When I first moved to the Costa del Sol over twenty years ago, it wasn’t just the sun and the sea that captured my heart – it was the flavours. To wander through Marbella’s Old Town on a September evening, when the warmth lingers between the whitewashed houses, is an experience for all the senses. Here you will find not only charming squares and winding alleys, but also some of the best tapas bars on the entire coast.
For us Scandinavians, tapas is more than just small dishes – it’s a way of life, a way to socialize, to sit for a long time with friends and family, order a little at a time, and savour every flavour. Let me take you on a little personal tapas tour of Marbella’s Old Town.
El Estrecho – A Classic in the Alleyways
If there’s one place I always return to, it’s Bar El Estrecho. This tiny bar has been here since 1954 and is still a favourite among the locals. Here, I always love to order the boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies) and their classic ensaladilla rusa (Russian salad). The atmosphere is relaxed, authentic, and completely no-frills – exactly how tapas should be.
La Niña del Pisto – Cordoban Charm
Another gem is La Niña del Pisto, famous for its salmorejo—a creamier version of gazpacho that originates from Córdoba. I love coming here when I’m looking for slightly heartier tapas, such as their meat stew (carne guisada) or a simple tortilla (Spanish potato omelette). The walls are covered in ceramics and photos, giving you the feeling of stepping right into traditional Andalusia.
Taberna La Niña del Pescado – Fresh Flavours from the Sea
For seafood lovers, Taberna La Niña del Pescado is a must. Here, they serve fresh fish and shellfish in small portions – grilled prawns, fried squid rings (calamares), and their amazing pulpo a la gallega (octopus with potatoes and paprika). Paired with a glass of cold white wine, it makes for a perfect evening in the spirit of the Mediterranean.
La Taberna del Pintxo – Modern Variation
If you want to try something different, I recommend La Taberna del Pintxo on Avenida Miguel Cano (just outside the Old Town, but worth the stop). They serve Basque pintxos—small tapas on bread—which circulate on trays. You pick what looks good and pay for the number of toothpicks you’ve collected. It’s a fun and social take on the classic tapas format.
Tapas = A Way of Life
For me, tapas is more than just food – it’s connection. To sit down at a small bar in the Old Town, order a few dishes, and chat with the waiter about the daily special is to feel like you’re truly part of Marbella. It’s also a fantastic way for my Scandinavian clients to discover the city’s soul when they are searching for a property here.
My Recommendation
As autumn creeps in back in Sweden, Marbella’s Old Town fills up with vibrant evenings. Tourists and locals mingle in the narrow alleys, glasses clink, and the aroma of garlic and olive oil hangs in the air. The tapas routes here are an experience you simply can’t miss—whether you are here on holiday, looking for your future home, or already call Marbella your home.
So, the next time you stroll through the Old Town, do as I do: stop, order a few small dishes, and enjoy what truly is the essence of the Spanish way of life.
