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Twelve must-see key points in Marbella’s old town: a walking tour with Wikiloc
When you’re in a new place like Marbella, it can be hard to figure out where to go and what to do. That’s where websites like Wikiloc come in handy! They’ve got routes and activities recommended by other travelers, making it easier for you to plan your trip.
We’ve put together a special itinerary just for you, focusing on exploring the charming old town of Marbella. We’ll show you all the best spots to visit so you can really experience this beautiful Mediterranean city on the Costa del Sol. Keep an eye out for the places we mention – they’ll help you make the most of your time here in one of Málaga’s top destinations!
Route Wikiloc: Hotel Fuerte Marbella-Casco antiguo
1. Hotel Fuerte Marbella
El Fuerte Marbella
The Hotel El Fuerte Marbella is the starting point of this walking tour, which covers the entire historical quarter of Marbella. The establishment is located on the beach front and is a landmark for the city. In addition to the hotel services on offer, you will find a catalogue of “experiences” encompassing a wide range of activities of all kinds, such as Spanish classes, cocktail making workshops, Andalusian cuisine, olive oil tasting or visits to the city and ecological orchard. It is an emblem of Marbella tourism and serves as a starting point for our tour. One interesting fact is that it was one of the first big hotels in Marbella, no wonder it boasted the first lift on the entire Costa del Sol.
2. Entry gate to the old town
Casco Antiguo de Marbella
Marbella is known throughout the world for its glamour and for being a European tourist destination par excellence, but is origins were very different. This Malagan town lived from the sea and from Mediterranean agriculture and stockbreeding. Its oldest part still has a seaside atmosphere and its Arab influence is reflected in its narrow alleys. A beautiful walk with so much to look at.
3. Chapel of San Juan de Dios
Chapel of San Juan de Dios
Our tour includes the Chapel of San Juan de Dios, now known by inhabitants as “Hospitalillo.” It was built by the Catholic Monarchs, which is why it boasted the title of “Royal Mercy Hospital.” One of the curiosities of this building is that it kept its wood panelling hidden until the mid-twentieth century and possesses a single nave with a Mudejar coffered ceiling. It is well worth visiting this place, which also stands out for its geometric decorative elements.
4. Museum of Contemporary Spanish Printmaking
Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo Marbella
Continuing our tour, we arrive at a small Renaissance palace, which now exhibits the graphic art of great artists from the 15th century to date. This museum is home to works by geniuses such as Goya, Picasso, Miró and Dalí. You’ll definitely enjoy these lithographs, etchings and stencilled sketches from every era.
5. Church of the Incarnation
Church of the Incarnation
When the Catholic Monarchs reconquered Marbella, they turned the city’s mosque into what is now the Church of the Incarnation. Throughout the years it has been renovated and of the three original entries, only one has been preserved. The 18th century ocre stone doorway of the main access was built in an exquisite Rococo style. Have your camera ready because you won’t want to miss this photo opportunity.
6. Our Lady of Sorrows
Virgen de los Dolores
The religious tradition is very visible in many of Marbella’s beautiful corners. Such is the case with Our Lady of Sorrows, who stands in a niche on a balcony with a bed of flowers at her feet. This is one of the most beautiful images of the vista of the old town of Marbella. The blue of the wooden window where Our Lady stands evokes other Mediterranean cities and is a distinguishing feature of this narrow alley.
7. Arab Wall
Muralla Castillo de Marbella
The urban wall of Marbella is a fortress declared an “Asset of Cultural Interest,” which contained the old Arab medina. The castle is the most important Muslim vestige to have been preserved in the city and its construction features different architectural and material methods. It is also a curious superimposition of styles from other eras, for instance its built-in Roman capitals.
8. Santo Cristo Hermitage
Santo Cristo Hermitage
On reaching the highest point of our tour we arrive at the Santo Cristo Hermitage. This temple is a clear example of typical Andalusian construction. Its main façade has a stone doorway and the rest is finished in limestone. This sanctuary is the oldest in the city and is a point for local pilgrimages, which you cannot miss during your visit.
9. Montenebro Street
típica calle casco antiguo, Marbella
As we descend to the starting point of this beautiful tour through the old town of Marbella, we mustn’t miss Montenebro Street. Here you can enjoy the typical Andalusian vista of white houses with façades decorated with colourful flower pots. A beautiful image which attracts all the tourists and is always accompanied by the warmth of the locals.
10. Town Hall
Ayuntamiento Marbella
The building housing Marbella’s Town Hall was constructed in the 16th century and has a Renaissance style typical of other parts of the city. The façade boasts a sun dial, coats of arms and headstones bearing inscriptions in Old Spanish commemorating the taking of the city by the Catholic Monarchs.
11. Naranjos Square
Plaza de los Naranjos
This is the emblem of the city and its most famous and most characteristic corner. Plaza de los Naranjos or Orange Tree Square, as its name suggests, is full of these trees whose fruit releases an aroma of orange blossom, enrapturing all who come close. There is nothing better than stopping here to have a drink in the sun and inhale the natural perfume of Andalusia. Its construction dates from the time of the Catholic Monarchs and is today a must-see for anyone visiting Marbella.
12. Victory Square
Plaza de la Victoria
This small square has a special feature, which is that you can find the “shade”. When the sun is very strong in Marbella, a little darkness is much appreciated to cool down. In the centre there is a fountain surrounded by trees and plants, which give the square a florid colourful look. This is the last stop before arriving at our starting point.
If you visit Marbella, make sure to take our tour. It’s a beautiful walk which will take you through the alleys of the old town, as well as its history and artistic heritage; charming places and corners where you can make a stop on the way to enjoy its beauty and the warmth of its people.
Curiosities about Marbella
- Luxury History: Marbella is known for being a luxury tourist destination, but it has a humble history. Before its transformation into an elite destination, it was a picturesque fishing village.
- Sun and Beach: Marbella enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a popular beach destination year-round.
- The Golden Mile: It is a famous residential area of Marbella, known for hosting luxury hotels and some of the most expensive properties in Spain. It is home to celebrities and business magnates.
- Charming Old Town: Marbella’s old town, known as the Casco Antiguo, is a labyrinth of narrow streets full of Andalusian charm, with picturesque squares and traditional architecture.
- Party and Fun: Marbella’s nightlife is legendary. The city offers a wide variety of bars, nightclubs, and clubs that attract an international crowd of partygoers.
- Puerto Banús: This luxurious marina is one of Marbella’s main attractions. It hosts luxury yachts, exclusive boutiques, high-end restaurants, and is an excellent place to see and be seen.
- Local Cuisine: Marbella’s cuisine combines Arab, Mediterranean, and Andalusian influences. Local dishes include delights such as ajoblanco (cold almond and garlic soup), espeto de sardinas (grilled sardines), and salmorejo (a variant of gazpacho).
- Starlite Festival: During the summer, Marbella hosts the Starlite Festival, a cultural event that combines live music, cinema, fashion, and art in an open-air amphitheatre with stunning views.
- Microclimate: Marbella enjoys a unique microclimate that makes it attractive year-round. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and mild winters, it is a popular destination both in summer and winter for those looking to escape the cold.
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WHERE TO STAY
El Fuerte Marbella
If you decide to come to Marbella and want to discover it by bicycle, stay at El Fuerte Marbella or Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella . Both complexes have exceptional locations in the centre of town and the first line on the beach, only a few steps away from the historic centre, in an area full of shops and restaurants with terraces.
