Everyone’s busy – we get it. But all work and no play not only makes Jack and Jill dull, it can also lead to the dreaded burn-out. The solution? A circuit-breaker. There’s no better way to recharge your depleted batteries than on a sneaky long weekend getaway; and is there anywhere better than the Costa del Sol in Spain? We’d argue not! Beautiful and vibrant Marbella (“Marbs” to those in the know) is the perfect choice when the aim of the game is a good time not a long time. Three days in Marbella can feel like two weeks anywhere else.
- Marbella: Magic Box of the Costa del Sol
- Be Charmed by the Old Town
- Tickle your Tastebuds on a Tapas Tour
- Sail the Costa del Sol Coastline at Sunset
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Marbella: Magic Box of the Costa del Sol
Spain’s stunning Costa del Sol is far from a well-kept secret – in fact, it’s one of the most popular destinations in Europe for British travellers. But far from pigeonholing it as a busy, over-utilised tourist trap, its popularity is the very reason it’s so perfect for a quick long weekend getaway. It’s compact, accessible, and very welcoming – perfectly geared up to allow you to get on with the business of having fun. Beautiful beaches, interesting culture, art, history, architecture, magnificent picture-postcard scenery… Marbella has it all and so much more.
If you’ve got three or four days on a long weekend, here are some suggestions to add to an itinerary. And don’t worry, nothing will take too much energy – because sun, sea and relaxation should be your top priorities.
Be Charmed by the Old Town
My top tip for a weekend in Marbella would probably be to book your accommodation in the Old Town: it’s quiet, authentic and completely captivating. But even if you stay outside this area, you really mustn’t miss taking a gentle stroll around the charming streets, interspersed with lunch, tapas, dinner, a coffee, glass of wine – or all of the above!
While most Old Towns are the place to gauge the art, culture and history of a place, in Marbella it’s on spectacular display at every turn. The cobbled streets are lined with architecture that tells the story of its heritage, with the inspiration of the Moors and Christians abounding. The powers that be have gone to great lengths to preserve its lengthy Andalusian history, and honour the town’s evolution from sleepy fishing village to important cultural and historical gem. At its heart is the buzzing Plaza de los Naranjos, the social epicentre of the town, named for the aromatic orange trees that define it. Other highlights include the Renaissance architecture of the Town Hall, the Iglesia de la Encarnación, and the sixteenth-century Casa del Corregidor.
Tickle your Tastebuds on a Tapas Tour
When you’ve only got a few days you can’t afford to have a bad meal. Even though it’d be quite hard to get a dud tapas anywhere in Marbella, if you want the best of the best, as recommended by a local, joining a tapas tour is a fun way of ensuring that. Andalusian cuisine is famous throughout Spain, and one of these small group tours is fantastic for the opportunities it provides for getting to sample dishes that are popular with locals but not so well-known by tourists.
Depending on the operator or guide you choose, the tours can range from private (just you and your companion), to ten or twelve people if you’re looking for something a bit more social. The beauty of an intimate tour like this with a local guide is they’ll lead you past the places thronging with tourists and off the beaten path to tiny, tucked away bars and restaurants with a more discerning (Spanish) clientele. A good guide is passionate about the origins and history of the tapas delights you’ll eat, so you’ll get a running commentary along the way. Don’t let the word “tour” put you off – with the right guide, this is a genuinely memorable (and very tasty!) experience that could be the highlight of your holiday.
Sail the Costa del Sol Coastline at Sunset
If you look up the word “relaxation” in the holiday dictionary, a sunset cruise is right there at the top. So after a day spent on the beach (relaxing), a stroll along the promenade with a stop at a restaurant for lunch (very relaxing), here in Marbella it’s time for some more… relaxing! A sunset cruise along the picturesque coastline of the Costa del Sol is the perfect end to the day and a wonderful way to wrap up your weekend getaway.
There are numerous operators that offer sunset cruises, so do some research and choose the one best suited to you. (You can choose from private and shared group cruises.) At a designated time you’ll be invited on board with a glass of Cava, beer or soft drink, along with some nibbles to accompany, then you’ll set off at a very leisurely pace, hugging the coastline. It’s an amazing way to get a different view of Marbella and its neighbouring towns from the vantage of the ocean, and being removed from the hustle and bustle offers a real sense of tranquility. The clue is in the name, so it’s no surprise that the highlight of the cruise is sunset, when the skies of Marbella transform and the setting sun paints the horizon, land and ocean with a vibrant palette of colours and textures. Relaxed? Job done.
