When you’re in a new place, like Marbella, it might be difficult to know where to go and what to do. This is where services like Wikiloc come in handy! They provide routes and activities suggested by other travelers, making it easy to plan your trip.

We’ve created a personalized itinerary for you, with a focus on experiencing Marbella’s lovely old town. We’ll show you all the best places to visit so you can really appreciate this stunning Mediterranean city on the Costa del Sol. Keep an eye out for the locations we’ve mentioned; they’ll help you make the most of your stay in one of Málaga’s best destinations!

Where is Marbella Old Town?

Marbella’s Old Town extends north of Avenida Ramon y Cajal, just across from Parque de la Alameda, to Calle Salvador Rueda.

If you use Alameda Park as a guide and head north, you won’t miss it.

What to See and Do in Marbella's Old Town?

If you want to see the sights of Marbella’s Old Town, you are in luck! This picturesque historic quarter perfectly blends culture, history, and architecture. This area may be easily toured in 30 minutes to an hour, making it an excellent destination for quick excursions and leisurely strolls. This blog offers a walk-through introduction to the Old Town, beginning at the lovely Plaza de los Naranjos, where you can see the beautiful orange trees while taking in the vibrant ambiance. As you journey, you will come across the gorgeous 16th-century Iglesia de la Encarnación church, a must-see destination famed for its outstanding Baroque-style exterior. Stroll down the small cobblestone lanes, adorned with whitewashed buildings, boutique stores, and attractive cafés. Marbella’s Old Town invites visitors to explore its rich history while taking a leisurely stroll through one of southern Spain’s most gorgeous sites.

As locals, let provide a brief overview of Marbella's Old Town

At MarbsLifestyle, we adore the timeless elegance of Marbella Old Town. Walking through its small lanes, one can’t help but be attracted by the vivid pink bougainvillea flowers that have become synonymous with this old neighborhood. Each turn finds quaint stores enticing you for a shopping spree, while comfortable cafes promise refreshing drinks and moments of leisure.

Regarding dining, Marbella Old Town is a culinary treasure trove, with some of the best traditional restaurants featured on our blog. However, if you are looking for our suggestions, the following list is definitive: Casanis Bistrot tops the list with its delectable cuisine, closely followed by the traditional flavors of La Tienda Casa Curro. Zozoi provides a one-of-a-kind eating experience, while La Niña del Pisto adds a Spanish touch to our list of favorite restaurants.

Our affection for this excellent section of Marbella was instantaneous and unchanging. What more could a fantastic Spanish vacation offer than a harmonic blend of shopping, entertainment, daily shows, and delectable dining experiences?

Avenida del Mar

The Indigo – Avda del Mar parking garage is the best option if you are driving and looking for a convenient place to park in Marbella. It is inexpensive and has a lot of parking space on level -1. When you leave the garage, you will be on the beautiful Avenida del Mar square, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Marbella’s beach and boulevard. In addition, this square is home to a number of masterpieces created by the famous artist Salvador Dalí. As you walk through the lovely pedestrian area, which is adorned with palm trees and orange trees, you can almost see the luxurious lives of the wealthy people from a long time ago, who would arrive in ornate carriages to show off their wealth.

Parque de la Alameda

After driving into the parking garage, you can walk up the stairs and arrive at Parque de la Alameda. This charming municipal park, which was created in the late 1990s, provides a peaceful green escape. While you are walking around the park, you will see beautiful seats decorated with lovely Spanish tiles, a gorgeous fountain, and a merry-go-round that is ideal for little children.

Iglesia de la Encarnación

The Iglesia de la Encarnación is a beautiful church from the 16th century and is one of the most important landmarks in Marbella. This church was built in 1505 and is known for its impressive size and architectural design, especially considering the time period in which it was created. The church, which is located in Plaza de la Iglesia, was significantly renovated in 1712. The main façade, which was designed by the famous artists Pedro del Castillo and Salvador Galvez, dates back to 1756. The church has three naves that lead to the gorgeous main altar, which is home to the Sol Mayor (C Major) organ. This organ is considered one of the most beautiful organs in all of Andalusia. Visitors are welcomed with a stunning golden high altar as soon as they go into the church. The cathedral has several sculptures inside, notably the Virgen de la Soledad (Our Lady of Solitude), which are paraded through the streets during Holy Week, along with other statues.

Calle carmen

Located just on the corner from Iglesia de la Encarnación, you will find Calle Carmen. It is one of the most photographed streets in Marbella’s old town. This charming street is reminiscent of the white villages (pueblos blancos) found in southern Spain, and features the classic blue painted flower pots perched on its whitewashed walls. As a popular spot for taking photos, this street can get quite busy during peak months, so you may need to exercise a bit of patience to capture a shot without any photobombers in the background.

Murallas del Castillo

It takes just three minutes to walk from Calle Carmen to the Murallas del Castillo, which are the last remaining ruins of the old Moorish Castle built in the 11th century. The castle was constructed using materials from earlier Roman structures, and while there isn’t much to see within the walls today, it’s still well worth a visit. The ruins can be easily spotted already from the square where the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación is located.

