The best cultural excursions in Marbella

If you didn’t already know, this little town on the Costa de Sol has a lot more to it than its sandy beaches. In fact, it’s one of the liveliest and most cultural places to visit in Spain with something for everyone whether you’re travelling with family, friends or on a romantic getaway. Here are some of the best cultural hotspots that can all be reached from your luxury apartment to rent in Marbella. 

Spanish Contemporary Engravings Museum

Located in the building that was once the 16th-century Bazán Hospital in Marbella, this museum is the only one of its kind in Spain. Dedicated to the preservation and promotion of 20th and 21st-century Spanish works of art, it houses more than four thousand pieces by artists such as Picasso, Dali and Miro. In the eighteen years that the museum has been up and running, it has held over two hundred temporary exhibitions often organised alongside major Spanish museums. 

Plaza de Altamirano

The cobbled Plaza de Altamirano captures the essence of the Old Town of Marbella. Walk around the square, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the juxtaposition of leafy palm trees and old-fashioned street lamps before you enjoy a meal in the courtyard of one of the restaurants. Near here is the Archeological Collection which can be found in the Department of Culture, a 16th-century building that gives you information on the archaeological discoveries in Marbella. Certainly one for history buffs! 

The Dali Statues at Avenue del Mar

Lovers of the surrealist movement should head to the Avenue del Mar in the Old Town where they can see a permanent collection of Salvador Dali’s bronze statues. This area was converted to a modern promenade in the 1990s and is a popular gathering for tourists and locals, but before this time, prominent residents of the town would use it to show off their decorated carriages. 

Alcazaba

At Alcazaba or the ruins of Marbella’s Moorish castle, you’ll get a look at the impressive fortifications that once surrounded the town. Dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, Alcazaba is an important relic of the Muslim civilisation in Marbella. Within the building Roman capitals repurposed from ancient buildings are embedded, proving for an impressive view. During the summer, outdoor cultural events often take place here too. 

Museo Ralli

Situated between Puerto Banús and the Old Town of Marbella is the Museo Ralli. The museum opened in 2000 and houses ten spacious exhibition rooms filled with some of the world’s best Latin American art. This museum is part of the Ralli Museums, others of which can be found in Punta del Este (Uruguay), Santiago (Chile) and Caesarea (Israel) so if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not give them all a visit? 

Paseo del Alameda

Certainly, one of the best ways to spend a sunny afternoon is strolling around the Paseo del Alameda, an 18th-century park in the Old Town. In the park, there is the main promenade, decorative benches and fountains and plenty of lush vegetation. Pack a picnic and while away a few hours in the Spanish sun.