If there’s one thing Marbella knows how to do, it’s party. Whether it’s lavish Champagne spray parties, chilled-out beach club sundowners, decadent dusk ’til dawn pool parties or sophisticated cocktails and live music, whatever you’re looking for on a sultry summer’s night out, it can deliver.
And it’s not just summer, either. Marbella nightlife does vary quite significantly from season to season: it might seem warm enough to northern Europeans in November to party on the beach or poolside, but to the southern Spanish the seaside fun and frolics end at least a month or so earlier. Don’t be deterred if you’re here out of season, though, as the party people don’t hibernate through the winter months, they just party differently.
Here’s our pick of the best places to let your hair down on a night out in Marbella…
The Best Clubs in Marbella
Best for Overall Experience
Olivia Valere
Marbella clubs don’t come much more established than Olivia Valere on the Golden Mile. For 14 years it’s been at the centre of the area’s nightlife scene – if you’re rich or famous and have visited Marbella, you will have spent a night or two at Olivia Valere.
This huge pleasure palace was built along the most grandiose of lines, taking its inspiration from the architecture of the Mezquita and Alhambra Palace. Expect keyhole-shaped doorways, decorative arches and lots of intricate Moorish design swirls and flourishes throughout.
There are two areas to choose from, both of which offer something different – The Lounge Terrace and The Sushi Bar. Celebrity DJs are a regular occurrence throughout the summer, with the likes of Paris Hilton, Carl Cox and Craig David having stepped up to the decks. There’s also a very convenient outdoor restaurant next door called Olivia Valere Babilonia.
The interiors at Olivia Valere are plush with lots of white seating and no expense spared on the decoration, and the general air of opulence and extravagance lends itself nicely to a complete and utter blowout on a night out in Marbella. It’s open all year round – and there’s often live entertainment throughout the summer – but only at the weekend during the winter.
Address: Carreterra de Istan – Km 0.72, 29600, Marbella; phone: 658 58 15 85
Website: Oliviavalere.com.
Best FOR A BIG NIGHT OUT
Dreamers
This club night has been around since 2000 but didn’t have a permanent residence until 2018. Now it’s just on the outskirts of Puerto Banus in a theatre-style club with a viewing balcony around the dance floor.
Expect the usual Marbella nightlife experience of table service and champagne processions if that’s your bag, and great international names to tickle your earbuds. Music ranges from house to RnB to hip-hop, just keep an eye on the night; 2023 saw Alexander Son, Morad, Gims and Vengedream wowing the crowds and packing out the dance floors.
There are plenty of performers to keep you dancing, as well as ticker tape releases and great lights. This club isn’t huge, so if it’s a big night make sure you buy tickets in advance and get your name on the guest list.
Open from midnight until 6am from May until October.
Address: Carretera de Cadiz KM. 175, Centro Comercial Rimesa Tino, 4, Nueva Andalucia, Marbella, 29660; phone: 665 94 87 87
Instagram: dreamerstheclub
MOMENTO
@Momento Marbella Nightclub
Not many Marbella clubs have hosted a line-up as impressive as Momento: since its opening in 2018, world-famous DJs such as Black Coffee, Andrea Oliva, Apollonia, Adriatique and Chelina Manuhutu (to name but a few) have graced the decks during the club’s legendary summer parties.
Known locally as “the Music Temple”, Momento is one of the hottest places to be seen when it comes to nightlife in Marbella. Located in the heart of the city, this high-end venue sprawls over 4 different areas – including a cocktail terrace, Nikkei restaurant and sleek modern nightclub complete with state-of-the-art L-acoustics sound system, waterfall and over 700 metres of LED lighting.
Music is mainly techno and tech-house and the vibe is intensely glamorous but great fun. This is the perfect place to spend an entire summer night – starting with sushi in the restaurant followed by cocktails on the terrace and a night of dancing in the club. Entry to the club is also free with a dinner reservation, in case you need any further persuasion.
