Amazing Day Trips to Take From Marbella by Boat

Fuengirola is home to one of the most popular beaches on the Costa del Sol
Fuengirola is home to one of the most popular beaches on the Costa del Sol | Photo by Tom Brunberg on Unsplash
Mark Nayler

Decked out with chic beachfront clubs, Michelin-starred restaurants, upscale boutiques and a golden coastline, Marbella is one of the Costa del Sol’s hottest spots. While the coastal city makes for a great base for an Andalusian adventure, there are some fabulous other places along the coast well worth checking out. One of the best ways of navigating the sun-drenched region is by boat. Here’s our pick of some of the most manageable day trips to be had from Marbella…

Master the waters of Marbella.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Puerto Banús

The largely residential area of Nueva Andalucia centres on Puerto Banus, where high-end yachts pack the marina and gleaming Ferraris purr along the roads. Set back from the harbour are several streets lined with cafes, bars, restaurants and chic clothing boutiques. You’ll also find some of Marbella’s best nightspots, including Seven and Funky Buddha, and a compact beach fringed by chiringuitos (small bars selling drinks and tapas). Sail and motorboats can refuel at a floating gas dock.

San Pedro de Alcántara

While moored in Puerto Banus, stroll along the coastal boardwalk for 25 minutes to one of the Costa del Sol’s most overlooked beaches. Situated 11km (7mi) west of Marbella, Playa de San Pedro de Alcantara serves as a blissful sunning spot, with an expansive beachfront, superb amenities and stylish chiringuitos with waterfront terraces. There’s also a generous amount of shade, courtesy of mature eucalyptus and palm trees.

Estepona

Estepona provides a sharp contrast to the bling of Puerto Banus. Although just 20km (12mi) further west down the coast, it’s a quintessentially Andalusian town in which whitewashed townhouses are adorned with colourful flower pots and plants. Key sights include the Old Town’s main square (Plaza de las Flores), an orchid house with one of the largest collections in Europe and the spacious Playa de la Rada. Don’t miss creative contemporary tapas at La Bulla Gastrobar.

Fuengirola

This coastal town is usually sought-out for its 8km (6mi) of beaches and lively nightlife but sunbathing and clubbing aren’t the only things to do in Fuengi (as the locals call it). Make your way to Plaza de la Constitución (four minutes on foot from the port), where you’ll find shaded terraces for a spot of rest and recuperation. Then visit the hilltop Sohail Castle, which dates back to the Moorish invasion of Spain, and the Bioparc Zoo, where the avant-garde architecture is just as attention-grabbing as the nature park’s exotic inhabitants.

Benalmádena

Sail to Benalmádena to hang out with eagles and explore the ocean depths. In the marina itself, you’ll find the Sea Life Aquarium, where you come face-to-face with deep-sea creatures such as blacktip reef sharks, green turtles and seahorses. Once back on the surface, head to the cable car station and zip to the top of the 780m (2,560ft) Mount Calamorro, where you’re greeted by panoramic views of the Costa del Sol and inland mountains. You’ll also find the Jardin de las Aguilas (garden of the eagles) birds of prey centre, with the residents ranging from owls to eagles.

Torremolinos

Torremolinos was at the vanguard of tourism development on the Costa del Sol in the 1950s and 60s and it is now firmly established as one of southern Spain’s most popular resorts. Situated just east of Benalmádena (and only a half-hour walk if you’re anchored there), it offers six separate beaches spread over 7km (4mi) of coastline, ranging from the busy Playa del Bajondillo in the town centre to the quieter Playa Los Alamos further north.

Playa de Cabopino

Dock in the Puerto de Cabopino to visit one of the most unspoilt beaches on the Costa del Sol. 14km (9mi) east of Marbella, the Playa de Cabopino stretches alongside a protected area of natural dunes peppered with sprouting juniper and sea narcissus. Keeping vigil over the sands is the 15m (49ft)-high Torre de Ladrones (Thieves’ Tower). Built in the 15th century, the distinctive column is still the tallest watchtower on Malaga’s coastline.

Playa de Calahonda

For an afternoon stroll rounded off with sunset sangrias, head east after dropping anchor in the Puerto de Cabopino. Situated on the opposite side of the harbour from Playa Cabopino, the sand-and-pebble, 4km (3mi)-long Calahonda beach is flanked by a boardwalk that runs to Mijas, providing ample opportunities to watch the sun disappear over the Mediterranean. Both Luna Beach Calahonda (Mijas end) and Cocoa Beach Marbella (port end) have ocean-view terraces.

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