Moving to Marbella: The essential guide (2023) « Euro Weekly News

Moving to Marbella: The essential guide (2023)

Everything you need to know about buying a house in Spain

Image - Pavel Lysenko/shutterstock

Known for its glamour, bars, restaurants and beautiful beaches, Marbella is a firm favourite for British nationals moving to the warmer climate of the Costa del Sol.


The buzzing city and resort area of Marbella has the Sierra Blanca Mountains as its backdrop and 17 miles of stunning sandy beaches including the popular San Pedro de Alcantara, golf courses and villas for those thinking of moving to the Costa del Sol.

So, you’re thinking of moving to Marbella,  but where do you go for all that essential information on the types of property on offer, the best schools and the restaurants with the best vibe?

To make moving to Marbella a bit easier, the Euro Weekly News has put together this handy guide to everything you need to know before heading over.


Contents

  • Where is Marbella?
  • The climate in Marbella
  • Haulage services to Marbella
  • Properties in Marbella
  • Selling your home in Marbella
  • Areas in Marbella
  • Interior design for your home
  • Pet care in Marbella
  • Top tips for moving to Marbella
  • Things to do in Marbella
  • Best restaurants in Marbella
  • Schools in Marbella
  • Healthcare in Marbella
  • Contact information

Where is Marbella?

Marbella is a city and resort area on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol and is part of the Andalucia region.

The closest airport to Marbella is Malaga Airport just 32 miles away and hosting regular national and international flights every day, making it a great location for those wanting to move to Spain.


The climate in Marbella

With plenty of sunshine hours in the day, the climate in Marbella is warm and temperate, with the hottest month being August and the coldest month being January.

Marbella is known to have its own micro-climate, making it one of the most popular destinations on the Costa del Sol for expats moving to Spain.


Haulage services to the Costa del Sol

Our recommendation

SG Haulage

If you are looking for a reliable haulage company for services across the UK, Spain and Portugal, SG Haulage are a reputable and professional company that you can trust.

Dedicated to providing an unbeatable haulage service at a fair price for their customers, Lincoln-based SG Haulage can transport anything across the UK, Spain and Portugal – from vehicles and motorhomes, to boats and caravans.

After more than 25 years of providing superior service to their customers, the family-run company will also help you with all of the customs and paperwork – something that has become particularly complicated since Brexit. Forget stressing out over the endless checks and documents needed to transport your vehicle, boat or motorhome, SG Haulage will handle all of this for you.

Specialising in UK and European transportation, SG Haulage can deliver or collect your vehicle on your behalf and will provide you with a wide range of car and vehicle transport services, always at reasonable prices and with excellent customer service.

The team as SG Haulage is also CPCS, NPORS and ALLMI-accredited, putting safety at the forefront of everything they do, and allowing them to competently move any heavy, specialised, sensitive or abnormal load – not just in the UK but across Spain

So, if you need to transport your vehicle from the UK to Spain, SG Haulage are the most trusted company to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Find out what they can do for you:

Address: Plot 9, Saxilby Enterprise Park, Skellingthorpe Road, Saxilby, Lincoln

Telephone: 0044 1522 702 443

Email: info@sghaulage.com

Website: Click here

Facebook: @sghaulageltd

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Property in Marbella

Our top pick

Mibro International Properties

Mibro International Properties, featured on the hit TV show A Place in the Sun in 2018, isn’t your typical estate agency.

Founded by ‘Lancashire lass’ Zoe Dyer – an agent with over 20 years experience in the property market on the Costa del Sol – the agency’s friendly team share Zoe’s goal of finding the perfect property for you with a relaxed and no-nonsense approach.

Covering the areas between Sotogrande to Mijas, Mibro International aims to save you the hassle of trawling through property websites and dealing with many agents they do the work for you while offering you much needed advice on buying property on the Costa del Sol, with a good knowledge of all aspects of living on the Costa del Sol they can also offer advice on Schools, Doctors, Work Possibilities, Lawyers, and much much more.

A trusted agency that has built their business through word of mouth having previously had an office in Puerto Banus, the team at Mibro International is small, straight-talking and skilled in sourcing the right property for their clients. They also offer a full aftercare service with full Management available, and also anything from small DIY jobs to a full reform with their sister company Mibro Builders.

Mibro International Properties is currently looking in particular to homes to put up for sale thanks to the Costa del Sol’s booming property market at the moment.  The team also want to share their seasons greetings to all clients and potential clients alike.

