10 Things to Do in Marbella in Summer

Are you ready for your summer holidays? If you still haven't decided where to go, I recommend you to choose Marbella as you won't be bored for a second in this beautiful city.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Marbella in Summer

Pool ball | Raphaël Biscaldi

The best things to do in Marbella are undoubtedly in summer. In fact I would go as far as to say that it is the best time to enjoy this wonderful coastal town. The sun is perfect for tanning and the weather is warm and pleasant. The options for fun in this city are endless.

From Marbella you can take several tours to nearby towns. You can also enjoy an original and fun day at the beach on a jet ski or just swimming. Food and drink is not far behind, as you can do food and drink tasting tours and much more: Marbella awaits you!

1. Take a sunset SUP tour in Marbella

Paddle Boarding| ©Nick Fewings
Paddle Boarding| ©Nick Fewings

SUP touring is a very fun and ecological activity where you can enjoy the sea. SUP stands for Stand Up Paddle Boarding, a water sport in which a person stands on a surfboard. In order to be able to move around they use a special paddle. When you go to Marbella in summer I recommend you to do a SUP tour at sunset to go around the bay.

This activity is ideal for anyone who can stand up and can swim. If it's your first time doing this, don't worry, you can hire professional instructors to help you keep your balance.

SOUP tours include a beautiful view of the Paseo Maritimo, the Sierra Blanca and the rest of Marbella's mountains. The activity normally culminates with a visit to a local bar. At that time you will be given your SUP board, a paddle board and a wetsuit to wear when the weather and water temperature warrants it.

Book a sunset SUP tour in Marbella

2. Visit theme parks

Amazonia Adventure| ©Manuel Sagra
Amazonia Adventure| ©Manuel Sagra

In Marbella there are several theme parks that you can visit during the summer to spend a different day with your family. One of them is Aventura Amazonia where adults and children can play on giant zip lines and multi-adventure circuits.

This is an ideal destination if you like adrenaline, as you can enjoy activities at heights and lots of physical exercise. If you are travelling with small children, they can also have fun in special areas for them. To enjoy this park it is best to book your tickets in advance.

Another park I recommend is Selwo Aventura. This one is quieter and you can take a peaceful tour to see all the animals of the jungle. You can see lions, snakes, elephants and much more.

3. Diving in Marbella

Diving| ©Joseph Northcutt
Diving| ©Joseph Northcutt

Marbella is a city with many activities to have fun in summer. One of them is scuba diving and in fact, the city has some of the best diving destinations in Spain. If you have never dived before, in Marbella you will find several dive destinations especially for beginners.

To live this experience you should hire a company that provides both equipment and diving lessons. One of them is Simple Diving, which offers its classes in the Puerto Deportivo de Marbella. If instead you want to dive in Playa de Nueva Andalucia in Puerto Banus, I recommend you to hire Hollywood Watersports.

If you want to become a Padi diver and receive professional lessons or dive on a luxury boat, I recommend you to go with the company Scuba Tours Marbella. These are just some of the options you can hire to live this experience when you travel in summer.

When you go down to the depths of the sea you will see beautiful reefs and fish. Remember not to disturb them and just observe their peaceful life. Some of the companies I mentioned include a small photo session while you are under the sea. This way you can take home a nice souvenir of this activity.

4. Play golf

Golf| ©Soheb Zaidi
Golf| ©Soheb Zaidi

Marbella is also known to be a favourite town for outdoor sports. During the summer many tourists choose this place to play golf in summer, a classic sport. On the different golf courses you can relax, have a refreshing drink and even learn if you have never played before.

Marbella's golf courses are internationally known, so you should visit them at least once. That's why I suggest some golf courses like La Quinta Golf & Country Club, where you can also enjoy a luxurious restaurant. In addition to playing golf, you can take a leisurely stroll through the courses and enjoy the beautiful view of the site.

Another well-known golf course is Cabopino Golf Marbella. Here you can enjoy not only the practice areas, but also a pro shop, a restaurant and even specialised lessons. So if you don't know how to play golf, this course would be ideal for you.

5. Touring the town in a motor vehicle

Vespa hire| ©Pasqualino Capobianco
Vespa hire| ©Pasqualino Capobianco

Tours in Marbella are one of the best activities you can do in summer. However, if you want to add a little more fun to the experience, I recommend renting a scooter or vespa. If you know how to drive this will be perfect for you as you will be able to go to nearby places like Istan and Ronda without having to pay for a taxi.

The rental of this type of vehicle starts at 40 € and you can choose the amount of hours or days you want to have it. Please note that if you are not from Spain or from a country with a valid driving licence you will need to obtain an international driving licence. Without this document you will not be able to drive any type of motor vehicle in Marbella.

With the rental of a scooter, scooter or quad you will also receive a helmet for extra safety. Medical and tyre insurance is also included, as well as assistance in case you need help on the road. You will also have a GPS holder at hand. This way you can tour the city as if you have known it for years, the roads of Marbella are waiting for you!

Interesting details

  • Price: around 40 €.
  • Duration: from 2 hours.
  • Means of transport: Vespa, scooter or quad.

Rent a Vespa, Quad and scooter to tour Marbella

6. Get away for a day in Ronda

Ronda| ©Tomáš Malík
Ronda| ©Tomáš Malík

Ronda is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Andalusia. That's why I recommend you not to miss the opportunity to visit it when you are in Marbella. The trip will only take you half an hour. If you can't make it on your own, you can take a day trip to Ronda. These plans usually have an average cost of 300 €, as they include a private vehicle, local guide, among other things.

