<h2>Marbella</h2>
Part of the province of Malaga and the autonomous community of Andalusia. Marbella is a popular resort city on the Costa Del Sol and is home to around 150,000 people, making it the 2nd largest city in Malaga and the 8th in Andalusia.
Marbella has a long and varied history with evidence of Roman settlement found in some ionic columns embedded into the Moorish town walls. After the industrial revolution it was known for its iron industry. During the Spanish Civil War, it suffered extreme anti-clerical violence and became a haven for Francoists.
In the early 20th Century, the first hotels were built in Marbella, capitalising on its wonderful climate and natural setting. By the mid-late 20th Century, it has been established as an upmarket destination with royalty and A-listers coming here. Nowadays, Marbella is associated with bling but still retains a certain appeal to visitors.
<img src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/71784/marbella-city-guide.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="960">
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<h2>Gay Rights in Spain</h2>
Spain is one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to gay rights, although this reflects dramatic changes that have only occurred in recent decades.
The age of consent is 16 for everyone. Same-sex marriage is legal. &nbsp;Same-sex couples can adopt children. Gay men can serve openly in the military. There are anti-discrimination laws for employment, provision of goods and services, and against hate speech.
The gay community is highly visible with major gay pride celebrations each year in Madrid and Barcelona.
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<h2>Gay Scene</h2>
Marbella is a popular destination for people of all sexualities despite the fact it has a limited gay scene. There are <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/marbella-gay-bars/">a couple of bars</a> specifically geared for gay clientele, but all bars are welcoming of LGBT visitors in Marbella. Torremolinos is not too far away and has well-established gay scene.
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<h2>Getting to Marbella</h2>
By plane
Marbella does not have an airport of its own and most visitors arrive by Malaga Airport (AGP) which is located around 50 km northeast of Marbella. It is Spain's 4th busiest airport and is well-connected to destinations in Europe as well as Africa, the Middle East and North America.
From Malaga Airport you can take a modern and air-conditioned bus from outside the arrivals hall. They run every hour or so and leave promptly, so make sure you arrive on time. The journey takes around 40 minutes and will cost you around the&nbsp;&euro;5 mark. Try and get a seat on the left of the bus as that will reward you with views of the coast.
A taxi grabbed from outside of arrivals will cost you around&nbsp;&euro;70 and can be an expensive option depending on group size. You can save money by booking a lift in advance but make sure there are no hidden costs. Car hire can be found at Malaga Airport by carousels 28-31. The drive will take around 40 minutes depending on traffic.
By train
Marbella is the largest city on the Iberian Peninsula without a train station. The nearest train station is in Fuengirola.
By boat
Puerto Ban&uacute;s and&nbsp;Puerto de la Bajadilla are popular locations for cruise ships however there are no scheduled ferry services.
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<h2>Getting around Marbella</h2>
On foot
The Old Town of Marbella is relatively compact and perfect to navigate on foot. Hotels can be situated further away from the action so you may need to take other modes of transport.
By public transport
CTSA-Portillo operate the public transport in Marbella, providing a comprehensive network of buses throughout the city. Services run day and night but do get extremely busy in the peak season.&nbsp;You can get to Fuengirola for &euro;2 and it's worth getting a bonobus card to save money on journeys. Make sure you have change.
By taxi 
Taxis can be hailed or ordered in advance throughout most of Marbella but it can be difficult to catch one in the bustling party season. The rates should be displayed on the windows and be sure to agree a fare if travelling any distance. Uber is available here.
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<h2>Where to Stay in Marbella?</h2>
For a list of recommended hotels in Marbella, please check out our <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/gay-marbella-hotels/">recommended hotels in Marbella page</a>.
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<h2>Things to See &amp; Do</h2>
The Golden Mile&nbsp; - actually a 4 mile strip where Marbella's most luxurious residences and hotels can be found. Keep your eyes peeled for A-list celebrities.
The Old Town - despite the opulent modernity Marbella is known for, you will find well-preserved Moorish architecture and winding tree-lined streets to get lost in. There are many romantic restaurants here and is a great place to spend a night.
Puerto Ban&uacute;s&nbsp;- this marina to the south west of Marbella is a meeting spot for the international jet-set crowd. Here you will find luxury boutiques, fancy restaurants and Lamborghinis.
The Engraving Museum&nbsp;- if you decide you need a spot of culture, head to this museum to take in works by Dali, Miro and Picasso.
Golf&nbsp;- there are over 40 golf courses in the Costa Del Sol meaning you're spoilt for choice (if that's your thing).
Playa de la Bajadilla - a popular beach located next to the old fishing port. You're close to a good selection of bars, restaurants and shops.
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<h2>When to Visit</h2>
The Costa Del Sol isn't called the coast of the sun for no reason, as the whole region experiences glorious sunshine and warm temperatures over the summer months. Winters can be wet but are significantly mild in comparison to northern Europe. Summers get extremely busy but early fall and spring are pleasant temperatures and less crowded.
There are a variety of festivals and events held in Marbella all year. In June, the city hosts the Marbella International Film Festival at various locations, attracting a jet-set crowd. In October, there is a week-long celebration of the patron saint&nbsp;San Pedro Alcantara which is extremely popular.
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<h2>Visa</h2>
Spain is within the Schengen visa area. If traveling from outside Europe, check to see if you require a Schengen visa.
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<h2>Money</h2>
The currency in Spain is the Euro. Cash dispensers are widely available. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Photo ID may be required if paying by card in some shops.

