It's always easier to help when you're fully aware of the situation. After I retired we lived in Marbella for 6 months staying in an apartment, although I'd originally considered taking the van.
March should be "orange blossom time" so make sure you visit Plaza do los Naranjos in the old town. Bear in mind that the oranges which litter the streets are bitter, for making marmalade! If you like narrow streets etc, have a good wander around and see the Cathedral and the Balcon de la Virgen. There are loads of nice eateries.
Don't miss the wonderful fountain (possibly in the Parque de Alameda), decorated in tiles representing the Brotherhoods who take part in the pilgrimage to El Rocio. Get there from the sea front by climbing (better views of the Salvador Dali sculptures in the centre than descending) the lovely gentle marble steps of the Avenida Puerta del Mar.
Drive north out of Marbella on the A355 and park on the large layby to look back to the coast and over the side to Ojen, a lovely white village which is worth a visit. Then continue over the crest and turn west to Refugio del Juanar, where there are walks through the hills and a small stone tower with stupendous views. If you feel brave, continue to El Chorro and do the Camanito del Rey, which used to be considered the worst walk in the world (look it up on YouTube - it has been "repaired" but you now have to book a slot - foc). Or push onto Fuente del Piedra and see the flamingo flock: quarter of a million when we went. Come back via Antequerra and El Torcal, a wonderful rock formation. [This would be a long day IF you do everything.]
Drive north on the A397 to Ronda. Walk all around but definitely cross the bridge and step out onto the balconies overlooking the gorge (busy with choughs) or westwards towards the plains. A374/A372 to Grazalema (nice mirador with a lovely restaurant nearby) then try the CA9104 via the "pass of the Doves" to Zahara. Come back via Arcos de la Frontera or turn at Villamartin for Ubrique. [Another long day.]
Drive to Estepona then climb the MA8301 to Jubrique or go to Genalguacil then A369 to Gaucin. A377 has a few miradors (viewpoints) with long vistas to Gibralter and Africa. Turn east on MA8300 to Casares, another lovely white village.
Visit Puerto Banus to see how the other half live (well, not me, anyway). Parking was free and easy on Ave de las Naciones Unidas.
Benahavis was a popular spot for foodies.
Guadalmansa was one of our popular beaches, although plenty of others exist, including La Cala de Mijas. This has a popular market on Saturday. Mijas itself is another nice white village, "famous" for its donkey taxis. Fuengirola and Torremolinos were surprisingly better than we had expected. Malaga is the home of Picasso, if he interests you. The coast along to Nerja is not particularly interesting, but the caves are worth a visit.
With careful planning, you can catch buses and trains to La Linea, Ronda, El Chorro, Malaga and home in a day.
Alternatively, you could just relax on the beach: enjoy - Gordon
March should be "orange blossom time" so make sure you visit Plaza do los Naranjos in the old town. Bear in mind that the oranges which litter the streets are bitter, for making marmalade! If you like narrow streets etc, have a good wander around and see the Cathedral and the Balcon de la Virgen. There are loads of nice eateries.
Don't miss the wonderful fountain (possibly in the Parque de Alameda), decorated in tiles representing the Brotherhoods who take part in the pilgrimage to El Rocio. Get there from the sea front by climbing (better views of the Salvador Dali sculptures in the centre than descending) the lovely gentle marble steps of the Avenida Puerta del Mar.
Drive north out of Marbella on the A355 and park on the large layby to look back to the coast and over the side to Ojen, a lovely white village which is worth a visit. Then continue over the crest and turn west to Refugio del Juanar, where there are walks through the hills and a small stone tower with stupendous views. If you feel brave, continue to El Chorro and do the Camanito del Rey, which used to be considered the worst walk in the world (look it up on YouTube - it has been "repaired" but you now have to book a slot - foc). Or push onto Fuente del Piedra and see the flamingo flock: quarter of a million when we went. Come back via Antequerra and El Torcal, a wonderful rock formation. [This would be a long day IF you do everything.]
Drive north on the A397 to Ronda. Walk all around but definitely cross the bridge and step out onto the balconies overlooking the gorge (busy with choughs) or westwards towards the plains. A374/A372 to Grazalema (nice mirador with a lovely restaurant nearby) then try the CA9104 via the "pass of the Doves" to Zahara. Come back via Arcos de la Frontera or turn at Villamartin for Ubrique. [Another long day.]
Drive to Estepona then climb the MA8301 to Jubrique or go to Genalguacil then A369 to Gaucin. A377 has a few miradors (viewpoints) with long vistas to Gibralter and Africa. Turn east on MA8300 to Casares, another lovely white village.
Visit Puerto Banus to see how the other half live (well, not me, anyway). Parking was free and easy on Ave de las Naciones Unidas.
Benahavis was a popular spot for foodies.
Guadalmansa was one of our popular beaches, although plenty of others exist, including La Cala de Mijas. This has a popular market on Saturday. Mijas itself is another nice white village, "famous" for its donkey taxis. Fuengirola and Torremolinos were surprisingly better than we had expected. Malaga is the home of Picasso, if he interests you. The coast along to Nerja is not particularly interesting, but the caves are worth a visit.
With careful planning, you can catch buses and trains to La Linea, Ronda, El Chorro, Malaga and home in a day.
Alternatively, you could just relax on the beach: enjoy - Gordon
Yes, I see that now. Good poet, Wilfred Owens. 
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