💰 Cost of Living
Average monthly expenses for a digital nomad
🏠 Accommodation
🍜 Food & Dining
🚗 Transportation
🎯 Other
⚡ Digital Nomad Essentials
Everything you need to work remotely from Marbella
📶 Internet
☁️ Weather
✈️ Transport
🛂 Visa
✓Advantages
- ✓Over 320 days of sunshine per year
- ✓World-class beaches and beach clubs
- ✓Excellent fiber optic internet up to 1 Gbps
- ✓Large international expat community
- ✓High quality healthcare with English-speaking doctors
- ✓Michelin-starred dining scene
- ✓Safe environment with low crime
- ✓Spain's Digital Nomad Visa available
- ✓Beautiful Old Town with authentic Andalusian charm
- ✓Easy access to golf courses and water sports
✗Disadvantages
- ✗High cost of living compared to Spanish average
- ✗Car recommended for getting around
- ✗Can be very crowded in peak summer season
- ✗Limited public transportation options
- ✗Some areas cater more to tourists than locals
- ✗Nightlife can get rowdy in Puerto Banus
- ✗Property prices have increased significantly
- ✗Spanish bureaucracy can be challenging
- ✗Not ideal for strict budget travelers
- ✗Some organized crime presence in luxury areas
💼 Top Coworking Spaces
Best places to work in Marbella
Centro House Marbella
📍 Urb. La Alzambra, Nueva Andalucía, 29660 Marbella • 200 Mbps • Meeting rooms
WeCowork Marbella
📍 Urb. Cancela de la Quinta, Edificio 1, Local 1-2, 29670 Marbella • 150 Mbps • Meeting rooms
Regus Marbella Ricardo Soriano
📍 Edif. Golden B, 1ª Planta, Avenida Ricardo Soriano 72, 29601 Marbella • 100 Mbps • 24/7 • Meeting rooms
Work in Marbella
📍 Av. Matas Verdes 2E, Atalaya Isdabe, 29688 Estepona • 100 Mbps • Meeting rooms
The Pool Marbella
📍 Centro de Marbella, 29601 Marbella • 150 Mbps • Meeting rooms
☕ Best Cafes to Work From
Laptop-friendly cafes with good WiFi
Café de Ronda
📍 Old Town
The Cult
📍 Old Town
Dezentral Coffee
📍 Old Town
Zoco Café
📍 Old Town
Cocó Café
📍 Centro
Cappuccino Grand Café
📍 Puerto Banús
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
Where to stay in Marbella
Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
The historic heart of Marbella with charming cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings draped in bougainvillea, and the iconic Plaza de los Naranjos. This authentic Andalusian neighborhood offers a perfect blend of traditional Spanish culture and modern amenities. Home to boutique shops, tapas bars, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a vibrant café scene. Digital nomads love the walkability and authentic atmosphere.
Puerto Banús
Marbella's most iconic and glamorous marina area, famous for luxury yachts, designer boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Gucci), and vibrant nightlife. This is where the jet-set crowd gathers at exclusive beach clubs and upscale restaurants. While expensive, it offers world-class entertainment and networking opportunities. Ideal for those seeking the ultimate luxury Mediterranean lifestyle.
Nueva Andalucía
Known as Golf Valley, this upscale residential area offers a perfect balance between tranquil suburban living and proximity to Puerto Banús. Home to world-famous golf courses like Aloha, Las Brisas, and Los Naranjos. Popular with expat families and golf enthusiasts, it features excellent international schools, gated communities, and a growing selection of restaurants and coworking spaces.
San Pedro de Alcántara
An up-and-coming area with a more local Spanish vibe compared to central Marbella. Once a quiet town, San Pedro has seen major investment with a renovated beach promenade, weekly markets, and growing café culture. More affordable than other Marbella neighborhoods while still offering quality beaches and amenities. Popular with budget-conscious nomads and those seeking authentic Spanish life.
