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Your Guide to Shopping in Marbella
12 Dec 2018
By Danielle Gunner
Calling all shopaholics and fashionistas, we’ve got the ultimate retail therapy for you! There’s no shortage of clothing stores, gift shops and designer boutiques in Marbella. In fact, this Costa del Sol resort is home to bustling promenades bursting with must-have souvenirs and those all-important bucket and spades – that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
So, what are you waiting for? Here’s everything you need to know about shopping in Marbella.
Shopping Centres
The shopping centres in this Spanish region are real all-rounders, with everything you need under one roof. Find big-name brands, along with supermarkets, restaurants and cinema complexes just moments away from your hotel.
There are five huge shopping centres dotted around the area, with hundreds of stores between them. The question is – which are must-visits during your holiday to Marbella?
La Canada
As the largest shopping centre in Costa del Sol, this retail paradise has over 150 stores. Save your pennies because with high street brands such as Topshop, H&M and Zara, you won’t be able to resist a purchase or two.
You’ll also be enticed by a selection of jewellery, sport and furniture shops – providing you with a mix of retailers to choose from. Not to mention, there’s a helping of restaurants on stand by, we know how a shopping frenzy can work up an appetite. Fill your face with home favourites including KFC, McDonald’s and Burger King or locate a traditional Spanish eatery.
La Canada is no one-trick pony, this mega centre even features a cinema and bowling alley, making it the ultimate family day out.
Location: Easily accessible by car, bus, train and taxi – La Canada is located on the A7-E15 ring road in Marbella. Bus routes can be found on either line one, three or six from most stops in and around the resort centre.
Best for: This retail haven won’t disappoint, mixing affordable brands with designer stores, you have the best of both worlds at your fingertips. Relax knowing the kids are covered too, the arcades and big sports screens will provide any little one with a fun-filled day.
Opening times: Monday to Thursday: 10am – 11pm, Friday – closed, Saturday: 10am – 11pm, Sunday: closed.
Keep in mind that the Spanish enjoy a cheeky afternoon siesta, so some shops may be closed after 2pm till around 5pm.
Top tip: The locals tend to shop here on an evening, so if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle, we suggest doing your shopping during the day. Mondays and Tuesdays are said to be the quietest.
El Corte Ingles
Resembling a Spanish Selfridges, El Corte Ingles is Spain’s largest department store chain. You won’t just find this hotspot in Marbella, but all over the country – which proves its a real hit when it comes to all things retail.
Spanning over six floors, you’ll spend hours exploring perfumes, makeup, footwear, handbags and beyond. The first floor has a collection of all the latest fashion trends, hairdressers and a trendy cafe. But our favourite section has a Champagne bar, which is located on floor two alongside the electric goods, books and music. This is where you’ll find gourmet treats as well as Moët and Chandon on tap.
Location: Situated in Puerto Banus, a bus or taxi are the easiest transport options for holidaymakers. If you’ve rented a car, the N340 road will take you directly to El Corte Ingles. Car parking is also free here, allowing you to spend hours exploring.
Best for: Those who like to splurge will fall head-over-heels for this shopping haven. Mainly specialising in high-end or designer fashion, El Corte Ingles is the ultimate place to self-indulge.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 10am – 10pm, Sunday: closed.
Boutiques
Boutiques come in all shapes and sizes in Marbella, some nestled away in the Old Town with authentic charm, while others feature couture fashion labels in Puerto Banus. Get lost down cobbled streets and discover the resorts best-kept secrets. Here’s a few of our favourites –
Elite
Find the most sought-after designs for this season at this up-market boutique. Featuring designers such as Versace, Kenzo, Givenchy and Yeezy – men, women and kids can all take advantage of this luxury shopping spot.
Elite are well-known for their exclusive trainer collection, some of which are sold out across the UK. However, shoppers can also expect to find bags, shoes, dresses and pants – grab yourself a bargain by checking out their outlet section with discounts across all major brands.
Location: Situated next to the Hard Rock Cafe Marbella, Elite won’t be hard to miss with its tropical window displays and quirky mannequins. It’s also located next to the iconic Ocean Beach Club, on Conjunto Benabola street.
Best for: Seeking big savings on designer makes? You’ve come to the right place. Elite is the ideal boutique for those looking for luxurious items at reduced prices. Think of it like a Spanish, high-class TK Maxx!
Opening times: Monday to Sunday: 11am – 10pm.
Top tip: You could save even more on your purchases depending on the exchange rate. Check the value of the pound before you splash your cash as the Euro could save you a few pennies.
