The southern city of Marbella remains one of Spain’s most enchanting. While it serves up all the luxury and high-end living that it’s famed for, there is much more to Marbella than that.
The beach life is undoubtedly a big draw for visitors, with golden sands and calm seas ideal for a family visit. Some beaches cater more for the adults, with beach clubs and bars. Wherever you are, you’ll have great facilities nearby, including restaurants and sports, either in or near the water.
Marbella hosts regular festivals too, with the summer months particularly fiesta-packed. Look out for the Starlite Festival where musicians from around the world come together, and the week-long Marbella Feria, full of fun and flamenco.
The charming Old Town area of Marbella has all sorts of boutiques, bars and galleries in the little streets leading off Plaza de Naranja. The beautiful La Alameda Park is nearby, close to the countless waterfront restaurants of the Paseo Maritimo. Tapas and seafood are big around here, and you’ll be able to choose from the most casual street food to the highest quality fine dining.
For a taste of the high life, head to Puerto Banus and hang out with the jet-set at the marina. The shopping comes with quite a price tag around this way, so if you’re after something more reasonable, head for a shopping centre like La Canada, which has more than 100 familiar names including a particularly good selection of fashion brands.
If you are looking for culture rather than consumerism, Marbella has something for you too. Check out international contemporary art at the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo, or perhaps head to Museo de Bonsai – as the name suggests, there are lots of little trees to see.