Marbella - a sophisticated, trendy and modern resort located in the South of Spain, in the province of Malaga on the Costa del Sol.
Due to its convenient location: the South of Spain, on the North side of the city is protected by coastal mountains - Marbella has a unique microclimate, with an average annual temperature of +18 degrees, where almost all year round the sun shines and there are no strong winds. And in the summer in Marbella it is not too hot, and in winter the air temperature rarely drops below +13 degrees. It is for this reason that Marbella has a season all year round, it is good to relax here both in summer and in winter.
What you should definitely do in Marbella
1. Personally visit the most expensive port in Spain - Puerto Banus.
2. Stroll along the streets of the old quarter, and to touch the history of the city.
3. Take a walk along the coast on a gorgeous waterfront, enjoying views of the sea.
4. Climb the peak of La Concha and see Marbella from a bird's eye view.
5. Play a few rounds of Golf on one of the many Golf courses in Marbella.
The Beaches Of Marbella
Coast Marbella is a practically one vast beach area, stretching along the centre of the city and its environs, gentle strip is 27 kilometers. The Marbella coastline divided into 26 separate beaches among which a couple of beaches for Pets.
The bulk of the sandy beaches of Marbella, well equipped with all the necessary amenities: sun loungers and parasols, children's play areas, litter bins, showers and toilets, medical stations and rescue towers as well as beach cafes and restaurants. Many beaches of the coast, only by name are divided among themselves, as they smoothly flow into each other so that you won’t immediately understand where one beach ends and another begins.
As a rule, all beaches have moderate surf, golden or dark sand of various textures, from fine and crumbly to coarser and larger, and some - pebbles mixed with sand. The occupancy of the beaches is usually high, for the average level, especially in the summer months, when the flow of tourists is the highest. Beaches are cleaned daily, sand is leveled.
Near the center of Marbella there are five visited beaches: El Faro, La Fontanilla, Casablanca, Venus and Bajadilla.
Also popular and not less beautiful are the beaches of Puerto Banus, Nueva Andalusia and San Pedro.
The East coast is famous for beaches of Marbella: Cable Pinelo, Los Monteros and El Alicate.
Along most of the beaches of Marbella's extensive strip can be found in the promenades is a pleasure promenade. A very pleasant and scenic place for walking along the sea and sports. On the quays: places for rest, small playgrounds, cafes and restaurants, and green zones with palm trees and flowers, there is a nearby Golf course. Along the quays is a wealth of first class hotels, convenient location which provides direct and quick access to the beaches. The review of beaches and promenades of Marbella...
Golden mile
The Marbella Golden Mile - a long strip along the sea line, which is actually equal to four miles (6.4 km.). The Golden Mile originates on the western outskirts of Marbella (landmark, promenade - Maritimo Alley) and extends to Puerto Banus.
The "Golden mile" is home to some of the most luxurious villas in Marbella and estates with views of the mountains and the sea, such as the Palace of king Fahd "Mar-Mar", as well as iconic hotels.
The Golden Mile is divided into two parts by the motorway. The first band of the Golden mile which is between the beach and highway, is well developed, there are expensive villas and hotels, Golf courses and business centers, gyms and salons. While the mountain side is still under development and construction.
Puerto Banus
Puerto Jose Banus, more commonly known simply as Puerto Banus - marina, fashionable port and the most famous harbor for luxury pleasure yachts and boats.
Puerto Banus is snow-white yachts, luxurious cars, the best restaurants, Nightclubs and boutiques of the Costa del Sol. This is the place where you can enjoy the luxury and glamour, where the air is continuously smell of money, and the rich come to the port to show off their new expensive toys. Here you can easily meet a world celebrity or a millionaire in an expensive suit and a gold watch, leisurely strolling, and often just passing along the coast on his brand new luxury Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Lamborghini or Bentley.
Puerto Banus was originally just a port in Marbella, but for many it has become something more - a separate port city (town in town), where you can stay and spend your unforgettable holiday. Read more about Puerto Banus...
It is best to visit Puerto Banus from the center of Marbella (or the center of Marbella from Puerto Banus) following the promenade, thereby taking a walk along the beaches. The distance is 6 kilometers one way. The promenade of this part of Marbella is beautiful - very picturesque, superbly equipped and very visited. By the way, the promenades of Marbella can be safely distinguished as a separate sight. If you want to feel the luxury of the Golden mile, then take the promenade and dig in to the residential neighborhoods there, along the narrow streets, often behind high fences, are luxury villas and apartments (especially, of course, will not see anything).
The old town of Marbella
The old city of Marbella (Casco Antiguo) is included and, perhaps, tops the list of the most striking and visited sights of Marbella.
