Local Expert Recommendations

The 12 Best Tours & Experiences in Marbella

Handpicked experiences that reveal Marbella beyond the glamour. From charming Old Town walks to yacht charters and mountain adventures, every tour personally recommended by locals.

How to Choose Your Marbella Tours

First Time in Marbella?

Start with the Old Town walking tour to discover the real Marbella. Add the Puerto Banus tour if you are curious about the glamorous side, and end with a sunset sailing cruise.

Love Food & Wine?

The tapas tour reveals authentic local cuisine beyond tourist restaurants. For wine lovers, the Ronda wine region tour visits family bodegas producing award-winning vintages.

Want Adventure?

Escape the beaches with Sierra Blanca hiking for mountain views. For water thrills, jet skiing lets you explore the coastline at speed, or charter a yacht for something more relaxed.

01Culture

Marbella Old Town Walking Tour

⏱️ 2 hoursπŸ’° From €25πŸ‘₯ First-time visitors and culture lovers

Discover the real Marbella beyond the yachts and designer shops on this guided walk through the charming Casco Antiguo. Explore Plaza de los Naranjos, 9th-century castle walls, whitewashed streets lined with bougainvillea, and hidden plazas that most tourists miss. Your guide shares stories of Moorish heritage and local traditions.

Why We Recommend This Tour

Marbella's Old Town is easy to walk through but difficult to understand without context. A guide reveals the layers of Moorish, Christian, and modern history hidden in plain sight, turning a pleasant stroll into a genuine cultural experience.

What is Included:

  • βœ“Plaza de los Naranjos history
  • βœ“Moorish castle walls
  • βœ“Church of the Incarnation
  • βœ“Hidden plazas and streets
  • βœ“Local stories and legends
Check Availability & Book β†’
02Food & Drink

Marbella Tapas & Wine Evening Tour

⏱️ 3 hoursπŸ’° From €65πŸ‘₯ Food lovers and couples

Experience Marbella's food scene beyond the tourist restaurants on this evening tapas tour. Visit authentic bars where locals gather, sample traditional Andalusian dishes paired with regional wines, and learn the art of Spanish dining culture. End with sunset views over the Mediterranean.

Why We Recommend This Tour

Finding authentic tapas in a tourist town like Marbella requires local knowledge. This tour takes you to where locals actually eat, teaches you how to order, and introduces you to dishes you would never find on your own.

What is Included:

  • βœ“4-5 authentic tapas bars
  • βœ“Regional wine tastings
  • βœ“Traditional and modern tapas
  • βœ“Local food culture insights
  • βœ“Evening atmosphere
Check Availability & Book β†’
03Luxury Experience

Private Yacht Charter from Puerto Banus

⏱️ 3-4 hoursπŸ’° From €400 (whole boat)πŸ‘₯ Groups and special occasions

Experience the Costa del Sol from the water on a private yacht charter departing from Puerto Banus. Cruise past the Golden Mile, anchor in secluded coves for swimming, and enjoy drinks on deck as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. Available with skipper and optional catering.

Why We Recommend This Tour

A yacht charter from Puerto Banus offers a completely different perspective on the Costa del Sol. Split between a group, it becomes affordable luxury, and seeing the coastline from the water makes the experience memorable.

What is Included:

  • βœ“Private yacht experience
  • βœ“Coastal scenery cruise
  • βœ“Swimming stops
  • βœ“Drinks included
  • βœ“Flexible itinerary
Check Availability & Book β†’
04Day Trip

Ronda Day Trip from Marbella

⏱️ 7-8 hoursπŸ’° From €55πŸ‘₯ History buffs and photographers

Visit one of Andalusia's most dramatic towns on this day trip to Ronda. Marvel at the Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the El Tajo gorge, explore the historic bullring, and wander through centuries-old streets. The scenic mountain drive through white villages is spectacular.

Why We Recommend This Tour

Ronda is only 45 minutes from Marbella but feels like another world. The guided tour reveals the history behind the dramatic gorge and allows you to enjoy the mountain scenery without worrying about the winding roads.

What is Included:

  • βœ“Puente Nuevo gorge views
  • βœ“Historic bullring visit
  • βœ“Old town exploration
  • βœ“White village scenery
  • βœ“Expert guide commentary
Check Availability & Book β†’
05Adventure

Sierra Blanca Hiking Adventure

⏱️ 4-5 hoursπŸ’° From €45πŸ‘₯ Nature lovers and active travelers

Escape the beaches for the mountains rising behind Marbella on this guided hiking tour. Climb to the Cruz de Juanar viewpoint for panoramic views stretching to Africa on clear days. Walk through pine forests, spot wildlife, and discover a side of Marbella most visitors never see.

Why We Recommend This Tour

The Sierra Blanca mountains offer stunning views and cooler temperatures, but finding the best trails requires local knowledge. A guide leads you to viewpoints and through forests you would never discover alone.

What is Included:

  • βœ“Cruz de Juanar viewpoint
  • βœ“Views to Africa on clear days
  • βœ“Pine forest trails
  • βœ“Wildlife spotting
  • βœ“Mountain lunch stop
Check Availability & Book β†’
06Water Activities

Sunset Sailing Cruise

⏱️ 2 hoursπŸ’° From €55πŸ‘₯ Couples and romantic occasions

Watch the sun set over the Mediterranean on this relaxing sailing cruise from Marbella. Cruise along the Golden Mile coastline, enjoy drinks and snacks on deck, and experience the magic of golden hour from the water. The perfect romantic end to a day in Marbella.

Why We Recommend This Tour

Marbella sunsets are spectacular, and watching one from a sailing boat elevates the experience to unforgettable. The Golden Mile looks even more impressive from the water as the sun paints everything gold.

