Behind the glamour of the Costa del Sol lies a Marbella that rewards those who linger: a whitewashed Old Town of orange trees and bougainvillea, protected dunes and quiet coves, the yachts and boutiques of Puerto Banus, and long afternoons that belong entirely to the sea. Based in your own villa and moving at your own pace, this ten-day escape balances the coast's celebrated energy with its slower pleasures, an unhurried side of southern Spain for the discerning traveler. 

ITINERARY

• DAY 1 | Arrival & a Quiet First Night
• DAY 2 | The Old Town
• DAY 3 | Puerto Banus & the Sea
• DAY 4 | Dunes, Beach & Music
• **DAY 5 | Golf, Spa & Modern Andalusian **
• DAY 6 | The Art of Slow Living
• DAY 7 | Sculpture, Art & San Pedro
• DAY 8 | Out to Sea
• DAY 9 | The Old Town, Slowly
• **DAY 10 | Departure **

DAY ONE: ARRIVAL & A QUIET FIRST NIGHT

You arrive on the coast and transfer to your villa, with time to unpack and take a first walk through the property. There are no plans for the first night. Walk down to the beach to feel the Mediterranean breeze and sit for a simple dinner near the water as you settle into the pace of southern Spain. 

DAY TWO: THE OLD TOWN

The morning begins in the Plaza de los Naranjos, over a coffee and a freshly squeezed watermelon juice at Churreria Ramon, before you wander without a map through the Old Town, past the sixteenth-century Casa del Corregidor, the eleventh-century castle walls, and the striking interior of La Encarnacion church. The afternoon is free to return to the villa and swim, read, or rest in the shade. In the evening, head back into the Old Town for an understated dinner at Casa Blanca, known for its garlic prawns and serrano sandwiches. 

DAY THREE: PUERTO BANUS & THE SEA

The morning is spent on the water, departing Puerto Banus on a three-hour sailing cruise along the coastline and mountains, with snorkeling equipment on board and the chance of passing dolphins. Back on land, take your time along the marina, watching the yachts come and go and browsing the boutiques from Dolce & Gabbana to Gucci, or simply finding a spot to take in the spectacle. In the evening, make your way to the Belvue rooftop bar for a cocktail as the sun drops below the horizon. 

DAY FOUR: DUNES, BEACH & MUSIC

This morning brings a gentle walk along the Senda Litoral through the protected Dunas de Artola, its wooden pathways leading directly to the sea. Step straight from the dunes onto the sands of Cabopino beach for a morning of swimming and rest by the water. In the evening, reserve a table at The Farm in the Old Town, where the kitchen works with fresh, organic ingredients and the courtyard often fills with live acoustic guitar, jazz, or flamenco. 

DAY FIVE: GOLF, REST & MODERN ANDALUSIAN

The morning is yours to shape: a round at Villa Padierna and its celebrated championship courses, a tee time at the classic Los Naranjos, or a place at the spectacular La Zagaleta if access can be secured to one of Europe's most exclusive courses. For those seeking to be thoroughly pampered instead, the spa at Villa Padierna is among the finest on the coast. In the evening, dine at Tragabuches, the concept by acclaimed local chef Dani Garcia, its menu rooted in Andalusian flavor, with the three-tomato salad and the croquetas not to be missed. 

DAY SIX: THE ART OF SLOW LIVING

A day given over entirely to the rhythm of the sea. Reserve a sunbed at Calma by Kopparberg or the Amare beach club, with no schedule and nowhere to be. Listen to the chill-out music, walk along to the Marbella Club chiringuito for a long lunch with your feet in the sand, and watch the water until late afternoon. 

DAY SEVEN: SCULPTURE, ART & SAN PEDRO

Begin the day along the Avenida del Mar, taking in the ten bronze sculptures by Salvador Dali, then continue to the Ralli Museum and its collection of Latin American art. In the afternoon, head west to the quieter neighboring town of San Pedro de Alcantara to walk the plaza, view the basilica ruins, and follow the promenade down to the water. Stay on for the evening at Playa Nini, a beach restaurant with unhurried service and views of the darkening sea. 

DAY EIGHT: OUT TO SEA

Board a private boat and head south along the coast toward Sotogrande, spending the day on the water with swimming stops and lunch on board. For the more adventurous, the route continues past Sotogrande to the Rock of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Back by late afternoon, take a quiet hour at the villa before an evening in Puente Romano, its endless run of restaurants and bars alive with the glamour and buzz that define Marbella after dark. 

DAY NINE: THE OLD TOWN, SLOWLY

Spend the morning tasting regional extra virgin olive oils at D-Oliva before browsing the independent shops of the historic center, among them boutiques such as Tandem for linen and summer wear. Continue through Alameda Park to admire its painted tile benches and dense foliage, with the pond and its turtles, ducks, and swans at Parque de la Represa a short walk on. Stop at Purolatte for handmade mango ice cream before heading back to the villa to pack and rest. For your last evening, walk out onto the Embarcadero pier at the Marbella beach club, one of the quietest places to watch the sun set over the Mediterranean, accessible year-round even when the club itself is closed. 

DAY TEN: DEPARTURE

An unhurried final morning. Take a last walk along the promenade or a long breakfast on your terrace before departing for the airport at your own pace.