Marbella old town vs new marbella: two worlds, one destination
If you only know one side of Marbella, you don’t really know Marbella.
The town lives in a contrast between history and modernity, and nowhere is that clearer than in the difference between Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo) and the newer coastal areas.
Understanding this difference changes how you experience the city and how much you enjoy it.
Marbella Old Town: intimacy, history, and soul
Marbella's Old Town offers an authentic, romantic, and historic Andalusian experience with charming buildings, narrow streets, and the charming Plaza de los Naranjos.
Here you’ll find:
- whitewashed streets
- small plazas
- orange trees and flower pots
- traditional Andalusian architecture
- boutique shops & traditional (tapas) restaurants
Life here moves slowly. Lunches feel intimate. Dinners are romantic. Walks feel relaxed & authentic.
Best for:
- culture seekers
- romantic strolls & dinners
- relaxing evenings
- anyone who enjoys atmosphere over activity
This is Marbella’s emotional centre.
New Marbella: openness, energy, and convenience
The New Town (especially toward Puerto Banús) is characterized by modern, luxurious, high-rise developments, bustling promenades, and a vibrant nightlife.
Here you’ll find:
- beach promenades
- modern cuisine & international restaurants
- (luxury) shopping areas
- trendy beach clubs and nightlife
This side of Marbella is outward-facing and international. It’s lively, social, and built for variety.
Best for:
- (luxury) shopping
- party-goers
- beach lovers
- nightlife and people-watching
This is Marbella’s social engine.
The mistake many visitors make
Many visitors choose one and miss the other.
They either:
- stay only in the modern area and miss the authenticity & soul
- or stay only in the old town and miss the coastal energy & vibrant night life
The best experience (in our opinion) comes from moving between both.
The ideal way to experience Marbella
- Morning: Old Town walk, coffee, charming streets
- Afternoon: beach or promenade
- Evening: New Town dinner and atmosphere
- Night: retreat to calm
This rhythm lets you experience Marbella fully without exhaustion.
Why Casa Calma fits perfectly into this balance
Casa Calma allows you to dip into both worlds and then leave them behind.
You enjoy Marbella’s diversity by day, and return to:
- peace
- space
- comfort
- a slower evening rhythm
That contrast is what makes the experience sustainable and memorable.
Marbella offers many versions of itself. The key is not choosing one but choosing a base that lets you experience all of them.
Casa Calma is that base. Book your stay and experience Marbella and everything else the Costa del Sol has to offer in the best way possible.
