Marbella & Puerto Banús from Mijas Costa
Marbella is, for us, the glamorous neighbour of Mijas Costa: a surprisingly authentic old town, a palm-lined promenade with Dalí sculptures and, a little further on, the flashy Puerto Banús marina. It is one of the best day trips from La Cala de Mijas. We share what not to miss and the easiest way to get there.
Why Marbella is worth it
Many people think of Marbella only as luxury and jet set, but the loveliest part of the city is actually its charming, whitewashed old centre, which still feels genuinely Andalusian. Combine that with a long palm promenade, good beaches and the spectacle of Puerto Banús, and you have a day full of contrast.
Our advice: do the old town in the morning while it is still calm and cool, lunch on the promenade, and save Puerto Banús for the late afternoon. If you prefer a quieter coastal village as a base, read our guide to La Cala de Mijas.
How to get from La Cala de Mijas to Marbella
By bus: bus line M-220 connects La Cala de Mijas directly with Marbella in about 25 minutes. The bus stops centrally and is cheap, ideal if you want a drink in Marbella without driving. By car you are there in about 20 minutes via the AP-7 or the coastal road; park in one of the central garages, as free parking is scarce.
Puerto Banús lies a few kilometres further west than the centre of Marbella. The bus also runs between the centre and the marina, or you take a short taxi ride. More transport options are in our guide on getting from Málaga airport to Mijas Costa.
The old town (Casco Antiguo)
Marbella's historic heart is a maze of narrow, whitewashed streets with flower pots, boutiques and tapas bars. The beating heart is the Plaza de los Naranjos, the orange square, surrounded by 16th-century buildings and lively terraces. It is one of the prettiest squares on the Costa del Sol.
Wander around, discover the remains of the Moorish city wall and the chapels, and settle in for a coffee or a vermouth. Our favourite moment here is the morning, before the crowds arrive and you almost have the square to yourself.
Avenida del Mar and the beaches
From the old centre you walk to the beach via the Avenida del Mar, a handsome palm-lined promenade with a series of bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí, free to admire. By the sea lies the Paseo Marítimo, kilometres of promenade along wide sandy beaches with chiringuitos.
Marbella's beaches slope gently and are great for families. Our tip: walk a little away from the centre for a quieter spot and a chiringuito with espeto. Travelling with children? Our guide La Cala de Mijas with kids helps too.
Puerto Banús
A few kilometres west of Marbella lies Puerto Banús, the famous marina where superyachts, sports cars and designer shops define the scene. Even if you buy nothing, looking around here is an experience: it is people-watching at the highest level, with brands like Gucci and Dior on the quayside.
Honestly, eating and drinking at the marina is pricey and not always the best. We have one cocktail there for the atmosphere and prefer to eat in the old centre or back in La Cala. At the end of the marina you will also find a pleasant, wide beach with chiringuitos.
Practical tips
The best time for the old town is the morning; Puerto Banús comes to life in the evening. In high season, parking in the centre is difficult and expensive, so the bus is often the smartest choice. Wear comfortable shoes, as you walk a lot on cobbles.
If you want to shop, the large La Cañada shopping centre on the edge of Marbella is worth a visit. And feel free to combine Marbella with a wider coastal tour, see our 7-day Mijas Costa itinerary.
How do you get from La Cala de Mijas to Marbella?
By bus line M-220 in about 25 minutes, or by car in about 20 minutes via the AP-7. The bus is ideal if you want a drink in Marbella without driving.
What is the difference between Marbella and Puerto Banús?
Marbella has a charming historic centre and long beaches; Puerto Banús is the luxury marina a few kilometres further west, with superyachts and designer shops.
Is Marbella expensive?
It can be, especially in Puerto Banús. But the old centre and the beaches are free to enjoy, and in the side streets you will find affordable tapas bars.
Should you see Marbella's old town?
Definitely. The Plaza de los Naranjos and the maze of white streets are one of the prettiest old centres on the Costa del Sol, and far more authentic than many people expect.
Can you park in Marbella?
Yes, in central car parks, but free parking is scarce and it gets busy in high season. Often the M-220 bus from La Cala is the easiest option.
Looking for a place to stay in Riviera del Sol? See the Coral Mijas Stay penthouse