There is so much fun to be had in Marbella; clearly, you can’t spend all your time there on tours. But it’s definitely enjoyable to get out of the sandy beaches of Marbella for a day.
Now, how can I be sure these tours are the best?
- I reached out to people who’ve been on these tours.
- I talked to the companies directly.
- I looked closely at each company’s pholisophy and background.
- I thoroughly checked their reviews on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews.
- And, of course, I went on some of them. I like to call it research. 😉
key takeaways
- Favorite Food tour: Tapas Tasting Tour in Malaga
- Favorite Active tour: Canyoning Tour in Guadalmina
- Best Gibraltar Day Trip: Gibraltar Tour from Marbella and the Costa del Sol
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The 8 Best Tours & Things To Do in Marbella
1. Marbella Old Town Tour with a Local
To really get to know a city, nothing beats a walking tour with a local, and Marbella is no different. That’s why you shouldn’t miss out on an Old Town tour with Tour Marbella. It’s the perfect way to experience the authentic Marbella!
Being only 90 minutes, it’s a short but fascinating trip through the city’s history and culture. Explore the narrow streets of the 8th-century Arab medina and discover hidden gems like the old Alcazaba of Marbella and the Torre de la Pólvora. You’ll also visit a stunning palace from 1502 and finish with a delicious olive oil tasting.
Tours are available every Tuesday at 7:00 PM, and on Thursdays and Saturdays at 12:00 PM.
Discover the secrets of Marbella on this group tour of the Old Town with Tour Marbella
2. Canyoning Tour in Guadalmina
Discover a different side of Marbella with Tuur Adventure. While Marbella boasts stunning beaches and lively nightlife, there’s a hidden gem nearby waiting to be explored – the Guadalmina Canyon.
This tour offers an exciting mix of swimming, jumping, sliding, and abseiling against a backdrop of spectacular landscape. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for some thrills, canyoning in this beautiful spot is a must. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned swimmer; Tuur Adventure welcomes everyone. In my opinion, canyoning is one of the greatest water sports, and an experience you should not miss on the Costa del Sol.
Lasting about three hours, the tour runs every day from 9:00 AM to the afternoon, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the wonders of Guadalmina Canyon. The views and (optional) jumps really are that amazing!
Unleash your adventurous side in Guadalmina Canyon with Tuur Adventure
3. Gibraltar Tour from Marbella and the Costa del Sol
Visiting Gibraltar is appealing for many reasons, and one way to experience it is to hop on this tour offered by Visitanddo.com. Why? Because it lets you experience a bit of British culture mixed with Spanish scenery, plus you’ll get to see the impressive Rock of Gibraltar.
On the way, you’ll pass through charming Andalusian beach towns, catching a glimpse of southern coastal Spain. Once in Gibraltar, the highlight is taking a cable car ride up the rock to see the monkeys and stunning views.
What’s awesome is that you can see most of Gibraltar’s attractions in just 10 hours, making it the perfect day trip from Marbella. This tour runs every day except Sundays, starting at 7:15 AM from Monday to Saturday.
4. Tapas Tasting Tour in Malaga
To really grasp Spain’s essence, you’ve got to dive into its food culture, and there’s no better spot near Marbella than Malaga. With Malaga Food Sherpas, you’re in for an authentic experience.
Led by friendly guides, this tour is certainly one of the best on the Costa del Sol, allowing you to discover hidden gems in the streets of Malaga. The Sherpas give you a genuine taste of Andalusia with a focus on local produce and traditional dishes. You’ll explore the legendary Atarazanas Market, trying eight tapas and five local wines. Along the way, you’ll also discover Malaga’s history and culinary traditions.
Lasting 3.5 hours, the tour begins at Calle Marqués de Larios and starts every day at 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
Experience how the locals of Malaga eat on a 3.5-hour tapas tasting tour with Spain Food Sherpas
5. Stand-Up Paddle Board at Sunset in Marbella
While chilling at Venus Beach or cruising on a yacht is undeniably appealing, there’s a exciting way to enjoy the coast in a different light. With NaluSur’s stand-up paddle board tour, you’ll witness the stunning sunset over Marbella’s waters, offering a unique perspective that you won’t find elsewhere.
Lasting just two hours, this tour starts daily at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, but for the best experience, go for the 7:00 PM slot. Glide along Marbella’s coast, taking in the beautiful views, and cap off the evening with tasty tapas and drinks at a cozy beach restaurant.
6. Marbella Private Kayak Tour
Looking for a break from the sandy shores? NaluSur’s tours provide the perfect opportunity to get off the beach and onto the water. While sailing or paddle surfing might sound trendy, some classics never get old. For me, there’s just something special about grabbing a kayak and exploring.
With your own guide to show you the way, you can paddle along the beautiful coast of Marbella, enjoying the city views and stopping for a swim whenever you feel like it. These two-hour tours are available every day, starting at either 11:00 AM or 4:30 PM, depending on the time of year. So why wait? It’s time to jump into the clear waters of Marbella.
