A guide to the most entertaining things to do in Marbella In May
Marbella, Spain, offers a variety of attractions during the spring and early summer, including historic, cultural, and family-friendly attractions.
With the summer season starting in May, there are numerous activities, including sports, markets, wine tasting, and exciting day trips to enjoy in Marbella in May.
Discover the best things to do in Malaga, Marbella during this wonderful time of year by reading this guide.
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Things To Do In Marbella In May
- Spring Festival in Coin
- Feria Internacional de los Pueblos de Fuengirola
- Alameda Park
- Puerto Banus Street Market
- Caminito del Rey
- Golfing
Things To Do In Marbella In May
1. Attend the Spring Festival In Coin
Coin’s Spring Festival is designed to celebrate the hard work of the local people as well as the land’s fertility.
The event comprises markets, activities for children, and a traditional fairground, as well as stands selling some of the best locally-produced food and drink.
Held in the marketplace by the hospital, the Coin Feria boasts an entertainment tent where you’ll find live music performances, and you can enjoy activities all day long for people of any age.
If you’re a party animal, you’ll be able to stay up until the early hours with a vibrant party each night.
Opening times:
All Day Into The Early Hours, May, Dates Vary.
2. Feria Internacional De Los Pueblos De Fuengirola
Fuengirola is a popular tourist town and is one of the places to visit near Marbella.
From the end of April until the beginning of May, the town hosts the Fair of the People of Fuengirola – one of the key occasions in the local calendar.
The event has been held since the 1980s and is a fantastic opportunity to experience many countries without ever leaving Spain!
Every stall represents its own unique country, and you’ll find typical crafts, clothing, dances, food, music, and attractions at each one.
Visitors can experience the customs, gastronomy, and folklore of over 30 different countries while enjoying the charming ambiance.
Opening times: Daily from noon to 4 am, 1st – 5th May 2024.
3. Relax In Alameda Park
One of the top free things to do in Marbella in May for visitors of all ages is to simply unwind and relax in the city’s Alameda Park.
Quiet and peaceful, it’s the ideal escape from Marbella’s busy streets.
Dating back to the 1700s, Alameda Park is in the center of the city, yet it offers an oasis of calm.
Its ferns and palm trees are beautiful and shady, while the paths take you past colorful ceramic benches and the pretty fountain.
Known as azulejos, these hand-painted benches are colorful and eye-catching.
If you’re looking for stuff to do in Marbella in May with children in tow, the carousel here is a fun activity to enjoy with the little ones too.
Opening times: Open 24 hours a day.
4. Lunch at Pan & Mermelada
With an excellent location on the Golden Mile of Marbella, Pan & Mermelada is one of the best places to visit in Marbella, Spain, to enjoy lunch.
The restaurant has recently been refurbished to a high standard and serves up international-style cuisine all day long.
This eaterie opens for breakfast at 9 am and stays open until late, with an all-day menu being served up from noon.
5. Sailing & Dolphin Watching with Snacks and Drinks
High up on the list of fun things to do in Marbella is a sailing tour with dolphin watching thrown in. – Check out the guided tour here.
Whether you’re traveling with the family, solo, or with your partner, you’re sure to love sitting back and relaxing onboard, sipping a glass of cava and snacking on nuts and local olives while you ride the waves and look out for dolphins.
There are three different boats to choose from, but whichever you hop onto, you’ll be able to admire spectacular views over the seas towards Gibraltar and Africa as you discover the Costa del Sol’s scenic coastline.
Included in your trip are snacks, drinks, music, and the chance to try your hand at paddleboarding.
Opening times: The 2-hour tour leaves three times a day in May at 12 pm, 3 pm, and 5:30 pm.
6. Take a Beginner Canyoning Tour with Safety Equipment
Are you searching for fun things to do in Marbella in Maythat allow you to get active and try something completely different?
Then why not give a beginner canyoning tour with safety equipment a go? – Get the guided tour here.
It’s a great way to try canyoning for the first time in a safe and well-protected environment, and while you’re exploring, you’ll find out more about the area from your local guide.
Put on your wetsuit to keep yourself warm and strap on your harness to stay safe and admire gorgeous natural scenery at the same time.
Even better, you’ll have all the essential safety equipment, from lifejackets to safety harnesses, so you’ll have peace of mind.
Opening times: The 2 ½ hour tour begins at 9 am.
7. Go on a Puerto Banús Private Sailing Cruise with Drinks
One of the most romantic things to do in Marbella for couples is to take a private sailing cruise from Puerto Banus with drinks thrown in for good measure.
You’ll have the boat all to yourself as you relax in the sea breeze and admire the coastline views.
There’s no better way to experience the Costa del Sol than from the water. – Check the guided tour here.
