Marbella and shopping. Did two things ever sit together so naturally? It’s all in the heritage: the area was born out of the golden age of wealthy jet setters in the 50s. And there’s one thing the glamorous jet set of yesteryear (and present day, for that matter) know how to do – and that is spend it.
While just up the road, Puerto Banus is door-to-door designer boutiques, Marbella’s offering is slightly more varied and you have to work a little harder to find its most inviting independent shops.
To give you a bit of a helping hand, we’ve picked out a handful of the very best in our guide to Marbella shopping.
The Best of the Boutiques
Gaudi
Plaza de la Victoria, 3, 29601 Marbella, Malaga
Beautifully tailored and designed womenswear. A twist on classic designs.
Love Collage
C. Enrique del Castillo, 29601 Marbella, Malaga
Beautiful collection of casual boutique summer clothes (mainly dresses). Next to Chic Vintage see below.
Island Spirit
Pl. José Palomo, 29601 Marbella, Malaga
Women’s boho beach and summer wear. Think embellishment, tassels, colour and a ‘more is more’ style.
Swimwear
Two shops that stand out are Dolores Cortes and Otra Cosa Mariposa.
Otra Cosa Mariposa
C. Gloria, 4, 29601 Marbella, Malaga
If you like to coordinate your whole family, then this is the shop for you. All swimwear and beachwear are designed and made in Spain and there’s certainly a Spanish touch to all the designs.
Dolores Cortes
Ramón Areces, S/N, 29660 Puerto Banus, Marbella
They have been designing swimwear since the 50s and all that experience shows when you try their swimwear.
Best for Shoes
Tony Mora
Calle Nueva de Marbella, 5, 29601 Marbella, Malaga
Absolutely divine handmade boots from Spain by a family business that have been making shoes for 100 years. Traditional styles are available but their cowboy-style boots are to-die-for and can be custom-made to your specification.
MICHEL MARBELLA
C. Misericordia, 4, 29601 Marbella, Malaga
There are a few purchasing must-haves when visiting Spain – and espadrilles are one of them. The lovely mother and daughter duo in the store will help with these ever practical and stylish shoes. All handmade in Spain. (Michelmarbella.com)
2 Espadrilles from marbella
C. Estación, 1, 29601 Marbella, Malaga
More beautifully handmade espadrilles for all summery occasions.
Salotto
C. Fortaleza, 1, 29601 Marbella, Malaga
Describing itself as a ‘Mediterranean street market’ it’s very aptly named. This majority Spanish made concept store holds everything from summer dresses and esparto beach bags to throws and cushions.
D.Oliva
Calle Nueva, 9 Marbella, Malaga
D.Oliva only stock the very finest produce from Andalucia. Owner David personally selects his wine from local vineyards and sells this alongside a mind-blowing choice and flavours of Spanish olive oil – try it with fresh pan de pueblo in the shop, or you can even book a full-blown wine and food pairing (book it as part of an Old Town Marbella tapas tour). It’s a great place to drop in to if you’re a food-lover.
Berdaguer
C. Ramiro Campos Turmo, 10, 29602 Marbella, Malaga
Not forgetting the men, of course… Berdaguer is one of the more traditional, high-quality men’s clothing shops in Marbella. Stocking branded names such as Hackett, Burberry and Church’s, this boutique deals in classic clothing and a variety of accessories that would keep any style-conscious man happy.
Sam Newman
Pl. de la Victoria, 7, 29601 Marbella, Malaga
A southern Spanish casual clothing brand with a smattering of stores – Madrid, Marbella, Tarifa, El Rompido and Malaga. Modern casual menswear inspired by the Mediterranean and Atlantic coast by Sam Newman.
HOMIÉS MARBELLA
C/ Ribera local 12 y 13. Casa 0 Puerto Banus, 29660 Marbella, Malaga
Straight out of Marbella, this streetwear brand is the result of two close friends. Their flagship store is in Puerto Banus holding men’s, women’s and kid’s streetwear fashion and accessories. Expect hoodies, tees, sweat pants, shorts and caps, all with a clean aesthetic and made in Europe. (Homiesmarbella.com)
Best of Heritage
El Baul del Artesano
Ortiz de Molinillo, 9, Peral, 13, 29601 Marbella, Malaga
There aren’t too many places that can match Spain for leather goods. Crafted and handmade in beautiful leather these boots last a lifetime.
Antonio Garcia
C. Pedraza, 4, 29601 Marbella, Malaga
Traditional southern Spanish country wear store with hats, leather goods and wool jackets. Classic pieces that are timeless.
The Best of Vintage
These two vintage shops stock quality pieces from recognised names. So it’s always worth popping in for that vintage Luis Vuitton backpack, Chloé silk dress or YSL circa 1984 belt you’ve always wanted.
Chic Vintage
Calle de Enrique del Castillo, 1, Marbella, Malaga
This little shop is filled from top to bottom with all sorts of vintage clothing and accessories. Be prepared to rummage, but there are gems to be found.
Vintage Déjà vu
Calle Pedraza, 8, 29601 Marbella, Malaga
Stocking vintage home decoration, furniture, fashion accessories and clothes from designer brands.
Shopping Nuevo Andalucia
Nina B
Centro Comercial Centro Plaza, Avenida Manolete, 1, Local 39-40 (Nueva Andalucia)
A carefully selected range of clothing and accessories from largely Swedish designers fills this boutique in Nueva Andalucia. A range of unusual and sensibly priced brands such as Filippa K, Caterina Lucchi, Sixty Days and TCN make it well worth a visit.
Gunnels Fashion
Centro Comercial Centro Plaza, Avenida Manolete, Local 18-19 (Nueva Andalucia)
Born out of the need for unique, original pieces of clothing and accessories, Gunnels is a boho-chic, pretty, breath of fresh air. The owner is Swedish and is famed for her clogs (yes you heard correctly, clogs – just try them and you’ll see where we’re coming from). We love this boutique and always pop in when we’re in Nueva Andalucia. (Gunnelsfashionmarbella.com)
The Best Shopping Centre
Set back off the Carretera de Ojén and surrounded by palms, La Cañada makes for a great option if you’re wanting an afternoon away from the beach or the pool. There are a few designer names knocking about, but it’s largely the best of the Spanish high street that fills the space.
Adolfo Dominguez
Classic styles in good quality fabrics fill Adolfo Dominquez stores. Its collections are forever favourites that won’t go out of fashion. Think a sea of tan, creams, navy, black and a nod to fashionable colours. They stock men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, costume jewellery and sunglasses.
Bimba y Lola
We love Bimba y Lola. Expect fresh designs that go from edgy, to classics with a twist. A relatively small collection is served up every season featuring bold colours, tailored trousers and dresses with shoes, bags and jewellery to compliment.
Purificacion Garcia
Men’s and women’s mid-range designer shop Purificacion Garcia always delights with flattering cuts, inventive designs and forever pieces.
If you’re after a suitably glamorous base camp for your Marbella shopping trip, check out our collection of luxury villas in Marbella & Puerto Banus.