Marbella holidays

At the end of the evening, burn off your paella-related indulgences by hitting the dancefloor at one of Marbella’s fantastic clubs, many of which line the famous Golden Mile, winding between Marbella and Puerto Banus. You’ll find everything from sophisticated cocktail lounges like the Living Room to fun, cheap bars and legendary venues such as La Sala, famous for its live music and neon-hued cocktails.

The cooler temperatures of September and October make these months popular with visitors keen to avoid the blistering heat of July and August. Holiday prices trend cheaper as the peak season comes to an end, but it’s a great time to enjoy some late summer sun without the crowds, and the sea is still warm enough to swim in.

Towering over Marbella, La Concha (meaning “shell”) is one of the highest mountains on the Costa del Sol. You’ll find it in the southern section of the Sierra Blanca mountain range, which forms part of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.

There are two routes to the top – one starts from the town of Istán and the other from nearby El Refugio de Juanar. Neither are particularly tough, but allow between three and five hours for a round trip on either of the two routes.

Get an adrenaline fix

Thrill-seekers, flock to Aventura Amazonia; it boasts a huge network of treetop zip-lines and six separate circuits. It’s also easily accessible, right in the centre of Marbella.

For some water-based fun, cool off at Aquamijas, a 30-minute drive from Marbella. The wide range of slides includes the nail-bitingly fast Kamikaze and the Crazy Loop.

Adrenaline junkies, meanwhile, will love Tivoli World, a thrill ride-packed theme park a short drive from Marbella. There’s plenty for younger visitors here too, including go-karts, a haunted house and dodgems.

Explore the Dunes of Artola and Torre de Los Ladrones

You’ll find these two in Cabopino, 14km (around 9 miles) east of Marbella. Head here to admire the towering sand dunes, sculpted by the fierce winds that blow from the north, before checking out the Torre de los Ladrones, a defensive tower built in the fifteenth century.

Take a sculpture selfie

Marbella may not be an obvious place for an art fix, so you’ll probably be surprised to discover several Salvador Dali sculptures on the leafy Avenida del Mar.

Several depict Greek gods and goddesses (one of the most spectacular examples depicts Perseus beheading Medusa), although it’s the enormous rhinoceros that gets most talking. This three-tonne statue, located about a 15-minute drive away in Puerto Banus, is one of Marbella’s most popular selfie spots.

Explore the old town

Craving some time out? Head for Marbella’s beautiful old town – with its cobbled streets, independent art galleries and quaint cafés, it’s a world away from the bustling beachfront.

Take time to reflect in Los Naranjos Plaza (its name translates to orange tree square), filled with fragrant orange trees and other tropical plants, before heading to one of the nearby cafés for a caffeine fix. Make a beeline for Café Flore, with its wonderfully cluttered interior (think faded photos on the walls and hanging baskets exploding with greenery) and delicious homemade cheesecakes. Alternatively, for something more substantial, try the grilled octopus.