
Sweet mix of rich cultural heritage, beautiful sandy beaches and picturesque port
Day trip to Marbella 🍊 15 min away from Elizabeth's Residence in Estepona
A day out in Marbella is guaranteed to be a hit when you are on holiday in Andalusia. Marbella City, also known as the city of oranges (referring to 👇🏼La Plaza de los Naranjos in the old town, read on for more info), is a 15-minute drive (or 30 km) from Elizabeth's Residence. By taxi, bus or rental car, you can quickly reach the centre of the historic city of Marbella.
🌺 read all about the magic of Marbella here: your day trip to remember 🌴
Costa del Sol
Just like Marbella, every city on the Costa del Sol has a rich Arabic past. Elizabeth's Residence is located on the coast of Estepona, the ideal base to visit ten cities during your holiday in Andalusia.
Like Marbella, every town on the Costa del Sol has a rich Arab past. Located on the coast of Estepona, Elizabeth's Residence is the ideal base to visit a dozen cities during your Andalusian holiday.
Andalusia
Not only Marbella but also other cities in Andalusia, such as Malaga, Estepona City, Ronda, Mijas and especially Alhambra are cultural gems with beautiful palaces, ancient forts, medieval squares, fountains decorated with mosaics and tropical gardens where you can fully experience the rich history of the Moorish occupation. You can also easily reach these cities from your stay at Elizabeth's Residence.
History of Marbella
Marbella is one of the Costa del Sol's many medieval attractions. This ancient city was called Salduba, or ‘The City of Salt’, by the Romans. From the sixth century AD, the city was taken by the Arabs, who named it Marbil-la and built a prestigious fortress to protect its inhabitants from attacks by the Christians. Walking through Marbella's old town centre, you will quickly notice the remains of this Moorish fortress.
Places of interest in Marbella
Avenida del Mar
You can easily drive your (rental) car from Estepona to the centre of Marbella and park in the Avenida del Mar underground garage.
This is where your cultural adventure begins: you stroll between fountains, swaying palm trees and bronze works of art by famous Spanish artist Salvador Dalí towards the sea.
"Es tan corto el amor y tan largo el olvido." – Pablo Neruda
Nobel laureate and Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wrote with "Love is so short and forgetting so long", a quote taken from his collection of poems Veinte Poemas de Amor y Una Canción de Desesperada, which he wrote in 1924.
With some luck, you can admire texts, quotes, poems or other artworks by famous writers and artists on Avenida del Mar.
Avenida del Mar immediately makes you feel welcome. Blessed to start this day trip with!
At the end of Avenida del Mar, turn right (you will see the sea on your left) to go to Marbella's Puerto Deportivo.
Puerto Deportivo
This picturesque port of Marbella is a lot quieter than the more distant Puerto Banús. Puerto Deportivo de Marbella is known for its many quality tapas and lounge bars. It is super cosy and I always go there for a drink or a bite to eat with my husband Bart or with friends. Here we enjoy a cocktail with some typical Spanish tapas dishes and fresh fish from the barbecue, overlooking the white sandy beach or on the quay by the moored boats.
You can also rent a beach chair and laze away a few hours under the parasol, relaxing with a book or cooling off in the sea.
Parque de la Alameda
After the Puerto, stroll through the Parque de la Alameda, one of the many green oases Marbella has to offer. Stop for a moment to watch the famous fountain - admirable in different colours at night - and observe the colourful Moorish mosaic stones with which it is decorated.
You continue walking through the Parque de la Alameda to Marbella's old town.
Centro Histórico de Marbella
In Marbella Old Town, you stroll through narrow alleys paved with marble or mosaic. Here you will find authentic shops with typical quality Andalusian products, such as ‘long dresses’ and scarves made of 100% silk 💞 lovely to wear 💞 shoes and handbags made of 100% quality leather and beautiful unique handmade jewellery by artists. Of course, you will also come across cheap Chinese shops, you have to look through those! With a little attention, you'll manage just fine.
Here you feel the intense magic of Marbella: its authenticity and history work enchantingly if you allow it to.
This is definitely the place to choose a special gift for yourself or for someone you want to give a nice gift to when you get back home. Either way, you will surely take home these lovely memories of your Costa del Sol holiday.
Casco Histórico
In this old part of town, you stroll through Marbella's most beautiful streets. An absolute must to visit this Casco Historico.
Plaza de los Naranjos
The Plaza de los Naranjos or Orange Square was created in 1485, when the Spanish conquered the city of Marbella from the Arabs. Here you overlook some historic buildings, such as Ayuntamiento de Marbella (Marbella town hall) and Ermita de Santiago.
In the centre of Plaza de los Naranjos you will find the Renaissance fountein, surrounded by orange trees planted in 1941 and to which the square today owes its name.
From here, you can explore the narrow streets to your heart's desire, you will automatically end up at ruins and the old Moorish castle Castillo de Marbella.
Castillo de Marbella
It was Abderraman III who commissioned the construction of the Castillo de Marbella in the 900s, during the Moorish occupation. Today, you can visit the castle and experience how, in the 10th century, residents stepped through the narrow corridors to the lookouts to peer over the city of Marbella and closely monitor the coastline for possible enemy ships.
Also around the castle are walking paths that lead you to tropical gardens and beautiful views of the city. Definitely worth a visit for history lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Ermita de Santiago
This small15th-century Catholic church, decorated with beautiful Islamic tiles, is Marbella's oldest church. Ermita de Santiago breathes history: when the impressive wooden entrance door of this church is open I like to burn a candle🕯️for our lost loved ones here. It is nice to take a moment to think of our loved ones.
It is nice to remember our loved ones with a candle in church. This way, they too are close to us when we are on holiday and we celebrate our happiness together.
Muralla Urbana de Marbella
During your walk through Marbella's historic centre, you will at some point arrive at the Muralla Urbana de Marbella. These ruined walls and fortifications with battlements date back to the 10th century.
Parque de la Constitución
On the way back, walk through the Parque de la Constitucion, a tropical paradise with flowers, palm trees, the scent of hibiscus and benches to rest. You'll also find an amphitheatre in the park.
La Fonda Restaurante, los Patios y Skybar
Want to end your day in style? Then book a table at La Fonda Restaurante. In this 16th-century building, chef Pascal Silman serves his craftsmanship with Andalusian and Mediterranean ingredients in the gourmet restaurant Jane.
Finish your day trip Marbella in style at La Fonda Restaurante. The outdoor patio and sky bar are fantastic! The service and cuisine are excellent!
You'll find more information here:
Combining Costa del Sol beach holiday with City Trips in Andalusia?
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English-, Spanish- and Dutch-speaking guide on site 💁🏼 check in with 🥂 on the house

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