Discovering the top areas in and around Marbella

Marbella is an incredibly diverse area stretching from San Pedro to Cabopino in the Costa del Sol. Though the region is known for its strong Andalusian identity, Marbella is home to an estimated 147 different nationalities and is heavily influenced by its international population. You’ll certainly feel welcome if you choose to move here!

If you’re looking for a property in Marbella or you’ve already found your dream home, you’ll most likely be wanting to learn more about the area and discover all the exciting things it has to offer. Most people are familiar with Marbella Old Town, but what about Puerto Banús or Nueva Andalucía?

This blog dives into the different areas in and around Marbella so that you can get to know each one in a little more detail.

A 15-20 minute drive from The View Marbella, the Golden Mile is an exclusive and popular area located between Marbella Town and Puerto Banús. Following the path of the A7 coastal road, it stretches for slightly over a mile – as the name suggests – from Puerto Banus in the west to the centre of Marbella in the east.

It’s renowned for being one of the most luxurious and most expensive locations in the region, hence its glamorous name. It boasts supermarkets, fancy hotels, lots of tropical gardens and many high-end restaurants, cafes and shops.

It also has what many regard as one of the nicest seafront promenades in the Costa del Sol. The seafront offers a range of fantastic beachside restaurants and bars – the perfect spot for a romantic date night or special celebration.

Located on the coast between Marbella Town and San Pedro, this exclusive marina is lined with designer shops and is home to many a superyacht and fancy car – it is known for attracting the rich and famous.

It is one of the largest entertainment centres in the Costa del Sol, with 5 million annual visitors and all the bars, restaurants and nightclubs you could possibly need. If you love the finer things in life, want to party the night away, or just love to people watch, a visit to Puerto Banús is a must.

Be sure to keep an eye out for Salvador Dalí’s ‘Rinoceronte vestido con puntillas’, a bronze rhinoceros statue located on the Cristamar roundabout.

Tucked in behind Puerto Banús and just to the west of Marbella Town, Nueva Andalucía is a town full to the brim with traditional Andalusian architecture and design. It is fairly residential and is an extremely popular area with international residents and holidaymakers, due in part to its many incredible golf courses, shops, bars and restaurants.

It is larger and quieter than some of the other coastal areas, but you’ll never be short of something to do there. There’s a small shopping centre, and you’ll find many upscale beach bars and restaurants in both Nueva Andalucía itself and neighbouring areas. There’s also a long-running Saturday market selling everything from sherry to embossed leatherwear – this is a lovely way to support local businesses.

If you prefer the simpler things in life, there are many woodland walking trails and mountain lakes further inland which would make for a great day out in nature. We especially recommend visiting Lago de las Tortugas.

To the west of Puerto Banús is the pretty and charming town of San Pedro, which has its own unique identity. Holding onto its Spanish character in spite of its popularity, San Pedro has a thriving restaurant and bar scene, with vibrant tapas bars existing alongside international hotspots.

It has a long seafront promenade but it is less developed and far quieter than its glamourous and better-known neighbours. It also boasts a boulevard that is perfect for families – in fact, it was created for just that purpose. This area, a little set back from the seafront, comprises many playgrounds, cafes and bars and has the perfect floor surface for riding bikes or rollerblading.

Even further back from the sea, you will discover the pretty town itself, which has pedestrianised streets, large, open squares, and lots of great bars and restaurants.

The charming Old Town is nestled behind Marbella’s busy high street and is a world away from the modern, cosmopolitan town that Marbella is today. Whitewashed houses line winding streets, leading to quaint little squares, chapels, and hidden gems at every turn.
Visit the ancient city walls for a taste of Marbella’s history, find all sorts of interesting goodies in the area’s independent shops, or seek out some quality food and drink from one of the many quirky bars and restaurants.

The occasional visit to Old Town is a must for anyone living nearby, as it is reminiscent of the town’s long history and will always find new ways to charm and surprise you.

Though Benahavís is a little further outside Marbella, we couldn’t possibly leave out one of The View Marbella’s closest villages. Benahavís is a mountain village synonymous with high-quality cuisine, with many people deeming it one of the best places to eat in the whole of the Costa del Sol. The restaurants are proud to offer menus filled with fresh food sourced daily from the nearby coast and local producers, as well as regional delicacies that will be a delicious experience for any new visitors to enjoy.

This peaceful village also has plenty of historical architecture to marvel at and is the perfect setting for a calming stroll. The Benahavís Fair is also a great experience for all the family, taking place in August every year. The fair is sure to have an amazing selection of food, drink, fireworks, processions, and fairground rides – something for everyone.