Self-Guided Walk of Marbella: Moorish Medina to Luxury Resort
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Self-Guided Walk of Marbella: Moorish Medina to Luxury Resort

Active
(2 reviews)
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore the charming old town of Marbella. Once a humble fishing village, Marbella is now one of the most glamorous destinations on the Spanish coast. As you stroll along the sun-drenched Mediterranean promenade, past Renaissance townhouses, and Moorish remnants, you’ll find out how iron foundries and sugar estates positioned Marbella at the forefront of Spain’s industrialization in the 1800s. You’ll also see the interplay of cultures that left their imprint on Marbella’s architecture, cuisine, and character, from Phoenician traders and Muslim sultans, to Bourbon kings and Franco. The tour ends at the majestic Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation), where you’ll discover hidden depth beneath the city’s glamorous surface. By the end of this tour, you’ll have a new appreciation for how centuries of cultural exchange and reinvention have created this jewel of the Costa del Sol.

Available options

Self-Guided Walk of Marbella: Moorish Medina to Luxury Resort

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

1

The tour starts near the Faro de Marbella, the lighthouse that guides ships into the harbour.

2

We'll look out over the Playa del Faro, one of Marbella's many golden beaches. Beyond the beach, we'll be able to pick out Puerto Banús, Gibraltar and even Africa.

3

We'll pass by the Puerto Deportivo de Marbella, the small marina close to Marbella's old town.

4

We'll walk up the Avenida del Mar, which connects the seafront promenade with Marbella's old town. As we go, you'll hear how the area was developed in the 1980s and 1990s.

5

We'll pass ten sculptures attributed to Salvador Dalí, which decorate the Avenida del Mar. As you take a closer look at the sculptures, you'll also find out why they are controversial.

6

We'll stop briefly in the Parque de Alameda, which is home to magnificent trees from all around the world. While enjoying the shade, you'll hear a bit about Marbella's early history.

7

In the park, we'll pause beside the Fuente de la Virgen del Rocio, a beautiful tiled fountain from the 1700s.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

We'll explore Marbella's old town, with its atmospheric winding streets. Browse in elegant boutiques and art stores, or stop at a café in a charming square to watch the world go by.

9

We'll also pass the Ermita de Santiago, the oldest church or chapel in Marbella. If the chapel is open, entry is free of charge.

10

We'll admire the Marbella's town hall, which was built in the 1500s. You'll also find out why Marbella's sun dial is a few hours out.

11

We'll stop near the Ermita de Santo Cristo, with its pretty blue and white tiled tower. You cannot go into the church, but you can look in through the doors when they are open.

12

We'll pass by the walls of the old castle, built by the Caliph Abd-al Rahman III in the 900s. You'll learn how the castle is used today, and why you cannot go inside.

13

We'll walk by the Contemporary Engraving Museum, which is housed in a beautiful old hospital from the 1500s. Entry to the museum is free of charge.

14

We'll also pass by the Chapel of St John of God, attached to another former hospital. St John is the patron saint of the ill and dying, and entry to the chapel is free of charge.

15

We'll end our tour at the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, the biggest church in Marbella. Entry to the church is free of charge.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour starts near the Faro de Marbella, the lighthouse that guides ships into the harbour. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
───

Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Marbella

Marbella is a vibrant coastal city known for its luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. It offers a blend of modern amenities and traditional Andalusian charm, making it a top destination on the Costa del Sol.

Top Attractions

Old Town (Casco Antiguo)

The charming Old Town of Marbella is a maze of narrow, whitewashed streets filled with historic buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Puerto Banús

A luxurious marina known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife.

Entertainment Half day Free to explore, shopping and dining vary

Nicho del Agua (The Cave)

A beautiful park with waterfalls, gardens, and a lake, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Marbella Beach

A popular beach with golden sand, clear waters, and a variety of water sports and beach clubs.

Beach Half day Free, beach clubs and rentals vary

Must-Try Local Dishes

Espetos de Sardinas

Grilled sardines skewered on a cane and cooked over an open fire.

Main Dish Contains fish, gluten-free.

Gazpacho

A cold soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil.

Soup Vegetarian, gluten-free.

Pescado a la Sal

Fish cooked in a salt crust, preserving its moisture and flavor.

Main Dish Contains fish, gluten-free.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Sierra Blanca Scuba diving in Marbella Beach Parasailing in Puerto Banús Sunbathing at Marbella Beach Spa treatments at luxury hotels Strolling through Old Town Visiting museums and historic sites Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long sunny days, and lively beach activities. It's the best time for water sports and outdoor events.

25°C to 32°C 77°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Spanish
  • Widely spoken: English, French, German
  • English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Marbella is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, petty theft and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Be cautious of distractions
  • • Use reputable taxis and transportation services

Getting there

By air
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport • 53 km from Marbella
By train

Marbella Station

By bus

Marbella Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable, with frequent services. Buses are a good option for getting around town.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Cabify, Uber (limited availability)

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Casco Antiguo) Puerto Banús Golden Mile

Day trips

Gibraltar
60 km • Half day

A British Overseas Territory known for its unique blend of cultures, the famous Rock of Gibraltar, and duty-free shopping.

Ronda
100 km • Full day

A stunning mountain town known for its dramatic cliffside views, historic bullring, and ancient bridges.

Mijas Pueblo
40 km • Half day

A charming whitewashed village with narrow streets, traditional houses, and donkey taxis.

Festivals

Marbella International Film Festival • March Feria de San Bernabé • June Marbella Orange Festival • January

Pro tips

  • Visit the Old Town early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
  • Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and fresh produce.
  • Try the local seafood, especially the grilled sardines and fish cooked in salt.
  • Use public transportation or walk to get around the city, as parking can be challenging.
  • Book accommodation and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 6-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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