First off, they don’t serve Chicken Marbella in Marbella—Whaaat? Sad but true! It’s one of my favourites! If you’ve never tried Chicken Marbella, here’s the Silver Palate classic recipe, you’re welcome!

It took approximately one hour to drive from Malaga (our home base, which I’ll write about soon) to Marbella. We took the scenic route only to zig-zag and be re-diverted to the main highway. What can I say, sometimes GPS works, and sometimes it doesn’t. 🤦🏻‍♀️

First impressions made it clear—this was definitely a resort town. The vibe was laid-back and relaxed, offering a perfect break from the everyday. It’s picture perfect with a pretty seawall that runs along the shoreline, ideal for a stroll with beautiful water views. Like any good seaside spot, an assortment of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques line up one after the other, adding to the charm.

The Old Town

Within minutes of crossing the main street, we were instantly transported to a charming little world of its own. A labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, each turn revealing something new and unexpected. So many cute shops, more restaurants and cafés. Choosing the perfect spot for lunch was no easy task. But it was obvious once we arrived at Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Square). It’s a charming and historic square, known for its picturesque orange trees and beautiful surrounding buildings, including the City Hall.

Fun fact: The oranges from these trees aren’t edible—unless you’re making jam. They’re primarily grown for their fragrant orange blossoms and lush, evergreen foliage.

Where to Stay

We really enjoyed Marbella and, in hindsight, probably should have booked a stay for at least one night. If we had planned to stay longer, we discovered La Fonda—a stunning boutique hotel that immediately caught our eye. We even had a moment of hesitation, wondering, “Should we stay?” It was that cute! Nestled in the old town and just a 10-minute walk to the seawalk, it seemed perfect in every way.

Cute, right?!

Marbella was beautiful and oozed charm. With its mix of ocean views and old-world vibes, it offered a more intimate feel compared to larger cities like Barcelona or Malaga. It’s the perfect spot for a one-week getaway, without a doubt. I’ll be back one day.