What to do in Marbella when it rains

Wondering what to do in Marbella when it rains? Ditch the umbrella—we’ve got plenty of fun ideas to keep you smiling, even when the sun takes a break. 

So, you’ve woken up to the pitter-patter of rain on your windowpane during your much-anticipated Marbella getaway. While Marbella typically enjoys 320 days of sunshine, with less than 50 days of rain or storms, there’s still plenty of joy to be found when the clouds roll in. Rain or shine, Marbella is bursting with activities to brighten your day. Whether you’re a local seeking cover or a visitor looking for rainy-day adventures, let’s dive into the city’s rainy-day playbook.

Rainy Day Fun in Marbella: Making the Most of Wet Weather in Marbella when it Rains

1. Indulge in Retail Therapy:

Rainy days are perfect for a little retail therapy in Marbella. Kick off your indoor escapade at La Cañada shopping center, where you’ll find over 150 shops, restaurants, and a cinema to explore – talk about spoilt for choice! Head over to El Corte Inglés in Puerto Banús for three floors of diverse departments. If you’re feeling adventurous, dive into the Old Town’s maze of streets, where hidden boutiques and crafty shops await discovery. 

Marbella’s shopping scene promises something for everyone, making it the perfect rainy-day activity!

Things to Do in Marbella When it Rains
Photo credit: www.lacanadashopping.com

2. Explore Marbella’s Cultural Hideaways:

When the rain starts to fall, it’s the perfect time to get cozy indoors and discover Marbella’s cultural gems. Begin your indoor adventure  at the Bonsai Museum, where tiny trees pack a serene punch, whisking you away to a miniature wonderland. Then, saunter over to the Contemporary Engraving Museum, where art whispers tales of creativity. Raindrops can’t dampen the magic of these cultural havens!

Bonsai Museum marbella
Photo credit: www.museosdemalaga.com

3. Savor Spanish Cuisine:

What better way to spend a rainy day than by indulging in spanish cuisine? Marbella offers a plethora of options to satisfy your culinary craving. Head to the Old Town and cozy up in a snug tapas bar; a top pick is Taberna La Niña del Pisto or Taberna Casa Curro Marbella. Here, each bite tells a story of flavor, from crispy croquettes to melt-in-your-mouth octopus. Wash it all down with a glass of local wine or a cheeky sangria—it’s the ultimate rainy-day feast! 

For those eager to dive deep into the local culture and flavors of Marbella, Mercado Municipal De Marbella, near Old Town is a must-visit spot. Visit Casa Rivas for fresh Spanish produce and local delicacies, or make your way to ‘Fiesta’ and order a “mollete de carne mechada.” What’s sets it apart? It’s the only spot in Marbella’s central market where they’ll grill or cook anything you buy from the stalls. 

If you’re in the mood for a touch of romance, Marbella offers some of the most charming restaurants in town, providing the ideal setting for a cozy culinary experience amidst the gray skies.

Things to Do in Marbella When it Rains

4. Indulge in Michelin-starred Dining:

Why not turn the tables on the moist weather and treat yourself to a sumptuous lunch or dinner at one of Marbella’s esteemed Michelin-starred restaurants? Trust us, it’s worth it! Wander over to the illustrious Marbella Old Town and Golden Mile, where culinary excellence awaits at a handful of top-rated establishments.

michelin start restaurant marbella
Photo credit: www.restauranteskina.com

5. Take a cooking class at Food Room Marbella

Step out of your culinary comfort zone and join a cooking class! Gather your crew for a fun-filled experience where you’ll not only feast on fantastic food but also learn how to recreate the dishes at home. Prefer tasting over cooking? No problem! Opt for a tapas tour in the heart of Marbella instead.

Things to Do in Marbella When it Rains
Photo credit: www.foodroom.es

6. Watch a flamenco show

Immerse yourself in the passion and rhythm of flamenco by catching a mesmerizing show. Head to The Farm Restaurant in Marbella’s Old Town, where performances take place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 7:30 pm onwards. Alternatively, experience the magic of flamenco at Tablao Flamenco Marbella, with four shows daily featuring top-level artists. Be sure to book in advance, as these shows tend to fill up fast. A perfect way to add a touch of culture to your rainy day in Marbella.

Things to Do in Marbella When it Rains
Photo credit: www.tablaoflamencomarbella.com

7. Treat yourself to a spa day

When the rain threatens to chill your bones, why not seek cover in Marbella’s best spas? Picture yourself in a cocoon of warmth, surrounded by rejuvenating treatments and tranquil pools. Let the stress of the outside world melt away as you soak up the luxury of it all. Rainy days were made for pampering, after all!

With these top-notch spa recommendations, your rainy day in Marbella is sure to be nothing short of heavenly.

finca cortesin spa
Photo credit: www.fincacortesin.com

8. Head to the Movies

When all else fails, there’s always the cinema, or as we like to call it, the perfect escape from reality. Whether you’re craving the epic saga of “Dune: Part two” which we must say is absolutely mind-blowing, or planning a Kung Fu Panda 4 movie date with the kids, there’s something for everyone.

In Puerto Banús, Red Dog cinema offers selected films in English and other languages too, known here as “version original.” So grab your popcorn, pick your flick, and get ready for a cinematic adventure that’ll make even the rainiest day feel like a blockbuster hit.

Things to Do in Marbella When it Rains
Photo credit: www.reddogcinemas.com

9. Let the good times roll with bowling

Bowling is a par-fect escape from the rain, if you ask us! Head to Los Arqueros Bowling in Marbella for a fun and competitive experience that’s sure to brighten up any rainy day. So grab your friends and get ready to roll some strikes! blockbuster hit.

Things to Do in Marbella When it Rains
Photo credit: www.losarquerosbowling.com

10. Practice yoga at a beautiful studio

Don’t let rainy days get you down and leave you feeling sluggish. Elevate your mood and boost your energy with a rejuvenating yoga session. Whether you prefer the intensity of hot yoga or the fluidity of vinyasa flow, Marbella offers a variety of studios to suit your practice. Check out our full list of studios to find the perfect spot to unwind and recharge. Namaste!

Things to Do in Marbella When it Rains
Photo credit: www.mindful-studio.com

11. Stay Active Indoors with Covered Sports Facilities

If you’re a sports enthusiast determined to maintain your momentum and training, regardless of the weather, Marbella has you covered. With a variety of indoor sports facilities, you can keep up with your favorite activities and energy levels, rain or shine. 

The I/O gym
Photo credit: www.theio.com

So, there you have it—Marbella’s rainy-day survival guide. Rain or shine, this coastal paradise has something to offer everyone. Don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits; embrace the magic of Marbella in all its rainy-day glory. After all, the best memories are made when the sky is painted with shades of gray. Cheers to Marbella adventures, come what may!

Thank you for reading: The 11 Top Things to Do in Marbella When it Rains [2024]

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