To find out more about the properties available and to speak to one of the team, get in touch with Mibro International Properties on: +34 670 069 623 or +34 952 908 823.

To find out more visit the website: www.mibrointernational.com also available on WhatsApp and Facebook.

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Buying your home in Marbella

Our top pick

AB Lawyers

Buying a home can be a stressful and time-consuming process, so having experts in the field to help you on the journey is essential. If you are looking to buy your property in Marbella and would like help navigating the legalities, dealing with sellers to protect your interests and the stream of paperwork needed, the team at AB Lawyers are here to help.

With 25 years of experience in comprehensive advisory services and a highly skilled and experienced multilingual staff, you can be safe in the knowledge that AB Lawyers know what they are doing. Backed by their satisfied clients that have accumulated over the past two decades, AB Lawyers continuously train staff and use innovative digital media in their commitment to online communication with businesses and individuals.

You can trust the specialist team at AB Lawyers to take care of everything you need during the buying or selling process and will guide and protect you through everything – from A to Z. The team will deal with everything from preparing a preliminary report and drafting of contracts, the detection of problems before the purchase, carrying out negotiations, controlling the client’s payments, assistance at the notary’s office, expenses and taxes.

Get in touch with AB Lawyers today to find out how they can help you on your journey through the buying or selling process in Marbella.

Address: Calle Jacinto Benavente, 30B, 29601, Marbella, Malaga

Telephone: +34 952 76 64 64 / +34 952 82 71 78

Email: info@ablawyers.es

Website: Click here

Facebook: @ablawyers

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Areas of Marbella

Puerto Banus

Puerto Banus is one of the most popular places to visit in Marbella. With its beautiful marina full of yachts, a long list of luxury boutiques and shops and lots of restaurants and bars, Puerto Banus is also very popular with celebrities.

The nightlife in Puerto Banus is also the best in Marbella, with several of the most popular beach clubs including Ocean Club, Funky Buddha and La Sala by the Sea.

Moving to Marbella
Image – Lolo

Nueva Andalucia

Nueva Andalucia is a popular development with an excellent choice of properties. Many of the villas are front-line golf positions and boast exceptional mountain or sea views.

Known as Golf Valley, Nueva Andalucia has excellent sporting facilities as well as amenities such as restaurants, bars and one of the largest international schools in Marbella.

Moving to Marbella
Image – Jelger

San Pedro de Alcantara

Known as San Pedro for short, this small town in between Marbella and Estepona has a beautiful seafront and lots of amenities such as health centres, schools and sports facilities.

San Pedro also has several sought-after developments including Guadalmina and Linda Vista.

Moving to Marbella
Image – marbella.es

Interior design for your home

Our top pick

Casasola Decor

Our home and living space is one of the most important places, we want to feel comfortable and secure without compromising on style and design. With over 40 years of experience in designing unique and personalised interiors on the Costa del Sol, Casasola Decor is family-run business that is at the forefront of innovation and design in both its products and its identity as a brand.

Starting off as Casasola Furniture, the business has now transformed into a much broader concept with infinite possibilities, allowing you to convert your home into your dream living space when you move to Marbella, using the highest quality products and manufacturers.

From intimate and cosy bedrooms with luxurious furnishings and practical yet stylish kitchens to enjoy meals with family and friends, to functional and unique dining rooms and beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy the Mediterranean climate – Casasola Decor does it all. Not only this, they also ship their products to anywhere in the world and provide personalised flat packages and turnkey services.

By your side through every step of your project from start to finish, Casasola Decor is dedicated and experienced in getting to know the needs of their clients and designing their homes based on their lifestyle and budget.

Now a benchmark in the furniture and decor sector on the Costa del Sol, the friendly and empathetic team at Casasola Decor welcomes you to discuss your requirements, style, tastes and budget to transform your interior and exterior into spaces that you will love to spend quality time in.

One sentence sums up what Casasola Decor is all about: “Furniture, we have it; everything else, too”.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 9.30am to 7pm, Saturdays from 10am to 2pm

Visit Casasola Decor: KM. 184.5, Carretera Cadiz-Málaga / 29603 Marbella

Telephone: 952772758 / 615234692

Email: info@casasoladecor.com

Website: Click here

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Pet care in Marbella

Our top pick

Tiny Dog Hotel

Tiny Dog Hotel is the 5-star hotel where tiny dogs rule!

If you don’t know where to leave your furry friend while you go on holiday, or if your job takes up a lot of your time and you need someone to keep your best friend company – look no further than Tiny Dog Hotel.

