How to Get to Marbella
Marbella. There aren't many places offering year-round sunshine in Europe that, from beaches and golf to shopping and fine dining, tick as many of the luxury holiday boxes. Sounds tempting?…
Wondering where to go on a night out in Malaga? Well, wonder no longer. From bouncing bars to ultra-glam clubs via chic rooftop hangouts, we’ve got the best of Malaga nightlife covered.
The Malaga party scene is more understated contemporary cool than uber-glamorous. However, while it may be slightly less hedonistic than Marbella‘s (Champagne spray parties are not on the menu) it’s still very definitely a place to play come nightfall.
Malaga Rooftop Bars
Best for a Post-Shopping Drink
Larios Terrace at Room Mate Larios
Every summer since, well, forever Larios Terrace has had the upper hand in the roof terrace drinking stakes. Great views of the cathedral from designer monochrome seating ensure that once you’re there you’re unlikely to leave until you’ve sunk at least a few sun-soaked vinos or sunset cocktails. Its location on the city’s main shopping street means it’s a popular place to start a night out. If you’re visiting during Easter, it’s worth noting that local boy Antonio Banderas can often be seen knocking about the place as it’s the best vantage point from which to see the processions.
Opening times: In spring it’s open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 1am, and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 2am. In summer it’s open every day from 8pm to 2am.
Address: Calle Marques de Larios, 2, 29005 Malaga; Phone: +34 952 22 22 00; Larios.room-matehotels.com.
Best for Jaw-dropping Views
AC Hotel Malaga Palacio
Malaga isn’t a modern skyscraper-type city, so up on the terrace on the 15th floor of the AC Hotel you feel on top of the world, and the uninterrupted panoramic views across the whole city are stunning. There’s great service here with a very well stocked bar offering a choice of rare gins, wines, cocktails and whiskeys. The clientele tend to be of the smart, 40-plus international variety, but it’s also very much a local haunt for Malagueños too.
Opening times: The glassed area is open all year, the pool area (oh, did we forget to mention the amazing rooftop pool?) when the weather is good. Open from noon until 1am. Thursday, Friday and Saturday open until 4am.
Address: Calle Cortina del Muelle, 1, 29015 Malaga; phone: +34 952 215 185; Marriott.com.
Best of the Rest
Alcazaba Premium Hostel – Rooftop Terrace
Yes, this is a hostel, but do NOT let this put you off. Because, if you venture up to the fourth and fifth floors (fear not, there is a lift), you’ll find yourself in the coolest place to hang out for cheeky lunchtime tipples, sundowners, pre-club drinks or that last, end-of-night drink you definitely didn’t need.
At the top of the building, the Roof Terrace bar is a mezzanine affair with a decked terrace, a smattering of bar stools and low box seating, and a vibe that’s buzzy most nights of the week. It’s the view which really wows, though: the terrace opens up on to the surrounding rooftops, the Roman Theatre below and the illuminated Alcazaba fortress on top of the hill opposite. There’s not much more to say, really – it’s just an incredible location.
Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday from 4pm to midnight and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 2.30am.
Address: Calle Alcazabilla, 12, 29015 Malaga; phone: +34 952 22 98 78; Alcazabapremiumhostel.com.
Malaga Clubs
Best Crowd Pleaser
Liceo
Housed within a beautiful 19th-century mansion, Liceo is a great venue in a lively, dead-central location. Once used as the backdrop for the Chemical Brothers’ music video Galvanize, it’s now home to a flamenco club (which actually makes for a pretty atmospheric spectacle), as well as regular club nights from midnight until 6am. There are several rooms playing different music and two floors, the second being a mezzanine level around the central patio. The crowd on the club nights is largely under 35 and they target the student population during term time. However, before the club really gets going the flamenco is a good option.
Address: Calle Beatas, 21, 29008 Malaga; phone: +34 625 55 70 12; Liceoflamenco.com.
Best for Music-lovers
The Clarence Jazz Club
If you like jazz then this is the place you need to head for. Open all year round with critically acclaimed artists frequently appearing, this live jazz venue is always a pleasurable place to while away a few hours. It doesn’t veer away from what you’d expect from a jazz club: think comfy tub chairs, exposed brickwork, standing room and a generally very chilled vibe indeed.
Opening times: Wednesdays and Thursdays 8-2pm; Fridays and Saturdays 4pm-4am.
Address: Calle Cañí³n, 5, 29015 Malaga; phone: +34 951 91 80 87; Clarencejazzclub.com.
Best for a Typical Spanish Experience
If you’re wanting to dance and party until 6am then head to Calle Beatas/Plaza Uncibay and Calle de Luis de Velazquez/Calle Lazcano where there’s club after club. In true Spanish nightlife fashion these clubs seemingly spring from nowhere after midnight. A little less polished, perhaps, than the above but lots of late-night fun all the same…
Sala Gold
Right in the centre of the old town is Sala Gold, perhaps the most sensational late-night Malaga nightlife joint. This is a club to dance in not to pose or chill out in – leave that to the rooftop terraces. With three rooms to choose from decked out with huge flat screen TVs, it’s one of the larger clubs in the city centre. The music is largely popular Spanish, the décor is, as the name suggests, gold and the emphasis is all about unpretentious fun.
