Marbella

Download full guide for this area

 

Where is it?

Marbella is situated on the Mediterranean Sea, between Málaga and the Strait of Gibraltar, in the foothills of the Sierra Blanca. The municipality covers an area of 117 square kilometres and occupies a strip of land that extends along forty-four kilometres (27 miles) of coastline, sheltered by the slopes of the coastal mountain range.

Due to the proximity of the mountains to the coast, the city has a large gap between its north and south sides, thus providing views of the sea and mountains from almost every part of the city. Marbella is bordered to the north by the municipalities of Istán and Ojén, to the northwest by Benahavís, to the west by Estepona and to the northeast by Mijas. The Mediterranean Sea lies to the south.

Our Opinion

Marbella is undoubtedly one of the jewels of the Mediterranean. Formerly a traditional fishing village, Marbella has grown over the years to its current status as a vibrant, commercial seaside town, beloved by locals and holidaymakers alike.

Marbella is undoubtedly a class act. Its charming Old Town dates back to Roman times and is home to several top quality restaurants and a host of welcoming bars and cafes, while its promenade and beaches offer a welcoming haven for a leisurely stroll or a serious tanning top-up. For shopaholics, the town is home to many of the high street names and glamorous boutiques, while the nearby La Cañada shopping mall is the largest in Andalucia.

Top Tips!

  • Orange Square (Plaza de los Naranjos) – in the heart of the Old Town, a beautiful place to sit and watch the world go by over a romantic dinner.
  • Puente Romano Hotel – home to the famous Roman Bridge that used to form part of the original route from Rome to Cadiz, this 5 star hotel is the lesser known sibling of the renowned Marbella Club. We prefer it for its more laid-back ambience, its fabulous restaurants and its hedonistic nightclub, La Suite.
  • Restaurante La Red – with tables on the sand itself just beneath the promenade, La Red is a Marbella institution, serving up some of the best fresh fish and seafood in the area. Just remember to pre-book in high season!
  • The King's Palace – built in the 1980s and modeled on the White House, Mar-Mar Palace is located on the Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banus, and is the private residence of the Saudi Royal Family. On his visits during his lifetime, King Fahd, the famously profligate ruler, brought an entourage of 3,000 people, rented 300 hotel rooms and 500 cars; his one-month stays would inject an estimated 40-80 million euros (he once left a 235,000 euro tip) into the local economy.
  • Starlight – an annual music and arts festival which takes place in the unique setting of a natural cave-like auditorium at the foot of La Concha mountain. Recent performers have included Tom Jones, Enrique Iglesias, Andrea Bocelli and Lionel Richie.

Top Tips!

  • Orange Square (Plaza de los Naranjos) – in the heart of the Old Town, a beautiful place to sit and watch the world go by over a romantic dinner.
  • Puente Romano Hotel – home to the famous Roman Bridge that used to form part of the original route from Rome to Cadiz, this 5 star hotel is the lesser known sibling of the renowned Marbella Club. We prefer it for its more laid-back ambience, its fabulous restaurants and its hedonistic nightclub, La Suite.
  • Restaurante La Red – with tables on the sand itself just beneath the promenade, La Red is a Marbella institution, serving up some of the best fresh fish and seafood in the area. Just remember to pre-book in high season!
  • The King's Palace – built in the 1980s and modeled on the White House, Mar-Mar Palace is located on the Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banus, and is the private residence of the Saudi Royal Family. On his visits during his lifetime, King Fahd, the famously profligate ruler, brought an entourage of 3,000 people, rented 300 hotel rooms and 500 cars; his one-month stays would inject an estimated 40-80 million euros (he once left a 235,000 euro tip) into the local economy.
  • Starlight – an annual music and arts festival which takes place in the unique setting of a natural cave-like auditorium at the foot of La Concha mountain. Recent performers have included Tom Jones, Enrique Iglesias, Andrea Bocelli and Lionel Richie.

Found: 2 properties