Located in the heart of Marbella, Tiny Dog Hotel provides the best daycare service and luxury hotel for small dogs. The expert and caring team have an undeniable passion for canines and will make sure your pet is given love, affection and respect while you are away or at work.

Are you worried about leaving your dog at a kennels or boarding while you are away? Well, at Tiny Dog Hotel your best friend will have a wonderful experience under the utmost care, in a cage-free and comfortable environment. This will include daily exercise, filtered and ozonized drinking water, healthy organic daily meals, supervised playtimes, a 24-hour vet on standby and free weekly washes for stays of longer than one week.

Need company for your dog while you carry out chores, go away for a couple of days or go to work? The Tiny Dog Hotel daycare services make it easy for you. The team will make your dog feel happy and at ease so that you don’t have to worry and can be sure that your pet is in the best possible hands. This includes supervised playtimes and outings in the garden, video supervision and a 24-hour vet on standby.

The Tiny Dog Hotel’s Spa and Pampering Day is the ultimate relaxing experience for you and your pet! Beginning with a morning full of exercises and games among the guests, accompanied by the pampering and care of their caregivers. Afterwards, a good lunch awaits and a great nap to gather strength.

The afternoon continues with a relaxing spa bath followed by a fabulous hairstyling session with their team of dog groomers. They will even bring your pet back to your home by taxi – relaxed, happy and looking great!

If you need to leave your dog in the care of experts, leave it at Tiny Dog Hotel, it is in the best hands!

Telephone: 952 773 961 / 607 227 373

Email: info@tinydoghotel.com

Website: Click here

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Top tips for moving to Marbella

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about moving to Marbella, from the best estate agents, foreign currency exchange, pet sitters, the best people to help you set up your home, to healthcare, the best things to do and the best areas. Here, we take a look at some top tips for moving to Marbella and preparing for your big move.

Moving with pets

If you are thinking of bringing your furry friend with you on the move, they will need to have their vaccinations up to date so that they can legally travel. Make sure you get an EU passport for each animal and learn about the requirements that must be met before you bring your pets to Spain.

Removal companies

Moving all of your personal possessions from one location to another is stressful, particularly if that move is overseas. Be sure to find yourself a reputable removals company that can also help with the paperwork – especially after Brexit.

Consider reducing your possessions

It’s a wise decision to reduce your possessions, including furniture, particularly if you are renting before buying as many rentals in Marbella come furnished. If you are, however, purchasing a property, in most cases they will be unfurnished. If you need appliances, ordering them a few months before your move is strongly advised.

Confirming the date of your move

Once you have officially confirmed the date of your move to Marbella, you should cancel your current home related policies and consider new ones in Spain. Start by calling all utilities including water, gas, electric, phone, and internet and also provide a forwarding address for all mail redirection.

Tax requirements

Familiarise yourself on tax requirements in Spain. You should check if moving will affect how you pay taxes and, if you are self-employed, you should file for taxes after your first year in Spain.

Insurance

Be sure to obtain home insurance ready for the day you move into your new home in Marbella. Home insurance in Spain is much cheaper and you can find plenty of companies that offer home insurance services in English, such as Linea Directa. Another option is to get a policy with most banks in Spain.

Copies of medical and dental records

Let your doctor know that you are moving to another country and get copies of your medical and dental records for your new doctors in Marbella. Find out more below about healthcare in the area.

The new key to your home

It may seem obvious, but make sure that you have the key to your new home when you and the removers arrive!

moving to Marbella
Image – Monkey Business Images/shutterstock

10 best things to do in Marbella

There’s plenty to do when living in Marbella, from playing golf, wandering the beautiful old town and soaking up the sun on the beaches to visiting some of the most prestigious nightclubs and bars. You’ll be spoilt for choice if you decide to move to Marbella!

1. Explore Marbella’s old town

Marbella’s old town is full of romance with winding narrow streets, Renaissance-era whitewashed buildings, balconies draped with flowers, orange trees and lots of restaurants, bars and shops – perfect for a stroll and immersing yourself in the Spanish atmosphere.

Marbella old town
Image – Ayuntamiento de Marbella

2. Visit Puerto Banus Marina

One of the best-known nautical tourist destinations in the world, with beautiful views and a wide variety of amazing restaurants and bars, Puerto Banus Marina is perfect for soaking up the Mediterranean sun while watching the incredible yachts pull in.