The historic center of Marbella is located in the heart of the city close to the coastal strip, on the one hand the old town is bordered by green Park, Arola de La Represa, and with another - a small Alameda Park.
The old town of Marbella although small, it can be easily explored on foot in an hour with a small but well restored and very impressive. Here, the low white building in typical Andalusian style with lots of greenery and flowers on the facades, standing right next to each other along the narrow and winding streets lined with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Read more about Marbella's old town...
The main sights of Marbella
Near Puerto Banus, only minutes walk from such, there are a couple of attractions that are worth a visit if you are near the port: the famous square Antonio Banderas (Antonio Banderas Plaza) and the historical monument of Torre Almenara Del Duque.
The ruins of a Roman villa Rio Verde
Historical excavations of the Villa Romana de Rio Verde (Villa Romana de Rio Verde) - a historical monument, the remains of a Roman Villa, where to this day preserved the original mosaic. This Roman Villa, believed to have been built in the late first or early second century ad, but was later destroyed by fire. Objects found at the site during archaeological excavations, were transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Malaga.
The ruins of Roman Villas are located near the beach of the same name, about a kilometer from Puerto Banus towards the center of Marbella.
Walking along the promenades of Marbella you can visit other historical monuments of Marbella
Naranjos Square
The most visited and beautiful area of the old town of Marbella - Orange square or Plaza Naranjos (Plaza de los Naranjos). The area is very picturesque; it is planted with citrus trees and is a bright example of Castilian Renaissance.
Around the square are two historic buildings and the fountain:
- The city Hall (Mairie) in the Renaissance style, built in 1568 by the Catholic monarchs;
- the chapel of Ermita de Santiago (Ermita de Santiago) is the oldest religious building in the city, built earlier than the square itself, so looks a bit distracting from the architectural ensemble, believed to date back to the 15th century chapel is built;
- next to the chapel is a small 16th century fountain.
The center of the square is decorated with the bust of king Juan Carlos the First. In addition to the sights in the square: places for recreation, cafes and restaurants.
Church of St. Mary Encarnacion
The Church of St. Mary Encarnacion or Our Lady of the Incarnation (Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion) is perhaps the brightest and highest building of the old city. IInitially, the construction of the Church dates back to the 15th century, but later it was restored. The facade of the Church looks simple but elegant, the entrance to the Church in the Rococo style carved in stone ochre.
The interior of the church, on the one hand, is simple, and on the other, gilding with luxurious carvings immediately catches your eye.
This Church is located on a small and very interesting Plaza De La Iglesia, or, as it is called, Church square.
The chapel of San Juan de Dios
The chapel of San Juan de Dios or as it is called the chapel of St. John of God (Capilla San Juan De Dios), Dating back to the 16th century buildings. This small chapel was built by the Catholic monarchs in the old building of the former Royal hospital.
Holy Christ Square
The Plaza of the Holy Christ (Plaza Santo Cristo), although modest in size, is very picturesque, and all this thanks to the bright multi-colored buildings located along the perimeter of the square and which are its undoubted decorations. The center of the square is decorated with a beautiful fountain with a statue of the Virgin Mary.
In addition to its striking appearance, the square is also famous for the fact that its main dominant is the chapel of Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz or the Holy Cross Vera Cruz "Hermitage of the Holy Christ of the True Cross" (Ermita del Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz / Ermita del Santo Cristo de Marbella) with ceramic mosaic dome.
Arab castle walls or the Arab fortress wall
On the outskirts of the old town is well preserved ruins remaining from the Arab fortress of Murallas del Castillo (Muralla del Castillo/Las). Currently, remains of the defensive walls of the once Grand castle are historic cultural monument from the 15th century.
Avenida del Mar
Avenida del Mar - the famous and most visited Boulevard in Marbella, located in the city centre, between the old town and the coast.
Alley del Mar combines the beautiful shady Park of Alameda with one of the most beautiful promenades of the Costa del Sol and Venus beach.
Currently, the street del Mar is one of the attractions of Marbella and is, if not long, but wide pedestrian alley, lined with marble tiles, where the main highlight are, as if frozen in time and movement of bronze sculptures of Salvador Dali. Thus, the street serves as a kind of Museum of surreal art, located in the open air. Read more about Avenida del Mar.
Best parks center of Marbella
Generally in Marbella many small parks and squares, among which are four, located in the city centre:
The Alameda Park
The shady Alameda Park (Parque de Alameda) - one of the Central parks and the oldest green area in Marbella. This Park is small, but very colorful. The center of the Park is decorated with a large fountain. In the Park: benches with typical ornaments, sculptures, Paloma and flowers, exotic shrubs and tall spreading sycamores.
