Spring is the perfect time to travel to Costa del Sol! The prices are lower, the places are quieter, and you can’t beat the nice weather and sunny days!
We kicked off our journey and were totally surprised by how charming the area is. Honestly, we didn’t expect Marbella’s Old Town to be so cute! The streets are filled with vibrant flowers and charming little shops. Plus, the prices were very affordable, making it easy to enjoy all the local delights. We also took a day trip to Malaga, which is just a 40-minute drive from Marbella. It was super convenient and offered even more to explore!
Here’s the exact itinerary we followed for our little adventure…
Day 1 – arrival in paradise
We arrived at Malaga Airport in the afternoon. After a quick 40-minute drive, we reached Marbella, where we checked into the Iberostar Selection Coral Beach, a charming 4-star hotel located in the vibrant area of Puerto Banus.
The hotel boasts beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and is just a short walk from the famous marina filled with luxury yachts. The Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach features well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, an inviting pool area and direct access to the beach, making it perfect for some relaxation. After settling in, we took some time to explore the hotel facilities and enjoy a refreshing drink by the pool.
For dinner, we enjoyed a delightful meal at the hotel’s buffet restaurant, which offered a wide variety of international dishes, fresh seafood and local specialities. The atmosphere was welcoming and lively, providing the perfect start to our holiday.
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Day 2 – exploring around
We started our day with breakfast at the hotel, sipping coffee around the pool before heading to Playa Rio Verde, a nearby beach. After a leisurely stroll along the sandy shore, we fancied a delicious paella and decided to visit La Plage Casanis Beach Club and Restaurant. The paella was super flavourful, making for the perfect beachside lunch.
After lunch, we made our way to Marbella’s Old Town, where we took in the charming narrow streets filled with history. We stopped at Plaza de los Naranjos to indulge in churros with chocolate, a delightful treat that added a sweet touch to our afternoon. Exploring the Old Town was a wonderful way to immerse ourselves in Marbella’s culture, completing a memorable day
Day 3 – by the beach and in the Old Town
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast and spending a slow morning at the hotel and spa, we decided to head out to Puerto Banus. We strolled around the marina, admiring the luxury yachts and high-end boutiques. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with both locals and tourists soaking up the sun. We spent some time relaxing on Puerto Banus Beach, enjoying the warm Mediterranean sun and the sound of the waves.
In the evening, we returned to the hotel for dinner, which featured a delightful menu. After our meal, we enjoyed live music and cocktails at the hotel bar, wrapping up our day in a relaxing and enjoyable way.
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Day 4 – Saturday market and daytrip to Malaga
After breakfast, we set out early for the Marbella Saturday Market, where we browsed through stalls filled with local produce, handmade crafts, and clothing.
Later, we drove to Malaga to spend the day exploring the charming Old Town. We visited significant sites such as:
- La Malagueta Beach – where we took a moment to relax by the sea.
- Alcazaba Castle – an impressive fortress with stunning views of the city.
Throughout the day, we indulged in tapas, enjoying dishes like croquetas, chorizo al vino and more, accompanied by refreshing tinto de verano.
As the evening approached, we were thrilled to catch a flamenco show (booked on First Choice Experiences), immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture of Andalusia. And, to top off our day, we watched a breathtaking sunset on our last evening on the Costa del Sol, creating unforgettable memories to cherish as we wrapped up this wonderful trip.
Day 5 – back home
We woke up early, filled with beautiful memories and a slight nostalgia for the sun-soaked days we had enjoyed. After a final breakfast at the hotel, we checked out and headed to Malaga Airport for our flight home, already missing the vibrant atmosphere, warmth and charm of this wonderful region.
If @shot.byjose and @roamingwithmaria’s trip sounds like a bit of you, have a look at our Spain holidays and you can find all their picks on our Insiders Hub.
Keep an eye out for the ‘Insider pick’ tag when you’re browsing our best deals and in your holiday search results, too.
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Author: @shot.byjose and @roamingwithmaria
Last updated: 19/05/2026
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