As the year draws to a close, there is no better place to celebrate a new one than the sun-bathed coastline of Spain’s Marbella. The Costa del Sol is a unique blend of cosmopolitan luxury and traditional Spanish charm. During New Year’s Eve, it is the ideal destination for those looking for a unique experience.
Lavish and colourful
New Year’s Eve in Spain always attracts attention with its colour and lavish celebrations. Cotillones de Nochevieja, or parties full of confetti, are an integral part of the New Year’s celebration. Costumed participants celebrate until dawn, usually until 6 or 7am the following morning.
Discover the uniqueness and magic of New Year’s Eve in Marbella by spending an unforgettable night here. The options are many: from elegant beach parties to the timeless traditions of the Spanish fiesta. Let yourself be taken on a journey through the heart of this enchanting city, where the countdown to the new year is celebrated in true Spanish style.
Unique customs
In anticipation of the arrival of the New Year, Spaniards prepare for an unusual challenge just before midnight. One must hold 12 grapes in one’s hands, which must be eaten before the clock finishes striking 12 times. Those who accomplish this feat will certainly not be short of luck in the coming year. Does it seem like child’s play? For those who want to try their hand at it, we suggest a trip to the Costa del Sol in December to see for yourself!
Another peculiarity is the custom of wearing new… underwear – especially in red – just for New Year’s Eve, which is supposed to bring good luck in the coming year. At midnight, when the clock strikes twelve – signalling the moment of consumption of the twelve grapes – the party and toasts with champagne or cava begin, as in other countries.
Where to spend New Year’s Eve in Marbella?
In Spain, New Year’s Eve, known as Nochevieja, is a time for house parties, dinners in good restaurants, but also parties in restaurants or nightclubs. Many Spaniards take to the streets just before midnight to enjoy fireworks and artistic performances. If you are looking for unique places to spend New Year’s Eve, it is worth checking out:
La Cabane: an iconic beach club in Marbella that has reopened with Dani García and Grupo Mosh under the inspiration and style of Dolce & Gabbana. Opened almost 60 years ago, the beach club now features a menu created by renowned 3 Michelin-starred chef Dani Garcia, the atmosphere of Grupo Mosh and interior design with Dolce & Gabbana’s Blue Mediterraneo print. The sea breeze blows your hair away, relaxing you, just like the sound of the sea gently crashing against the rocks on the beach. It offers not only New Year’s Eve fun, but also a New Year’s brunch on 1 January. Bookings: +34 629 870 966 and lacabanemarbella.com
Olivia Valere & Lov: a disco nightclub located on Istan road near Marbella Mosque, above the Golden Mile. It is housed in a purpose-built Moorish space with a huge dance floor, several bars and an outdoor terrace for al fresco cocktails. Lov’s open-air restaurant, which is located next to the club, is the perfect place for dinner before heading to Olivia Valere. For New Year’s Eve, it offers: a gala dinner (from 9.30pm to 4), a middle table with champagne all night or the rest of the tables with wine and champagne, and the theme is “La vie en rose”. Reservations: +34 650 865 454 and oliviavalere.com
Motel Particulier: an extremely luxurious restaurant and nightclub located in Marbella, one of the most exclusive places on the Costa del Sol. The extensive offer includes three types of menu for Christmas Eve, as well as New Year’s Eve in the style of… Moulin Rouge, along with white and red wine and Veuve Clicquot Brut champagne. Reservations: +34 629 870 966 and motelparticulier.com
Playa Padre: a place where you can relax with family and friends and party every Sunday during the famous Boho Sunday, during which the most famous artists from all over the world perform. Enjoy the delicious food, the wonderful atmosphere of the place, the rhythm of the music and the sea view at Playa Padre. The open-air atmosphere by the beach and the open-plan restaurant have been carefully designed to support the philosophy of the venue. Reservations: +34 629 870 966 and playapadre.com
Momento: a unique place on the map of Marbella that has been created for music connoisseurs. It is a musical temple where you can not only meet exceptional artists, but also dine on an atmospheric terrace. It is a mix of cultures, a place to connect and share, to have an amazing musical experience thanks to world-class artists, unique architecture, very good cocktails and Japanese Nikkei cuisine. Reservations: +34 629 870 966 and momentomarbella.com
Mosh Fun Kitchen: a place dubbed the best social experience in Marbella, where you can eat, drink and have fun. You’ll notice a lot of Asian influences on the menu, as well as some really innovative dishes, from snacks to a great selection of sushi and salads. There are three menus on offer for Christmas Eve, and you can also choose dinner and a New Year’s Eve party, including white and red wine and G.H Mumm Brut Grand Cordon champagne. Reservations: +34 629 870 966 and moshfunkitchen.com
NU Downtown: a place that combines Asian cuisine, cocktails, music and all-night partying. It is a stylish restaurant with an open kitchen that prepares a wide range of Asian fusion cuisine and a wide range of cocktails. This venue is located in the recently opened Hard Rock Hotel in Puerto Banus. The bar is also a destination for pre- and post-dinner drinks, the perfect stop for cocktails, wine and fun. New Year’s Eve menus include white and red wine and Moet Chandon brut Imperial champagne 2019.Reservations: +34 629 870 966 and nudowntown.com
Occo/NYE The Golden Times: located in the heart of Marbella, it is one of the most popular places where you can not only have a good dinner but also party to the rhythm of live music. It is a restaurant with Lebanese cuisine that will charm you with its unique atmosphere, good service and exceptional entertainment. For New Year’s Eve, there is a menu to choose from: experience, gold or diamond. Reservations: +34 684 016 363 and occorestaurant.es
Tikitano: an establishment specialising in an unconventional interpretation of typical Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of French culinary style, known as Nouvelle Cuisine. The panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea is another great asset of the restaurant. For more information: tikitano.com
Photo: Grupo Mosh, Tikitano
Da Bruno: 20 years of operation on the Costa del Sol has made this restaurant a unique place thanks to its excellent service, pleasant atmosphere and a culinary offer that cannot be beaten. At Da Bruno, traditional recipes are masterfully combined with the latest trends. More information: dabruno.com
Trocadero de Arena: an atmospheric restaurant and beach bar, located on the Río Real beach in Marbella. It is a seafront establishment that does not lose the essence of a beach bar in the process. Decorated by Lorenzo Queipo de Llano, it has been the protagonist of countless articles and TV programmes. More information: groupotrocadero.com/restaurantes/trocadero-arena-marbella
Besaya Beach: a space where the light of the sun, the smell of the sea and the colour of the sky are associated with an avant-garde meal, creating a unique experience for your senses. It offers exceptional Mediterranean cuisine and even more magnificent views. For more information: besayabeach.com
Breathe: located on a popular roundabout in Puerto Banus, close to many shops and restaurants. It offers good food made from local, quality and seasonal produce. It’s a trendy, chic, slightly urban industrial setting where freshly ground coffee and other morning drinks are served barista-style, and bread and pastries are made on site. Read more: breathe.life/blog/breathebookings-2
Remember to book in advance, as New Year’s Eve in Marbella is a popular, unique and raucous occasion. Whether you choose a seaside extravaganza, a traditional Spanish fiesta or an exclusive nightclub, Marbella guarantees to welcome the New Year in great style.
Photo: Grupo Mosh, Tikitano
