Marbella Area
Geographically at the midpoint of the Costa del Sol, bang in the middle of the Andalucian coastline and at the centre of world-class entertainment, jet-set Puerto Banus, shopping, nightlife, dining, dancing and real estate development is the world-renowned resort of Marbella.
A-list entertainers flock to its golden beaches and superb choice of places, palaces and hotels to stay in or make home (Melanie and Antonio are often seen about town as have been the ilk of Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Rod Stewart – to name a few).
Nightclubs, piano bars and dance-till-dawn party places are easily found – from the VIP (by invitation only) to the Irish Pub complete with ex-pat Mick the barman.
Cosmopolitan is a word that easily springs to mind when describing the mix of residents and tourists who flock here from all over the world for vacations, to live or to do business. English can be heard as frequently as Spanish – with a smorgasbord of other languages and accents in between.
With an average number of 320 sunny days a year, this destination offers plenty of opportunities to play golf at a huge number of superb courses, indulge in water sports, play on the beach, eat al fresco aside the Mediterranean and shop world-class brands. Is it any wonder Marbella is in such demand?
The area has been growing in size and popularity since the 1970’s, but the mesmerizing backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains, the glitter of the Mediterranean and the easy access to a still strong Andalusian passion make it as delectable now as ever before.
Spanish pride can be found in every corner – the ubiquitous Tapas bars are always in abundance. A day in Old Marbella leaves no doubt that you are firmly entrenched in the heart of southern Spain.
The aroma of oranges and lemons infuses the air of white-washed plaza after white-washed plaza. Sleepy locals still shutter out the noonday sun for the customary daily siesta. The old town takes on a lazy, slower pace – time for a glass of vino and an excellent plate of local, fresh-caught-that-morning fish in the aromatic shade of an historic restaurant.
Greater Marbella area is made up of many neighborhoods. The boundaries between each are not quite linear with many urbanizations and developments blurring the lines.
LOCATION
- In sunny Andalucia, Spain
- 583 km (about a 6-hr drive) from Madrid
- 213 km (2 hr 36-min drive) from Seville
- 57 km (45-min drive) from Málaga
- 82 km (1 hr 10-min drive) to Gibraltar
EXPERIENCES IN MARBELLA
- Cooking classes – Experience the food and wine of southern Spain – from amazing albondigas to perfect paella!
- Mercado – Wonderful fresh produce, beautifully displayed, fish so fresh you expect it to jump out of your hands, meat and much more!
- Dance – Summer Flamenco under the stars.
- Lazing on the beach – Miles of golden, sandy beaches nearby
- Sightseeing – Visits to Andalucian hilltop towns
