Before I give you the best 5 Star Hotels in Marbella Spain, let’s talk about the Marbella hightlFor more than 60 years, Marbella has been the go-to destination for the rich and famous. Visitors will find elegant resorts, gleaming designer storefronts, see-and-be-seen restaurants, and remnants of historic Andalusia in the twisting cobblestone alleys of the city’s Old Quarter. Enjoy a luxurious vacation filled with beach days, delicious food and cultural encounters.
Marbella’s coastline stretches for a blissful 16 miles, with the Mediterranean’s shimmering blue waters lapping at its shores. Enjoy golden sands and crystal clear water at El Fuerte or La Fontanilla – the town’s 2 main beaches. These beaches are bordered by a promenade, where you can explore beach bars, seafood restaurants and shops. From June through August beach kiosks rent sun chairs and water sports equipment like water bikes. Amenities include lifeguards, toilets and showers, though beware: the sands are packed during summer months. To learn about all of the best Spain Beaches, visit here.
Marbella Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Marbella is in September and October when the weather is moderate and peak season’s tourists have cleared out. High average temperatures in September hover in the low 80s, drifting down to the mid-70s by October. The months that span November thru March see lower temperatures (low 60s) and fewer tourists, while April is another nice time with moderate temperatures (upper 60s) and bearable crowds. Summertime is Marbella’s sweltering high season, when both temperatures and the number of travelers skyrocket. Airlines flights and hotel rates will be at their highest during these months, but with high averages in the mid-70s and mid-80s, these months have some of the best weather for Mediterranean swims.
Best Marbella Beaches
Bounty Beach
This great beach is near the center of Marbella, with chilled out music, a relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices. The beach itself is officially known as Playa del Cable. You can rent sun-loungers, pedalos and canoes from the bar. There are also showers and public toilets. Bounty beach is popular with volleyball players and people looking to practice water sports.
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Playa de Rio Real
Another fantastic beach close to Marbella. The beach is home to Marbella’s only windsurf club – Windsurf Marbella, where you can rent all kinds of boards and have lessons. There are also parasols, sun-loungers, jet skis to banana boats to rent.
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Playa de Alicate
Long, sandy stretches with all the amenities you could possibly need. Alicate beach has plenty of beach bars, restaurants, a beach club, showers, toilets, parasols and sun loungers. Classified as ‘medium occupancy,’ even in the height of the summer it doesn’t get as busy as some of the more urban beaches if you’re looking for more privacy.
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Playa Hermosa
The water is clean and very shallow, making the beach very child friendly. There are plenty of restaurants, beach bars, showers, toilets, parasols and sun loungers. You can also rent pedalos and canoes from several locations nearby.
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Playa Real de Zaragoza
Playa Real de Zaragoza is quite simply a gem. With Fine, golden sand, clean waters and some fantastic chiringuitos. It is one of the largest beaches in the area so even in the height of summer you may be lucky enough to find a quiet part of the beach to yourself. There are plenty of beach bars, restaurants, showers, bins and toilets. Parasols and sun-loungers can be rented from various places along the beach.
Best Marbella Tours & Activities
Parasailing in Fuengirola – Premium Flight
Fly on their giant pirate parachute and take in the fantastic views of the coast. This parasail flight is the highest available on the costa del sol and cannot be matched by anyone. Their qualified and the only certified Captain and crew on the costa del sol (ask to see the certificate) will take your breath away as you gently rise up to 250m (600+ feet). Take off and land on the purpose made parasail boat. Book your Parasailing in Fuengiorla – Premium Flight here.
1 Hour Jet Ski Rental in Estepona
They have a great team of professional experts in the sector, the most modern fleet of Jet Skis on the market and stand out for the quality, price and service of our excursions. Book your 1 Hour Jet Ski Rental in Estepona here.
Natural Park Jeep Eco Tour from Costa del Sol
They will create a whole bunch of positive memories about this wonderful land to all guests, and they deeply encourage respect, appreciation, and care for nature, the traditions, and the people of Andalusia. Book your Natural Park Jeep Eco Tour from Costal del Sol here.