Open during the summer months Thursday – Sunday from 10.00 pm – 6.00 am.
Address: Urbanizacion Villa Parra Palomeras, 67, Marbella, Spain, phone 653 67 76 44
Website: Momentomarbella.com
Best for Front Line
Pangea
There’s a lot of talk about ‘frontline’ and ‘backline’ nightlife in Puerto Banus. In a nutshell, the frontline is a more sophisticated, high-end affair and the backline (literally the second road back from the port) is a little more raucous. At the end of the port – very much frontline – is Pangea.
All white, black and neon, Pangea is a great place to spend an evening if you’re in town and looking for Marbella nightlife. The gorgeous roof terrace can be seen from the portside street below, and house and RnB music are bashed out over the yachts. If it errs just a little on the side of OTT with its décor, hey it’s a club after all, and you’re in Puerto Banus where glamour’s very much the name of the game. Despite always being filled to the rafters and having an indoor part, sadly, it isn’t open during the winter.
Address: Puerto Banus Port; phone: 680 291 967
Website: Pangea-club.com
The Best Beach Clubs in Marbella
The Marbella beach club scene needs to be checked out when visiting the area. Not only is it seriously cool, but it’s also very practical – tanning, relaxing, pampering, swimming, eating, drinking, dancing and partying all in one venue. Perfect.
There are several beach clubs to choose from – with new openings springing up every summer – but here are a couple of our favourites. Be sure to check with our Concierge before a visit, though, as sometimes there’s a themed party on – white, white and gold, or red – to add a little bit of glamour to your beachside lounging, sundowner sipping or early morning partying.
Read this guide to our favourite beach clubs in Marbella for a closer look at where we suggest you spend your nights on the sand.
Best for Striking a Pose
Nikki Beach
The legendary Nikki Beach has been a fixture on the Marbella nightlife scene for two decades. Beachside decked two-tiered terrace, inviting pool, draped comfy chill-out areas, large beach beds, stocked bar, Nikki dancers, resident DJs, themed parties, alfresco dining room and a perfect stretch of Marbella beach… What’s not to like?
This open-air adults’ playground is hard to beat, basically – just stretch out languorously, set up shop and be waited upon. Nikki Beach is kind of an attraction in itself, as you can spend the whole day there or just rock up for the evening’s entertainment.
When the club gets started it spills out into all areas, with live music, soulful house and creatively clad Nikki Beach dancers whipping the place up into a hedonistic frenzy. It’s the beach club to be seen at, and with thousands of young and beautiful people filling the place over the course of an evening, it pays to dress to impress.
Address: Playa Hotel Don Carlos, Carretera de Cadiz, Km 192, 29600 Marbella, Malaga; phone: 952 83 62 39
Website: Nikkibeach.com.
Best for Cocktails
Ocean Club
A short walk from the centre of Puerto Banus, if you feel like stretching your legs in the cool of the evening, Ocean Club sits on an extensive plot. The white and blue décor wraps around a sail-shaped pool lined with round beds that are some of the most comfortable around.
They offer a seriously mouth-watering selection of cocktails (their Bloody Mary made with homemade chilli sauce is a particular LVC favourite) along with shishas and massages throughout the day. The restaurant serves up simple but delicious food made with fresh ingredients, and service that, from start to finish, is impeccable. All in all, it’s a beautiful beach club in Marbella with a very sophisticated air.
Address: Avenida Lola Flores, S/N, 29660 Marbella, Malaga; phone: 952 90 81 37
Website: Oceanclub.es
Summary
Marbella nightlife has a lot going for it, whether you’re looking for an exclusive and high-end experience or want to party to tunes spun by some of the hottest up-and-coming DJs. From beach bars to nightclubs, there’s a night out in Marbella for everyone.
Planning a celebratory trip to southern Spain with friends? Have a look at our selection of luxury Marbella villas.
Like our pick of the best nightlife in Marbella, but looking for something more chilled from your night out? Check out a few of our favourite restaurants.
Lindsay Gregory
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