Things To Do In Marbella

Marbella and its neighbouring towns are home to a wide selection of attractions, which appeal to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Those looking for a break from the beach can hire a car and head off to Sea Life in nearby Benalmádena or Crocodile Park in Malaga, while those looking to stay locally can head for one of the city’s parks or check out the selection of museums and art galleries.

Funny Beach

Located in the heart of the town, just 300 metres from Marbella's Arch, Funny Beach is a theme park with a myriad of attractions aimed at visitors of all ages. For kids, there are trampolines, mini-motorbikes, bumper boats and various small rides aimed at toddlers, while for adult visitors, there’s mini golf, waterskiing, jet-skiing and the banana boat. Motorboats plus guides are also available for hire for trips around the coast.

Crocodile Park

Just a 30-minute drive away from the centre of Marbella, Crocodile Park is home to a large selection of the fearsome reptiles, with some specimens weighing in at over 450 kilos and clocking more than 60 years of age. Visitors get the chance to see crocs in various stages of development, with everything from incubated eggs to old- timers. The highlight of the day’s proceedings at the centre is feeding time, when these awesome creatures get to dine on live prey – not for the faint-hearted!

Mijas Park

Situated on the main road that leads to Fuengirola, Mijas Park is a water-based attraction which is aimed at families and young holidaymakers. This park features plenty to keep visitors occupied for a full day. Among the park's many attractions, favourites include Adventure River, Body Ski, Labyrinth Slides, Wild River, Kamikaze Slides, Wave Pool and Lizards' Island. Aqua aerobics is also conducted daily at no extra cost to visitors. An on-site self-service restaurant takes care of visitors at meal times and the picnic area can be used by those preferring to bring a packed lunch.

Prado World

Situated in nearby Estepona and just a short drive from Marbella, Prado World is a theme park with something for visitors of all ages. A water park with slides and various pools is perhaps the main feature, while other attractions include a shooting gallery, mini golf course, basketball court, football area and remote control lorries. An on-site bar and restaurant is available for food and refreshment during the park’s opening hours.

Sea Life

Less than 30 minutes by car from Marbella, Benalmádena Port’s Sea Life centre is a must for anyone with an interest in creatures of the deep. A permanent exhibition entitled 'Danger in the Reefs' features some of the sea’s most deadly species such as the blue ring octopus and the puffer fish. An underwater passage allows visitors to have a closer look at the variety of creatures living at the centre, with examples including rays, eels and various species of shark.

Parque Arroyo de la Represa

If you’re looking for somewhere to escape the crowds and relax a little or play some sport, then Parque Arroyo de la Represa is the place to head to. For the energetic, the park is home to two full-size football pitches as well as a number of athletics tracks, while green and woodland areas provide an ample opportunity for those wanting to take a pleasant stroll. The park also features the Museo del Bonsai, a museum which features a variety of fine examples of the Japanese art of growing miniature trees.

Museums

The city of Marbella perhaps falls short of being described as a cultural epicentre; however it does offer a modest selection of museums and art galleries which cover an interesting selection of themes and genres. The Contemporary Spanish Print Museum (Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo) is home to works by popular Spanish artists such as Picasso, Chillida, Miró and Tápies, and the facility offers guided tours from Tuesday to Friday. Meanwhile, at La Casa Grande, you’ll find an impressive selection of paintings, crafts and sculptures as well as the world’s largest collection of Byzantine art. The Galería Municipal de Exposiciones is a facility offering works by both Spanish and international artists, many of repute and others up-and-coming.