Ever heard of Costa del Sol in Spain? Then you probably heard of Marbella, a paradise that seamlessly blends luxury, history, and natural beauty. Whether you want to lay on its golden beaches, participate in the glamorous nightlife, enjoy the charm of its old town, Marbella offers an unforgettable experience. Below we will talk about how to get to Marbella, what to see, the climate, and top attractions.
How to get to Marbella
The nearest airport to Marbella is Malaga Airport (AGP), located about 50 kilometers to the northeast. Depending on the time of day, it could take an hour or more to drive to Marbella. It’s a well-connected international hub, with flights from major cities across Europe and beyond. If you are traveling from overseas, most likely you will connect via Madrid.
There are direct buses from Malaga Airport to Marbella’s main bus station that operate frequently. The trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
A taxi ride from the airport will take around 40 minutes and cost approximately €60-€70 or more.
If you prefer flexibility and plan to visit places around Marbella, renting a car from the airport is a great option. Parking in Marbella town and surrounding areas are limited, but you will find Parking Garages everywhere.
When to Visit Marbella
Marbella has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it an ideal year-round destination. Here’s what to expect based on the seasons:
Summer (June-August): Hot and lively, with average temperatures ranging between 25°C to 30°C. This is the busiest tourist season.
Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures from 15°C to 22°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities, exploring the countryside, and sightseeing.
Autumn (September-November): Slightly cooler than summer but still warm, with temperatures around 18°C to 25°C. The sea is starting to cool off, and there are fewer tourists. Nightlife won’t be as active as during the summer months.
Winter (December-February): Mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 12°C. While it will be too cold for swimming, it’s an excellent time for golfers and those looking to avoid crowds.
Top Attractions in Marbella you shouldn’t miss!
Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
In you will find picturesque cobbled streets, with whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers for the picture-perfect photo.
At Plaza de los Naranjos, you will find a charming square lined with orange trees, historic buildings, restaurants and cozy cafés.
Puerto Banús
For those seeking a taste of how the rich & famous live, Puerto Banús is a must-visit. This luxurious marina is lined with designer boutiques, fine dining restaurants, expensive cars, and million-dollar yachts.
Beaches in Marbella
Marbella is home to some of the most beautiful beaches along the Costa del Sol.
Playa de la Fontanilla is close to the city center, this sandy beach is perfect for families and has numerous beachside restaurants.
Nikki Beach is known for its upscale beach club vibes. This is where the party scene thrives, with DJs, beach parties and cocktails.
Playa de Cabopino is a more laid-back beach with soft sands, dunes, and a more relaxed atmosphere for those seeking a laid back and quiet atmosphere.
Alameda Park and Avenida del Mar
For a relaxing stroll, head to Alameda Park, a lush green oasis filled with tropical plants and fountains. Just steps away is Avenida del Mar, an open-air promenade featuring stunning bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí.
La Concha Mountain
Hiking up La Concha Mountain provides breathtaking views of Marbella, the Mediterranean Sea, and, on clear days, you might even get to see the distant mountains of Africa. The hike is moderate to challenging but well worth the effort for nature enthusiasts.
Things to Do Around Marbella
Ronda
About an hour drive from Marbella, the historic town of Ronda sits dramatically over a deep gorge. Known for its iconic Puente Nuevo Bridge and bullfighting heritage, Ronda offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural experience. Enjoy a meal or a drink nestled in the mountain sides, overlooking the arches of Puente Nuevo Bridge.
Mijas Pueblo
About 30 minutes from Marbella, you will find this traditional whitewashed village, offering an authentic taste of Andalusian charm. Walk around its narrow streets and enjoy panoramic views of the coast from its hillside perch.
Sierra de las Nieves National Park
If you love nature, a day trip to Sierra de las Nieves National Park is a must. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and discovering rare flora and fauna. Its rugged terrain and remote beauty offer a break from the coastal scene.
Gibraltar
A little over an hour’s drive from Marbella, Gibraltar offers a unique blend of British and Mediterranean cultures. It is the southernmost point in Europe, and is home to the famous Rock of Gibraltar, where you can explore its caves, and meet the resident Barbary macaques.
While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
The Euro is the local currency and most places accept credit cards. It’s good to have cash for smaller purchases.
The town is easy to explore on foot, especially in Old Town and the adjacent beach areas. For trips outside of Marbella, renting a car is recommended.
So, whether you’re seeking beachside relaxation, vibrant nightlife, or a dose of Andalusian culture, Marbella has something for every visitor. Its blend of natural beauty, luxury, and historic charm makes it a top destination on Spain’s southern coast. So, pack your bags, head to Marbella, and let the Costa del Sol work its magic!
While WiFi is widely available in Marbella, the easiest way to stay connected while visiting is with the free eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE.
Download the RedBull Mobile Data App to avoid expensive roaming fees and stay connected with your family and friends or for your business needs.
eSIMs also allow for more flexible mobile plans, as users can switch carriers or plans without needing to physically swap SIM cards. This can be especially useful for international travel, as users can switch to a local carrier or data plan without needing to purchase a new SIM card.
How do you get an eSIM?
With an eSIM you do not need to physically swap out SIM cards to stay connected to the internet and avoid expensive roaming charges.
Simply download the Red Bull MOBILE Data app, choose your data plan for your destination, and follow the instructions on how to activate the Red Bull MOBILE eSIM data plan. Your device will prompt you to set up your eSIM, which typically involves selecting a mobile plan and confirming your activation. Once your account is activated you are ready to connect to the world without any basic or roaming fees. You will be able to email, chat, set up video conferencing and use your social media accounts. Connecting with your family and friends around the globe is instantaneous.
You don’t have to switch out SIM cards, just switch to your eSIM plan for data on your device while traveling and when you get back you just switch to your regular SIM card.
Are there more advantages to an eSIM other than traveling around the globe?
One of the many advantages of an eSIMs is that it can support multiple profiles, allowing you to use different carriers or plans on the same device. This can be useful if you travel frequently or have different needs for different situations. You could use it to separate your business account
from your personal account for emails and phone calls by switching between those profiles. Please note, you can only use one profile at a time.
Another advantage of an eSIM is that you can access the Red Bull MOBILE Data app wherever you are. So if your travel plans change or you decide to go to a new country simply log in to the app, and choose a new destination and bundle, and you are all set!
Do all devices support eSIM?
Not all devices support eSIM, so you should check if your device is compatible with eSIM technology. You can usually find this information in the device specifications under Settings.
iOS devices: Go to Settings > Mobile Data or Cellular Data, if you have the Add Mobile Plan or Add Data Plan option, your iPhone supports eSIM.
Supported devices include iPhone XS, XR and newer models
Android devices: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager. If you have the “Add mobile plan” option, your smartphone supports eSIM.
The majority of newer Android smartphones are supported including the Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer models, Google Pixel 3 or newer models, Huawei P40 and many more.
It’s worth noting that the exact steps to use an eSIM may vary slightly depending on your device and mobile carrier. So, it’s always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions provided by your carrier and device manufacturer.
Here are some tips on how to avoid expensive fees with eSIM for traveling:
Turn off automatic app updates: To avoid unnecessary data usage, turn off automatic app updates on your phone. This can be done in your phone’s settings.
Turn off background data: Many apps use data in the background even when you’re not actively using them. To avoid unnecessary data usage, turn off background data for apps that you don’t need.
Use a data monitoring app: Download a data monitoring app that can help you keep track of your data usage. This can help you avoid exceeding your data plan and incurring additional fees.
By following these tips, you can avoid expensive fees with eSIM for traveling and stay connected without breaking the bank.
