Marbella

Marbella is known as the playground of Europe’s rich and famous. If the Costa del Sol was conceived as Europe’s Florida, then Marbella is its Miami.Marbella’s warm microclimate and year-round sunshine make it an outdoor sports paradise. The destination is a magnet for visiting golfers as it boasts the highest density of golf courses in Spain. 

Adventure

Nature-lovers have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Blanca mountain range, refuge and reserve of the agile Spanish Ibex and plant paradise, where one can admire magnificent specimens of Spanish fir. This mountain range, as well as favouring the climactic conditions of the town, is undoubtedly the most outstanding element of the Marbella landscape, with the towering peaks of La Concha (1,215m) and Juanar (1,184 m). Walkers can trek from Marbella to Juanar or, for more experienced hikers, from Marbella to La Concha, passing through Puerto Rico, or take an excursion to the area known as Los Monjes.

Sport and hiking

Marbella is paradise for sports lovers with amazing facilities, so it’s no wonder that it also hosts many excellent sporting events each year. With over 70 golf courses in a very small area, this area is known as the Costa del Golf. With such a density of great courses, there’s no surprise that you can find regular golf tournaments throughout the year. The Costa del Sol has miles and miles of wonderful coastline and excellent marinas in Malaga, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella, Puerto Banus, Estepona and Sotogrande.

Culture and sightseeing

Marbella Culture is made of several museums, significant archaeological heritages and a cultural calendar with all year round events. The whole region of Andalusia has left behind a rich artistic heritage that allows for endless exploration. The Alhambra in Granada, the Grand Mosque in Cordoba and the Giralda Tower and the Old Town of Seville are all World Heritage Sites.

Gastronomy and shopping

With three Michelin-starred restaurants serving excellent cuisine, plus hundreds of smaller eateries dishing up everything from Mediterranean and Thai to paella and succulent local tapas, luscious food is a major part of Marbella’s allure. Moreover, with more than 300 guaranteed days of sunshine per year, al fresco dining by the beach or beneath the stars is practically guaranteed. There are also plenty of restaurants and traditional tascas serving competitively priced fare. Head into the labyrinth of cobbled alleys that fan out from main square Plaza de Los Naranjos, situated in Marbella’s Casco Antiguo (Old Town), to find them.

 With its glamorous designer boutiques, iconic department stores and state-of-the-art malls, well informed shoppers would want to bring an extra suitcase when they visit this celebrity-loved Costa del Sol city. Packed with high-end designer shops, glitzy Puerto Banús should be the first stop on any Marbella shopping itinerary.