Image: Pixabay

3. Play golf in Marbella under the sun

The Costa del Sol is extremely popular for golf and Andalucia is one of Europe’s foremost golfing destinations with over 100 courses. Marbella is one of the main hotspots for time on the tee featuring Los Naranjos, Marbella Gold Club and La Quinta, to name a few.

Moving to Marbella: The essential guide
Image – Marbella Golf Club

4. Try your luck at Marbella’s Casino

The ultimate in luxury, a visit to a casino should definitely be on the cards! Marbella has three casinos with Casino Marbella coming up top. Casino Marbella is a boutique Casino with more than 3,500 m2, discover an exceptional range of leisure and entertainment including slot machines, sports betting areas by Sportium, American Roulette, Black Jack, different types of poker and a VIP Lounge.

Moving to Marbella: The essential guide
Image – Marbella Casino

5. Sunbathe and swim at one of Marbella’s beaches

Marbella is home to over 18 miles of Blue Flag beaches offering a variety of ambiences, from the coolest in the centre to VIP ones such as Nikki Beach Restaurant and Beach Club.

Moving to Marbella: The essential guide
Image – Nikki Beach Club

6. Shop ‘till you drop at Marina Banus Shopping Center

When the sun gets too hot, this newly refurbished shopping centre is a great way to cool down and look around the variety of high street shops. This multilevel shopping centre features shops selling clothing, shoes, accessories & more.

Image – Marina Banus

7. Take a walk along Avenida del Mar

A must-see in Marbella, Avenida del Mar offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the famous sculptures of Salvador Dali. Close to several other attractions in Marbella and linking with the Paseo Maritimo, Avenida del Mar is the perfect place for a stroll or to sit and people-watch.

Image – Marbella Turismo

8. Get your local fruit and vegetables at Marbella’s food market

When living in Marbella, the local food market is the best place to immerse yourself in the culture, see what the locals eat and pick up some of the freshest produce.

Image – Facebook

9. Visit San Pedro Alcantara

This ancient farming community known for sugar cane is located just six miles from the glitz and glamour of Marbella city and its narrow streets are packed with shops and history.

Image – Shutterstock

10. Hike the Cruz de Juanar

This terrain boasts spectacular views of Marbella and you can follow the old water supply dating back to before Roman times. Once at the top, you are on an apex of around twenty metres square, with an iron cross crowning it and an incredible 360-degree view over the sea and the mountains with eagles flying below your feet.

Image – marbella.es

10 of the best restaurants in Marbella

1. Restaurante Da Bruno a Cabopino

For great European and Italian food with a buzzing atmosphere, Da Bruno is a firm favourite in Marbella for residents and visitors.

Open: 1pm until 11pm, closed on Tuesdays

Address: Camping Cabopino, Cabopino, 29600

Booking: 952 83 19 18

Price: €€ – €€€

Image – Da Bruno a Cabopino

2. Pasticcio Pizza & PastaBar

For fresh Italian food including a range of pasta and pizzas, Pasticcio Pizza & PastaBar is the best place to go in Marbella.

Open: 1:15pm until 3:45pm and 7:15 until 10pm, closed Sundays and Mondays

Address: Calle 19 Centro Comercial Guadalmina, Local 5, 29670

Booking: 952 71 59 31

Price: €€-€€€

Pasticcio Pizza & PastaBar
Image – Pasticcio Pizza & PastaBar

3. Wabi Sabi Marbella

If healthy Hawaiian poke bowls are more your thing, Wabi Sabi Marbella offers the freshest dishes with vegan and vegetarian options.

Open: 12:30pm until 10:30pm

Address: Av Antonio Belon 26, Local 10, 29602

Booking: 951 47 26 83

Price: €€-€€€

moving to marbella
Image – Wabi Sabi Marbella

4. Rib Shack Marbella

Rib Shack Marbella feels like an American backyard BBQ with your friends, a laidback vibe with masses of perfectly succulent meat.

Open: 12:30pm until 4pm and 7:30pm until 10pm, 12:30pm until 4pm on Sundays, closed on Mondays

Address: Avenida del Duque de Ahumada 16 Edificio Eden Rock 1, Local 9, 29602

Booking: 605 33 05 10

Price: €

moving to marbella
Image – Rib Shack Marbella

5. Yabaof

For Middle Eastern healthy street food, Yabaof offers the freshest dishes with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Open: 12pm until 5pm

Address: Calle del Padre Enrique Cantos 2 Miguel Cano, opposite to Hotel Lima, 29602

Booking: 951 73 08 75

Price: €

moving to marbella
Image – Yabaof

6. Cascada Cocina & Bar

Boasting beautiful surroundings and just minutes from Marbella, Cascada Cocina and Bar serves up some of the best Mediterranean, Spanish and international BBQ food around.