Estepona Bay Tour
In addition to navigating the waters of Estepona, you can spot dolphins as well as other marine species.
It is an incredible experience, to be able to see them in freedom, enjoying the sea and playing with the boat. They will anchor at sea and you can jump from the boat to take a pleasant swim in the heart of the Costa del Sol, whenever the weather permits. Book your Estepona Bay Tour here.
Boat Trip at Sunset + Glass of Cava + Seafood Tasting
A memorable experience to enjoy as a couple, a sunset from the sea with incredible contrasts of light, outdoors and in contact with the sea, sharing a seafood tasting, with local products and a glass of cava, you deserve a toast! Any day is perfect to dedicate a boat trip in great detail. Book your Boat Trip at Sunset + Glass of Cava + Seafood Tasting here.
Best Marbella Spain Restaurants
Los Abanicos $11 – 30
The restaurant spills out onto the street which makes the atmosphere almost as good as the specialty dish of slow-cooked baby shoulder of Lamb. Telephone: 34 952 85 51 31 Web: Los Abanicos Restaurant | Facebook
D.O.M. Restaurant $11 – 30
This restaurant aims to highlight the tradition and gastronomy of the land of Malaga through an elegant and casual service. The ideal place to taste the flavors of this wonderful land, from the coast to the mountains. Telephone: 34 952 76 02 00 Web: Restaurante DOM – Home | Facebook
Breathe $30 & Over
Breathe has fast become one of Marbella’s most exciting dining, drinking and dancing venues! With hand selected foods from only the best sources what ever your dietary wants and needs can be met at Breathe. Breathe Menu Telephone: 34 952 03 64 94 Web: Breathe Restaurant: Fresh Thinking Gastronomy
La Bulla Gastro Bar $11 – 30
You can expect beautifully cooked fresh ingredients and unbeatable service in a welcoming environment. Serving anything from a healthy breakfast to evening cocktails. Authentic Spanish cooking with a touch of originality and an elegant venue where you’ll find yourself enjoying a range of delicious dishes. Telephone: 34 952 80 65 75 Web: La Bulla Gastrobar – Home | Facebook
Monkey Club $11 – 30
Monkey Club is a trendy restaurant located in the famous Puente Romano Resort and newly opened Nobu Hotel. It offers top quality international food in a very stylish setting. The kitchen can be described as eclectic as the menu presents dishes inspired by Asian, Mediterranean and Middle-eastern countries offering a choice for every taste. Menus Telephone: 34 951 607 018 Web: Monkey Club Marbella – Restaurant and Cocktail Bar
Best Marbella Spain Rooftop Bars
Pangea
The 3rd floor roof terrace is very luxurious decorated in a swanky lounge style with large cabanas and leather sofas and the views are magical over the harbor, the Mediterranean and Marbella’s skyline. Open late nights during the summer season, Pangea is vibrant and eventful almost all nights, with live DJs and party people who come to the enjoy the views and the festive atmosphere. Telephone: 34 680 291 967 Web: Pangea Club
Terraza Skyline Bar
On the 6th floor, this open-air terrace has amazing views. Decorated with comfy sofas, tables and parasols. The bar is simple but chic at the same time. Telephone: 34 952 85 30 40 Web: Terraza Skyline Bar
Belvue Rooftop Bar
A fresh and modern rooftop bar in Marbella, perched on top of the amazing Amàre Marbella Beach Hotel. Truly breathtaking, you’ll experience the awesome feeling of being over the sea, between the blue waves and the blue sky. Telephone: 34 951 56 07 14 Web: Belvue Rooftop Bar Marbella | Amare Beach Hotel
TIBU
TIBU has a huge open-air terrace, filled with live performances from top DJS and live acts from around the globe, this is really a rooftop bar and club to keep the vibes sky-high, all the way into the morning. Telephone: 34 952 81 12 71 Web: Tibu Night Club
Air by Breathe
Natural and beautiful in setting, the open-air and panoramic rooftop sky bar comes with elegant water features, vertical greenery, comfy lounge seats and fantastic views over Puerto Banús, Marbella and La Concha Mountain. Open nightly, the Air rooftop menu includes a tasty selection of sushi, carefully crafted signature cocktails, champagne and craft beer on tap. Telephone: 34 952 036 494 Web: Air – Raw Bar & Signature cocktail terrace
The very nice webpage I feel like I am already on a holiday just looking at the page. it looks very professional There are lots of things to check out and to engage with well done I am still learning
Great Ingrid, glad you enjoyed 🙂
Rooftop bars are what I love so much, especially with COVID and all the restaurants expanding onto the sidewalks and streets. I was dreaming of rooftop bars, so that is really cool that this place has that to offer and they know that elevating your eating experience is so different than eating at ground level. All the rooftop bars where I am from are always full of people. It is definitely the kind of restaurant to have, especially these days. This location looks so diverse and I love an area that has mountains and rigid coastlines, it makes for a great adventure!
