Only 140,000 people live in Marbella, but nearly 1 million visit it each year. This resort town revolves around tourism, and in the summer, the city is packed. Use this beachside town as a gateway to the Spanish Riviera. Forget your troubles on miles of Mediterranean beach, drive along the palm tree-lined coast and see the ancient landmarks in town.
Once you’re done having fun in the sun, walk the Paseo Maritimo boardwalk to get a tour of the Marbella waterfront, then head into town. Tour the Casco Historico (Old Town) to see the traditional Spanish core of the town. The 16th-century Town Hall is the town’s main landmark. Otherwise, the vibrant history of the area is evident in the diversity of historical landmarks in Marbella. Roman baths, Moorish structures and early Christian churches stand side-by-side.
Art and culture are a significant part of Marbella. Visit the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo to see paintings by a world-famous native of nearby Málaga, Pablo Picasso. Sculptures by another Spaniard, Salvador Dalí, can be found along the Avenida del Mar. Drop by Alameda Square to see traditional Spanish dancing. Learn about festivals that are happening in the area by visiting the Tourist Information office at the Plaza de los Naranjos.
Marbella has a reputation for being the holiday spot of celebrities and the super-rich. For example, Rod Stewart, Sean Connery and Antonio Banderas have all lived in the city. Today, the Golden Mile still commonly attracts the world’s wealthy, so keep an eye out for faces you recognise from the silver screen.
Reach Marbella by flying into the Málaga airport and taking the 40-minute drive or bus ride into the town. It is located in the south of Spain in the autonomous region of Andalucia. The area has a temperate climate, but it can get hot between June and August. If you’re hoping to enjoy the beaches and luxury of the Costa del Sol, Marbella is one of the best places to do so.
