Marbella Camping

The terms “Marbella” and “camping” seem such a juxtaposition of unlikely things – who’d want to go camping in Marbella, the glamour resort with its famous Golden Mile nightclubs, its 5-star hotels, its Hollywood jet-set and fabulously wealthy residents with super yachts berthed at Puerto Banus Marina? It seems the least likely candidate for a camping holiday.
 
Yet every year Marbella’s excellent camping grounds see thousands of visitors, for it’s a great way to see this jewel in the Mediterranean crown on a budget – money saved that may one day go towards purchasing a holiday home at the Costa del Sol.

Almost as good as staying in a Marbella Holiday Home

Even the camping grounds seem more luxurious at Marbella than at any other Costa del Sol resort!
 
If you are looking for a 5-star campsite with all the amenities a happy camper could wish for, head to La Buganvilla at Ctra N340, Km 188, which features restaurant and bar, laundry, swimming pool, beach, tennis and riding, golf and various water sports facilities on site. There are even bungalows and “bengalis”, a hybrid of cabin and tent, for those who prefer their walls to be solid and their indoor plumbing “just so”.
 
Bungalows and bengalis start from EUR 45.00 during the summer months. It’s essential to book ahead for any of Marbella’s camping grounds during July and August and when fiestas are being held. Nearby Fuengirola is an alternative, as it has several excellent campsites close to the beach, but still within a 20 minute walk of the town. They are situated towards the west of Fuengirola.

Marbella’s camping grounds remain open the entire year, and there are several great camp sites near the coastal road. The Old Town, right in the heart of Marbella, provides travellers with budget hostels run by friendly locals; it’s cheap and cheerful accommodation, but scrupulously clean and well appointed. Some have family rooms sleeping up to 4 people.

Marbella Sightseeing on a Budget

The town also provides sightseers with affordable bike and car hire. For around EUR 15.00 per day one can hire a bike and pedal along the seafront. Spy on the super rich on their yachts or try your hand at celebrity spotting when you cycle leisurely past outdoor cafes and tapas bars at Puerto Banus.

Local bus services are also excellent value for money and one can typically reach all major attractions, such as the zoo, aqua parks and various theme parks, by bus or train. Hop on a regular bus to Fuengirola and Malaga or head to Torremolinos for a day out. From Fuengirola one can catch long-distance buses to Madrid, Ronda, Seville, Granada and Cadiz. A bus ride to Malaga takes just 45 to 50 minutes, depending on the route taken.

Just a short drive or bus ride from Marbella lies the pretty village of Casares, approximately 3 km distance west of Estepona. Casares is a picturesque place with white-washed house and steady flow of tourists during summer. The village boasts the ruins of a 13th century Moorish fortress that sits on Roman foundations and the lovely 15th century Iglesia de la Encarnación, which counts among its many attractions an impressive mudéjar tower with amazing views from its top.

Marbella Shopping and having a great Time

Regardless if you visit Marbella as a camper or temporary resident of a luxury holiday villa with swimming pool, the town has something for everyone. Parents will adore the fantastic children’s activities Marbella provides and shoppers won’t want to leave excellent shopping centres such as La Canada.
 
At night there are fine restaurants, tapas bars, cafes and beach bars selling fresh seafood or steaming hot paella straight from the pan. The Orange Square in Marbella Old Town is a great place to visit at night. Mingle, soak up the atmosphere or go eating out in tiny restaurants hidden in narrow lanes and ancient courtyards.
 
It’s easy to fall in love with Marbella - most people return for another visit. Some even come to buy their own piece of land to pitch up their tent, their villa or Marbella townhouse. Apartment prices start from EUR 100,000, resale villas from EUR 350,000.