Marbella Spain is a great adventure. And who does not like roof top bars with all the beautiful views. I am glad you enjoyed your visit to the Best 5 Star Hotels in Marbella Spain guide.
Rooftop bars are what I love so much, especially with COVID and all the restaurants expanding onto the sidewalks and streets. I was dreaming of rooftop bars, so that is really cool that this place has that to offer and they know that elevating your eating experience is so different than eating at ground level. All the rooftop bars where I am from are always full of people. It is definitely the kind of restaurant to have, especially these days. This location looks so diverse and I love an area that has mountains and rigid coastlines, it makes for a great adventure!
It does make for a great adventure, I am glad you enjoyed. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave me comments.
Marbella looks like a blast to visit! Before reading this article I’ve never even heard of it. I absolutely love outdoor recreation and this place has the best of both worlds- the beach and mountains. The video provides a great overview and I really got a sense of what’s it like. I have two kids that I would love to take- do you recommend this place for families? Are there cost effective packages available?
Yes I do recommend it! There is plenty to see and do with your family here, for all ages. At the bottom of my post is a hotel map. You can explore the different options and see which hotel would be in your family budget. Please let me know if you need any additional information, please don’t hesitate to ask.
This is my first time to read about Marbella. I am surprised it has many beaches with amazing views.
We are so lucky because we are in the best time – September and October – to travel to Marbella I saw a lot of fancy restaurants and bars, I love them they look so cool.
It will be lovely to share more hotels/hostel under 5 stars for Middle class people or people who like just to stay in hotels for sleeping and they spend their time explore the city
Great Article 🙂
Thank you and I am glad you enjoyed. Well yes, this article does gear towards 5 star hotels. There is a map at the bottom of the post that shows all area hotels, to include more economical choices 🙂
Wow, I came to check out the top hotels in Marbella and got so much more info than I was expecting – THANK YOU! Marbella sounds idyllic, the perfect place for some fun in the sun.
Those rooftop bars sound particularly amazing and Hotel Don Pep Gran Melia looks like my kinda speed.
Do you know if restaurants in Spain cater for vegans? Am keen to add Marbella to our itinerary when we are finally able to travel freely again. Won’t make it this October, but hopefully next.
Yes Lauren, there are plenty of vegan restaurants that you can check out here. Marbella is idyllic. I guess it depends on what you are looking for, but to me utterly wonderful!
What an inviting description of Marbella and all the activities that await the visitors to the area. I love your description of the twisting cobblestone alleys that one will find in the historic old city center.
The parasailing sounds like an absolute have-to-do activity and I am sure it will be quite experience to fly over the Med and land on the purpose parasail boat. I look forward to visiting Marbella when travel restrictions have been eased more.
Great! You will enjoy Marbella. Thanks for stopping by and taking time to leave me comments.
