We will be in Marbella for a conference for 3 days in early June and will have another 3 days following the event. Wondered if it would make sense to drive or take a train to Seville and spend the time there or if it would just be easier to drive somewhere interesting closer to Marbella (no beach). Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Make your way to Sevilla. It is a great city - great food, history, ambience - well worth the effort.

Ian

From Marbella to Sevilla you either drive or go to Malaga and take the train.
Besides, there are many interesting places around Marbella. To mention Ronda, White villages, Casares, Castellar, Medina Sidonia...

From Marbella to Sevilla, driving time is less than 3 hours. You will pass Jerez de la Frontera which is worth a visit to tour one of the Sherry wineries.

I would also suggest to visit Cordoba which is another hour from Sevilla.

This past week we drove by car from Marbella to Seville and it took about three hours. Once in Seville though, it took some time to orient ourselves to the city. If you go to Seville, there's so much to see and do that you'll want at least a full day.

We came from Ronda to Marbella, and that drive took about an hour. You can see the main sights in Ronda in about 3 to 4 hours, though wandering it streets is fun if you have more time.