Although much of Marbella is defined by its glitzy resort-town trappings, the Marbella Old Quarter – also known as Casco antiguo de Marbella – gives travelers a taste of old Spain. Here you'll find plazas spilling with flowers, punctuated by trees, narrow, cobblestone streets and historic residences and churches. The heart of this quarter is Plaza de los Naranjos – Orange Square – and around it, visitors will find a 15th-century fountain, a 16th-century town hall, a 17th-century church and a handful of unique shops. The best way to experience this area is by slowly meandering, stopping in various shops and eateries along the way.

Most recent visitors highly recommended a stroll through Marbella's pedestrian-friendly Old Quarter, but they also warned that the district is hilly. Others say that the restaurants, cafes and bars are filled with delicious treats; freshly squeezed orange juice and churros, for instance.