Written by Menswear Style in Travel on the 31st July 2017

Known as the diamond of the Costa del Sol, Marbella is Europe’s number one destination for the rich and the famous. Which is unsurprising considering the city is gifted with year-round glorious sunshine, numerous fashion boutiques and a nightlife that is arguably one of the best on the planet. With just 48 hours in this fantastic location, you’ll be able to walk the Golden Mile surrounded by expensive sports cars and luxury yachts, as well as experience the culture and pretty views of the Old Town. Here are our top tips for a short trip to Marbella.

ACCOMMODATION 

Marbella has a wide range of accommodation options for every traveller. If you want to be in the centre of the action, Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banus is an extremely popular hotel, which is near the main strip of Puerto Banús – meaning you’re only a short walk from all the popular nightlife hotspots. 

If you’re visiting as part of a group, your most budget-effective choice would be to rent a private villa, especially during peak season when hotels can get particularly pricey. A villa allows your full group to stay together, rather than in rooms dotted across a hotel, and many have a private pool. 

If you like to visit Marbella regularly you might be better off buying a holiday home so you and your family and friends can use it across various weeks of the year. Either visit an estate agent next time you're on holiday or start your search now and visit websites such as this one with Property for Sale in Estepona, which is a nearby resort town just 28mins drive to Marbella.

SHOPPING 

Marbella is the playground of the rich and famous, so it’s no surprise that the city is home to numerous high-end fashion and jewellery stores. These tend to be dotted around the main streets of Marbella and Puerto Banús, so if you have the morning to spare simply spend a few hours exploring. 

For independent stores, including gift shops, explore Marbella’s Old Town. Some of the best shops include: Charles Jourdan (handmade French leather shoes), Mango (for younger, contemporary fashion) and Springfield (a Spanish shop specialising in Men’s fashion). Also expect to see popular, high-fashion shops such as Gucci and Versace.

FOOD 

Dezentral – Start your day off right with coffee and breakfast in one of Marbella’s most trendy cafes. Food ranges from healthy options to homemade cakes and breads, all of which changes daily depending on what’s in season. The coffee is specially selected Italian roast, perfect for that early morning caffeine buzz.

Messina – For an upscale Michelin-star dining experience, Messina serves the best in local flavours but with clever gastronomical twists. The taster menu will give you a good overall introduction to the restaurant’s signature dishes and can include foods such as sea urchin, squid and crab curry ravioli. 

Marbella Patio – Of course, no trip to Spain would be complete without indulging in some authentic Spanish tapas, and Marbella Patio serves the best in the region. This 16th Century building has both seating inside and out, a relaxed atmosphere and is excellent value for money. Menu highlights include the paella, steak and suckling pig.

WHAT TO DO  

Puerto Banús – If you fancy spotting a celebrity, the trendy region of Puerto Banús is your best chance. The exclusive marina, just 6km from Marbella, is known as the entertainment capital of the Costa del Sol. Everywhere you look there’s luxury yachts or high-end designer boutiques, so it’s no surprise that Puerto Banús is where the wealthy hang out. The strip is home to some of the most popular restaurants and nightclubs in the area, making it an essential stop for anyone looking for a taste of glamour.  

Beaches – A trip to Marbella isn’t the same without visiting one of the regions 23 golden beaches. For a relaxed vibe, Bounty Bay is a relatively up-and-coming trendy beach. Surrounded by palm trees, DJs play chillout music during the day and the bar is reasonably priced. Nagüeles beach is considered one of the most luxurious, surrounded by upmarket restaurants and beach resorts, the sands here are cleaned daily and you can even hire your own luxury yacht for the afternoon.

NIGHTLIFE 

Sintilllate – This company has been organising some of the best party nights in Marbella for over a decade. Once you know when you’re travelling, be sure to look at Sintilllate’s upcoming events, which are hosted across various venues in the region. 

Nikki Beach – You’ve not partied in Marbella until you’ve experienced a beach party. An exclusive beach club during the day - as soon as the sun sets, this beach turns into one of Marbella’s most popular nightclubs with many top DJs hosting nights there. 

Pangea – Marbella’s most sought-after club, Pangea is particularly popular for its wild entertainment, which includes fire entertainers, bongo players and dancers. Drinks can get pretty expensive, so you’re best booking yourself a package beforehand to save yourself some money.

We guide you through the Accommodation, Shopping, nightlife and Food and Drink of Marbella.