We all like to rub shoulders with the rich and famous and I love how the accommodation, cafes, and elegant boutiques are set out in Marbella. I can see why people are so attracted to Spain as a holiday destination. Fine food, perfect weather, and lovely facilities. Playa de Rio Real would be my first stop for windsurfing. It looks a little more relaxed and I bet the locals are friendly.
The Marriott hotel looks so pretty and makes me feel like I’m on holiday already, an easy choice for accommodation.
Great review thanks so much.
Yes we do Lily and the Marriott is the perfect choice in my opinion. I like to immerse myself in the culture, the people and the food, and you can certainly do that in Marbella.
I enjoyed reading all about Marbella. I have visited Spain a few times before and wasn’t that impressed. But I think this is because we always went all inclusive so pretty but stayed at the hotel, so was boring after a few days.
I would like to give Spain another go in the near future and Marbella looks like a place i want to go! Seems like there is alot of activities I would love to do.
The boat trip at sunset sounds amazing. Will telly my boyfriend about this one.
Thanks for the great post
I agree Jenny that the all-inclusive hotels do tend to get boring. Kind of like being stuck on a cruise ship. I like to get out and see and do things. I also like a variety of restaurants to go to. You will love Marbella!
The way you explained Marbella was exquisite from the very start. Your descriptive and elegant-like verbiage was warmly inviting. It was almost as though I already began relaxing right from my couch!
I love that you included the best months or time of the year to visit the breathtaking city and all it has to offer. Weather in the 70’s is flawless and not to mention that October is the month I blessed the universe with my presence so that is definitely a win-win!
Your content is very specific to the beaches of Spain and although Marbella is just one of the many beaches In Spain, I did not feel overwhelmed while
I never considered traveling to Spain before but your header and footer titles have drawn my attention as Well as provided a sufficient number of references from other web sources. This made me feel comfortable indulging in your sites user friendly information.
I learned so much about the refined Marbella beach and Spain’s precious offerings.
Great TJ! I am glad you enjoyed and I really appreciate you taking the time to leave me your comments. Thanks for visiting the best 5 star hotels in Marbella Spain.
I love the pictures it makes me feel as if I am already on a holiday and it gives me the incentive that I want to book. You have a lot of things to offer on your website for people to choin and do in the day and I also like that you have incorporated videos into your website.
Thanks so much Ingrid, and thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.
Amazing! The beach in Spain is amazing! I loved the bounty beach because you can rent sun-loungers, pedalos, and canoes from the bar. It is also popular for volleyball players which adds to each attractiveness. There are lots of luxury hotels as well. Great place to look into and to add to the bucketlist
I couldn’t agree more! Glad you enjoyed, and thanks for taking the time to leave me comments.
Wow, very great article. This definitely triggering my wanderlust.
I have to say, I have been a bit reticent to do the travel thing since the Corona virus. This is the case especially with anything that requires planes, and especially with anything that ends in Europe, where their lockdown measures are quite strict. But hopefully when I’m confident again, I’m glad that there are quite a few destinations to look forward to.
Yes, you will have a lot to choose from. Please come back to beach travel destinations when you are ready to make your vacation plans. I would love to help!
Hi there, your article is helpful for everyone who wants to plan a beautiful vacation in Marbella. The details about destinations, beaches, hotels, activities are all I need to organize and have a good time. Parasailing in Fuengirola is one of the activities that I like to try. It must be a beautiful fly over the coast. Also, Estepona Bay Tour about dolphins and other marine species is another to add to the list.
Thank you for sharing this
I appreciate it
Alketa
You are welcome Alketa. I am glad you enjoyed your visit to beach travel destinations.
Wow, I am just blown away by the beauty of the Spanish beaches that you feature on your site! Marbella, Spain looks just lovely and it’s nice to know that there are so many great 5-star hotels to offer comfortable stays in the area. I like the idea of visiting when the weather is still on the warm side but after the majority of tourists have cleared out. Sounds like it’s perfect right now!
It would be perfect right now! And the beaches are truly wonderful. Spain has a lot to offer. I absolutely love it there.