Marbella means different things to different people. For some it is Puerto Banús: yachts, boutiques, beach clubs and late nights. For others it is a quiet villa above the Golden Mile with a pool and the sea on the horizon. And plenty of people who say "Marbella" would be happier in Fuengirola, along the coast towards Málaga: a long beach promenade, a train to the airport and no need for a car. This guide compares the three, with the homes we host in each and the practical details of getting there.
The quick pick
| If you want | Stay in | Our homes |
|---|---|---|
| The marina, restaurants and nightlife on your doorstep | Puerto Banús | Two-bedroom flat by the marina, 240 m² flat with a sea-view terrace |
| Calm, a private pool and sea views | The Golden Mile, in Sierra Blanca | Golden Mile townhouse |
| The beach without a car, and a train to Málaga | Fuengirola | Beachfront flat |
Puerto Banús
Puerto Banús opened in 1970 as José Banús's luxury marina, and it still lives up to the idea: superyachts at the quay, designer boutiques, waterfront restaurants and beach clubs, with beaches on either side of the port. At night the action moves to the bars and clubs behind the waterfront. Summer is the busy season; in winter much of the nightlife opens only at weekends.
Stay here if you want to walk everywhere and be in the middle of it. If you sleep lightly, ask which way the bedrooms face before you book.
- Our two-bedroom flat by the marina sleeps four, with a queen bed and two singles, air conditioning and heating, fast Wi-Fi and a full kitchen. The marina, the boutiques and the waterfront restaurants are steps away, and the beach is a few minutes' walk.
- Our 240 m² flat is for six: three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom behind a glass wall, an open-plan living and dining room, a kitchen with a marble island and a curved terrace that looks over the marina to the sea. The building is gated, with security around the clock and parking.
The Golden Mile and Sierra Blanca
The Golden Mile is the stretch of coast between Marbella town and Puerto Banús, lined with the area's best-known hotels, such as Puente Romano and the Marbella Club, and with villas behind them. Above it, at the foot of La Concha, Marbella's landmark mountain, Sierra Blanca is a residential area of villas and townhouses, set back from the beach and quieter than the coast below.
This is the place for a family or a group of friends who want a pool and a view more than nightlife. You will want a car, or taxis, for the beach, the town and Puerto Banús.
Our Golden Mile townhouse is in Sierra Blanca, minutes from Puente Romano and the beach. It sleeps six in three bedrooms, with a living room and fireplace opening onto a covered terrace, a private garden and a private pool looking out to the sea. Upstairs, a roof terrace with a barbecue faces La Concha; downstairs, a games room with a pool table and a sauna. There is garage parking.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is a seaside town east of Marbella, between Marbella and Málaga. Its Paseo Marítimo runs for more than seven kilometres along the beach, with chiringuitos, cafés and the marina along the way. Sohail castle, a Moorish fortress from the 10th century, stands at its western end, and the Bioparc zoo is in town. The best part for many visitors: the C-1 local train runs from Fuengirola to Málaga airport and the city centre, so you don't need a car.
Our beachfront flat is on the Paseo Marítimo, with sea views from every room. It sleeps four, in a bedroom with a queen bed and a second with two singles, with air conditioning, heating and a washing machine. The sand is across the promenade.
Other parts of Marbella worth knowing
- The old town: whitewashed lanes and squares around the Plaza de los Naranjos, with tapas bars and the town beaches a short walk away. Good for walkers who want Spanish town life rather than a resort.
- Nueva Andalucía: the hillside inland from Puerto Banús, known for its golf courses, with villas and apartment complexes. You will drive to the beach.
- San Pedro de Alcántara: just west of Puerto Banús, a town with its own beach promenade and a more local feel.
We don't host in these areas today; if one of them suits your trip better, it is still worth knowing before you choose.
Getting there from Málaga airport
- To Fuengirola: the C-1 train leaves from the airport station and reaches Fuengirola in about 35 minutes. A taxi is quicker door to door.
- To Marbella and Puerto Banús: there is no train. By car or taxi, allow 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Direct buses run from the airport to Marbella bus station, from where local buses and taxis continue to Puerto Banús.
- Hiring a car: worth it for the Golden Mile and Sierra Blanca, and for day trips inland. Not needed in Puerto Banús or Fuengirola.
When to go
- July and August: the hottest, busiest and liveliest months, especially in Puerto Banús. Book early.
- Spring and autumn: warm days, quieter beaches and easier bookings.
- Winter: mild, often sunny days, and a calmer coast. Some beach bars and clubs open only at weekends.
Pick your dates on the Costa del Sol to see which homes are free and the exact price. Spanish law requires every guest to be registered, so we ask for each guest's ID during online check-in: our guest registration guide explains why. For what to look for in a home with a pool, read the seven amenities that matter.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for families?
The Golden Mile townhouse, for a private pool, a garden and a games room, if you don't mind driving. Fuengirola, for the long beach, the Bioparc and the train, if you would rather not drive.
Do I need a car?
Not in Puerto Banús or Fuengirola. In Sierra Blanca and on the Golden Mile, a car or taxis make life easier.
Is Puerto Banús noisy at night?
Around the bars and clubs behind the waterfront, yes, especially in summer. Ask which way the bedrooms face, and pick a flat on the marina side if you want the view and the energy.
How do I get from Málaga airport to Fuengirola?
Take the C-1 train from the airport station: about 35 minutes to Fuengirola.
Is Fuengirola part of Marbella?
No. Fuengirola is its own town, along the coast between Marbella and Málaga. It is quieter and easier without a car, while Marbella has Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile.
