Marbella is a destination that understands families. From sunny mornings on the beach to leisurely dinners by the sea, a weekend here during the family holidays offers the kind of quality time that stays with you long after the summer ends. If you’re based in a holiday rental and wondering how to structure your weekend, we’ve put together an itinerary for the whole family to enjoy.
Saturday: Coastal mornings and cultural afternoons
Start your Saturday with a relaxed breakfast at home or in one of the local cafés along the Paseo Marítimo. Many offer freshly baked pastries and fresh juice just steps from the beach. Afterwards, head straight to Playa de la Fontanilla. Its soft sand, shallow water and family-friendly facilities make it ideal for swimming, sandcastle-building or simply lounging with a book while the kids play. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, there are beach concessions for hiring pedaloes, kayaks and stand-up padel boards.
By midday, you’ll be ready for lunch. Try a beachfront chiringuito for local dishes like grilled sardines or paella. For families with younger children, many of these venues have shaded areas and children’s menus.
In the afternoon, explore Marbella’s Old Town. The cobbled streets of the Casco Antiguo offer a gentle cultural walk, with ice cream stops, shady plazas and independent shops. Plaza de los Naranjos is a charming central square where children can roam while parents enjoy a coffee or glass of wine. If you’re looking for a change of pace out of the sun, the Ralli Museum near Puerto Banús is an unexpected gem. It’s free to enter and filled with vibrant Latin American art that captures the imagination without overwhelming younger visitors.
Sunday: Adventure, nature and easy dining
If your family enjoys more active experiences, start the day at Aventura Amazonia in Elviria. This outdoor adventure park offers zip lines and rope courses for all ages, with safety briefings and different levels of difficulty. It’s a great way to let off some energy and create shared memories.
Alternatively, take a slower pace at Parque de la Constitución, near the centre. This well-kept park has a shaded playground, open spaces for picnics and an auditorium that sometimes hosts children’s shows during holiday periods.
Later in the day, head inland for a peaceful walk around Lago de las Tortugas (Turtle Lake), in the foothills of Nueva Andalucía. Surrounded by nature, it’s a quiet and relaxing spot where children can look for turtles and fish in the water and parents can unwind among the pine trees. Bring a picnic or stop at one of the nearby cafés in the area for a light meal before returning home.
Making the most of your stay
One of the advantages of staying in a holiday apartment is flexibility. You can explore at your own pace, prepare your own meals if needed and settle into a routine that suits the whole family. Marbella’s combination of coastal lifestyle, cultural richness and child-friendly infrastructure makes it easy to enjoy each day without too much planning.
Whether it’s your first visit or part of a longer summer stay, a well-planned weekend adds structure without limiting spontaneity, offering just the right blend of comfort, discovery and family connection.