🏛️ Top Attractions
Best things to do in Marbella
Plaza de los Naranjos
The iconic heart of Marbella's Old Town, this beautiful 15th-century square is named after the orange trees that fill it with fragrance. Surrounded by historic buildings including the Town Hall and the Ermita de Santiago, the plaza is perfect for people-watching over coffee or tapas. A must-visit spot that captures the essence of Andalusian charm.
Puerto Banús Marina
One of the most famous marinas in the world, Puerto Banús is a playground for the rich and famous. Stroll past superyachts worth hundreds of millions, browse designer boutiques, and enjoy world-class dining. The marina also features Salvador Dalí sculptures. An essential experience even for budget travelers who want to soak in the glamorous atmosphere.
Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
A charming labyrinth of narrow, flower-lined streets with whitewashed buildings and wrought-iron balconies. The Old Town dates back to the 15th century and offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Andalusian life. Discover hidden plazas, boutique shops, tapas bars, and the beautiful Church of the Incarnation. Perfect for leisurely exploration.
Avenida del Mar
A beautiful seafront promenade connecting the Old Town to the beach, featuring a stunning outdoor gallery of ten bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí. The statues were donated to Marbella and create a unique open-air museum experience. The avenue is lined with palm trees, cafés, and offers lovely Mediterranean views.
Playa de la Fontanilla
One of Marbella's most popular beaches located right in the center of town. This Blue Flag beach offers golden sand, clean waters, and excellent facilities including sunbeds, water sports, and beachfront chiringuitos (beach restaurants). The convenient location makes it perfect for a quick swim during lunch break or sunset drinks.
Parque de la Alameda
A beautiful urban park dating from the 18th century, featuring exotic plants, ceramic tile benches, and a central fountain. The park is shaded by ancient ficus trees and lined with colorful bougainvillea. A peaceful oasis in the center of town perfect for morning coffee, reading, or taking a break from work.
Ralli Museum
A free-to-enter art museum showcasing an impressive collection of contemporary Latin American and European art, including works by Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall, and Eduardo Chillida. The museum itself is a beautiful building set in Mediterranean gardens. A cultural gem that most tourists miss.
Sierra Blanca Mountains
The dramatic mountain range that provides Marbella's stunning backdrop and protects it from cold northern winds. Several hiking trails lead into the mountains, including the Marbella-Ojén route starting from Parque de las Ranas. The mountains offer spectacular views of the coast and are a refreshing escape from the beach scene.
🛡️ Safety & Healthcare
What to know about safety and medical care
🚨 Safety
🏥 Healthcare
💬 What Nomads Say
Real reviews from digital nomads
"Marbella exceeded all my expectations as a digital nomad base. The fiber internet is blazing fast - I consistently get 200+ Mbps which is crucial for my video calls and deployments. The Old Town has become my favorite spot to work from cafés, and the international community means networking happens naturally. Yes, it's pricier than other Spanish cities, but the quality of life is exceptional. Beach lunch breaks, sunset walks, and world-class restaurants make the premium worth it. The weather is incredible - over 300 sunny days means my mood stays great. Highly recommend for nomads who can afford a bit more."
"Spent three months in Marbella and had a mostly positive experience. The pros: absolutely gorgeous beaches, great cafés with WiFi for working, lovely Old Town, very safe feeling everywhere. The coworking spaces are professional and well-equipped. The downsides: you really need a car or scooter to get around efficiently, and costs add up fast - expect €2,500-3,000/month minimum for a comfortable lifestyle. The summer crowds can be overwhelming, and Puerto Banús nightlife isn't my scene. Best tip: stay in San Pedro for better value while keeping Marbella accessible. Perfect for a season, but maybe not year-round."
"Marbella is beautiful but comes with significant trade-offs. The positives are obvious: weather, beaches, international vibe, good internet. However, as a nomad on a moderate budget, I found it challenging. Rent for a decent 1-bedroom was €1,200 minimum, eating out regularly drained my wallet, and the lack of metro or reliable buses meant Uber costs piled up. The community is there but feels more oriented toward wealthy retirees and business types than typical digital nomads. Coworking options are limited compared to places like Lisbon or Barcelona. If money is no object, it's paradise. Otherwise, consider Málaga city - similar vibes, much cheaper."
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