This city is located on top of a mountain and its origins date back to Islamic times. The transfer from Marbella is done in a private vehicle. When you arrive in the city, one of the points of interest I recommend you to visit is the Plaza de Toros de Ronda, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. Here you can stroll around for a while and take some photos.

You should also include the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), an emblematic monument that was built between 1751 and 1793. The old quarter of the city and the Plaza de España are other destinations not to be missed when you visit Ronda.

If you travel with a guide you will have the advantage that this person will tell you everything you need to know about this historic city. Halfway through the tour you can take a break for lunch in a restaurant. At the end of the experience you can board your private vehicle and your guide will take you back to your hotel.

7. Rent jet skis

Jet ski| ©Bas van den Eijkhof
Jet ski| ©Bas van den Eijkhof

Enjoying the beach in summer is one of the best things to do in Marbella. However, there is always a way to enhance that experience, for example, by renting jet skis! With this vehicle you can have a great time on one of Marbella's beaches. The average rental costs €80 and lasts at least two hours.

This option is ideal if you already know how to drive this type of vehicle. All you have to do is find your vehicle and start enjoying the sea. In case you don't know how, I recommend you to book a jet ski experience in Marbella. This way you can have a guide who will explain you step by step how to drive a jet ski.

If you choose a rental, you will not have a limit to drive. If, instead, you book an experience, you will be monitored at all times. This is a safety measure to ensure that the whole activity is satisfactory. In addition, the vehicle is always monitored with a GPS and has an alarm that tells you how long you have been using the scooter.

8. Going to a disco or a beach club

Party on the beach| ©Levi Guzmán
Party on the beach| ©Levi Guzmán

A visit to the discotheques in Marbella is a must on this list. This city is internationally known for offering good parties in its clubs and discotheques. That's why I recommend you to prepare yourself for a fun night full of music and drinks. You can choose to visit several clubs or spend the night in just one. You decide, the night is young!

The first discotheque I recommend is Olivia Valère, as it is one of the most luxurious and glamorous in the city. If you go there you're sure to spot a celebrity. Another similar place is Dreamers Marbella, where the best DJs of the moment have performed. This club has hosted Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, among other electronic music idols.

Some of the clubs you can visit to have a great time are Pangea, Funky Buddha and Tibu. Beach clubs are also a great option, especially if you want something a little more relaxed. If you like the idea I recommend you visit Nikki Beach and Ocean Club. Here you can relax in the sun, eat and drink like a king.

Traveller Tip
Going to discos and beach clubs can be a lot of fun, however, I would advise you to be careful how much alcohol you consume. Try to drink a little so that you can have a quiet night out. If you drink, don't drive.

9. Walking and bathing on Marbella's safe beaches

Trocadero Beach| ©claudia veliz
Trocadero Beach| ©claudia veliz

Marbella has beautiful beaches that you can visit, not only because they are beautiful, but also because they have the blue flag. This means that many of them are beaches with a sufficient level of quality and healthiness. Therefore, it is safe to hang out on them.

One of them is Playa del Alicate, a very popular area even though it is a narrow beach. The sand is soft and golden and you can spend your time lying under an umbrella or doing some water sports. If you want to go canoeing or hire pedal boats, I recommend a visit to Bounty Beach, a favourite destination for the younger crowd.

Did you know that in Marbella you have a good chance of bumping into a celebrity? Nagüeles Beach is one of the favourite destinations for celebrities in Marbella, so I recommend you to spend a day in this paradise. There you can visit one of the most famous restaurants, Trocadero Playa.

10. Sunset boat trip

Sunset boat trip| ©François Genon
Sunset boat trip| ©François Genon

Boat tours in Marbella are a great way to spend your holiday in this natural paradise. With the summer weather it is ideal to go on a boat trip. My recommendation is always to do this type of activity at sunset when the sun is at its mildest. They usually cost around 150 € and last on average 2 hours.

If you are travelling as a couple it is ideal as the atmosphere is very romantic. In addition, you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes and some tapas. This type of tour also usually includes a drink for you to make a toast. I recommend this experience to celebrate a special occasion.

If you go on a boat trip during the summer in Marbella you arelikely to see some dolphins, but it is not guaranteed as it depends on many factors. You can include this tour at the end of your Marbella day trip itinerary. That way you can end your visit to the city on a high note.

What is the weather like in Marbella in summer?

Friends enjoying themselves on the beach| ©Toa Heftiba
Friends enjoying themselves on the beach| ©Toa Heftiba

The summer weather in Marbella is very good and offers temperatures ranging from 21 °C to 31 °C. Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy their holidays in this beautiful city. Thanks to this it is also easy to find the best activities in Marbella.

Furthermore, people can wear relaxed summer clothes. Although for some days it can be a bit hotter, Marbella allows you to cool off quickly on its beaches. It really is a unique and perfect holiday destination.

How is the tourist influx and prices in Marbella in summer?

Suitcases at the hotel| ©American Green Travel
Suitcases at the hotel| ©American Green Travel

Thanks to the climate that can be enjoyed during the summer in Marbella, the number of tourists increases during these months. From June until the beginning of September you will see a lot of tourists coming and going in Marbella. If you want to visit this city in summer but don't want to be crowded, I recommend you to go at the beginning of June.

On the other hand, the price of hotels and other experiences can go up a bit during this time. Being the busiest month for tourists, August is a bit more expensive. A hotel during this month can have rooms available from €130. Taking these facts into account you can easily decide when to go to Marbella, depending on your interests and needs.