Summer in Marbella has its own rhythm. Mornings tend to start quietly — the air is cooler, the streets are calmer, and the pace is easy. As the day warms up, life moves outside: beach walks, long lunches, or time by the pool. By late afternoon, the energy picks up, and the town moves into its evening hours — social, lively, and often stretching long into the night.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or spending the season here, this guide offers a selection of experiences we regularly recommend to friends and clients looking to get more out of their time in Marbella. Just well-chosen tips including our “forever favourites” & what’s new in 2025.
1. Morning Walk & Best Breakfast Spots in Marbella
The Paseo Marítimo, Marbella’s seafront promenade, is where many locals start their day — walking, running, or pausing with a coffee as the town slowly comes to life. Stretching along the coastline, it offers open views, fresh air, and a calm rhythm that’s easy to fall into.
Afterwards, breakfast feels well earned. From smoothie bowls and avocado toast to more substantial brunches, there’s no shortage of fresh, health-focused options. Many spots prioritise local ingredients and relaxed spaces that invite you to take your time.
Breakfast spots to try:
- Hustle n’ Flow – Creative, healthy dishes made with ethically sourced ingredients and superfood extras. Ideal for a post-workout brunch or just a nourishing morning start.
- Paisana Marbella – Calm, natural interiors and a farm-to-table menu built on seasonal produce. A relaxed, family-friendly spot with an easy atmosphere. Great coffee!
- Organic Cold Pressed Juicery – 100% organic juices, the best açai bowls, and plant-based shakes made fresh daily. Clean, simple and packed with natural energy. A daily spot!
- Zoco Café Marbella – A design-driven café inside Zoco Home with Arabic coffee, fresh pastries and light dishes. Quiet, stylish, and easy to enjoy. Central location!
- Rachel’s Eco Love – A peaceful garden café (the original at Puente Romano) focused on wellness and thoughtful food. Smoothies, juices and light meals served with a personal touch.
2. Spend a Day by the Beach
With eleven Blue Flag beaches, Marbella leads Andalusia in clean, well-managed coastlines. From peaceful residential shores to stretches lined with high-end beach clubs, there’s plenty of places to swim, sunbathe or simply take the day slow.
Some beaches stand out for their easy atmosphere and convenient access to food, loungers and drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for a barefoot lunch, a few hours under an umbrella, or a full day that rolls from coffee to cocktail, these are the beaches and beach clubs to keep in mind.
Beaches to know in 2025:
- Playa de Nagüeles – A central Blue Flag beach with calm waters, clean sands, and nearby beach clubs like Trocadero Playa. Ideal for a comfortable, easygoing day by the sea.
- Playa Casablanca – A quiet, residential beach just west of town. Well-kept, relaxed, and within walking distance of several casual, quality lunch spots.
- Playa Real de Zaragoza – A wide, natural-feeling stretch east of Marbella, anchored by La Plage Casanis. Great for staying from late morning to sunset.
Beach clubs to try in 2025:
- Sublim Beach – A fresh addition to Marbella’s beach scene. Expect elevated food, beautiful, calm surroundings and polished service, perfect for a slow afternoon or early dinner by the sea. Trendy!
- Luuma Beach Restaurant – A relaxed setting with organic, health-focused cuisine. Laid-back but thoughtful, it’s ideal for those who appreciate both setting and sustainability. Welcoming for families.
- Nikki Beach Marbella – Still the go-to for sun, sound and celebration. Whether for champagne brunch or a full beach day, this iconic spot continues to define Marbella’s high-energy beach club scene with its elegance.
- La Cabane Marbella – Reimagined by Dani García and Dolce & Gabbana, this iconic Los Monteros beach club blends haute cuisine with a distinctly luxurious vibe. Visualise Riviera chic, Marbella-style. Real class!
- NIDO Estepona – A short drive west but worth it. With natural interiors, elegant food and beach beds, it’s a favourite for those seeking something slightly off the main radar, without compromising on comfort. The perfect reset.
3. Let Lunch Take Its Time
Lunch in Marbella isn’t something to rush. Especially in summer, when the midday heat naturally slows things down, sitting down for a long, shaded meal feels less like a break and more like the main event.
Many local restaurants are set up for exactly that: unhurried service, good wine, thoughtful menus and settings designed to make you want to linger. Whether you’re in the mood for something refined or more casual, there’s endless options where lunch easily drifts into the afternoon.
Lunch spots to try:
- Planta Bistrot – Located in Forum, Planta offers fresh, health-forward lunch and brunch in a bright, plant-filled space. The atmosphere is calm and modern, with dishes that are both nourishing and considered.
- Sea Grill – Set against Marbella’s golden coastline, Sea Grill at Puente Romano offers a refined yet relaxed experience. A place to enjoy market-fresh seafood, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and an impressive wine selection, all while enjoying the soothing sounds of the sea.
