Marbella is situated along the Malaga coast and it is one of Costa del Sol's most popular tourist destinations. It has a stunning natural beauty, along with an interesting historic quarter. It provides many opportunities for leisure and sporting activities of all kinds. If you prefer a bit of culture, you can visit museums and enjoy many architectural delights dating back to Moorish Spain.
If you enjoy sports, Marbella is the place for you. It boasts over a dozen golf courses built within beautiful natural settings, three marinas that offer any number of water sport activities, riding schools, tennis clubs and stunning backdrops for leisurely walks or more strenuous hiking.
The historic old quarter of Marbella can be found at the base of the Sierra Blanca hills. Here you will be able to experience typical Andalusian charm as you walk past whitewashed houses decorated with lovely geraniums and orange trees. These same orange trees can be found lining the many plazas in this area. The architecture of the City Hall built in the 16th century and the old Chief Magistrate's Office built in the 17th century should not be missed. If you visit Church Square, you will see the Greater Church of la Encarnacion and one of the two towers that was part of Marbella's old Arab fortress. There is also evidence of the Roman occupation of Marbella with remains of the Paleochristian basilica of Vega del mar, the Roman baths and the Roman villa of Rio Verde.
Marbella hosts a few festivals during the year and if you are visiting during those times, you should pop past to see them. The Fair and Festivals of San Bernabe happen at the beginning of June. Among other activities, you can enjoy concerts and bullfighting. Holy Week in honor of Marbella's patron saint occurs in October.
If you are looking for some quiet relaxation, be sure to visit La Alameda Park. Here you can book a horse and carriage to take you around or you can simply stroll in the direction of the sea along the Avenida del Mar. There are 26 kilometers of coastline that stretches from Marbella so if you are looking for a beach holiday, this is wonderful place to come. Peurto Banus is lovely to see with its magnificent yachts at its modern marina.
While Marbella was once the playground of only the rich and famous, it is now open to holiday-makers from all walks of life and with all sorts of budgets. There are a large number of more expensive four or five star hotels in the area, but it is possible to find a few less expensive options as well. You can also stay in a residential complex on your trip to Marbella. If you prefer a bit of privacy and space, you can choose to stay in a holiday rental apartment or villa. These are self catering facilities and may especially suit families or those people who are planning to stay for a longer period of time.