What to do in Istan

Activities, attractions and tours

A mountainous landscape with terraced fields, a white village, and a coastline in the distance.
A road sign indicating Puerto Banús and Istán with an arrow pointing to the right.
A hillside village with white buildings and green hills in the background.
A white town with red roofs nestled in a valley, surrounded by green hills and a cloudy sky.
A coastal cityscape with a prominent bridge, historic buildings, and a clear sky.

Istan Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Istan has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Istan is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Istan to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Istan Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Istan.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Istan attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

From Marbella: Private and Group Sailboat Cruise & Drinks

Puerto Banús by Sailboat: Discover Marbella’s Luxury Coast

CA $89
per adult
Puerto Banús by Sailboat: Discover Marbella’s Luxury Coast
outdoor dining area in Gibraltar

Gibraltar Shopping Experience - Full Day Tour

CA $48
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Gibraltar Shopping Experience - Full Day Tour
Marbella: Sailing & Dolphin Watching with Snacks and Drinks

Puerto Banús: Small-Group Dolphin Sailing Cruise with Drinks

CA $113
per adult
Puerto Banús: Small-Group Dolphin Sailing Cruise with Drinks
Picture 1 for Activity Selwo Aventura Admission Ticket with Skip-the-Line Access

Selwo Aventura Admission Ticket with Skip-the-Line Access

CA $42
per adult
Selwo Aventura Admission Ticket with Skip-the-Line Access
Guided Canyoning Adventure Near Marbella

Guided Canyoning Adventure Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk)

CA $72
per adult
Guided Canyoning Adventure Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk)
From Costa del Sol: Gibraltar Day Trip with Free Time

From Costa del Sol: Gibraltar Day Trip with Free Time

CA $72
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
From Costa del Sol: Gibraltar Day Trip with Free Time
Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas from Estepona and Marbella

Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas from Estepona and Marbella

CA $111
per adult
Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas from Estepona and Marbella
Marbella And Gibraltar Express from Malaga Central

Marbella And Gibraltar Express from Malaga Central

CA $48
per adult
Marbella And Gibraltar Express from Malaga Central
Marbella: Kayak Tour

Marbella: Kayak Tour

CA $79
per adult
Marbella: Kayak Tour
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Top places to visit

1. Los Boliches Beach

Join in the fun at one of the best-loved beaches on the Costa del Sol, Los Boliches Beach. This dark-sand stretch of coast is rarely quiet, and its dynamic atmosphere is typical of the lively, youthful spirit of Fuengirola. Enjoy the calm waters and take advantage of the excellent facilities as you spend a day basking in the sun here.
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A coastal city with a beach, buildings, and mountains in the background.

2. Cabopino Beach

Relax amid the attractive charms of the Costa del Sol at Cabopino Beach (Playa Cabopino). Set between the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and rugged sand dunes, the beach lets you connect with nature away from Marbella’s tourism bustle. Visit Cabopino Beach throughout the year to benefit from mild temperatures and some 320 days of sunshine.
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A crowded beach with people swimming and paddleboarding, palm trees, and buildings in the background.

3. Fuengirola Beach

Once you have found your sandy sanctuary at Fuengirola Beach roll out your towel or rent a sun lounger and umbrella.
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A beach with palm trees, umbrellas, and people.

4. Puerto Banús Marina

Puerto Banús Marina is where the international jet-set moor their yachts. With berths for more than 900 boats, it is the main harbor for that playground of the rich and famous, Marbella. However, it’s more than just a place for vessels to dock. This luxury harbor is a destination in its own right, with upscale boutiques, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and beaches. Come here to shop, party, sunbathe and gaze at multimillion-dollar yachts.
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A marina with yachts docked, a sunset in the background, and a cityscape with white buildings.

5. Puerto Banús Beach

Soft, golden sands, calm water, great views and a beautiful boardwalk draw visitors to Puerto Banús Beach. This sandy sanctuary is also known as the Playa de Levante and extends for approximately 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) beneath the shadow of La Concha mountain. Spend a few hours or a whole day relaxing here by the cool waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
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A coastal scene with a rocky breakwater, a lighthouse, and a mountain in the background.

6. Carvajal Beach

Join the locals and tourists who regularly spend their sunny days here on the unusual Carvajal Beach, which has striking dark sand. Take advantage of the excellent facilities and enjoy the usually calm waters, which tend to be safe even for smaller children at most times of the day.
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A coastal cityscape with a sandy beach, rocky outcrops, and a variety of buildings.

7. Nikki Beach

Splurge on superb cocktails and exquisite cuisine while dancing to live DJs and marveling at breathtaking sunset views at Nikki Beach. Overlooking a gorgeous area of fine sugary sand, Nikki Beach attracts an affluent crowd and those that want to see and be seen. Don’t be surprised to be dancing alongside film and television celebrities.
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A wooden deck with a thatched umbrella, beach chairs, and a sandy shoreline with the ocean.

Recommended things to do in Istan

Number of things to do
245
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Essential Round : Self-Guided Tour created by local Official Guide: CA $12
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Istan

Stay near popular Istan attractions

Ermita de San Miguel

You can find out about the history of Istan with a stop at Ermita de San Miguel. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the spas in this relaxing area.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Istan

A coastal cityscape with calm waters, rocky shoreline, and illuminated buildings.

Marbella

A mountainous landscape with a town nestled in the valley.

Benahavis

A mountainous landscape with dense forests and a clear blue sky.
Photo by Yabedanie (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 es)

Tolox

A densely packed hillside town with white buildings and a historic castle on a hilltop.

Monda

A coastal town with white buildings, terraced hills, and a clear sky.

Ojén

Frequently asked questions

Is Istan worth visiting?
Whether you plan to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or sample unique foods and venture into nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Istan.
How do I spend a day in Istan?
Puerto Banús Beach and Fontanilla Beach are two good places to start your adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Istan while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Istan?
Don't leave without exploring Puerto Banús Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Istan.
Is three days enough to stay in Istan?
You can easily tick off popular attractions like Fontanilla Beach, Nagüeles Beach and Pico de la Concha with a three-day stay in Istan. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Málaga.
What are some activities to do in Istan with kids?
If you're looking for tours and attractions for all the family, here are some great ideas for what to do in Istan with kids.

What to do in Istan for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Istan, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to King Abdul Aziz Mosque or Ojen Olive Oil Mill Museum.
Are there free things to do in Istan?
In Istan, Fontanilla Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to discover the best free things to do in Istan.