Where is Marbella?
Lying on southern Spain’s glorious Costa del Sol, Marbella is situated approximately 50 kilometres west of Malaga Airport. Surrounded by stunning scenery, it sits between the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean and the Sierra Blanca mountains.
What kind of place is Marbella?
What used to be a quiet little Andalucian fishing village, Marbella is now often described as Spain’s answer to St Tropez and is a glitzy, glamorous resort, as renowned for attracting the rich and famous as it is for its miles of golden beaches. Its rather diverse resident population numbers around 120,000 and its ‘Golden Mile’, which stretches from Marbella town to neighbouring Puerto Banus, is home to some of the area’s most impressive villas and estates.
What is there to do and see in Marbella?
Although well-known as a millionaire’s playground, you do not have to be either rich or famous to appreciate the delights of Marbella. Of course, if you have an eye for designer labels, it may be difficult to resist an impulse buy, and indeed it is hard to think of a famous designer who is not represented in Marbella’s many boutiques. Likewise if you feel in need of a bit of pampering, as the town has any number of exquisite spas to offer.
Marbella is not all about luxury and wealth, however, and certainly the older part of the town, known as El Casco Antiguo, has more of the feel of a Spanish village than of a cosmopolitan town. La Plaza de los Naranjos, or ‘Orange Square’ as it is commonly known, lies at its centre and is partially surrounded by the ruins of an old Arab wall. Here is where you will find the 16th century Town Hall, a variety of stately buildings, art galleries, bars and bistros, all intermingled with chic boutiques. The charming little streets which lead off the square are narrow and cobbled and offer a good range of eating places, from haute cuisine restaurants to more traditional tapas bars. The Moorish castle and the Church of the Encarnation, both of which are situated in the old town are well worth a visit.
A stroll along the Avenida del Mar, the beautiful seafront promenade, will lead you past yet more classy restaurants and bars, and there are parks where you can sit and relax in the shade and even a bonsai museum to visit.
What is there to do and see in the area generally?
Of course, a walk along the Golden Mile to Puerto Banus is not to be missed during your stay in Marbella, past the ferraris and the yachts, the clubs, casinos and millionaire’s mansions. If you are looking for something a little more energetic, however, there is a vast range of watersports and other sporting activities on offer, as well as horse riding and hiking in the surrounding area. For the avid golfer, you could practically choose a different course for every day of the week!