What is Included:

  • βœ“Sunset timing
  • βœ“Golden Mile coastline views
  • βœ“Drinks and snacks included
  • βœ“Swimming stop
  • βœ“Small group experience
Check Availability & Book β†’
07Water Activities

Dolphin Watching Catamaran Tour

⏱️ 2 hoursπŸ’° From €45πŸ‘₯ Families and nature lovers

Sail along the Costa del Sol on a group catamaran tour in search of dolphins in their natural habitat. Spot bottlenose and common dolphins as they swim alongside the boat, with drinks included as you cruise the Mediterranean waters off Marbella.

Why We Recommend This Tour

The waters off Marbella are home to resident dolphin populations, and seeing them in the wild is magical for all ages. A catamaran provides a stable platform and the included drinks make it a relaxing afternoon on the water.

What is Included:

  • βœ“Dolphin watching experience
  • βœ“Catamaran sailing
  • βœ“Drinks included
  • βœ“Mediterranean coastline views
  • βœ“Small group atmosphere
Check Availability & Book β†’
08Culture

Puerto Banus & Golden Mile Tour

⏱️ 2.5 hoursπŸ’° From €30πŸ‘₯ First-time visitors curious about luxury Marbella

Explore Marbella's famous marina and glamorous coastline on this guided tour. See the superyachts and luxury cars of Puerto Banus, walk the Golden Mile promenade, and discover the Dali sculptures dotted along the waterfront. Your guide explains the history of how this stretch became the playground of the rich.

Why We Recommend This Tour

Puerto Banus is easy to visit but understanding its history and spotting its famous features requires inside knowledge. A guide shows you where to look and explains how this marina became a symbol of Mediterranean glamour.

What is Included:

  • βœ“Puerto Banus marina walk
  • βœ“Superyacht spotting
  • βœ“Dali sculptures
  • βœ“Golden Mile promenade
  • βœ“History of Marbella's glamour
Check Availability & Book β†’
09Water Activities

Jet Ski Experience

⏱️ 1-2 hoursπŸ’° From €80πŸ‘₯ Adventure seekers and active travelers

Feel the thrill of speeding across the Mediterranean on a jet ski adventure from Marbella. Ride along the Golden Mile coastline, explore hidden coves, and enjoy the freedom of the open water. No experience necessary as instruction is provided.

Why We Recommend This Tour

Jet skiing lets you cover more coastline than kayaking or paddleboarding, reaching hidden beaches and coves quickly. The adrenaline rush combined with coastal scenery creates an unforgettable Marbella experience.

What is Included:

  • βœ“Jet ski provided
  • βœ“Coastal exploration
  • βœ“Safety instruction included
  • βœ“Hidden cove visits
  • βœ“Photography opportunities
Check Availability & Book β†’
10Day Trip

White Villages Day Trip

⏱️ 6-7 hoursπŸ’° From €50πŸ‘₯ Culture seekers and photographers

Discover the authentic Andalusia hidden in the mountains behind the Costa del Sol on this tour of the pueblos blancos. Visit traditional whitewashed villages like Mijas, Casares, and Gaucin, where life moves slowly and traditions survive. Experience local markets, artisan crafts, and mountain views.

Why We Recommend This Tour

The white villages offer a complete contrast to Marbella's glamour. A guided tour handles the mountain roads and reveals villages you would never find independently, showing you an Andalusia that most Costa del Sol visitors never see.

What is Included:

  • βœ“3-4 white villages
  • βœ“Traditional architecture
  • βœ“Mountain scenery
  • βœ“Local crafts and markets
  • βœ“Authentic Andalusian culture
Check Availability & Book β†’
11Culture

Flamenco Show with Dinner

⏱️ 2.5-3 hoursπŸ’° From €70πŸ‘₯ Culture lovers and couples

Experience authentic flamenco in an intimate Marbella setting on this evening of passion, rhythm, and Andalusian culture. Watch professional dancers, singers, and guitarists perform while enjoying a traditional Spanish dinner. The perfect way to understand the soul of southern Spain.

Why We Recommend This Tour

Flamenco is the soul of Andalusia, and experiencing it live transforms how you understand southern Spain. Combined with dinner, this makes for a memorable evening that balances cultural depth with comfort.

What is Included:

  • βœ“Professional flamenco performance
  • βœ“Traditional dinner included
  • βœ“Intimate venue setting
  • βœ“Cultural explanation
  • βœ“Wine included
Check Availability & Book β†’
12Adventure

Guadalmina River Canyoning Adventure

⏱️ 3-4 hoursπŸ’° From €55πŸ‘₯ Families with kids 8+ and adventure seekers

Experience the adrenaline of canyoning in the stunning Guadalmina River gorge near BenahavΓ­s, just 20 minutes from Marbella. Swim through crystal-clear natural pools, jump off rocks into refreshing water, and rappel down waterfalls surrounded by dramatic canyon walls. No experience needed as expert guides provide all instruction and equipment.

Why We Recommend This Tour

This is the most popular active adventure in the Marbella region for good reason. The Guadalmina River canyon offers a refreshing escape from the beach, combining natural beauty with genuine thrills that work for beginners and families alike.

What is Included:

  • βœ“Crystal-clear natural pools
  • βœ“Rock jumping
  • βœ“Waterfall rappelling
  • βœ“All equipment provided
  • βœ“Expert guide instruction
Check Availability & Book β†’

Ready to Explore Marbella?

Book your perfect Marbella experience with expert guides who reveal both the glamour and the authentic charm of the Costa del Sol.