Let’s go to the city of Marbella, the western capital of the Costa del Sol, to enjoy one of the liveliest corners of the province of Malaga. This area on the shores of the Mediterranean has become, in recent years, the epitome of luxury, exclusivity, shopping and tourism.
Just 60 kilometres from Malaga lies this town where ancient and modern combine in a heady cocktail. It’s the excitement of the place that has led to the increasing number of visitors from all over the world.
In fact, the off-season population of 161,000 inhabitants swells to around half a million in the summer. The range of tourist attractions and services has expanded to meet the needs of all of these visitors, offering natural, cultural and gastronomic experiences that will immerse you in the life of the city. The Marbellis, as the inhabitants are called, are lucky enough to enjoy a real gem of a town which boasts almost 30 kilometres of coastline.
But first, a little bit of history. Marbella was called Marbal-la during the Andalucian period, which means crystal clear waters.
Marval-la aside, there have been many other settlements in the area throughout history, the earliest dating back to the Palaeolithic period. Over the millennia, the way of life of the inhabitants of this part of the Mediterranean coast have changed from mining to agriculture and to today, when tourism dominates the economy of the area.
The city has a lively nightlife, with plenty of restaurants and nightclubs that attract many tourists, but what is there to do in Marbella during the day?
You can start with the tourist route from the Plaza de los Naranjos, which is the heart of the town. In the centre is the Renaissance-style fountain, which is decorated with orange trees that give the square its name. Next up is the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, full of stunning artworks, and then the Town Hall which is a hallmark of civil architecture.
You can also stroll through the old town and enjoy the Avenida del Mar, which is a promenade leading to the beach. It’s something of an open-air museum with a dozen sculptures by Salvador Dalí.
One of the main reasons for travelling to Marbella is the possibility of spending a day at the beach, and the quality of these natural spaces is an indisputable attraction for the city. Its sunny beaches are well equipped with everything you need, offering services including restaurants and accommodation complexes where you can spend a few hours, or a few days.
As for the accommodation you'll find in this area of Malaga, we want to highlight the holiday cottages with swimming pools, which are the most popular, alongside hotels and flats near the sea. And if you are looking for cheap holiday cottages, you will find them inland, away from the beaches. These options will allow you to get to know Marbella in depth.
Last but not least, you just need to know how to get here. If you live a long way away, you can book a flight to Malaga airport and catch a connecting bus. There are also the options of travelling by train or car, as Marbella is very well connected.
