You”ve probably heard about Marbella and Puerto Banús: the partying, the clubs, the shopping, the incredible atmosphere in summer, the jet-set, the Michelin-starred gastronomy, the social and economic power…
But these are places that also hold secrets or attractions that are less well known to those who have not yet set foot on the pearl of the Costa del Sol. This is the case of the Avenida del Mar and the Dalí sculptures. A neighbouring space in the old town of Marbella, next to the promenade that runs along the main beaches of the city, and not to be missed.
So, if you are going to visit Marbella and you need accommodation, in Hotel Benabola we are waiting for you with open arms so that you can discover this and other essential places in Marbella.
Marbella, the Avenida del Mar and Dalí
The highlight of the famous Avenida del Mar, which leads directly down to Marbella’s Paseo Marítimo, are the 10 bronze sculptures by the genius Salvador Dalí. This pedestrian avenue, decorated with marble, wooden pergolas and benches, dazzles those who walk along it with these sculptures acquired by the Marbella Town Hall during the Jesús Gil era.
The sculptures, in themselves, are another tourist attraction in the city, because the avenue of the sea becomes a mini open-air museum worth visiting.
The works are more than two metres high and weigh between 200 and 400 kg each, and were installed in 1998.
Dalí, a unique genius
Born in Figueres (Girona) on 11 May 1904, Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí I Domènech, better known as Salvador Dalí, was one of the most international and important Spanish painters in history. This artist took the surrealist style to another level, becoming perhaps the greatest master of the speciality. The creator of a highly personal and extravagant style, Dalí remains one of the great icons of contemporary painting.
What to do in Marbella around the Avenida del Mar?
This important urban thoroughfare of the city connects with another of Marbella’s must-see spots: the Alameda Park. This is the real heart of the city, where we can see a beautiful fountain, dedicated to the Virgen del Rocío and decorated with Andalusian tiles, as well as enjoy the shade on the benches that shelter under its lush vegetation.
This spot, surely the ‘zone 0‘ of the city of Malaga, is also a fantastic place to go for tapas in Marbella, try the Andalusian gastronomy in its restaurants and terraces, or go shopping. And the old town of Marbella has a lot to do with this, which you can start to explore from the Avenida del Mar, as it is just a few metres away.
Where is Avenida del Mar?
The Dalí sculptures are located in the centre of the city, on the aforementioned Avenida del Mar, halfway between the old town and the Paseo Marítimo of Marbella.
How to get to Avenida del Mar?
By public transport, the best place to get off is at the Parque de la Alameda, which is also the main stop in the centre of Marbella: the city buses L-1, L-2, L-3, L-6, L-7, L-8 and L-9 pass through here, as well as the Nocturno.
If your accommodation is in the centre of Marbella, or in the immediate vicinity, you can walk there in just a few minutes, and also bordering the sea and the beaches of Marbella along the promenade.
Avenida del Mar car park in Marbella
If you are coming by car from our hotel in Puerto Banús or from anywhere else, and to avoid parking complications or having to leave it in the blue zone, you can use the Avenida del Mar car park, which is public, or the Plaza de la Victoria car park, among others.