sec.ontheroad

Marbella in January: What It’s Really Like

✨

Marbella was the first stop of my 10-day Southern Spain itinerary. I spent three nights here staying with a friend, so this wasn’t a sightseeing-heavy visit. Instead, I experienced Marbella at a slower pace, enjoying long lunches by the sea, sunny January weather and the relaxed atmosphere the city is known for.

Visiting during the off-season meant quiet beaches, almost no crowds and plenty of sunshine. While I personally wouldn’t choose Marbella as my top destination for culture or sightseeing, I think it’s a lovely place to unwind, especially if you’re looking for a slower beach getaway.

✨ At a glance

📍 Time spent: 3 nights

🗓️ When I visited: January

🚶 Getting around: On foot + short rides to Puerto Banús

👯 Travel style: With friends

🌊 Best for: Relaxing, beaches, long lunches and a slower pace

✨Marbella Itinerary (3 nights)

🌟What I did

Walked around Marbella’s seafront.
Spent an afternoon in Puerto Banús.
Enjoyed long lunches by the beach.
Relaxed with friends before starting my solo trip

🌟Where I ate

Restaurante Bungalow Marbella

One of my favourite meals in Marbella.

The restaurant sits right by the beach, making it a great spot for a long lunch with a sea view.

I ordered the salmon salad and we shared the fried calamari, and both were excellent. Fresh, simple and exactly what I was in the mood for.

The atmosphere was just as memorable as the food. Sitting outside in the January sunshine almost made it feel like spring.

Pizzeria Picasso

Located in Puerto Banús, this restaurant immediately caught my attention because of its Picasso-inspired interior.

The walls are decorated with reproductions of Picasso’s paintings, which gives the restaurant a fun and distinctive character.

Probably not as a destination on its own.

I ordered the Rigatoni and Prawns in a Creamy Lobster Sauce, Gratinated in the Oven. It was rich, comforting and very satisfying after a day of walking around the marina.

Kafein Coffee & Kitchen

One of my favourite brunch spots in Marbella.

I honestly can’t remember the exact name of the dish I ordered, but it was some kind of croissant topped with poached eggs. I’m pretty sure I added bacon on the side as an extra. We also ordered the parmesan fries to share, along with a freshly squeezed orange juice.

The brunch was really good. The croissant was buttery, the eggs were perfectly cooked, and everything worked well together. It was a little on the heavier side, but I’d still happily order it again.

The real surprise was the parmesan fries. They were incredibly crispy, generously coated in parmesan and easily one of the best fries I had during the trip.

The café has a bright, modern atmosphere and a menu with plenty of brunch options, making it a great place to start the day before exploring Marbella.

I’d definitely come back.

🌟Would I visit Marbella again?

I enjoyed my time there, but mostly because I was visiting friends and taking things slowly. If you’re looking for lots of sightseeing, I’d personally prioritise cities like Granada or Córdoba.

That said, Marbella is a lovely place if you want a relaxed seaside escape, especially during the quieter months when you can enjoy the sunshine without the summer crowds. It might be more fun in the summer as you can also swim there, so I would recommend checking it in warmer months.