7. Sailing & Dolphin Watching
Experiencing the calming beauty of Marbella’s ocean is a must, and Alquiler Veleros Marbella gives you a perfect chance to do just that. Don’t worry, you don’t need your own boat to enjoy sailing here. And seriously, how else are you going to see the dolphins? From the shore? Nah, you gotta be out on the water!
This tour is awesome for soaking up the ocean vibes. As you sail along the coast, you’ll see stunning views of Marbella and the mountains. Plus, you can munch on snacks and sip drinks while basking in the Spanish sun. You can go dolphin watching with a group, or you can book a private tour. Plus, there are boats of different sizes to suit your group.
The tour lasts around 2 to 3 hours and boats set sail daily at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
8. Tour of Marbella Old Town with Tapas & Wine
A must-do activity in Marbella, especially for first-time visitors to Andalusia. This tour mixes gastronomy and history, taking you on a delightful trip through the city’s historic center.
The tour lasts for three hours, beginning either at 12:00 PM or 4:00 PM during the weekdays. It’s a great chance to enjoy traditional tapas, local wines, and olive oils while discovering Marbella’s heritage.
Treat your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of Andalusian cuisine with Marbella in Style
9. Andalusian Horse Show with Flamenco Dance in Torremolinos
If you’re even a bit fond of horses, don’t miss the Andalusian Horse Show at Club Hípico El Ranchito. Horsemanship is a big deal in Andalusia, especially in Jerez de la Frontera, but it’s certainly a trek from Marbella.
Fortunately, this tour brings Spanish horsemanship to your doorstep on the Costa del Sol. You’ll see the impressive skill and elegance of both horse and rider, making it one of the top horse shows in the Malaga region. Plus, with your ticket, you’ll enjoy a lively flamenco performance too.
The show lasts about 90 minutes and starts every Wednesday at 5:45 PM in Torremolinos.
The Best Free Thing To Do in Marbella
Hit One of Marbella Bleu Flag Beaches
Marbella, with its 27 kilometers of coastline and 23 beaches, is a beach lover’s paradise, which is why many people come here in the summer. t’s a great place for families and anyone who loves the beach. You can do what the locals do: grab a chair, an umbrella, and some sunscreen, and spend the whole day at the beach. If you forget to bring snacks, don’t worry. There are little food stalls where you can buy tasty Spanish food at good prices.
Explore Marbella Old Town
Exploring the old town streets of Marbella is a real treat. The narrow pathways are filled with cute shops and cozy cafes. You could spend all day just wandering around, taking in the sights and sounds. Sometimes you stumble upon these cute little squares you didn’t even know existed. Some of my favorite spots include the old town hall (Casa Consistorial De Marbella), the Plaza de los Naranjos, and the Calle Carmen.
Walk the Golden Mile
The famous Golden Mile of Marbella is the strip of land that stretches for 5km along the coast, from Puerto Banus to the Piruli. You can walk this lovely path in under 2 hours if you keep a brisk pace, but if you stop to look around, it might take longer.
It’s best to start in the morning when the weather is nice. At this time of the day, the Golden Mile is usually busy with people jogging, cycling, or just taking a leisurely stroll. Because it’s wide, there’s plenty of space for everyone.
Along the way, you’ll see some really pretty views (you can even see the Rock of Gibraltar from here!) and nice places to stop.
Hiking La Concha
If you head to Ojen, you can hike up to the top of La Concha, the iconic mountain overlooking Marbella. From there, you can see Marbella and the coast below, which looks amazing from 1000 meters up. However, it’s important to note that this hike isn’t for beginners.
To get there, just take the bus towards Monda and get off right after Ojen at Refugio de Juanar.
Read more : Hiking La Concha Mountain in Marbella
Parque de la Paloma
The Parque de la Paloma is in Benalmadena, but you can hop on the bus to Torremolinos from the bus station and just get off at Benalmadena.
It’s one of the biggest parks on the Costa del Sol, with lots of green space. The park is not only expansive but also impressively well-maintained, with beautifully manicured landscapes. Kids will have a blast playing on the playgrounds, and there’s even a lake with ducks and swans. Plus, there’s a little zoo and paths where you can take a walk.
You can bring your own food for a picnic, but there are also two little restaurants with good food and cold drinks that aren’t too expensive.
Read more
Where to Stay · Best Hotels in Marbella · Historic Hotels in Andalusia · Where to Stay on the Costa del Sol
Marbella Travel Guide · Hiking La Concha
Málaga Travel Guide · Best Churros · Hammam · Calle Lario · Ruins of Acinipo · Alcazaba
Itineraries · 7 Days in Andalusia (Off the beaten path)
Day Trips · Off the Beaten Path Day Trips from Marbella · Best day trips from Málaga · Granada · Nerja Waterfalls