Open: 1pm until 12am, closed Sundays and Mondays

Address: Urb Montua, 39, 29602

Booking: 623 00 14 65

Price: €€-€€€

moving to marbella
Image – Cascada Marbella

7. The Playwright Marbella

The Playwright serves local contemporary cuisine and a unique cocktail menu specially designed by their mixologist, perfect for something a little different.

Open: 6:30pm until 12am, closed on Mondays

Address: C/ Manzana, Local 8-11 Pueblo Los Acros, km 191, 29604 Elviria

Booking: 952 83 08 68

Price: €€-€€€

moving to marbella
Image – The Playwright Marbella

8. Mumbai City Indian Restaurant Marbella

If you fancy a curry, Mumbai City Indian Restaurant Marbella is highly recommended by regulars and residents in the area.

Open: 1pm until 4pm and 6pm until 11:30pm, closed on Mondays

Address: Calle Los Jazmines no467 la campana La campana Nueva Andalucia, 29660

Booking: 951 70 59 77

Price: €€-€€€

Moving to marbella
Image – Mumbai City Indian Restaurant Marbella

9. ERRE & Urrechu Marbella

For something a little fancier, ERRE & Urrechu Marbella has a Michelin star menu of healthy Spanish and Mediterranean food and meats.

Open: 1:30pm until 4 and 7:30pm until 11:30pm

Address: Calle de Jose Melia S/N Hotel Don Pepe, 29602

Booking: 952 85 82 38

Price: €€€ – €€€€

Image – ERRE & Urrechu Marbella

10. Occo Marbella

Occo Marbella offers an amazing experience, serving Middle Eastern and Lebanese cuisine in a great atmosphere. Occo Marbella is the perfect place for a fun dining experience with friends!

Address: Avenida Manolete, Local 7, 29660 Nueva Andalucia, Marbella

Booking: 689 59 38 79

Price: €€ – €€€

moving to marbella
Image – Occo Marbella

Schools in Marbella

When moving to a new location, making sure there are some great schools is extremely important, and Marbella has some impressive local schools.

Marbella and the Costa del Sol have many international schools for expats moving over, with 13 private English schools in the area to choose from including The British School of Marbella, Queens British Grammar School and Aloha College.

For public Spanish schools, Colegio San Jose teaches the Spanish curriculum from infants to secondary school while Alboran College and Las Chapas School teach from age 3 to age 18.


Healthcare in Marbella

Having access to high-quality healthcare is essential when moving to a new home and Marbella has an impressive public health service and several private healthcare options.

Hospitals

Quiron Hospital

This private hospital is among the best in the Costa del Sol and has become a benchmark in private healthcare for Malaga and the people of Malaga. It offers 24-hour emergency service.

Address: Avda. Severo Ochoa, 22, 29603 Marbella

Contact: 952 774 200, for more information, click here

Costa del Sol Hospital

Costa del Sol Hospital is one of the best-equipped public hospitals in Marbella with 24-hour emergency service.

Address: Autovia A-7 Km 187, 29603, Marbella

Contact: 951 976 669, for more information click here

Doctors

Centro de Salud Leganitos

Centro de Salud Leganitos, located in the old town, offers medical services to those entitled to free public healthcare in Spain.

Address: Pl. de Leganitos, 5, 29601 Marbella

Contact: 951 97 33 74, for more information click here

Dentists

Grupo Dental Clinic

Grupo Dental Clinic is the leading dentist in Marbella bringing you top-quality oral health services.

Address: Av. Oriental, 46-48, 29670 San Pedro Alcantara, Malaga

Contact: 951 17 17 81, for more information click here


Important contacts

 
Moving to a new location is exciting but it’s important to know the contact information for the emergency services. That’s why we have included information on important contacts when moving to Marbella.

Emergency services, including health, fire and police: 112

National police: 091

Local police: 092


Thank you for reading our Moving to Marbella guide, and don’t forget to check The Euro Weekly News for all your up-to-date local and international news stories, and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Written by

Laura Kemp

Originally from UK, Laura is based in Axarquia and is a writer for the Euro Weekly News covering news and features. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.

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