Marbella

Marbella is also a paradise for golf lovers. A dozen magnificent courses allow you to practise this sport against the unique backdrop of both the sea and the mountains. The city's old quarter, set in a beautiful bay, is an absolute delight, with typically Andalusian whitewashed houses and orange trees adorning the streets and squares. An ideal setting for sampling the succulent recipes of the local gastronomy.

Marbella is, on its own merits alone, one of the main destinations on the Costa del Sol. Its wonderful climate, beaches, natural environment and excellent sports facilities are just some of the multitude of attractions offered by this town on the Malaga coast.

The high quality of its infrastructures is demonstrated by Puerto Banus, one of the most iconic places in Marbella. Surrounded by exclusive developments, this famous marina attracts some of the largest and most luxurious yachts in the world every year. Its facilities include a select leisure area including restaurants, facilities and shops offering major international fashion brands and luxury items.

From Cabopino to Guadalmina, Marbella offers visitors 26 kilometres of beautiful coastline studded with sunny beaches and all kinds of services, including modern hotels, residential developments, shops and restaurants. The beaches at San Pedro de Alcantara, an important town less than ten kilometres from Marbella, are a fine example of harmony between nature and tourist development.Sports lovers will be in paradise in Marbella. It boasts a multitude of magnificent golf courses where you can play at the highest level at any time of year, surrounded by exceptional natural beauty.

Those who prefer water sports will find three ports in this town where they can get to know whichever specialty they want.

Marbella also boasts riding schools, tennis clubs and other activities catering to the most diverse tastes. And we can't forget the enormous possibilities for all kinds of outdoor sports offered by the Sierra Blanca mountain range.

- Marbella''s old town

Marbella's old quarter is located at the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountains, facing a beautiful bay. Its beautiful layout displays its traditional Andalusian character, with neat whitewashed facades adorned with bars and geraniums, and orange trees growing on every corner.

The heart of the town is the Plaza de Los Naranjos, dating from the Renaissance period, which is flanked by elegant buildings such as the town hall (16th century) and the Casa del Corregidor (17th century).

The Plazuela de la Iglesia square is home to the Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnacion church, dating from the 16th century. It also features one of the towers that were part of the city's old Arab fortress, built in the 9th century.

There are abundant traces of the Roman origins of the city in the many archaeological sites dotted around the area, including the Paleochristian Vega del Mar basilica, the Roman baths at Guadalmina and the Roman villa at Rio Verde.

Marbella''s extensive cultural offering is completed by the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engraving, which is considered the finest gallery of its kind in Spain. Located in the 16th-century Hospital Bazan, it houses an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century engravings, with works by masters such as Picasso, Miro and Dali.

Gastronomy, festivities and the surrounding area

Marbella gastronomy is famed for its fried fish, ajoblanco (chilled soup with almonds, garlic and olive oil) and gazpacho, along with many other delicious offerings. The area produces excellent dessert wines under the Malaga Designation of Origin.

The festivities in Marbella's year include its Feria fair and the Festivities of San Bernabe, which take place during the first fortnight of June. The programme includes concerts, bullfights and other activities.

Other important dates in its calendar include Easter Week and the festival of its patron saint, San Pedro de Alcantara, in October.

Marbella is a perfect base for countless excursions along the Costa del Sol. The traditional mountain town of Mijas is just a few kilometres away, with its coast offering a wide range of tourist attractions. Other towns with strong tourist traditions include Torremolinos, Estepona, Benalmadena and Fuengirola.

Nature offers incredible landscapes in the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Reserve, in the midst of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range. Other important towns close to Marbella and nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountain range include Istan, which is famous for its springs, and Ojen, with its great ecological wealth.