Marbella’s vast beaches – 24 to be frank – nestled among 25 kilometres of coastline, range from exclusive party zones to family-friendly areas where you can enjoy some simple bucket-and-spade fun.

East Marbella is especially well known for its beaches. For a family-friendly stretch of sand you should seek out Cabopino – a safe and popular beach with sand quality just right for sand castle competitions.

La Fontanilla beach is probably the most popular in Marbella and can get very busy in the peak season. However, it does have a great atmosphere with the holiday hustle and bustle, and exceptional facilities. On Guadalmina beach you’ll find lots of watersports to try as well as some beautiful historic ruins to gaze at.

And then there’s the famous Nikki Beach, which has one of the best luxury beach clubs in the world, and home to the ultimate Marbella beach party experience. It has world-class DJs and acrobats to watch while sipping champagne cocktails underneath your own bamboo cabana.

Similarly, La Sala by the Sea – formerly Buddha Beach – is another beach club hotspot. Sa in the exclusive Marbella port of Puerto Banus, you’ll find two tropical bars that overlook the gorgeous Mediterranean which provides the perfect backdrop for a party.

First-class dining

Marbella is home to one of the best selections of restaurants in Spain and boasts some of the most luxurious All Inclusive hotels in Costa del Sol. As a result of Marbella’s influx of wealthy clientele, you’ll find a number of places boasting Michelin stars, thus, exceptional food quality. These places can range from traditional, silver-service venues to restaurants pushing the boundaries of contemporary gastronomy.

You could eat the finest food you’re likely to find in mainland Spain in Marbella – but, of course, this can come at a price. While we recommend treating yourself on at least one night of your stay, it is perfectly possible to eat extremely well in Marbella without the huge bill.

Rather than sitting down for three square meals a day, indulge in the beautiful phenomenon that is tapas. Wander from café to bar to restaurant and graze all day on bite-size pieces of traditional Andalusia food. In the Costa del Sol the focus is on fish, and pescaito frito – small breaded fish, fried in olive oil and served with lemon – is a firm favourite.

However, between tapas and Michelin-starred extravagance, Marbella is home to a total of almost 1000 restaurants, which means the range of cuisine on offer is staggering. You’ll find tons of traditional Spanish joints, as well as your favourite international cuisine restaurants. There’s plenty of more than affordable options for eating out, so those seeking cheap Marbella holidays will be just as well fed.

After the sun sets

Of all of the holiday resorts in Costa del Sol, nightlife in Marbella has a reputation for being excellent – some would say on par with party places like Ibiza or Magaluf. While there are plenty of opportunities to splash your cash, fun and affordable nights go hand in hand. Nights out in Marbella can be filled with all-night dancing, but they can also involve quiet cocktails overlooking the sea or enjoying the atmosphere of a luxury world-class casino. Whatever suits you.

There are four main areas to Marbella’s nightlife – Puerto Banus, the Golden Mile, the old town and Orange Square, known locally as Plaza de los Naranjos. Puerto Banus is Marbella’s marina and between the luxury yachts and super cars, you’ll find a staggering variety of clubs, bars and discos, some of which will be pricey but you’ll be surprised at how inclusive it can be.

The Golden Mile is a four mile stretch between Orange Square and Puerto Banus. This is where you’ll find Marbella’s most expensive estates, villas and hotels, and lots of places where you can enjoy fun and extravagant night out.

Marbella’s old town is its historic district and the most beautiful part of the city. This is the best place to sit outside and relax, talk and enjoy a glass or two of something special, perhaps more suited to those looking for quiet but enchanting evenings out.

Lastly, Orange Square is a cluster of traditional outdoor restaurants, cafés and bars, set among beautiful orange trees. It’s a lovely, quiet place to relax by day, then at night the atmosphere is transformed, and an exciting party vibe takes over.

There’s a vast range of prices when it comes to the nightlife in Marbella. You’ll find cheaper venues, tapas bars and cocktail bars with happy hours, and of course, extravagant champagne parties – you just need to pick where you go. Although, even if you’re planning on a cheap Marbella holiday, we certainly recommended experiencing all four areas at least once, even if you’ll just browse through.

Puerto Banus marina

A stroll around Puerto Banus is an absolute must during any Marbella holiday. This luxury marina is where some of the super-rich choose to dock their yachts and park their Ferrari, Rolls-Royce or Lamborghini before moving on to shop in a range of designer boutiques. As well as taking in some of the unbelievable displays of luxury lifestyle here, it’s also a beautiful area and home to lots of places to eat and drink that aren’t just tailored to the world’s wealthiest.

The marina can be a very romantic place to walk hand in hand with a special someone, a tranquil place to dine with those who bring you inner peace, or a fascinating place to window shop – whoever you like to travel with, be sure to add the Puerto Banus marina to your Marbella holiday itinerary.

Serious golfing

The Costa del Sol is one of the world’s favourite destinations for golfing holidays, and Marbella is an ideal base for exploring the staggering number of championship courses that are in the area. For serious golfers looking to play a variety of courses, there are at least 20 within a 30-minute drive of Marbella. Los Naranjos, La Quinta, Los Flamingos, Atalaya, Guadalmina and Rio Real are the most popular courses within easy reach.

These stunning courses offer scenic views, and of course, the beaming sunshine just complements from every angle. If you’re looking at Marbella simply for a golfing holiday, or you just fancy an afternoon or two on the course, you’re in for a treat!

After the sun rises

Most people on holiday in Marbella don’t tend to stray too far from the city limits – and we can hardly blame them with so much going on. However, if you are looking to see more of the area, then Marbella is positioned perfectly for seeing more of Andalusia and the Costa del Sol.

A great option for a day out with family or friends is the Mariposario de Benalmadena Butterfly Park. Here, 2000 butterflies flutter around you, including some of the biggest in the world – it can make for some seriously great photo ops.

if a bit more adventure is more for you, take one of the 4×4 Safari Tours, where you’ll get the chance to see the real Andalusia. You’ll be taken on an off-road adventure in 4×4 vehicles by expert guides, who’ll show you around the amazing Andalusian landscape and take you through the local villages, teaching you about the area’s rich history.

You’ll find tickets for attractions and excursions can usually be bought online before you’re on holiday, so that can help keep the spending down while travelling. Even if you’re staying All Inclusive and you want to make the most of your hotel, or you’re on a budget fr your cheap Marbella holiday, it can really enhance your holiday to get out and explore – to do something different, and where better than the beautiful Costa del Sol.