- Dune Beach – Nestled within the dunes of El Rosario, enjoy a laid-back charm combined with a touch of sophistication. Bohemian décor and beachfront location create a serene setting, perfect for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes.
- Ammos Greek – Located within the new METT Hotel, Ammos offers an elegant yet vibrant experience. Drawing inspiration from coastal Greece, the restaurant serves authentic dishes like tzatziki, grilled octopus, and baklava, complemented by live music.
- La Milla Marbella – Beachfront dining at its most refined, with a modern take on Andalusian seafood and an exceptional kitchen team. The setting is polished but never pretentious.
- El Patio at Marbella Club – A charming courtyard restaurant offering seasonal Mediterranean dishes and hand-tossed pizzas. A calm and elegant lunch spot in a timeless setting. Year-round favourite!
4. Take a Day Trip Beyond Marbella
Sometimes the day calls for something different. Luckily, Marbella is surrounded by places worth exploring — all within easy reach and offering activities, views and flavour. Whether it’s culture, cooler air, or a change in architecture, the coast and hills nearby have more variety than you’d expect.
Day trip ideas:
- Ronda – A dramatic hilltop town with deep history, sweeping views and one of Spain’s most iconic bridges. Best enjoyed slowly, with time to walk, stop and look. Wine tastings and Andalusian food at their best.
- Tarifa – Windy, wide-open beaches and a laid-back surf town feel. Perfect if you want a rawer edge to your beach day. Visit the dunes!
- Gibraltar – British touches, wild monkeys and sweeping rock views. It’s close, curious and packed with little surprises. Just remember your passport.
- Sotogrande – Understated and spacious, with long lunches, golf, and quiet marina life. A good contrast to Marbella’s livelier corners.
- Benalmádena – Easy-going and family-friendly, with attractions like the cable car, Sea Life, and one of the prettiest marinas on this part of the coast.
5. Outdoor Activities Near Marbella
If you’re ready to swap sunbeds for something a little more active, Marbella’s surroundings offer a mix of water, mountain, and trail adventures that add a different dimension to your days. Whether it’s about adrenaline, views, or connecting with nature, these activities bring you closer to the landscape and often far from the crowds.
- Sunset Sailing – A relaxed way to take in Marbella’s coastline. Think paddleboarding, snorkelling, and open sea views, all from a catamaran as the sun drops. Great for date nights!
- La Concha Hike – The most iconic peak above Marbella. Start early, bring water, and pace yourself. The panoramic views from the top are unbeatable.
- Canyoning – A cool, high-energy option: hike, climb and slide your way through river gorges and natural pools just outside the city.
- Caminito del Rey – A legendary cliffside trail less than 90 minutes away. Not for the faint-hearted, but unforgettable for those up for the challenge. Afterwards, jump in for a swim in the lake!
- Horseback Riding – Ride along forest paths, quiet hills or the sea front. Guided tours are easy to book and offer a slower, scenic way to explore your surroundings.
6. Make the Most of Marbella Evenings — Starting with Dinner
Dinner in Marbella can go many ways — slow or celebratory, casual or lively. Or somewhere in between. What matters is choosing the right setting for your evening. Whether it’s a date night or an evening with friends, the city delivers options.
Dinner spots worth the hype:
- Brasserie Astoria Marbella – A polished yet inviting international brasserie in Nueva Andalucía, from the team behind Stockholm’s Frantzén Group. Expect tableside finishes, smart cocktails, and a terrace designed for long evenings.
- 11:11 Société – Energetic and creative, this concept restaurant fuses Mexican and Middle Eastern influences in both food and ambience. Great for groups, or when you’re in the mood for something bold.
- Nota Blu Marbella – A refined setting with French-Mediterranean roots, balancing simplicity and sophistication. The space, once home to Marbella’s iconic La Meridiana, still carries a sense of occasion — without the formality.
- Casanis Bistrot – A charming and intimate bistro in the heart of Marbella, where classic French cuisine meets contemporary elegance. Enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes in a cosy yet stylish setting.
- Florentine – An upscale Italian restaurant with a focus on quality ingredients and traditional recipes. Expect classic pasta, expertly prepared seafood, and a wine list that’s a true celebration of Italian heritage.
- Roostiq – Known for its beautiful venue and delicious rotisserie chicken, Roostiq is perfect for those craving comfort food with a twist. Farm-to-table ingredients make each dish fresh and flavourful.
- Dani Garcia’s restaurants – Michelin-starred excellence brought to Marbella by renowned chef Dani Garcia. Each of his dining experiences is a culinary journey, offering refined dishes that elevate the Andalusian flavors to new heights.
7. Where to Go for the Best Cocktails
As the heat fades and the light softens, evenings in Marbella hold some magic. It’s the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere — whether that’s with a well-made cocktail, a panoramic view, or both. Rooftops and open-air terraces are bubbling around this hour, offering a moment to pause before the night continues.
