Marbella hits 30°C fast in June, and often keeps climbing. When the summer sun shows no signs of slowing down, the locals know where to go. Not just to escape the heat but to lean into the season the right way.
This is the cool side of Marbella. The one you won’t always find on postcards. Gelato that drips if you don’t eat it quickly enough. Rooftop terraces with a sea breeze. Shady patios where time slows down, and even the most committed beachgoers retreat for a break.
Whether you’re a full-time resident or scouting the Costa del Sol for your future home, here’s where to cool off, and soak up the lifestyle while you’re at it.
The Summer Heat Hits Hard — and Fast
Marbella isn’t shy when it comes to summer. Temperatures often hover above 30°C from June through September, with humidity making it feel even warmer inland. While that’s a paradise for sunseekers, even locals will tell you — shade and ice are your best friends after 2pm.
Unlike in many town, where air-conditioned shops are your only escape, Marbella offers open-air options that feel more like a privilege than a backup plan. It’s all about timing, location, and knowing where the breeze flows.
Ice Cream Worth Leaving the Beach For
Let’s start with the obvious choice, ice cream. Not the mass-produced kind, but the good stuff.
Heladería Gioelia Cremeria – Just off Avenida Ricardo Soriano, this place does serious gelato. Think Sicilian pistachio, salted caramel, and mango sorbet that hits the spot without being too sweet.
Amorino – Right in Marbella’s old town, this gelato spot is as famous for its creamy texture as it is for those signature flower-shaped cones. There are vegan options, too.
La Venezia Gelato in Puerto Banus – Great for families, with classic flavours and shaded outdoor seating so you can enjoy your cone without melting alongside it.
Smooth Sips and Icy Drinks
Not in the mood for gelato? Head for a granizado, Spain’s answer to a slushie but far more refreshing.
Celicioso on the Golden Mile serves up ice-cold smoothies, juices, and caffeine-free options perfect for cooling off after a beach walk. Their terrace is shaded, breezy, and packed with locals during lunchtime.
Organic Market & Food is another favourite. Sit under their trees and order a chilled “green boost” or fresh coconut water while people watch in peace.
Don’t overlook the old-school granizado de limón at small kiosks and cafés, it’s a simple classic for a reason.
Shady Terraces Locals Love
When the heat peaks, it’s all about the terrace, but not just any terrace.
Café de Ronda in central Marbella offers plenty of shade under its large parasols and is perfect for a long iced coffee and light lunch.
La Polaca in the old town features a peaceful courtyard patio that remains cool throughout the day. It’s a hidden gem for slow afternoons and moments with a glass of wine.
El Patio de Mariscal — also in the old town — has one of the most beautiful Andalusian courtyards you’ll find, all tile, greenery and peace.
Some beachside spots are cleverly designed with mist-spray fans, outdoor lounges and lightweight sun sails. It’s ideal if you want to enjoy the sea view without getting fried in it.
Slow Summer Afternoons Done Right
There’s something deeply local about taking your time in summer. When it’s too hot to rush, Marbella makes it easy to linger.
Pan & Mermelada offers an air-conditioned indoor space and a shaded terrace outside, perfect for a relaxed brunch or a laptop-friendly coffee break.
Casa Blanca Café in the Old Town is a small, charming establishment that stays surprisingly cool, thanks to its thick stone walls and tiled floors.
If you’re working remotely, scouting properties, or want to pause between errands, these are the places where you can sit without feeling like you’re melting.
Local Tricks for Beating the Heat
Here’s what locals do to stay cool in summer:
- Mornings are golden – most errands, walks, and workouts happen before 11am.
- Wear light, natural fabrics – Linen, cotton, and a wide-brimmed hat go a long way.
- Avoid west-facing terraces at lunchtime – South or east-facing are better if you want to eat outdoors.
- Midday means indoors – Whether it’s a siesta, work, or a cold shower, 2pm–5pm is stay-cool time.
Many full-time residents choose homes just slightly inland or higher up in areas like Benahavis or La Quinta, not just for the views but for the fresher breeze and cooler nights.
Find Your Cool in Marbella
There’s no shortage of sunshine on the Costa del Sol, but if you know where to go, you can enjoy the season without overheating.
Whether it’s your third summer in town or your first visit with buying on your mind, finding your cool is about more than temperature. It’s about pace, place, and a few scoops of really good ice cream.