Why Marbella is the best European travel destination of 2024: beautiful, sunny and extremely exclusive

Marbella, pearl on the Costa del Sol, has been named 'best European travel destination of 2024' by European Best Destination. This prestigious title underlines the irresistibility of the seaside resort in the south of Spain. European Best Destination is not just the first, it is the most visited website about travel, culture and Europe. The selection committee chose the sophisticated Marbella from a list of more than five hundred candidates , ahead of destinations such as Monaco, Malta, Geneva and Batumi in Georgia.

The website touts Marbella as a “five-star destination” for golfers, foodies and shopaholics. “It is the most beautiful, sunniest and most exclusive of all European destinations,” it says. With miles of sandy beaches, opportunities to shop or eat until you drop, a heavenly climate and a vibrant nightlife, we can agree with that choice. And here's why:

The climate of Marbella is wonderful

At least 300 to 320 days of sunshine per year: where should we sign? The climate of Marbella and the surrounding area is without a doubt one of the very best in Europe. The mountains of the Sierra Blanca provide a pleasant microclimate. They protect Marbella against winter bites as well as against the leaden heat that covers the Andalusian interior like a blanket in summer. That makes Marbella an earthly paradise all year round. In summer the average temperature climbs to 29 degrees, in winter it is around 12 degrees. Marbella attracts the most people in the summer, but May, June, September and October also promise beautiful summer weather and fewer tourists.

Marbella is blessed with natural beauty, both on the coast and inland

From a seaside resort on the Costa del Sol, you first and foremost expect beaches. Those in Marbella are stunning, a strip of golden sand next to an endless pool of crystal clear sea water. In addition to sunbathing and swimming, you can surf, kayak and race on banana boats. Most of the beaches are equipped with beach bars, or chiringuitos - some simple, others luxurious.

Beach bunnies can enjoy a total of 27 kilometers of sandy beaches. The best known are Playa de la Fontanilla (a quiet sandy beach near a marina), Playa de Venus (a wide beach with beach clubs) and Playa La Bajadilla. For more peace and quiet, you can visit Playa de Cabopino, located in a protected area of dunes and pine trees. Not far from Marbella, in the nearby Strait of Gibraltar, groups of killer whales await the migration of tunas.

But there is also a lot to discover inland. Behind the coastline rise the majestic mountains of the Sierra Blanca, a beautiful backdrop for the city. Hikers or cyclists can enjoy themselves in these mountains. You can ski in the nearby Sierra Nevada in winter.

It is a golfer's paradise...

Anyone who likes to knock against a small white ball could hardly choose a better destination. Of the 70 golf courses on the Costa del Sol - this south coast is not known as the Costa del Golf for nothing - 21 are in Marbella. And these are not the least. European Best Destinations calls them “top-class golf courses, many of which have panoramic views over the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.” Some of the courses even host prestigious championships. The best known are Valderrama Golf Club (in nearby Sotogrande), La Quinta Golf and Los Naranjos. All have well-maintained clubhouses where you can have a drink or a meal after playing, some also have a spa to soothe sore muscles.

...and for foodies

The culinary scene on the Costa del Sol offers a true journey of discovery for those who like to pamper their taste buds. Marbella has no fewer than three restaurants with Michelin stars. But those who want to keep it more modest will also get their money's worth. From authentic Spanish eateries to informal chiringuitos , from tapas bars to a range of international restaurants offering every possible cuisine: here you can eat somewhere different every night of the year and never get bored. And the best of all: the beautiful climate almost guarantees you to dine al fresco. Pampering squared.

Be sure to try local specialties such as espetos (grilled sardines on a skewer), gazpacho (Andalusian cold soup of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, cucumbers, peppers and onions) and ensalada malagueña (salad from Málaga, with cod, oranges, boiled potatoes, onions and green olives).

You travel through cultural heritage

Marbella is steeped in history that goes back at least a thousand years. Various civilizations, such as the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Moors, left their mark on the city and region. In the old city center, with its Moorish castle, every cobblestone nods to the past, every castle wall tells a story. A labyrinth of cobbled streets between whitewashed houses and flower pots full of color leads to squares like Plaza de Iglesia and Plaza de los Naranjos - named after the orange trees that surround it. Sit down, order something tasty and enjoy.

Marbella offers a range of cultural experiences

Culture lovers will enjoy museums, galleries and historical sights. The Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo, for example, houses more than 4,000 works of art by Spanish masters. You can marvel at the creations of icons such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. The Bonsai Museum offers an escape route from the afternoon heat. In addition to more than 300 bonsai trees from all over the world, you will also find a Japanese garden and a traditional tea house. Galleries such as Galería de Arte Arfa, Kasser Rassu Gallery and Almacén de Little Dreams exhibit work ranging from local talents to internationally recognized masters.

It is a playground for the rich and famous

Marbella, affectionately known as Marbs , epitomizes an opulent lifestyle. With an abundance of luxury resorts, chic boutiques and exclusive nightlife, Marbella is considered Spain's answer to the Amalfi Coast, the French Riviera or Mykonos - or the Beverly Hills of Europe, if you prefer. Puerto Banús in particular, the marina, works like a magnet for jet-setting lovers of the good life. No place in Spain has such a large concentration of Maseratis and Porsches, Lamborghinis and Jaguars, Bugattis and Rolls-Royces. The palm tree-lined promenade leading to it - the Golden Mile - forms a series of spectacular villas. No wonder Marbella has attracted celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly and Rod Stewart over the years. And Vladimir Putin, although we have a dark suspicion that he is no longer welcome there these days.

Marbella has a vibrant real estate market

Marbella's real estate market is dynamic and diverse. Of course it is teeming with luxurious villas and exclusive gated neighborhoods, but even with a smaller budget you can find a second home of your choice. Each neighborhood has its own character and price range. Discover the full range of real estate opportunities in Marbella .

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