AIR by BREATHE – Elevated above Puerto Banús, this lush rooftop blends greenery, water features, and a sleek cocktail bar. The setting is vibrant but relaxed, ideal for lingering with oysters or sushi, drinks and a view.
Cielo at Florentine – Florentine’s new rooftop terrace mixes open-air dining with a 360º cocktail bar. Stylish and social, with views of La Concha and a fluid transition from early drinks to late-night energy.
Sky Lounge at Benabola Hotel – A classic rooftop over Puerto Banús with unbeatable harbour and sea views. Known for its relaxed setting and signature drinks, it’s a great place to watch the marina shift into the night.
Nobu Bar – Refined cocktails meet Japanese botanicals in this sleek spot near La Plaza. The Roku Gin collaboration brings notes of yuzu, genmaicha and sakura — ideal before dinner or to close the night with style.
8. Stay Out if the Mood Fits
Marbella nights have a way of unfolding on their own terms. What starts as a dinner or a drink often stretches effortlessly into something more. Whether you’re in the mood for beachfront beats, or a polished party atmosphere, the city doesn’t disappoint.
From bohemian beach energy to late-night glamour, here are some of the best places to go out in Marbella in summer 2025:
- Mamzel – Dinner meets live performance in this open-air venue tucked into the hills. Expect a theatrical show experience, dramatic lighting, and a crowd that dresses for the occasion. A new show every year, it’s our team’s go-to in the summer!
- Starlite Occident – Marbella’s signature summer music festival, blending world-class concerts with exclusive afterparties. Held in a unique setting on the hills of Sierra Blanca, it’s as much about the atmosphere as the lineup.
- Momento Marbella – A firm favourite for deep house fans and for the ones looking for a high-end nightclub. Known for its sound system, international DJs and a chic outdoor area — this is where music leads the mood.
- COYA Club Marbella – Vibrant, Latin-influenced and high-end. Come for the Peruvian food, stay for the colourful cocktails and resident DJs that turn the space into a stylish late-night spot.
- Motel Particulier – Just renewed and moved to the Golden Mile, Motel blends luxury and nightlife. Perfect for quality cocktails, a stylish crowd, and a touch of exclusive glamour.
9. Prioritise Wellness
Marbella makes wellness feel effortless. A natural extension of the way people live here. Whether that means a morning pilates class, a quiet hour on the golf course, or a proper spa session, the options are there to suit your needs. With a strong focus on quality and setting, Marbella makes it easy to build healthy routines into your stay — without needing to compromise on style or experience.
Wellness spots to know:
- The I/O Club – A high-performance health club in Marbella offering science-led training at a premium gym, recovery tools, group classes and expert coaching. All in a sleek, purpose-built setting.
- Six Senses Spa Marbella – A calm, elegant space rooted in natural healing. Experience Mediterranean design, hydrotherapy, and holistic treatments that help you reset — inside and out.
- Pilates Puente Romano – A dedicated studio for pilates, reformer and movement-based classes with a beachfront setting in Marbella.
- Golf in Marbella – Home to top courses like Aloha, Los Naranjos and Marbella Club Golf, Marbella offers year-round play in scenic, well-kept settings for all levels.
- Padel in Marbella – A social, fast-paced sport with courts all along the coast — easy to join whether you’re playing for fun or a bit of friendly competition.
10. Explore Marbella’s Street Markets
Markets in Marbella offer something different from the town’s polished storefronts. A more relaxed, open-air way to browse, discover, and spend a morning (or an evening). From local produce and vintage finds to handmade crafts and boho fashion, these markets are as much about atmosphere as they are about shopping.
Whether you’re after fresh fruit, a woven beach bag, or just a slow stroll with a coffee in hand, Marbella’s markets invite you to take your time.
- Puerto Banús Night Market – From June to September, Plaza Antonio Banderas transforms into a lively summer bazaar from 7 PM onwards. Here you can find artisan jewellery, bohemian clothing, handmade gifts, and snacks — all within walking distance of the port’s restaurants and bars.
- Marbella Monday Market (Las Albarizas) – A classic local market with fresh produce, clothing and everyday goods. Held on Monday mornings near Marbella Old Town, it’s a vibrant scene and a great way to start the week.
- San Pedro de Alcántara Market – Thursdays in San Pedro mean a bustling open-air market with everything from flowers to leather bags. It’s large, well-organised and full of locals doing their weekly rounds.
- Nueva Andalucía Market – Held every Saturday near the old bullring, this is one of Marbella’s most popular markets. It’s part local treasure hunt, part tourist draw with plenty of ceramics, handbags and quirky décor to browse.
Considering More Than a Holiday? Let’s Talk.
Many of our clients first experienced Marbella on a summer visit, fell in love and soon found themselves considering something more permanent. If you’re starting to explore life beyond short stays, we’re here to guide you.