Unexpected experiences in Marbella
If you’re familiar with the Costa del Sol you’ll know about its beachside attractions, nightlife, good restaurants, shopping, golf courses, paddle tennis clubs and overall attractions. You might have strolled through the charming old town quarter, along the seaside promenade or even attended a concert or two at Starlite or the old bullring, yet there remain new and unexpected experiences to be discovered even by regular visitors to Marbella.
One of the first unusual things to discover about Marbella is situated in the town itself, hiding in plain sight along the Paseo Marítimo, the stylish coastal promenade that runs from Marbella town to Puerto Banús and all the way to Estepona’s beachside area, Nueva Alcántara. Situated within one of the stylish buildings along this seaside strip full of penthouse apartments, hotels, restaurants and chiringuito beach bars is the Ralli Museum, a wonderful sanctuary of art that offers visitors a refreshingly cool and peaceful spot to rest from walking and escape the crowds and sun. Let no-one say there is no culture in Marbella.
You will also find the Museo del Grabado, home to a collection of etchings from leading artists. It’s located in a classic estate in the very heart of the city. Not far from here, in fact, in most directions, you’ll also be able to try a typically Spanish breakfast of Churros – delicious fried dough pastry dipped either in powdered sugar or hot chocolate. Not enough visitors to these parts have come to know this treat, and we recommend it, if not on a daily basis.
Active experiences
Other novel experiences not always associated with a visit to Marbella involve visiting nearby attractions such as the Refugio de Juanar, a natural parkland area made up of forested hills that work their way to high ground at the base of La Concha Mountain. If you want to see what Marbella’s iconic sentinel mountain offers in terms of breathtaking views, there is a longer gentle climb and a steeper shorter one, both ending at the same panoramic viewpoint.
Staying with the active theme, you could also venture a few kilometres north of Marbella, past its large dam, and to the charming white village of Istán, which borders the vast Parque Natural Sierra de las Nieves – a haven for lovers of hiking and natural beauty. A similar but even more active experience awaits in the ‘other’ white village of Benahavís, where the local mountain stream offers visitors a canyoning experience, and if you’re really brave why not try the Caminito del Rey, a pathway attached to a dramatic rockface in El Chorro, a mountainous area of canyons, lakes and forests about an hour north-east of Marbella.
If all of that hasn’t used up all your adrenaline, there’s also a go-karting track in Mijas, roughly half an hour east of Marbella, and a smaller one in Estepona, 25 minutes west of the town – two attractions easily missed by those who spend their time on the beach, by the pool, dining out and partying. The same is true of a whole range of 4×4 safaris that explore the local mountains, waterfalls and natural pools, complete with panoramic sunset picnics and sundowner champagne on ice.