6. See the remains of Castillo de Marbella
Castillo de Marbella (Marbella’s Castle) is no longer complete, but parts of it and its walls can still be contemplated.
It was built during the Abd al-Rahman III period as a strategic coastal point to attack enemies such as Ibn Hafsun. However, this building became an important site in the years that followed.
Castillo de Marbella was crucial for the Kingdom of Granada, but it was refurbished several times to adapt it to modern times.
Nowadays, you’ll only be able to see the city walls and a few parts of the castle, but it’s a point of interest if you love learning about the history behind Marbella.
7. Go shopping
If you love shopping in independent shops, the old town is perfect. There are many boutique shops where you can buy anything from leather bags and boho dresses to jewellery and unique souvenirs.
The shops are dispersed throughout the old town, but many are in Calle Nueva and Calle Gloria.
My favourite clothing shop is TANDEM. It has stunning summer dresses and hats, but if you’re looking for a souvenir to take home, get high-quality olive oil from D-OLIVA. The latter also offers olive oil and wine tastings.
Local Tip
Don’t be surprised if you see shops closed from 2 pm to 5 pm. Small shops often close during siesta time. However, they reopen from 5 pm until 9 or 10 pm. Also, it’s good to know that most shops are closed on Sundays.
8. Visit the Spanish Contemporary Engraving Museum
If there’s a museum in the historic centre you can’t miss, it’s the Spanish Museum of Engravings (Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo). This three-floor museum is home to over 1000 interesting paintings and objects. They also host exhibitions and workshops, so it’s worth checking out their website.
Visiting this museum is one of the many free things to do in Marbella Old Town.
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Where to eat in Marbella Old Town
Here are my favourite cafes and restaurants in Marbella Old Town:
Taberna La Niña del Pisto
Taberna La Niña del Pisto is a favourite among us locals. This little tavern feels authentic with its old photos and decor, and I can confirm that the food is spot on.
My go-to tapa is chickpeas with spinach. It’s packed with flavour and nearly as good as my grandma’s!
Other delicious tapas I recommend getting are the fried anchovies with lemon and pisto, the dish the restaurant was named after. It’s the Spanish version of Ratatouille.
The Farm Restaurant
The Farm Marbella, only 4 minutes from Plaza de los Naranjos, is the place to go if you love eating organic and healthy dishes.
Its menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients, and its dishes are a fusion of contemporary cuisine. It isn’t the restaurant to eat in if you want traditional cuisine, but if you’re up for something different, you’ll love it.
Their dishes include Thai curry with chicken or prawns, octopus with mashed potatoes, and beef burgers. However, they also offer a good selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
I love that they use local ingredients and that the atmosphere in their secret garden is so welcoming. The downside of eating at The Farm is the prices.
Also, they host flamenco nights where you can enjoy a special tasting menu while watching a flamenco show. How good is that?
Mia Cafe Tapas and Bar
Last but not least, Mia Cafe Tapas and Bar is another popular option in the Casco Antiguo. This corner restaurant has beautiful decor and a laid-back atmosphere.
They have a good selection of Spain’s favourite tapas, such as tortilla de patatas, meatballs, ensaladilla rusa, and Pil Pil prawns (photo above). They have a very affordable tapas deal!
However, if you fancy something different, the menu has healthy dishes like their salmon poke bowl, which I absolutely love.
🥘 If you love food and wine tours, check out this tour of the Old Town with wine tasting and tapas.
Where to stay in Marbella Old Town
Linda Boutique Hotel
Linda Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Calle Ancha, not far from Plaza de los Naranjos.
The hotel has 11 beautifully decorated rooms, each equipped with a comfortable bed, an en suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning.
Regarding its facilities, Linda has a cafe, Linda’s Lobby Cafe, where you can enjoy a relaxing start to the day with a delicious continental breakfast. They also serve all-day brunch and small bites.
Apart from its excellent location, this hotel’s highlight is its rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy lovely views of the old town and sip a cocktail or a mocktail while listening to music.
Overall, Linda Boutique Hotel is one of the best hotels in the old town of Marbella. It’s perfect for couples but families too. They have rooms adapted for families; you can bring your pet too.
🛏️ Check out availability and prices at Linda Boutique Hotel here
How to get to Marbella Old Town
There are different ways to get to the centre of Marbella.
If you travel from Malaga or Malaga Airport to the old town of Marbella by public transport, you’ll need to get the Avanza bus to Marbella, which takes about 45 minutes, and then walk from Marbella bus station to the old town. The walk is about 20 minutes.
If you drive from Malaga or Malaga Airport to Marbella, you can either take the old road that runs along the coast, which takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, excluding traffic, or take the toll road, which reduces the car journey to approximately 45 minutes.
Parking in the old town can be difficult, and you’ll need to use one of the surrounding paid car parks.
Parking Indigo-Avenida del Mar is a good car park, a 5-minute walk from the old town. Parking here will cost you approx. €1,50 per hour.
Parking PARKIA in Plaza de la Victoria is right in the old town. However, the prices are high. You need to pay 4 euros per hour.
🚍 Discover exactly how to get to Marbella from Malaga in this guide.
Map of Marbella Old Town
Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the locations mentioned in this article.
Frequently asked questions
Is Marbella Old Town expensive?
It isn’t cheap compared to other old towns in Costa del Sol. However, it’s more affordable than other areas in Marbella.
Restaurants in Orange Square tend to be more pricey than the ones you may find on small streets in the old town.
How much time do I need to explore Marbella Old Town?
You won’t need more than an hour to see the old town. However, you can spend more time there if you plan to take photos, go on a walking tour, pop into the local shops or have a meal.
What’s the closest beach to Marbella Old Town?
Playa Venus is the closest beach to the old town of Marbella. It’s only an 8-minute walk. In the summer months, it is busy and lively.
Conclusion on exploring Marbella’s Historic Centre
Visiting Marbella Old Town is one of the best things to do in Marbella and an excellent activity for anyone who isn’t into visiting luxurious ports like Puerto Banus or attending parties at exclusive beach clubs.
The old town is Marbella’s prettiest and most unique place, so it deserves a visit. It’s one of my favourite places to wander in my hometown.
In the summer, you can savour the lively atmosphere of the old town and the pretty scented flowers.
In contrast, if you visit Marbella in winter, you’ll have a more relaxing experience because there are fewer tourists. But you can still soak up the sun and enjoy the mild Mediterranean winter.
Enjoy your time in Marbella!
Cristina x
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