Original things to do in Marbella beyond the beach

Marbella is much more than beach bars and the promenade. If you're wondering what to do in Marbella and want something different — with friends, as a couple or with the family — here are six ideas that work whether the sun is out or the day turns grey. We'll start with our favourite, of course.

1. Live an adventure with live actors: an escape room in the town centre

For 90 minutes you and your group step into a real story: a 1920s hotel with a heist to solve, a fairy-tale cottage with a witch who doesn't want visitors, or a pirate expedition hunting for treasure. Puzzles, atmosphere and live actors who react to what you do. It's teamwork, laughter and adrenaline, and it doesn't depend on the weather: we're indoors, air-conditioned and right in the centre of Marbella, so it fits perfectly around lunch, some shopping or a free afternoon.

We play in English and Spanish, children aged 8 to 15 play with an adult, and the rooms are designed for groups of 2 to 10 (up to 25 with our hall escape). First time? Read what an escape room is and how to play.

2. Get lost in the old town and Plaza de los Naranjos

Whitewashed streets, flower pots and wrought-iron balconies, just a couple of minutes from the seafront. Plaza de los Naranjos, the castle walls, the Encarnación church and the little streets full of small shops and tapas bars easily fill a whole unhurried morning. Tip: go early or at dusk, when the light is better and the crowds thinner.

3. Avenida del Mar and the Dalí sculptures

Between Alameda Park and the promenade there's a small open-air museum: around ten bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí, free to see at any time. A short, very photogenic stroll that pairs nicely with an ice cream on the seafront or with the previous stop.

4. Climb La Concha or escape to Ojén and Istán

If your group fancies moving, La Concha (the mountain overlooking Marbella) is a demanding hike with breathtaking views. For something gentler, the white villages of Ojén and Istán are 15-20 minutes by car: steep streets, viewpoints and great places to eat far from the bustle.

5. Puerto Banús at sunset

Yachts, luxury cars and designer windows: Puerto Banús is a classic, but at sunset it changes completely. A walk around the marina, a drink looking out to sea and, if the date fits, the Saturday-morning street market right next door.

6. A themed night: murder mystery dinner and live Cluedo

To end the day with something nobody in the group has done before: our themed nights. A live Cluedo with actors where everyone has a character, a secret and a murderer to unmask. Perfect for birthdays, hen and stag parties and company dinners.

What if it rains or it's too hot?

Plans 1 and 6 are indoors and air-conditioned, so they work any day of the year. For more rainy-day ideas see our guide to things to do in Marbella when it rains, and if you're travelling with kids, family plans with children in Marbella.

Choose your adventure at Arkham

• Breadcrumbs: Hansel and Gretel's cottage. Fantasy with no scares, ideal for families and first-timers.
• New Hotel Russell: investigation, gangsters and a jewel heist in a 1920s hotel. The favourite among groups of friends.
• The Secret Treasure: a pirate adventure for large groups, up to 25 people at once, at our venue or at your place.
• Themed nights: live Cluedo with dinner for a full evening.

Book your slot

Pick a room, day and time and pay online in a minute. You can also give the experience as a gift with an instant gift voucher.

An original, indoor plan for everyone. Next time you don't know what to do in Marbella, now you do: see you at Arkham Escape Rooms.