Five unique activities in Marbella
From green hiking trails to South American art collections.
Unique art museum
Ralli Museum
The Ralli Museum is a must for art lovers. The museum is filled with surreal and colorful works, including paintings and sculptures from Spanish and South American artists. Just a short hop on the bus from the Marbella town center and a stone’s throw from the beach, this hidden art gem is a treat for the whole family—and best of all, it’s free!
Beach close to greenery
Playa de Artola
Marbella’s beaches host a lot of lively clubs, but if you’re looking for a smaller and quieter beach to spend the day on, Playa de Artola is a great option. It’s the only beach in Marbella that isn’t located next to the vibrant city but surrounded by beautiful sand dunes. All this adds to Playa de Artola’s popularity, so be sure to arrive in time to bag yourself a spot.
Basque dining experience
La Sidreria Usategui
La Sidreria Usategui is one of many Basque restaurants in Marbella—and probably the most authentic of them all. Here they brew their own cider, served in giant glasses from giant barrels housed inside the restaurant. The food is created with love and grilled to perfection, not least the meat dishes that the restaurant has become famous for. However, it can be a little difficult to find: La Sidreria Usategui is hidden in an ordinary residential building in a narrow alley off Marbella’s main tourist drag.
Walking among greenery
Sierra Blanca
Marbella is perfect for hike lovers. Sierra Blanca is one of many hiking trails in Marbella and is beautifully situated next to pine forests and other greenery. The area is particularly eye-catching in the fall and spring—and if you visit Sierra Blanca the day after rain, there’s a chance you’ll see a waterfall in the forest.
Organic food market
Mercado Ecológico de Nueva Andalucía
If you happen to be in Marbella on the third Saturday of the month then the Mercado Ecológico de Nueva Andalucía, next to the Rio Guadaliza, is not to be missed. This market is a dream come true if you’re looking for organic food at a great price. Here, local farmers gather to sell the week’s harvest—and once you’re done shopping, you can finish off with a cool afternoon swim on the beach, just a stone’s throw away.
Text by Peggy Hansson