Guidebook for Marbella
Food Scene
Alicia the owner is fabulous. This is a hidden gem that's just 10 minutes from the Villa.
The squid ink paella is divine as are the sardines a la plancha -- and save room for the caramel ice cream dessert!
Ra-Ma is on a stunning beach and is packed with Marbella locals -- not too many tourists know about it.
14 locals recommend
RESTAURANTE RA-MA
453 Urb. MarbesaAlicia the owner is fabulous. This is a hidden gem that's just 10 minutes from the Villa.
The squid ink paella is divine as are the sardines a la plancha -- and save room for the caramel ice cream dessert!
Ra-Ma is on a stunning beach and is packed with Marbella locals -- not too many tourists know about it.
The tapas bars along the Paseo Maritimo have outdoor seating on all the terraces. Come here to people watch, enjoy a few drinks and some delicious tapas in the evenings.
545 locals recommend
Marbella
The tapas bars along the Paseo Maritimo have outdoor seating on all the terraces. Come here to people watch, enjoy a few drinks and some delicious tapas in the evenings.
The best street market on the Costa every Tuesday and Saturday mornings. From Moroccan lamps to fresh figs, and everything in between. Get there early for the best produce.
177 locals recommend
Bar Belga Fuengirola
The best street market on the Costa every Tuesday and Saturday mornings. From Moroccan lamps to fresh figs, and everything in between. Get there early for the best produce.
Great pizza, fab atmosphere. Very family friendly. The owners are super welcoming and it is good old Italian food when you've gorged on Spanish tapas and want some pasta.
88 locals recommend
Restaurante Marbella | Da Bruno a Cabopino
Great pizza, fab atmosphere. Very family friendly. The owners are super welcoming and it is good old Italian food when you've gorged on Spanish tapas and want some pasta.
Close to the villa. Great for feeding fractious kids good, Italian or Spanish food. Grilled fish and excellent pizzas.
15 locals recommend
Miel Y Nata Mountain SL
Close to the villa. Great for feeding fractious kids good, Italian or Spanish food. Grilled fish and excellent pizzas.
Fresh bread, croissants, pastries and cakes made on the premises. You don't have to go inside the SuperSol supermarket as the bakery is just within the main entrance.
76 locals recommend
supersol Supermercados
km.192 Autovía del MediterráneoFresh bread, croissants, pastries and cakes made on the premises. You don't have to go inside the SuperSol supermarket as the bakery is just within the main entrance.
On one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa, this is an upmarket beach restaurant. Go late to eat like the Spanish, or early to catch the magnificent sunset over Gibraltar and Morocco. One of our favourite places. In spite of the white tablecloths, it welcomes kids of all ages. Madrilenos on holiday come here with the whole family including grandparents and babies!
22 locals recommend
Chiringuito El Laurel
s/n Avenida Jardines de la GolondrinaOn one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa, this is an upmarket beach restaurant. Go late to eat like the Spanish, or early to catch the magnificent sunset over Gibraltar and Morocco. One of our favourite places. In spite of the white tablecloths, it welcomes kids of all ages. Madrilenos on holiday come here with the whole family including grandparents and babies!
Super trendy with huge daybeds and champagne. Pay for a babysitter and go without the kids -- they're not allowed! Great for an anniversary treat or any special occasion.
332 locals recommend
Nikki Beach Marbella - Restaurant & Beach club
km 192 Carr. de CádizSuper trendy with huge daybeds and champagne. Pay for a babysitter and go without the kids -- they're not allowed! Great for an anniversary treat or any special occasion.
Essentials
This is our favourite super market. It has everything from the freshest fruit and veggies to counters laden with fish from the Mediterranean. For your barbecues, there's a whole meat counter. The bakery provides excellent freshly baked bread.
76 locals recommend
supersol Supermercados
km.192 Autovía del MediterráneoThis is our favourite super market. It has everything from the freshest fruit and veggies to counters laden with fish from the Mediterranean. For your barbecues, there's a whole meat counter. The bakery provides excellent freshly baked bread.
Sightseeing
Famous town on the edge of a gorge with magnificent views. About an hour's drive up the steep mountain to get there. We usually advise going there for lunch, visit the main areas, shop, stop for ice creams and pastries, have tapas and drinks and head back not too late. The road in darkness is not fun.
1006 locals recommend
Ronda
Famous town on the edge of a gorge with magnificent views. About an hour's drive up the steep mountain to get there. We usually advise going there for lunch, visit the main areas, shop, stop for ice creams and pastries, have tapas and drinks and head back not too late. The road in darkness is not fun.
Visit the stunning Alhambra -- book tickets in advance online or you will need to queue. Leave early from the villa as it takes about 2.5 hours along the highways. Arrive in time well before lunch. Visit the Alhambra -- it takes at least 4 hours. Have dinner in the old town and head back after sunset.
491 locals recommend
Granada
Visit the stunning Alhambra -- book tickets in advance online or you will need to queue. Leave early from the villa as it takes about 2.5 hours along the highways. Arrive in time well before lunch. Visit the Alhambra -- it takes at least 4 hours. Have dinner in the old town and head back after sunset.
One of the famous Spanish white villages close to the Villa. Kids will love visiting the area on donkeys. Great food, little streets filled with shops and bars. Very enjoyable. In summer it gets very hot and siesta is from 3pm to 6pm.
214 locals recommend
Mijas
One of the famous Spanish white villages close to the Villa. Kids will love visiting the area on donkeys. Great food, little streets filled with shops and bars. Very enjoyable. In summer it gets very hot and siesta is from 3pm to 6pm.
Parks & Nature
The most famous beach known for kite surfing. Worth driving there with the kids -- a long drive but very enjoyable. A simply fantastic day out. From the beaches in Tarifa you can see the entire African coastline and you drive past Gibraltar -- very awe-inspiring to see the African continent in front of you!
414 locals recommend
Tarifa
The most famous beach known for kite surfing. Worth driving there with the kids -- a long drive but very enjoyable. A simply fantastic day out. From the beaches in Tarifa you can see the entire African coastline and you drive past Gibraltar -- very awe-inspiring to see the African continent in front of you!
Entertainment & Activities
Cabopino Golf Marbella
s/n Urb. Artola BajaOur favourite golf course right next to the villa.
Make like Nadal and play tennis on the famous Spanish clay courts! Also a gym, padel and squash.
Club del Sol
8 C. Don José de OrbanejaMake like Nadal and play tennis on the famous Spanish clay courts! Also a gym, padel and squash.