Benahavis and San Pedro, Marbella and Puerto banus, Relax, Spanish Travel Blog

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

My Dreamy Shoes 

Calle Nueva, 4

Dreamy by name, dreamy by nature. This small shoe shop in Marbella has a great selection of shoes for women and children, from wedges and espadrilles to boots and heels. If you want something a bit unusual in the way of footwear you’ll find it here.

Liz Cole Couture/The Hat Shop 

Calle Panaderia, 4

Liz Cole’s studio is just off Plaza de los Naranjos, tucked away down a narrow street. She sources the most divine collection of kimonos, as well as making made-to-measure clothing out of handmade silk. She can design and make anything you want, from 40s-inspired shirt dresses to 50s full skirts as well as modern shift dresses. A dress takes about two months from design, to fitting to the finished article – so plan your trip well.

Atelier Marbella Crea 

Avenida Miguel Cano 6 / Local 2 Bajo

Need a hat for the wedding season or ladies’ day at Ascot? Let’s face it, buying a hat off the peg to go with an outfit never looks quite right – you nearly always have to get one made that matches the colour or style of your outfit. Fortunately, your ideas are in safe hands with Atelier as they are a long-established milliners (and school) in Marbella.

D.Oliva 

Calle Nueva, 9

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 with our colleagues at Toma Tours). It’s a great place to drop in to if you’re a food-lover.

Twist Boutique 

Centro Comercial La Colonia (San Pedro de Alcantara)

Twist makes the cut for the LVC Marbella shopping edit as it stocks small brands that are casual, easy to wear and stylish. Don’t let the slightly dated shop fit and merchandising put you off as the collections are handpicked by the owner. It also stocks Hudson jeans and Ugg footwear.

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 fill 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.

Berdaguer 

Calle de Ramiro Campos Turmo, 10

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 man happy.

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

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.

Ruz Vintage 

Avenida Ricarco Soriano, 21

Only stocking luxury brands, Ruz vintage has a great collection of clothes and accessories including a good selection of silk scarfs in perfect condition.

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.