Self-Guided Walk of Marbella: Moorish Medina to Luxury Resort
Description
On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore the charming old town of Marbella. Once a humble fishing village, Marbella is now one of the most glamorous destinations on the Spanish coast. As you stroll along the sun-drenched Mediterranean promenade, past Renaissance townhouses, and Moorish remnants, you’ll find out how iron foundries and sugar estates positioned Marbella at the forefront of Spain’s industrialization in the 1800s. You’ll also see the interplay of cultures that left their imprint on Marbella’s architecture, cuisine, and character, from Phoenician traders and Muslim sultans, to Bourbon kings and Franco. The tour ends at the majestic Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation), where you’ll discover hidden depth beneath the city’s glamorous surface. By the end of this tour, you’ll have a new appreciation for how centuries of cultural exchange and reinvention have created this jewel of the Costa del Sol.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The tour starts near the Faro de Marbella, the lighthouse that guides ships into the harbour.
We'll look out over the Playa del Faro, one of Marbella's many golden beaches. Beyond the beach, we'll be able to pick out Puerto Banús, Gibraltar and even Africa.
We'll pass by the Puerto Deportivo de Marbella, the small marina close to Marbella's old town.
We'll walk up the Avenida del Mar, which connects the seafront promenade with Marbella's old town. As we go, you'll hear how the area was developed in the 1980s and 1990s.
We'll pass ten sculptures attributed to Salvador Dalí, which decorate the Avenida del Mar. As you take a closer look at the sculptures, you'll also find out why they are controversial.
We'll stop briefly in the Parque de Alameda, which is home to magnificent trees from all around the world. While enjoying the shade, you'll hear a bit about Marbella's early history.
In the park, we'll pause beside the Fuente de la Virgen del Rocio, a beautiful tiled fountain from the 1700s.
We'll explore Marbella's old town, with its atmospheric winding streets. Browse in elegant boutiques and art stores, or stop at a café in a charming square to watch the world go by.
We'll also pass the Ermita de Santiago, the oldest church or chapel in Marbella. If the chapel is open, entry is free of charge.
We'll admire the Marbella's town hall, which was built in the 1500s. You'll also find out why Marbella's sun dial is a few hours out.
We'll stop near the Ermita de Santo Cristo, with its pretty blue and white tiled tower. You cannot go into the church, but you can look in through the doors when they are open.
We'll pass by the walls of the old castle, built by the Caliph Abd-al Rahman III in the 900s. You'll learn how the castle is used today, and why you cannot go inside.
We'll walk by the Contemporary Engraving Museum, which is housed in a beautiful old hospital from the 1500s. Entry to the museum is free of charge.
We'll also pass by the Chapel of St John of God, attached to another former hospital. St John is the patron saint of the ill and dying, and entry to the chapel is free of charge.
We'll end our tour at the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, the biggest church in Marbella. Entry to the church is free of charge.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2)
Visit that can be done at your own pace. I did it with my 81 year old mother over 3 days. Very interesting.
Fantastic self-guided tour. Easy to use the app and listen to historic stories of Marbella while walking. Appreciated the suggestions of good spots to snack and dine.
