Private Jets to or from Marbella: Everything You Need to Know
View of Marbella town, which sits at the foot Sierra Blanca mountain range.
The Costa del Sol (literally ‘the Sun Coast') is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, with magnificent beaches and coastal towns spanning 150 kilometres of Southern Spain’s coastline. Towns like Malaga, Fuengirola, Mijas and Torremolinos welcome hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Yet no doubt, the real gem of the region is Marbella. Since the height of the original jet set era in the 1960s, Marbella has been a haven for the rich and famous. The infamous marina of Puerto Banus welcomes over 5 million visitors annually, who marvel at the luxury yachts and supercars that fill the port.
Where to Fly To
Malaga (AGP) Airport offers the closest private jet terminal to Marbella known as the ‘General Aviation Terminal’, which sits alongside the larger commercial flight terminal. The airport welcomes direct flights to and from 97 destinations, including most regional airports in the UK. The airport is located roughly 60km from Marbella, along the coast.
The General Aviation Terminal at Malaga Airport. Photo Credit: Airport-Malaga
Travellers from the UK might also consider flying into Gibraltar, which also services private jet charter flights. Gibraltar International Airport (GIB) is located 77km from Marbella, roughly a 50 minute drive. It is worth noting that as Gibraltar is British Overseas Territory, the border to Spain must be crossed either on foot or by car.
How to Get to Marbella from Malaga
There are several options from Malaga to Marbella, depending on your budget and preference. An airport taxi will cost around €70 and takes around 45 minutes, or 60 minutes to Puerto Banus. Official taxis in Marbella are metered and safe to use, but popular apps like Uber, Bolt and Cabify are also generally safe alternatives.
While there is no trainline between Malaga and Marbella, residents and frequent visitors will also recommend the highly reliable Avanza Bus service, which leaves from directly outside the main terminal every 40 minutes and drops passengers at Marbella Bus Terminal. Tickets can be reserved online or bought at the Avanza kiosk in the airport, and cost between €6-8. All coaches are air conditioned.
Once in Marbella, the centre itself is very walkable, although in the summer, temperatures sore between 13.00-18.00.
If you’re arriving by private jet, you might want to continue your journey in the same luxury. Numerous VIP transfer services are also available. If you’re not ready to leave the clouds, step off the jet and onto a helicopter. The journey takes 15 minutes above the magnificent coastline to the Marbella helipad, where a chauffeur will meet you and take you to your hotel. Prices are seasonal but come in at around €499. Contact the team at Jet Marbella to find out your options.
A helicopter lands at Marbella helipad against the backdrop of La Concha mountain.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
One of the biggest draws of the region, and where the Costa del Sol derives its name, is the weather. Moreover, Marbella itself has a unique micro-climate, thanks to it's positioning between the Mediterranean sea and under the Sierra mountain range’s La Concha. The proximity of the coastline to Morocco is a mere 17 nautical miles, which is responsible for the warm Saharan winds that are often experienced in Marbella.
On a clear day Northern Africa (left) and Gibraltar (right) are visible from Marbella. Credit: Tripadvisor
Summer in Marbella kicks off in June, with temperatures and tourist numbers sky-rocketing. The shoulder seasons in May and September boast similar weather but without the crowds. However, the region welcomes around 320 days of sunshine a year, so don’t be afraid to make a flying visit during low season. Marbella Town Council also hosts city-wide festivals and events throughout the year such as Semana Santa (Holy week) in late March/April, la Cabalgata de Reyes (Kings Day) in January, and La Feria de San Bernabe (the Marbella Fair) in June.
A religious procession during Semana Santa (holy week) leaves the main church of Marbella.
Things to Do in Marbella
Whether you’re visiting Marbella to soak up the sun or party the night away, there’s plenty on offer and always, much much more than meets the eye. If you’re looking to party in the sunshine, Marbella is home to some of the best beach and pool clubs in Europe. Head to Ocean Club or La Sala by the Sea, both in Puerto Banus, for cocktails, DJs and performers. At the other end of Marbella, try Nikki Beach for a more up-market atmosphere. At night, check out the iconic OLIVIA VALERE or Momento night club. For cheaper drinks and a younger Spanish crowd, head to the Puerto Deportivo in Marbella central.
The Marbella area is also the seat of some of the best golf clubs in Europe. In fact, the region is nicknamed the ‘Costa del Golf’ and attracts a large number of golfers every year. Check out our blog post on Marbella’s top golf resorts.
If you’re dead set on luxury, a trip to Marbella is incomplete without shopping in the port of Puerto Banus. Stroll between designer shops and admire the luxury yachts that overlook the stores. Puerto Banus attracts a glamorous, international, crowd. If authentic Spain is more your scene, explore the magical Old Town of Marbella/ Expect and immaculate maze of cobble-stone streets, boutiques and bodegas, serving some of the best of Andalucían gastronomy. Here are Jet Marbella’s top picks.
Flying Private
If you’re new to flying private, there’s a couple of things to note beforehand. Private jets vary in size from a typical light jet such as a Cessna Citation II to a super mid-size jet, such as a Gulfstream 6250. The sizing has less to do with passenger capacity and more to do with the aircraft’s agility and range. However, smaller jets will seat 4 passengers comfortably with larger jets able to sit up to 10, excluding crew.
Due to the greater agility of private jets, they are capable of landing at smaller, regional airports. This means that passengers can often choose the most convenient location to fly from or to and significantly cut down their travel time. Moreover, at private terminals, passengers have the luxury of avoiding crowds, skipping queues and invasive security procedures. Simply arrive 20 minutes before your flight (enough to have a glass of champagne in the lounge) and wait to be driven directly to the aircraft. Without a doubt, one of the greatest benefits to flying private is the convenience and efficiency.
With less constraints that commercial jets, pets are also typically welcome on private jets, subject to owner approval. This makes private travel a perfect option for when you want to bring your furry friend along. You can also order all catering and any special requests in advance of your flight.
Cockpit view of the approach and landing at Malaga airport.
The Empty Leg Trick
Whilst private jets are always a premium option, they don’t necessarily always have a premium price tag. When you charter an entire jet directly, you can expect to pay anywhere from €12,000-€30,000 (London to Malaga), which is understandably steep.
However, if you’re spontaneous and flexible, the empty leg trick is the perfect way to bag your seat aboard a private jet. When flights are chartered, they often fly empty to the required destination. This provides a perfect opportunity to hitch a ride, with the seats available individually at a fraction of the price. To give an example, the team at Jet Marbella have sold seats for as little as €299 (Malaga to Madrid) or €699 (Malaga to Ibiza). Champagne always included!
Use the button below to snag yourself an amazing private jet deal to Marbella or anywhere else your heart desires.
For information and assistance on private aviation in Marbella, or anywhere else worldwide, contact the team at Jet Marbella today on +34 951 12 71 31 or drop us a DM on Instagram @jetmarbella_