Hotel Fuerte Marbella

This walking tour begins at the Hotel El Fuerte Marbella and takes you through the entire historical neighborhood of Marbella. The establishment is situated on the beachfront and is a well-known landmark in the city. In addition to the hotel amenities available, there is a catalog of “experiences” that includes various activities, such as Spanish classes, cocktail-making workshops, Andalusian cuisine, olive oil tastings, and trips to the city and ecological orchard. It symbolizes tourism in Marbella and serves as the starting point for our journey. One noteworthy fact is that it was one of the first large hotels in Marbella. Therefore, it was unsurprising that it had the first elevator on the entire Costa del Sol.

Chapel of San Juan de Dios

The Catholic Monarchs built the Chapel of San Juan de Dios, which is why it was called the “Royal Mercy Hospital.” This structure has a few interesting features. For one, it has a single nave with a Mudejar coffered ceiling. For another, it kept its wood paneling secret until the middle of the twentieth century. This site is well worth a visit, especially because of its unique geometric ornamental features.

Plaza de los Naranjos

Plaza de los Naranjos, popularly known as Orange Square, was built after the Christian conquest of Marbella by the Moors in 1485. It is about a three-minute walk from Murallas del Castillo. This beautiful square has since become the center of the city. In this busy place, people from the area and visitors alike come together to relax and enjoy a variety of coffee shops and eateries. The plaza is home to two of the most important landmarks in the city: the Casa Consistorial, which was erected in 1568 in the Renaissance style and today serves as Marbella Town Hall, and the Ermita de Santiago, which is the oldest parish church in Marbella and dates back to the 16th century. The square is named after the orange trees planted in 1941, and it surrounds a beautiful Renaissance fountain in the center of the plaza. Plaza de los Naranjos is a place you should see in Marbella, so make sure you go there!

The fresh food market in Marbella Old Town

The Mercado Municipal de Marbella is a culinary gem located in the center of Old Town. It features a delightful combination of fresh foods, delicious meals, and artisanal products. This busy market is a must-see for everyone who loves food, and it attracts both local residents and visitors. The Marbella Food Market is a feast for the senses, with its lively merchants, colorful displays, and mouthwatering aromas. It guarantees an experience you won’t forget. When you are nearby, take the opportunity to explore the diverse and delicious food culture of Spain. This market provides everything you need, whether you’re planning an intimate meal, an outside barbecue, or just stocking up for the week.

Museum of Contemporary Spanish Printmaking

The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Printmaking is located in a tiny Renaissance palace. It now displays graphic art created by renowned artists from the 15th century to the present. Visitors to this prestigious institution can gain a deep understanding of the development of Spanish printmaking by viewing works by geniuses like Goya, Picasso, Miró, and Dalí, which are housed here. The museum’s collection features a remarkable assortment of lithographs, etchings, and stenciled sketches from every age, demonstrating each period’s artistic expertise and imaginative innovation. This museum is an important cultural asset that preserves the history of Spain’s most significant printmakers. It has a rich historical setting and an outstanding collection of pieces.

Church of the Incarnation

The Catholic Monarchs converted the mosque in Marbella into the Church of the Incarnation once they took over the city. This historic monument has been renovated multiple times, yet it continues to symbolize the city’s rich cultural legacy. Only one of its three initial entries has been kept, which shows how it has changed over time. The main entry features an 18th-century ochre stone doorway that is an architectural masterpiece. It was created in the Rococo style and exhibits fine craftsmanship. The church’s beautiful exterior regularly captivates visitors, making it a must-see site in Marbella. Be sure to have your camera ready since you want to take a picture now.

Arab Wall

Marbella’s urban wall is a stronghold designated as an “Asset of Cultural Interest.” It used to enclose the medieval Arab medina. The castle is the most significant Muslim remnant retained in the city, and its construction incorporates various architectural and material techniques. Additionally, it is an interesting combination of styles from several periods, such as the Roman capitals constructed into it.

Santo Cristo Hermitage

We arrive at the Santo Cristo Hermitage when we reach the highest point of our excursion. This temple is a perfect example of the construction typical of Andalusia. The main façade includes a stone gateway, and the rest of it is made of limestone. During your trip, you must visit this sanctuary, which is the oldest in the city and serves as a destination for local pilgrimages.

Montenebro Street

As we descend to the commencement of this exquisite excursion through the historic district of Marbella, we must not overlook Montenegro Street. Here, one can appreciate the quintessential Andalusian landscape characterized by whitewashed dwellings adorned with vibrant flower pots. It is an exquisite image that captivates all visitors and is consistently accompanied by the hospitality of the residents.

Town Hall

The edifice that accommodates Marbella’s Town Hall was erected in the 16th century and exemplifies a Renaissance architectural style characteristic of other regions within the city. The façade features a sundial, heraldic emblems, and gravestones inscribed in Old Spanish, commemorating the city’s conquest by the Catholic Monarchs.

Naranjos Square

This is the city’s insignia, as well as its most well-known and most distinctive corner. As the name suggests, Plaza de los Naranjos, or Orange Tree Square, is filled with orange trees. The fruit of these trees emanates a scent of orange flowers that captivates everyone approaching. There is no better way to enjoy the sunshine than to stop here for a drink and breathe in the natural fragrance of Andalusia. It was built during the period of the Catholic Monarchs and is now a must-see for everybody who comes to Marbella.

Walking tours in Marbella Old Town