Bonpoint
This one is for the kids! For over 30 years Bonpoint has been specialising in children’s fashion. You’ll have the most stylish tots in Spain with this boutique offering trendy coats, elegant dresses and swanky shoes. Expanding even further, Bonpoint now bestows collections for newborns and women.
These chic designs are more expensive than your typical high-street brands, but this boutique offers unique styles you simply won’t find at home – making it worth every penny.
Location: Based on Marbella’s Golden Mile in Puerto Banus, this quaint store can be found next to Agent Provocateur and Nikki Beach.
Best for: When you’re not dressing your little ones to impress, Bonpoint makes a great gift shop. A wonderful treat for those expecting with bodysuits, booties and pyjama sets – what’s not to love?
Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 10am – 10pm, Sunday: closed.
Traditional Marbella Markets
Bargain hunters rejoice! Marbella is no exception to the rule when it comes to vibrant markets. Boasting carefully crafted handmade gifts, antiques, as well as fresh products such as cheeses and meats – there’s a selection of stalls ready to tempt you.
Marbella Monday Street Market
Check out over 360 stalls showcasing everything from clothes, shoes, leather goods and food. As the name suggests, you can find Marbella’s streets full of steals every Monday, and along with its bustling stalls, there’s an accompanying fairground. It’s one of the largest markets in the region and it won’t disappoint when it comes to exclusive buys.
Pop up restaurants will tantalise your taste buds, while handmade jewellery lures you in. It’s completely acceptable to barter in order to get the right price, but you’ll find the products are more than affordable here.
Location: In the east side of the town, take a taxi to Avenida Las Albarizas or bus line five. Renting a car? Parking can be found at the bottom of Calle Jorge Guillen next to Burger King.
Best for: Souvenirs, gifts and one-of-a-kind products are just some of the treats you’ll find in this street market. It’s best for handbags, wallets and clothing if you want look-alike designer products at reduced rates.
Opening times: Monday: 9am – 2pm.
Artisanal Market
One of the most beautiful and artistic markets in Marbella, find yourself strolling among the orange blossoms while exploring paintings, sculptures, ceramics, accessories, jewellery and perfumes.
Smaller than the traditional Monday street market in the heart of the resort, Artisanal will fill the streets with live jazz music every Sunday, while you grab yourself a handmade masterpiece.
Location: Orange Square is where you’ll find this hidden gem, right in the centre of Marbella Old Town. Surrounding the stalls are a whole host of Mediterranean eateries, where you can stop for a mouthwatering lunch while the town’s ancient landmarks provide the perfect backdrop.
Best for: Those seeking quality products with a unique flare will enjoy this market. Find top-notch merchandise at unbelievable prices.
Opening times: Sunday: 10am – 3pm.
Designer labels
Add a touch of luxury to your holiday with a visit to some of the most prestigious designer shops in Spain. This Costa del Sol resort will impress holidaymakers with its highly-desired brands and goods, from Gucci to Christian Dior – which famous name will channel your inner shopaholic?
Louis Vuitton
This French fashion house is one of Marbella’s most famous designer spots. Making a name for itself as the 19th most valuable brand in the world, this luxury retail company are experts in crafting the ultimate accessory.
Searching for those trademark shoes? Look no further. Find elegant, chic collections within this boutique-style store and treat yourself to something special.
Location: Perched near the beachfront, this Louis Vuitton branch can be located on Muelle Rivera next to the marina.
Best for: This lavish shop is ideal for those with expensive taste. However, you can find some reasonably priced products here for stylish individuals looking for a one-off treat.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 11am – 10pm, Sunday: 11:30am – 9pm.
Michael Kors
Affordable designer fashion, Michael Kors is one of our favourite Marbella high-class retailers. World-famous for its signature bags, you can grab yourself one of these famous essentials for as little as €40.
Purchase exclusive merchandise in Marbella with limited edition crocodile skin handbags sold in this store, but be quick there’s only a handful in Europe. Alongside one-of-a-kind designs, wonder around rows of fashion favourites hot from the catwalk.
Location: A big-name beauty on the Marina of Marbella, head to Planta Baja for some retail therapy.
Best for: Michael Kors offers a range of luxury fashion accessories and clothing, making it a hotspot for high-quality goods. However, the prices here make it affordable for those on a budget.
Opening times: Monday to Sunday: 11am – 9pm.
Top tip: Marbella’s summer sale season starts on July 1st and ends on the 31st August. This usually means retailers will offer around 10% off products, so keep your eyes peeled.
Now you’ve got the lowdown on everything from budget-friendly markets to couture boutiques, grab some bargains or splash some cash in one of these Marbella shopping hotspots.
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