Gay Marbella · City Guide

Planning a trip to Marbella? Then our gay Marbella city guide is for you.

Known for its luxurious resorts and beaches, the coastal town of Marbella on Spain's Costa del Sol has long been a popular sunny getaway. Over the years, it has also developed a reputation as one of Spain's top LGBTQ destinations, with a lively gay scene catering to locals and tourists alike.
Compared to other Spanish destinations, Marbella stands out for its relaxed, gay-friendly vibe. The city draws LGBTQ tourists year-round with its accepting atmosphere and range of hotels, bars, events and more focused on gay travelers and residents. Nearby gay-popular spots include Benalm&aacute;dena, Torremolinos, and the city of M&aacute;laga.
Just east of Marbella lies the gay-popular beach at Cabopino, where the sand and sea take on a lively atmosphere.

Gay Marbella

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

Actually the criminal code in Spain is under review in order to increase the age of consent.  

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

* \"From\" date taken from earliest recorded specific legislation on the matter. MSM is not contemplated as a criterion for exclusion. 
 
Information regarding blood donation by MSM during the Franco dictatorship is unknown, but was probably outlawed along with the practice of homosexuality. No specific legal texts from that historical time period address the issue.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

In Spain, there are no laws restricting to discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

On December 22, 2022, the Spanish Congress approves a "Trans Law" 
 
If the law is approved, this point marks that reports or evidence will no longer be needed for a person to make an official registration change of their gender identity. According to the General Directorate of Sexual Diversity and Rights, this can be done "through a system of double appearance, without medical or judicial protection."

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

Changing your legal gender does not require surgery, however, it does require proof of some form of medical treatment for a period of two years.

Trans law prohibits conversion therapy intended to change sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

Only in Madrid and Valencia. Nationwide Pending.

Art. 22.4 criminal code. In the current penal code is considered an aggravating.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Spanish law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, HIV status, and "any other personal or social condition or circumstance.” in employment and provision of goods and services. A comprehensive anti-discrimination bill, called the Zerolo Law, was passed by the Cortes Generales on 30 June 2022.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

Ley Orgánica núm. 10/1995, de 23 de noviembre, del Código Penal.

In 1979 Adolfo Suárez Government reversed the previous prohibitions on same sex activity. The 1970 Law on Danger and Social Rehabilitation remained active until 1995 but was unenforced after Spain adopted democracy.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

The Vagrants and Common Delinquents Law (Ley de Vagos y Maleantes) was modified under the regime of Francisco Franco to prohibit homosexual acts, with a penalty of imprisonment. In 1970 the Law on Danger and Social Rehabilitation (Ley Sobre Peligrosidad y Rehabilitación Social) was introduced that further enforced the prohibition and specified a prison term of up to 5 years.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

In July of 2005, Spain became the third country in the world to legalize gay marriage, following the Netherlands and Belgium. The law, which was passed by the Spanish parliament and signed into law by Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, also allows same-sex couples to adopt children.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

The Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos (Urban Leasing Law) was passed in 1994, allowing registered cohabitation for same-sex couples which granted some of the rights previously reserved for married couples.

As of 2009, the courts also ruled that transgender individuals are also permitted to serve in the military.

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Law 4/2023 modifies article 49 of Law 20/2011 of the Civil Registry to provide that, in the event that the birth report 
indicates the intersex condition of the person born, the parents, by common agreement, may request that the mention of sex appear blank for a maximum period of one year. After the maximum period of one year, the mention of the. Sex will be mandatory and registration will have to be requested by the parents. There is no third sex option available in national documents.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

Spain does not recognise non-binary gender identities. Proposed legislation that would have provided recognition was rejected in 2021.

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