For your next vacation in Andalusia, wondering if Marbella is dangerous, if there are areas to avoid and where are the best areas to stay?

It is true that nowadays, when you want to stay in a city in Europe, it is better to find out about the best areas to choose your hotel or rental. This is how you avoid finding yourself in a red light district of Marbella or in a district that is not recommended for tourists.

This is the purpose of this article which is a synthesis of information relating to the reputation of the different areas of Marbella. It is argued by sources from press articles, discussions on forums, rankings and statistics.

It is accompanied by a map which makes it possible to locate the neighborhoods to avoid and the best areas to stay in Marbella.

Is Marbella dangerous?

Marbella (just like Seville, Malaga ou Alicante ) is not one of the most dangerous cities in Europe. But it still has a fairly high level of insecurity for Spain.

In 2024, Numbeo ranking gives it a crime index of 45.85. Marbella is therefore in the high European average. Compared to other cities in this ranking, Marbella is still less criminal than Nice, Paris, Athens, Rome , Milan ou Naples.

However, there has also been a sharp increase in crime over the last 3 years (see statistics on epdata.es).

This is also explained by the very serious newspaper elpais.com :

“The Costa del Sol, whose capital is Marbella, is a 90 kilometer long seaside region very close to Morocco, the largest hashish producer in the world and Gibraltar, the gateway to cocaine. The Costa del Sol would bring together many networks of international drug traffickers. In recent years, violence and settling of accounts have developed in the region and therefore also in Marbella”.

See also this article from theolivepress-es which confirms that Marbella has become a world capital of organized crime.

Marbella safe for tourists?

Yes, Marbella can be considered a safe destination for tourists, but only if you remain careful.

It is true that crime is present in Marbella but it is not directed directly against tourists. It is mostly linked to drug traffickers and gang wars. However, it is the same phenomenon as at Los Cabos or that at Cancun, even if it is rare, tourists can be collateral victims of shootings (see the article of the mirror.co.uk).

On the other hand, as in all seaside towns, holidaymakers can be the target of pickpockets, scams, thefts of money, telephones or jewellery.

Map of the districts of Marbella

Marbella is divided into districts which themselves include small neighborhoods. To summarize, we can consider that Marbella is divided into several zones, the main ones of which are:

• San Pedro
• Puerto Banus
• Downtown
• Marbella Milla de Oro
• Nueva Andalucía
• Benahavís
• Marbella West
• Marbella East
• Las Chapas

And to more easily locate the best places and areas to avoid in Marbella: Map of the main districts of Marbella

What are the neighborhoods to avoid in Marbella?

From what I have read, there are no dangerous areas for tourists in Marbella. Indeed, while there are necessarily areas that are less safe than others, there is no communication about sensitive areas from the police, the municipality, hotels, tour operators or agencies. real estate.

Here are the only 3 areas of Marbella that have experienced security problems in recent years (click on the links to locate them on Google map) :

• Nueva Andalucia (see article by elconfidencial.com who quotes " This area of ​​Nueva Andalucía-Puerto Banus became the Bronx of Marbella“);
• The street " Hell Street also called Hell Street near the Puerto Banús Marina (one of the richest and most luxurious marinas in Europe);
• the albarizas

Best areas to stay in Marbella

There are many upscale areas and chic neighborhoods to stay in Marbella along its splendid coast. Here are the favorite areas of stars, football players and wealthy families:

• La Zagaleta
• Reserve of Alcuzcuz
• Sierra Blanca
• Puerto Banus
• Los Monteros
• Nagüeles
• Rio RealLos Naranjos
• Las Lomas de Marbella
• Urbanization Aloha
• Urbanization los Arqueros

All these areas and neighborhoods offer the possibility of housing in luxury residential developments, private properties or high-end rentals.

Local real estate agencies mention the Golden Mile area (Marbella Milla de Oro) and now the New Golden Mile which forms a triangle bounded by Marbella, Estepona and Benahavis.

Best areas of Marbella for tourists

For those who just want to visit Marbella or spend a few days on its beautiful beaches, you will find below the favorite tourist areas.

Golden Mile best area of ​​Marbella

Le Marbella Golden Mile is a 7 km zone that goes from the western end of the city to Puerto Banús. There are some of the most luxurious establishments and villas in Marbella with mountain and sea views (King Fahd Palace, Melia Don Pepe, the Marbella Club Hotel or the Puente Romano Hotel).

It is in the Golden Mile that you will find magnificent golf courses, the best shopping centers, the most beautiful luxury boutiques, designers and major international brands. In terms of entertainment, you can enjoy the best restaurants, trendy bars and some of the most famous clubs in this area.

Here is a magnificent residence ideally located at the tip of the Golden Mile in Puerto Banus: Puerto Banus Beach Apartments

Also located in the Golden Mile district, I offer another hotel just 3 km from Puerto Banús. Equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, it is a 5-star establishment with one of the best value for money: Alanda Marbella Hotel

Center of Marbella to combine tourism and beach

In the center of Marbella is the historic district with pretty alleys, white houses with flowered balconies, small shops, bars, restaurants and very pleasant squares like the Plaza de los Naranjos.

It is in this tourist area that you will find the most emblematic monuments of Marbella (Casa del Corregidor, Chapel of Santiago Apóstol, Casa Consistorial). You can also discover the walls of the castle and the old Bazan hospital which houses the Museum of Engraving.

Among the many hotels and Airbnb in the center, here is a residence that I recommend for its ideal location: Marbella Beach and Sea View apartment

Facing the sea and close to the old town of Marbella, it is the best location to combine tourism and the beach!

What to see in and around Marbella?

For those who want to do some sightseeing, they can book a private tour of the city of Marbella but also many excursions to discover Andalusia from Marbella: