Top 4 Itineraries in Marbella

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Marbella.

If you only have a few days, Marbella weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Marbella offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Marbella are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Marbella’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Marbella offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Spain's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Marbella offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Marbella truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Marbella belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Marbella are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Marbella and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Marbella itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Marbella for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 4 itineraries will help you experience the best of Marbella without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Marbella!

A scenic 6-day road trip through Málaga, Almería, Granada, Marbella, and Nerja is one of the best ways to experience Spain. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 6-day itinerary means that Marbella can easily be combined with other top destinations in Spain without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Málaga, Almería, Granada, Marbella, and Nerja by public transport, renting a car in Spain opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 6 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Almería

• Arrival city: Almería
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Almeria, e.g., Elba Almería Business & Convention Hotel
• Sightseeing: Almeria Walk of Fame

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Almería. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Almería

• Destinations: Almería
• Driving distance: 178.49 km, approx. 2 hours and 36 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Granada, e.g., Granada Center
• Sightseeing: Cathedral Encarnación de Almería, Museo de Almería, Refugios de la Guerra Civil Española de Almería, Parque de las Familias, and El Palmeral
• Recommended tour: Alhambra: Small Group Tour from Granada with Local Guide & Admission

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Cathedral Encarnación de Almería, Museo de Almería, Refugios de la Guerra Civil Española de Almería, Parque de las Familias, and El Palmeral. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Almería, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Granada.

Day 3: Discover Granada

• Destinations: Granada
• Driving distance: 11.45 km, approx. 1 hour and 48 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Granada, e.g., Granada Center
• Sightseeing: Nasrid Palaces, Mirador de San Nicolás, Alhambra, Catedral de Granada, and Fuente de las Batallas
• Recommended tour: Skip-the-line Small Group Tour to Alhambra & Generalife including Nasrid Palaces in Spain

Spend the day exploring Nasrid Palaces, Mirador de San Nicolás, Alhambra, Catedral de Granada, and Fuente de las Batallas. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Arroyo de la Miel-Benalmádena Costa

• Destinations: Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Arroyo de la Miel-Benalmádena Costa
• Driving distance: 256.66 km, approx. 3 hours and 41 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Málaga, e.g., Hotel Catalonia Ronda
• Sightseeing: Colomares Castle, Plaza de los Naranjos, Parque de la Alameda, Parque de la Paloma, and Parque de la Batería
• Recommended tour: The Best of Malaga in 2 Hours on a Segway

Continue your journey through Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Arroyo de la Miel-Benalmádena Costa, where you can explore Colomares Castle, Plaza de los Naranjos, Parque de la Alameda, Parque de la Paloma, and Parque de la Batería. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Málaga.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Málaga, Nerja, and Nerja

• Destinations: Málaga, Nerja, and Nerja
• Driving distance: 217.5 km, approx. 2 hours and 59 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Almeria, e.g., Elba Almería Business & Convention Hotel
• Sightseeing: Fundación Cueva de Nerja, Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo, Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, Museo Picasso Málaga, and Alcazaba
• Recommended tour: Visit to the shelters of the Spanish Civil War

Drive through Málaga, Nerja, and Nerja, stopping to visit Fundación Cueva de Nerja, Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo, Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, Museo Picasso Málaga, and Alcazaba. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Almeria.

Day 6: Bid Farewell to Almería

• Departure city: Almería
• Driving distance: 1.99 km, approx. 27 minutes
• Sightseeing: Parque Nicolás Salmerón

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Almería. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 626 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Marbella.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Marbella for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 6-day city break in Marbella with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 6-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Marbella without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Marbella

Arrive in Marbella and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Paseo Maritimo De Marbella.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Restaurante Pizzeria Triana is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Marbella's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Marbella by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Plaza de los Naranjos, Casco histórico, and Parque de la Alameda.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Marbella. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Marbella in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Marbella

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Arco bienvenida Marbella and Senda Litoral En Marbella are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Marbella.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Marbella. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Spain!

Day 6: Savor Your Final Moments in Marbella

Spend your last few hours in Marbella soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Marbella in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Marbella, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Marbella travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day beach vacation in Marbella offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Marbella:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Playa Fuengirola, Playa del Castillo Sohail, and Playa de San Francisco.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Hotel IPV Palace & Spa for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Camden Town Pub - La Malagueta, Parador de Málaga Golf Club, and Bollywood Indian Restaurant Sevilla, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Premier Cocktail, Gin & Rum Selections, TOLONE BAR, and Rock Island Bar, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Plaza de los Naranjos and Dunas de Artola o Cabopino, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 5-day beach vacation itinerary in Marbella, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Marbella

Arrive in Málaga, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 5 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Playa Fuengirola or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Marbella.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Playa del Castillo Sohail, a top beach in Marbella. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, Museo Picasso Málaga, and Alcazaba for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 5: Say Farewell to Marbella

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Marbella. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Marbella. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Marbella's coastline.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Marbella offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Marbella itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Marbella weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Marbella

Arrive in Marbella around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Paseo Maritimo De Marbella, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Marbella’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Marbella with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Puerto Banús early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Marbella and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Marbella

No itinerary in Marbella is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Plaza de los Naranjos.
• Afternoon: Explore Casco histórico and Parque de la Alameda, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Marbella and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Spain.

Day 5 - Depart from Marbella

Make the most of your last few hours in Marbella before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Marbella. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Marbella itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Marbella, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Marbella for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Marbella in a way that feels truly unforgettable!