The park holds concerts and various city events, there are children's attractions, and on weekends, in the morning, a small flea market operates in the park.
The Park Of Represa
Park Arroyo de La Represa - perhaps the most large and peaceful Park of Marbella. The Park was created along the bed of the eponymous Creek. It is located near the old town. The Park has plenty of greenery, two artificial pond inhabited by ducks and turtles, places for recreation, children's Playground area, dog parks, walking alleys, athletic track, tennis court, café and a Museum with an exhibition of bonsai trees (Museo Bonsai Marbella).
Visually, the park attracts attention with a cable-stayed bridge crossing the park and hanging over the heads of city dwellers and guests strolling in the park.
Park Of Calvario
Parque del Calvario, a little-known green park located on a hill.
The once-small hill, on top of which was a small chapel, has now become an exquisite park. The park was designed by landscape architect Miguel Angel Vico. In the park: a children's play area, a small pond, places for relaxation and walkways.
This Park has religious significance. At the foot of the Church is the parish of Calvario (Parroquia Sto. Cristo del Calvario). Climbing up the hill is most interesting in a spiral, thus skirting a small hill, where on the way you can see scenes from the way of the Cross of Christ. At the top of the hill, on a small platform, is the ancient chapel Ermita del Calvario. And the picturesque views from the top of the hill, on the mountain terrain, just gorgeous.
Constitution Park
Constitution Park (Parque de la Constitución, Marbella) - a shady Park, located near the Central promenade and the pier.
In the park: walk alleys, places for relaxation, a playground, small fountains, a cafe, an astronomical observatory and a concert hall.
The La Concha Mountain
Not far from the center of Marbella is the majestic mountain of La Concha. The huge mountain range is perfectly visible from many points of Marbella.
The most famous and desirable point of La Concha mountain, which offers stunning panoramic views of the entire Marbella, Estepona and Gibraltar was her peak, Pico de La Concha (Pico de la Concha). The height of the Pico de La Concha is 1 215 meters above sea level.
The ascent to the peak of La Concha - the pedestrian route, which runs along mountain trails, ridges and rocky slopes. Read more about the ascent to the peak of La Concha from the center of Marbella...
Municipal market Marbella
Separately, you can highlight the Mercado Municipal de Marbella market - the central grocery market where, in addition to fruits, olives, cheeses, fish, meat and other products, you can taste wines and taste some uncomplicated dishes of local cuisine.
Holidays and festivals in Marbella
In June, the festival of the patron saint of the city of San Bernabe is celebrated on a grand scale, when during the week various events and performances are held in the city.
In October they hold a festival in honor of the patron Saint of San Pedro Alcantara, which also lasts a week and is accompanied by a fair.
Other festivals and local celebrations include the may pilgrimage to the Holy place in the mountains of Cruz de Juanar; in July celebrates La Virgen del Carmen, La Virgen Madre in August, and the feast of chestnuts Die del Coston in November.
Also no less popular and less visited fairs and festivals that take place in Marbella during the year. So over the summer season (July to October) in most areas of Marbella hold cultural events organized by various associations, to attract tourists and raise the cultural level, such as bullfights, music performances, contests, fairs and various sporting events.
How to get to Marbella
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Marbella is by plane.
In Marbella itself has no airport, the nearest major international airport is 55 kilometres from the centre of Marbella, in Malaga. Malaga airport-Costa del Sol regularly sends and receives flights from more than 60 countries. Cheap flights to Malaga look here.
From Malaga airport to Marbella
Taxi/Shuttle Service
Getting from Malaga airport to the center of Marbella , as well as other cities on the Costa del Sol, is more convenient and quicker by taxi. To order a taxi/Shuttle service in advance, even from home. At any time of the day, at the airport, the driver will be waiting for you with a sign, where your first and last name will be written. To order a taxi, it is enough to report your flight data!
Car rental
The most convenient way to travel around Andalusia is a car. You can rent a car in advance, even from home, the car will be waiting for you immediately upon arrival at the airport. Car for rent can look and book here, the rent is quite reasonable, starting from 13,94 EUR per day.
Bus
From Malaga airport there are daily direct public bus to Marbella and from Marbella to Malaga airport. In a way, about 45 minutes. The fare is from 6,15 Euros, depending on the bus and ride time. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office, located on the street near the exit from the airport to the arrivals area. Buses run in the daytime.
Where to stay in Marbella
The choice of housing in Marbella is very large and diverse, here you can find accommodation for every taste and budget, from the most budgetary to 5-star hotels, luxury villas, country houses, boats and apartments, as on the first line, where the windows will open a view of beach and sea, and in the center of the city.
All accommodation in Marbella, from budget to luxury, you can view and book here.
Photos of the streets of Marbella