Opening times: from 10pm-6am.
Address: Calle de Luis de Velšzquez, 5, 29008 Malaga; phone: +34 670 09 87 49; Discotecasenmalaga.es.
Best for Mid-Week Partying
Theatro Club
This small club takes its inspiration from an old theatre – all high baroque cornicing, huge, glittering chandeliers and theatrically themed, burlesque-style live entertainment. All of which comes together to make this more than just your average club in Malaga. It’s in the centre of the old town again – so you’ll have no difficulty finding it – and it’s open every night of the week until 6am. There’s a VIP area that can be reserved by contacting the club, too, in case you like your own space and dedicated waiter. (If you’re looking for someone to arrange your night out in Malaga, speak to our concierge.)
Address: Calle Lazcano, 5, 29008 Malaga; phone: +34 670 09 87 49; Discotecasenmalaga.es.
And finally…
If you’re spending a night or two partying in Malaga and want to try a few more places, then here are some other smaller clubs that you can check out: Tokyo, Bubbles, White Lounge Club, Discoteca Anden, Granados 10 and 30 y Tantos. All run a series of nights offering live entertainment, different types of music and easily bar hop-able locations.
Like our pick of the best Malaga nightlife, but thinking of a more sedate sort of evening? Have a look at a few of our favourite restaurants.
Make sure you’ve got an ultra-glamorous pad to return to after your night out in Malaga – check out the Luxury Villa Collection’s villas in the area.
Lindsay Gregory
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[post_content] => Marbella. There aren't many places offering year-round sunshine in Europe that, from beaches and golf to shopping and fine dining, tick as many of the luxury holiday boxes.
Sounds tempting? Perhaps the best part of all is just how easy it is to get to...
Where is Marbella?
First things first, though. Where is it? Marbella is in southern Spain - in the province of Malaga in the Andalucia region, to be exact - on a stretch of coast called the Costa del Sol.
Here's a map of Marbella to help you get your bearings:
Where Do You Fly to?
It depends on from where you're flying in. The nearest international airport to Marbella is Malaga. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (Aena.es) is 51km away and an easy 40-minute car/taxi ride. Virtually all the major airlines fly there direct from the UK and from across northern Europe.
The next closest airport to Marbella is Gibraltar (Gibraltarairport.gi), which is just over an hour's drive away. British Airways, Easyjet and Monarch all fly direct from the UK to Gibraltar.
From the US
If you’re flying into Spain from the USA you'll probably have to travel to Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (Aena.es). From there you'll have to either fly, take the fast speed AVE train (Renfe.com) or drive to Malaga and transfer from there to Marbella.
The most convenient way to get to Marbella from Madrid is by the fast speed train taking just 2.5hrs or by flying taking only 1 hour and 15 mins.
how to get there from malaga airport
By Car
The best way to get from Malaga to Marbella is to drive. And if you're on holiday that probably means you're going to need to hire a car.
As with almost all international airports, Malaga has a frankly baffling array of different car hire options to pick through.
To avoid the scrum of the departures lounge, jump on the complimentary minibus to the offices of Niza, Helle Hollis or Enterprise situated a mere minute outside of the terminal. Inside the terminal you can find Sixt, Hertz and Europcar.
If you're unsure of which company to use, click the following link.
For a more luxury car hire service we'd recommend Sixt (Sixt.com). They're friendly, totally professional, trustworthy and have a range of high-end rental options, from BMWs, Audis and Porsches to Mercedes and Range Rovers - and even automatics. If you're travelling in a large group, they also have 8-12 seater self-drive minibuses available for hire.
Of course if you're looking for ease, our Concierge can make the reservation for you to be dropped directly off at the villa. A car of your choice can be delivered to your villa.
Once you've picked up your car/minibus hire, driving from Malaga airport to Marbella could hardly be easier.
Directions from Malaga-Costa del Sol airport are as follows:
- Leave the airport and head southeast onto N-348
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on N-348
- Take the Torremolinos ramp to N-340/Cádiz
- Merge onto Avenida de Velázquez/N-340/MA-21
- Take the ramp to E-15/A-7/Benalmadena/Algeciras. Merge onto AP-7
- Pass Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola
- Take exit 184 towards Marbella/Casco Antiguo/Avenida del Trapiche
By Taxi
For sheer ease, you can’t beat jumping in a taxi. A taxi rank is situated outside the arrivals sidewalk of Terminal T3, level 0.
It's best to ask the driver, beforehand, how much a taxi is from Malaga to Marbella to ensure they don’t overcharge you.
There are two transfer prices, and these are dependent on both times of the day and the day of the week. Transfer Price Band 1 is weekdays from 06.00 to 22.00 hrs. Transfer Price Band 2 is weekdays from 22.00 to 06.00 hrs, all day Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, the August Feria and Holy Week. Band 2 transfer time is more expensive than Band 1.
Alternatively, you can pre-order a taxi at Malaga Airport Taxi (Malagaairporttaxi.net) and get a price when booking. The transfer time from Malaga Airport to Marbella takes around an hour, in a taxi.