You can enjoy spectacular panoramas, from the whitewashed houses on the shoreline to the marine life in the waves.
You’ll even have the opportunity to try snorkeling or paddleboarding during your adventure.
Included in the price of your trip, you’ll have cava, wine, beer, or soft drinks aplenty, as well as tasty snacks, and thanks to the integrated Bluetooth speakers, you can listen to your favorite tunes along the way.
Opening times:
Tours last between 2 and 8 hours. You can choose from 5 leaving times, the first being at 10 am and the last leaving at 8 pm.
8. Tapas Adventure
If you’re looking for all-weather things to do in Marbella in May, a tapas adventure could be just the thing.
It ticks the box for fun things to do in Marbella while also being mostly indoors, so if the weather turns a little chilly, you won’t need to worry. – Get the guided tour here.
Explore local specialties at hidden taverns, learn about local history and culture through food, and visit Marbella’s oldest tapas bar for authentic Spanish cuisine.
This tour takes you through Marbella’s Old Town, discovering vibrant taverns and trying delicious and unique offerings.
While some are traditional tastes, others are more innovative creations to tantalize the tastebuds and delight your palate.
Enjoy inclusive food and drinks while guided by a knowledgeable guide in Marbella, learning about the area’s significance and history.
Opening times: The 3-hour long tour begins at 6 pm.
9. Enjoy tapas at ARCO TAPAS BAR
Situated right in the heart of the old town, the Arco Tapas Bar is one of the best places to go in Marbella for some authentic Spanish tapas.
The inviting and cozy atmosphere makes this a great stopping point for a drink and a snack or for a larger meal.
Sit indoors if the weather is cool, or enjoy relaxing in the outdoor seating area for your al fresco dining in style.
Opening times:
Sun 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Mon to Sat 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
10. Puerto Banus Street Market
Most people will tell you that Puerto Banus is one of the top places to visit in Marbella, Spain, if you’re looking for a taste of the highlife.
Here, you’ll find designer stores aplenty. Yet if you’d rather experience something a little more down-to-earth, the local street market or Muestra Internacional de Artesania, as it’s better known, is a must-see.
Located in the Plaza Antonio Banderas, this craft market has earned a reputation nationwide for its high quality.
Here, you’ll find over a hundred exhibitors who bring their unique traditions and cultures to this part of Marbella through stalls selling food and handicrafts.
Opening times: Saturday daytimes
11. Stroll around Plaza De Los Naranjos (Orange Square)
If you’re looking for places to visit in Marbella where you can just relax and people-watch for a while, the Plaza de los Naranjos, or Orange Square, is the ideal spot for you.
It’s the best-known square in the city, named after its iconic orange trees.
Originally built in the 15th century, it takes the traditional Castilian style and features some of Marbella’s most attractive buildings, like the Town Hall and Hermitage of Santiago.
The square is packed with outdoor cafes, so sit down for a while and enjoy a drink while you plan what to do in Marbella next.
Opening times: The Square is open 24/7, although each café and restaurant has its own opening hours.
12. Dinner at Restaurante Da Bruno a Cabopino
If you’re wondering what to do in Marbella in May when dinner time rolls around, it might be time to try something a little less Spanish!
The Restaurante da Bruno a Cabopino is an Italian restaurant that serves up delicious fresh cuisine that’s sure to impress.
Located in a beautifully serene environment within a pine forest, this wonderful restaurant is an atmospheric place to enjoy a tasty meal.
Even better, you may be able to catch one of the live shows performed here regularly.
Opening Times: 1 pm – 11:30 pm daily except Tuesdays
Address: Camping Cabopino, Marbella
13. Golfing in Marbella is a must
If you’re seeking things to do in Marbella, Spain to get outdoors and active, you absolutely must head to one of the city’s golf courses.
The town has become well-known as a paradise for keen golfers, and, in fact, the entire Costa del Sol has become known as the “Costa del Golf!”
Marbella has a huge number of greens for you to choose from, each one offering something different.
The Rio Real course is just five minutes outside the centre and dates back to the 1960s.
You can play here all year round, so whether you’re looking for things to do in Marbella in February or August, golf can always be on your agenda.
Los Naranjos, La Quinta, and the Marbella Club Golf Resort are just a few of the courses you can select from during your stay.
14. Day Trip to Ronda: The Classic Ronda Wine Experience Day Tour
When you’ve finally exhausted all the things to do in Marbella, you can head out a little further afield to the Ronda Valley.
A day trip here is a wonderful excursion, especially if you love wine. – Check the guided tour here.
During your visit, you’ll explore two different vineyards, explore the beautiful town, and savour a tasty lunch.
It’s a great way to find out more about the local area and to experience authentic local cuisine and drinks at the same time.
