Stunning resort pool, surrounded by loungers, palms, and ocean views, is perfect for a getaway
Travel Fitness

How to Stay Fit While
Traveling to Marbella

Chris Wagner
January 7, 2026
10 min read

Don't let vacation derail your fitness goals. Your complete guide to staying active and healthy during your Marbella getaway

Vacationing in Marbella should be about relaxation and enjoyment - but that doesn't mean your fitness routine has to go out the window. As someone who trains both locals and travelers year-round, I've perfected the art of maintaining fitness while enjoying everything the Costa del Sol has to offer. Here's your complete guide to staying fit on vacation.

The Marbella Fitness Advantage

Unlike many vacation destinations, Marbella is a fitness paradise. Year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, mountain trails, and a health-conscious culture make it easier to stay active here than almost anywhere else.

Natural Advantages

  • • 300+ days of sunshine per year
  • • Mild temperatures (perfect for outdoor workouts)
  • • 27km of beaches and promenades
  • • Mountain hiking trails nearby
  • • Fresh, healthy Mediterranean food everywhere

Fitness Infrastructure

  • • World-class hotel gyms
  • • Outdoor fitness areas in parks
  • • Personal trainers who come to you
  • • Tennis and padel courts everywhere
  • • Water sports available year-round

Maximizing Hotel Gym Workouts

Most luxury hotels in Marbella have excellent fitness facilities. Here's how to make the most of them, even if the gym is small.

30-Minute Hotel Gym Workout

Perfect for before breakfast or evening sessions. Requires minimal equipment.

Warm-up (5 minutes)

  • • 2 min treadmill/bike
  • • Arm circles, leg swings
  • • Light stretching

Main Circuit (20 minutes - 4 rounds)

Upper Body:

  • • 12 dumbbell rows
  • • 10 push-ups
  • • 12 shoulder press

Lower Body:

  • • 15 goblet squats
  • • 12 lunges each leg
  • • 30 sec plank

Rest 60 seconds between rounds

Cool Down (5 minutes)

  • • Light cardio to lower heart rate
  • • Full body stretching
  • • Focus on muscles worked

Pro Tip: Go early morning (7-8 AM) - hotel gyms are usually empty and you'll have equipment to yourself!

Beach and Outdoor Workouts

Why stay inside when Marbella offers the perfect outdoor gym? The beach and promenade provide endless workout opportunities.

Sand Workout

Training on sand increases calorie burn by 50% compared to solid ground!

Morning Session (30 min)

  • • 10 min beach jog
  • • 20 burpees in sand
  • • 30 jump squats
  • • 40 mountain climbers
  • • 3 rounds, 1 min rest

Promenade Run

The flat, scenic path from Puerto Banús to Marbella center is perfect for running or walking.

Route Options

  • • Short: 5km (30 min)
  • • Medium: 10km (1 hour)
  • • Long: Puerto Banús to Marbella (14km)
  • • Views: Ocean on one side throughout!

Best Outdoor Workout Locations in Marbella

Playa de la Fontanilla

Wide beach perfect for running and bodyweight exercises. Usually not crowded early morning.

Alameda Park

Shaded paths for running, benches for step-ups and dips. Great for hot afternoons.

Puerto Banús Marina

Flat 3km loop around the marina. Perfect for early morning or sunset runs with amazing views.

La Concha Mountain Trail

For the adventurous - 2-3 hour hike with incredible views. Moderate to challenging difficulty.

No Equipment? No Problem!

You can get an incredible workout using just your bodyweight and your hotel room. Here's a complete routine you can do anywhere.

20-Minute Hotel Room HIIT Workout

Do each exercise for 40 seconds, rest 20 seconds. Repeat circuit 4 times.

Burpees

High Knees

Push-ups

Squats

Mt Climbers

Plank

Total Workout Time: 20 minutes

Estimated Calorie Burn: 250-350 calories

Morning Routine (15 min)

  • • 50 jumping jacks
  • • 20 push-ups
  • • 30 squats
  • • 30 sec plank
  • • Repeat 3x

Evening Routine (15 min)

  • • 15 burpees
  • • 20 lunges (each leg)
  • • 15 tricep dips (chair)
  • • 40 mountain climbers
  • • Repeat 3x

Smart Eating While On Vacation

Vacation should include enjoying local cuisine, but you can do that while maintaining your fitness goals. It's all about balance and smart choices.

Smart Strategies

  • 🥗

    Start with Vegetables

    Fill half your plate before anything else

  • 🍳

    Protein at Every Meal

    Keeps you full and maintains muscle

  • 💧

    Drink Tons of Water

    Especially in Marbella's heat - 3L+ daily

  • 🍷

    Limit Alcohol

    One or two drinks max, alternate with water

  • 🍰

    Choose Your Treats

    Have dessert OR bread, not both

Best Healthy Options in Marbella

Breakfast

Spanish tortilla, fresh fruit, café con leche

Lunch

Grilled fish, ensalada mixta, gazpacho

Dinner

Seafood paella (ask for brown rice), grilled prawns

Snacks

Fresh fruit, nuts (almonds!), Greek yogurt

The 80/20 Rule: Eat clean and healthy 80% of the time, enjoy treats 20% of the time. This keeps you on track without feeling deprived on vacation.

Consider Hiring a Local Personal Trainer

Many travelers don't realize they can hire a personal trainer for just a session or two during their stay. It's an affordable way to stay on track and explore new workout styles.

Local Knowledge

I'll show you the best outdoor workout spots you'd never find on your own

Accountability

Having an appointment keeps you committed during your vacation

Maximize Results

Get a killer workout in just 60 minutes - no time wasted

Popular Options for Travelers

1x

Single Session

€65

Try it out

Most Popular

3x

Weekly Package

€180

Stay consistent

5x

Extended Stay

€295

Best value

Visiting Marbella? Train With Me!

Whether you're here for a week or a month, I'll help you stay on track with your fitness goals while enjoying your Costa del Sol vacation. Training sessions available at your hotel, on the beach, or at outdoor locations around Marbella.

Your Location
I Come to You
Flexible
Times That Fit Your Schedule
All Levels
Beginners Welcome