Other Ways to Get to Marbella
- By bus: It is possible to take a bus (Alsa.com) from Malaga airport to Marbella. But it's a whole lot less convenient than driving via hire car or private transfer.
- By train: There isn’t a train connection from Malaga airport to Marbella.
Distances - how far is marbella from...
- Malaga (city): 61km away and 46 minutes' drive.
- Granada: 187km and just over 2 hours' drive.
- Seville: 258km and 2 hours 45 minutes' drive.
- Gibraltar: 78km and 1 hour 2 minutes' drive.
- Madrid: 584 km and 5 hours 45 minutes' drive.
A Bit of History
The land previously belonged to the Saudi businessman Adnan Khashoggi, who it is said, used the estate as his party house and hunting grounds. The property and land went up for sale and a group of Spanish property developers bought it and put plans together to create a playground for the rich and famous in Marbella. Each villa is unique, with their own styles depending on the specifications of the owner.Location & Getting There
So where is La Zagaleta?
The large estate sits in Malaga province in the south of Andalucia. It’s in the foothills of the Ronda Mountains just 25 minutes from Marbella, 18 minutes from Nuevo Andalucia and the nearest beach. It's 20 minutes from the village of Benahavis, 40 minutes from Sotogrande port, 50 minutes from Ronda, 55 minutes from Malaga airport and just over an hour from Gibraltar airport. La Zagaleta is very easily accessed by car or helicopter. There's heavy security surrounding the estate and entrance is on prior permission only.
What Else is in La Zagaleta?
It’s worth noting that all the facilities in La Zagaleta are for exclusive use to villa owners only; they pay an enormous service charge to be allowed to use the facilities.Golf Course
La Zagaleta golf club is only open to villa owners and their guests. They have exclusive access to two of the Costa del Sol's best private golf courses, La Zagaleta and Los Barrancos. La Zagaleta golf course - known as the Old Course - is to championship standard with 18 holes, Par 72 over a distance of 4800 - 6000 yards. Designed by renowned golf architect Brad Benz in 1991 and redesigned by Marc Westenborg in 2016, it’s a rewarding course with fantastic views to the coast and flanked by mountains. The New Course, Los Barrancos, is very different to the Old Course. It’s a challenging 18-hole, Par 70 with lots of obstacles over a distance of 4356 – 5381 yards.
The Clubhouses
The hub of the estate is the spectacular Old Clubhouse, or La Zagaleta country club. Measuring 5,100m² it has an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, billiards, bowling alley, tennis courts, gourmet food supermarket, pro-golf shop and restaurants (see below). There's also a nightclub, bars and events space where there’s a full schedule of experiences and parties planned. The New Clubhouse is a thatched lakeside venue. A lot smaller than the Old Clubhouse, it's still just as popular with La Zagaleta residents for events or having a quick drink in the bar.Horse Riding
La Zagaleta is home to some beautiful stables with indoor and outdoor schooling arenas. Horses can either be kept on a full livery basis, or horses and ponies can be hired for lessons or hacks. ‘The Riding Club’ equestrian centre has a team of instructors and well-schooled horses for all levels of rider including Arab, PRE and, for the children, Farabella horses and Welsh ponies.Restaurants
Why leave the comfort of a beautiful villa when you can enjoy a top-quality meal at home? At La Zagaleta there are Michelin starred chefs available for in-house dining throughout the estate. However, for owners the clubhouse has two restaurants: the formal dining Old Course Restaurant; and a terrace bar restaurant that's ideal for light bites and brunches.Famous Residents
There is private security throughout the whole of La Zagaleta - so know one really know who lives or owns houses there. It’s a place where the super-rich and famous go to be away from the limelight. However, it is said that Hugh Grant, Rod Stewart and Vladimir Putin all have house in La Zagaleta.What to Do Nearby
When staying in La Zagaleta, the houses are so special that it’s sometimes difficult to tear yourself away from the estate. However, if you do want to see more of the area, here's our pick of easily accessible and great day trips:
- Ronda: historic, boutique wineries and ab-so-lutely beautiful.
- Benahavis village: a great option for restaurants; have a lunch or dinner in this pretty village.
- Granada: a romantic inland city and home to the Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Malaga: the birthplace of Picasso with a fort, palace and Roman amphitheatre.
- Cordoba: historic city with a stunning mosque-church at its centre.
- Sevilla: one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
- Sotogrande: a lovely port, wake boarding lake and polo hub.
When to Go
The temperatures in Marbella are some of the most comfortable in Europe. Depending on the time of year, you can expect from 16°C to 30°C for daytime temperatures. The houses in La Zagaleta are the most luxurious around, and so often have heated pools, spa areas and lots of home entertainment options. As a result, visiting in the winter is also a good option.Where to Stay
All villas have unbroken views of mountains, golf course, the sea or all three.
Our collection of La Zagaleta villas are Villa Shiro (sleeping 16), Villa Vivaldi (sleeping 15), Villa Azure (sleeping 10) Villa Matisse (sleeping 10) and Villa Verdi (sleeping 12).
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