Marbella Old Town

The basics

Marbella Old Town's streets radiate from Plaza de los Naranjos, a lively square known for its orange trees. You can find independent shops, ice cream stores, churros kiosks, and eateries dotted around, along with the Church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnació and the town’s crumbling Moorish fortress.

Exploring the narrow (often busy) streets on foot is best, as many streets are now pedestrianized. To get the lowdown on the history of Marbella and discover the best places to eat, take a walking tour with locals, a tapas and wine tour, or market tours of Mercado Municipal de Marbella.

Things to know before you go

• Marbella Old Town is small; you’ll only need to put aside an afternoon for some relaxed sightseeing.

• Some streets are narrow and cobbled, so could present challenges for wheelchair users.

• There are cash machines, trash cans, and maps, but no public restrooms—the closest are at the seafront.

How to get there

Marbella Old Town is just north of Alameda Park. Many public buses pass by Marbella centro, close to Alameda Park and the start of the Old Town streets. Avoid the more expensive Malaga old town car park, and use one of the car parks just outside instead.

When to get there

The peak summer months between June and August are busy. September and October are quieter and the city is still warm enough for lazy evening walks and al fresco dining. If you’re there in June, don’t miss the famous Feria de Marbella when decorations and Andalusian music give the Old Town extra charm.

Castillo de Marbella

On the edge of Marbella Old Town, you can see some relics of Marbella’s Moorish past. The Castillo de Marbella—or what remains of it—is a Moorish fortress thought to date back to the 10th century. History buffs and photographers might like to check out the ruined defense structures and walls, which still look good against a blue sky.