Few places are as loved as Marbella and, once experienced, this enchanting Spanish resort town lures back loyal visitors time and time again. If it’s your first time, you’re in for a treat; if it’s a return visit, Marbella already knew you’d be back…
Where to Stay
Dreams of Marbella: Set within the gorgeous Old Town, just a few minutes walk from the beach, this lovely apartment complex delivers on character, location and charm. Featuring spacious, modern interiors with all the mod-cons including a kitchenette, you’ll also enjoy the peace, tranquility and traditional ambience of the common areas. Each apartment has a balcony or terrace to enjoy city views, and onsite amenities include friendly staff and a relaxing dining area.
Apartamento Marbella Playa Centro: With an unbeatable beachfront setting offering views to the horizon, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in Paradise in this wonderful accommodation. The large, light-filled apartments are appointed to a high standard, with air-conditioning, spacious bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and a balcony to take in those spectacular views. Take advantage of onsite amenities like a swimming pool, sun terrace, solarium and spa. Bliss!
Apartamento Milenium: Located right on the doorstep of everything you’ll come to love about Marbella, this generous apartment offers beachfront access and stunning views over the ocean. Inside, the contemporary decor, furnishings and appointments provide a wonderful home away from home, with a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining room, laundry facilities, air-conditioning, a sofa bed for extra guests, and a fantastic balcony. Wake up to Venus Beach out your window!
How to Get There
Your weekend break in Marbella starts with some very simple travel arrangements. You’ll need to fly into the popular Malaga Airport, which services the Costa del Sol. It’s a busy route, as you’d imagine (around 460 flights a week), which means plenty of options for flights and carriers. You can choose from easyJet, Jet2, British Airways, TUI, WIZZ, and others, and the flight time is just under three hours.
Once you land, the easiest and most convenient way of getting to your final destination is on a pre-booked airport transfer service from Malaga Airport to Marbella with Shuttle Direct. It’s a quick half hour trip to the resort so you’ll be on the beach in no time!
Overview
UK to AGP Flight Time: 2 hours, 55 mins approx.
AGP to Marbella: 53 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 33 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
We get that everyone has different wants and needs when they travel, which is why Shuttle Direct offers various convenient and cost-effective options to get you from Malaga Airport to Marbella.
Shuttle Bus: For the most affordable, friendly, and convenient shared airport transfer on the market, our pre-booked shuttle buses from Malaga to Marbella can’t be beaten. When you land at the airport you’ll make your way to a designated point to meet your driver and the other passengers. You’ll then board your clean, modern shuttle bus to be taken to a drop-off point close to your accommodation.
Taxi: A pre-booked local taxi is a great option for those looking for an economical door-to-door service from Malaga Airport to Marbella. Pre-booking this service with Shuttle Direct means you get to jump the queue and step straight from the terminal into your waiting taxi and whisked to your accommodation.
Private Transfer: If you’re not too bothered about the cost, and you enjoy a touch of luxury to start and finish your holiday, our private luxury Marbella transfers give you everything you want. When your flight lands, a professional driver will be waiting in the terminal to escort you to your comfortable, high-end vehicle to take you directly to the doorstep of your accommodation. The ultimate in comfort and convenience.
Minibus Transfer: Travelling with a larger group of family or friends? One of our minibus Malaga transfers gives you the extra capacity so everyone can travel together. There’s plenty of room for all the luggage, and the door-to-door service means you can breathe easy with the simple logistics of the trip.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Getting from Malaga Airport to Marbella should be the easiest part of your holiday, so we’ve made sure it is with our great range of services. However, only you can make the final decision as to which of them suits you best. Generally it will come down to cost and convenience, and which of those you prioritise.
Cost: If keeping the purse strings firm is the most important thing for you on holiday, one of our affordable shared shuttle services will fit the bill. The service is not door-to-door, but it’s safe, comfortable, and you’ll be dropped at a convenient central point as close as possible to your accommodation.
Convenience: If that door-to-door aspect is non-negotiable however, and you’re happy to pay a little extra, one of our luxury private airport transfers or a pre-booked local taxi will get you from Malaga to Marbella in style, just the way you want.
About Shuttle Direct
With a huge range of reliable and affordable airport transfers to and from destinations all over the world, Shuttle Direct is the proud market leader in our field. Wherever you need to go and whatever your budget, our friendly drivers will get you there in a safe and comfortable manner. Great communication, simple to navigate booking system, and shared and private rides to suit – what more could you ask for? Book with us today then relax and enjoy your holiday.
