City of Marbella
Marbella is known as the playground of Europe’s rich and famous. If the Costa del Sol was conceived as Europe’s Florida, then Marbella is its Miami. Situated between Malaga and Gibraltar, this exclusive resort is where numerous international celebrities and royalty relocate for the summer, hiding out in private villas and exclusive five-star hotels, or on their luxury yachts. Hordes of British tabloid stars head down there for their holidays and can be spotted sporting their Melissa Odabash kaftans and gladiator sandals as they stroll through the town. You can find all the top designer emporiums here – Gucci, Versace, D&G, Dior – but it also has a pretty, well-preserved Casco Antiguo (old town) with Plaza de Los Naranjos at its heart, and historic buildings, including a Moorish fort, and Roman remains (columns and a bridge).
Top things to do:
Plaza de los Naranjos Framed by historic buildings and classic white Andalusian houses, Plaza de los Naranjos is the hub of Marbella Old Town. Taking its name from the orange trees that surround the Renaissance fountain that sits in its center, the square is mostly occupied by the umbrella-shaded tables and chairs of nearby restaurants. Just take a sit and take the pulse of the city. Plaza de los Naranjos is the perfect place to start your tour of Marbella Old Town.
Marbella Old Town Named Casco Antiguo de Marbella (Ancient District of Marbella) in Spanish, Marbella Old Town dates back to the 15th century, right after the Christian Reconquista. Featuring winding streets, typical Andalusian houses with balconies decorated with fresh flowers, historic buildings, and a great choice of cool restaurants and small boutiques, the Old Town offers something to see and enjoy at every corner. Colorful and tidy, Marbella Old Town has a warm and pleasant atmosphere.
Avenida Del Mar Avenida del Mar (Sea Avenue) is a 5,500 sq m rectangular square that stretches between Alameda Park and the beach, right next to Puerto Deportivo de Marbella, the oldest part of the city. Lined with shops, bars, and restaurants with terraces shaded by wooden pergolas, Avenida del Mar is also an open-air museum, home to 10 Salvador Dali sculptures. Take a refreshing drink at one of the restaurants and watch the world go by.
Bounty Beach Bounty Beach is one of the hippest beaches in Marbella. Located just east of La Bajadilla Marina, its real name is Playa del Cable, but it owes its nickname to one of the chiringuitos (beach restaurants) established on its 1,500-metre length. Cleaned regularly, it’s relatively quiet until the end of the afternoon when it comes alive with joggers, volleyball players, and water sports enthusiasts. The beach restaurants are affordable and public toilets and showers are available. It stays busy until late at night.
To enjoy this amazing city, a rental in the area is just one click away: “Hacienda del Sol Rentals” and “Hacienda del Sol Apartments”