Opening times: The full-day trip leaves at 9 am.
15. Day Trip to Guadalmina: Canyoning Tour in Guadalmina
Guadalmina is one of the hidden gems in Marbella. Only 20 minutes outside the city, it’s a world away from busy city.
In this spectacular canyon, you’ll admire stunning views and experience thrilling sporting activities in an impressive landscape. – Get the guided tour here.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, a visit to try canyoning here is one of the must-do things in Marbella.
You can experience jumping, swimming, abseiling, and sliding, with some of the jumps being up to 6 meters in height.
You’ll discover canyoning techniques, try your hand at tobogganing and explore a wild and rugged area just steps away from the city.
Opening times: Tours run several times a day between 9 am and 3 pm. Each tour lasts 3 hours.
16. Caminito del Rey Guided Day Trip from Marbella
One of the most spectacular day trips close to Marbella has to be the Caminito del Rey.
Once one of Europe’s most dangerous walks, this unique spot is far safer today and is ideal for tourists to enjoy. – Book the guided tour here.
You’ll walk along a three-kilometer-long path before heading from the heights to the famous walkway.
You’re sure to be impressed by the dramatic scenery and spectacular landscape of the Gaitanes Gorge.
After your excursion, you’ll head to one of Malaga’s authentic white villages to enjoy some leisure time.
Opening times: The 6-hour excursion leaves at 6:20 am.
Best Hotels in Marbella, Southern Spain
Knowing where to stay in Marbella is crucial to having a good time in the city. Fortunately, we’ve suggested three outstanding hotels for you to select from, with one to suit every budget.
1. Marbella Club Hotel ***** – Luxury
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury stay, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the Marbella Club Hotel.
This five-star accommodation is right on the coast and boasts gorgeous rooms with every modern convenience.
To relax and unwind in style, you can head to the onsite spa for a treatment or visit one of the stylish restaurants for a tasty meal.
Even the children are well provided for with an onsite kids’ club.
2. La Fonda Heritage Hotel Luxury, Relais & Châteaux **** – Mid-Range
Enjoy an elegant stay at the historic boutique La Fonda Heritage Hotel.
Dating back to the 1500s, this ancient property blends old and new with traditional architecture and contemporary furnishings.
Boasting just 20 stylish rooms, three onsite restaurants, and delightful outdoor terraces, this is a beautiful place to stay in the Marbella.
3. Hotel Claude Marbella *** – Budget
This affordable boutique-style hotel is located in a manor house dating back to the 1600s.
With just seven rooms, this small but perfectly formed property boasts a spectacular marble patio and rooftop terrace from which to admire the city.
Despite its diminutive size, the Hotel Claude still has a café, honesty bar and free wi-fi for a comfortable stay.
Final thoughts on things to do in Marbella in May
So, is Marbella worth visiting in May? The answer is a resounding yes!
In fact, this part of Spain is worth a visit at any time of the year, but in early summer it’s especially beautiful.
The mild climate means that you can expect the temperature to stay in the low to mid-20s Celsius throughout your visit, making it ideal weather to get outdoors and experience the sights.
Nevertheless, it makes sense to take layered clothing, just in case you experience some rain or chilly evenings.
It’s best to be ready for all eventualities with a lightweight jacket and sun cream!
Whether you’re wondering how to get from Malaga to Marbella or just want some advice about exploring the confines of the city, you’ll be pleased to discover that the public transport is excellent.
As well as plentiful taxis and car hire operators, there are convenient bus services to take you to surrounding towns and villages.
There’s also a catamaran that you can take to Puerto Banus.
If you prefer active transport, you could always hire a bike or walk – the city is small enough to discover on foot. – Check tickets here.
Alternatively, for something unique, why not take a horse and carriage?
There are so many things to do in Marbella in May that you’ll struggle to fit them all into one trip.
From relaxing on the beach to shopping until you drop, and from taking day trips to local landmarks to sipping a drink in the square for a spot of people-watching, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, if you’re ready to try out the numerous things to do in Marbella in May for yourself, what are you waiting for? Book your stay now!
FAQ about things to do in Marbella in May
Is Marbella fun in May?
There are plenty of fun things to do in Marbella in May for people of all ages.
From boat trips to golf and from shopping to relaxing on the beach, you’ll enjoy yourself in a host of different ways during early summer.
Is Marbella too expensive?
Although Marbella has a reputation for being expensive, you can still holiday here on a budget.
There are plenty of affordable stores, hotels, and restaurants to choose from, and many activities are completely free.
How many days is enough in Marbella?
There are enough things to do in Marbella in May to fill up weeks of vacation time, but if you can only manage a short visit, three or four days will be enough to experience the best sights.
Ideally, though, you should visit for at least a week to get a true flavor of the city.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!