Why do we love Marbella? The weather, the friendly and clean city, the beaches, the food scene... But also of course, the chic shopping! Everyone knows Puerto Banus with it's luxury port and Corte Ingles. But other nearby shopping areas are worth a visit if you are here for a few days.
Why do we love Marbella? The weather, the friendly and clean city, the beaches, the food scene... But also of course, the chic shopping! Everyone knows Puerto Banus with it's luxury port and Corte Ingles. But other nearby shopping areas are worth a visit if you are here for a few days.
Here's the guide about where to go for what.
The Best Bling - Puerto Banus
Chic shops, luxury brands, people watching, Ferrari watching, yacht watching... spend an afternoon or evening in Puerto Banus.
How to get there:
From Marbella center - hire a bike and ride the Paseo 20 minutes (make sure you get a bike lock with your rental bike). There are many places to find bikes just start walking on the Paseo and you will find one! Such as It is forbidden to ride bikes in the port shopping area so you will need the locks. You can also walk the Paseo from Marbella, it takes about 2 hours (maybe take an Uber back!)
From Marbella center you can also take the Flyblue ferry which is a fun and refreshing way to get there, and see the beautiful Costa del Sol coastline on the way. You might even see some dolphins!
If driving rom Elviria, you can park in center of Marbella and do any of the above, or drive to Puerto Banus and park at the Corte Ingles department store, in the street (pay the meter!) or at the Saba parking lot. The port parking lot is breathtakingly expensive. Shops: Dior, Hermes, Agent Provocateur, Ferragamo, Gucci, Vuitton, Tom Ford.... Corte Ingles has a huge cosmetic and perfume selection, also designer shoes and bags, on the ground floor... We also like the English bookshop here and always stop in to buy something to read. Opening times: It's better to visit in afternoon and evening, some shops open late (after 10 am). Open every day including Sundays.
Best Discount - McArthur Glen Outlet
Vast outlet store just like you find in the USA. This beautiful new outdoor mall is huge and has a direct connecting train to the airport (3 minute ride), with airport departures shown around the mall. Lots of free parking, US-inspired food court with chain restaurants, movie theater. Buzzes with energy at night when Spaniards go to the movies and enjoy the food court with their kids. How to get there: McArthur Glen is an easy stop near the airport along the highway with a vast parking lot. You can also get there by train easily from the airport or Fuengirola. Shops: Prada, Karl Lagerfeld, Liu Jo, Burburry, Armani, Boss, North Face, Escada, Nike factory store... Also, next door Plaza Mayor has all the standard high-street chain stores: Mediamarkt, Stradivarius, Desigual, Berchka, H&M, Zara home, women, mens, kids... Truly enormous and worth a trip.
Opening times: Open Monday- Saturday from 10 am to 10pm. Closed on Sundays.
Closest Mall - La Canada
La Canada is the closest mall to Marbella, very popular and always crowded! Get there at 10 am opening time if you want to beat the crowds and do some serious shopping. How to get there: a short Uber ride from Marbella center or Elviria. If you have a car there is large, free parking. Look for the underground spots at the East end of the mall. Shops: Hollister! Guess. Hilfiger. And all the chain stores: Mango, Lola & Bimba, Desigual, Massimo Dutti, H&M, Zara, Berchka... teenager's dream. Opening times: like McArthur Glen, this mall closes on Sundays and major holidays. Opens 10am to 10pm all other days!
Prettiest Scenery - Marbella Old Town
Explore the beautiful cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings of Marbella Old town. Here you will find small shops with hand-made gift items, some independent clothing stores, pottery stores, souvenirs and artisanal products. Lots of cute tapas bars and places to stop for a snack while you explore! Some creative handbag and jewelry brands, summer and beachwear... How to get there: Park in Avenida del Mar public parking, and walk across the Parque Alameda (admire Marbella's botanical park and spectacular fountain, the Dali sculptures leading down to the beach), before you cross the main road and head up into the little streets of the old town. Opening times: the shops in the old town are open every day including Sunday. Some independent shops might close Sunday or Monday, especially in low season but you will always find shops that are open every day.
Best Street Market - Puerto Banus Bullring on Saturday Morning
The best street market for clothing shopping is undoubtedly the Saturday morning market next to the Puerto Banus bullring and the Centro Plaza shopping center.
It is huge and there are tons of clothing, shoes, scarves, handbags, accessories, on display. Parking is difficult; get there early and bring cash! Or better, ride bicycles there from Marbella to avoid the parking stress. Make sure you get locks to leave your bikes while you stroll through the market.
You could combine this market with an American pancake breakfast at Café Yanx in the centro Plaza, or maybe some ribs and hamburgers for lunch!
Have fun discovering these great shopping spots, while you are staying in one of our fantastic beach apartments in Marbella!
