Marbella City Guide

Local dishes like espetos de sardinas and gazpacho are common. There is a wide range of international food, with growing vegetarian and vegan options. Late-night dining is popular, especially in summer.

Nightlife is lively, especially in Puerto Banús with upscale clubs and bars. The city center has a good mix of bars and pubs.

Good coffee scene including traditional Spanish cafes and specialty shops. Coffee tours are not common.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Small tips in restaurants (5-10%) and rounded fares for taxis are common.

SIM cards are available at phone shops and the airport. Major providers include Vodafone, Orange, Movistar, and Yoigo. ID registration is required by law.

The city is generally clean with regular waste pickup and recycling.

Some shops and pharmacies operate 24/7 on rotation. Night food and emergency hospital services are available.

Large supermarkets offer international products and local fresh markets provide produce and fish. Common supermarkets are Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, Aldi, and El Corte Inglés.

Card payments are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and supermarkets, but carrying some cash is useful for smaller purchases and local markets.

ATMs are common, located near banks and commercial areas. Major banks include CaixaBank, Santander, and BBVA. Foreign withdrawal fees vary, so check with your bank.

International schools offer British, American, and IB curricula. Local Spanish schools provide education in Spanish or bilingual programs. Admissions usually start in autumn with some waitlists.

Growing community with meetups and nomad-friendly cafés, but still developing.

Several parks and the coastal promenade provide green spaces for walking and running.

The promenade and city parks offer safe, scenic running routes. Local running groups are active.

Gyms cater to various fitness interests including padel, CrossFit, and wellness.

Many tennis courts and clubs with memberships and coaching available.

Padel is popular with several clubs, bookings and equipment rental common.

Yoga studios offer various styles and wellness centers are plentiful, with many instructors speaking English.

Facilities offer BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, karate, and taekwondo with some English-speaking instructors.

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort is about 2 hours away, offering good snow and slopes for all levels.

Offers kayaking, paddleboarding, jet-skiing, and sailing with rental options at beach clubs and marinas.

Limited surfing in Marbella due to calm Mediterranean waters. Better surf spots are 1.5-2 hours away at Tarifa on the Atlantic coast.

Diving and snorkeling are available with marine life typical to the Mediterranean. Conditions vary by season.

Both public and private healthcare options exist with good quality. Private clinics often have English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are easily found and sometimes open 24/7 on rotation.

Tap water meets EU standards and is generally safe to drink. Some prefer bottled water due to taste.

The city has many playgrounds, family-friendly cafés, and baby supplies stores. Nearby attractions include beaches, safari parks, and water parks.

Generally open and welcoming with legal protections. No dedicated gay district but acceptance is high in tourist areas.

Pet-friendly with parks, vets, and pet stores. Check in advance for pet policies in accommodations and restaurants.