MARBELLA
Area: Spain


Location:
Towards W end of Costa del Sol, between Estepona to the W and Fuengirola to the E. Malaga 36 miles E, Malaga airport 33 miles.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Website:
http://www1.elpais.es/andalucia/uk/puertos/215b_marbella

Position:
Large and spread out over several miles of coast, including the resort's chief hang-out for the rich and famous, Puerto Banus, 2» miles away. The resort's chief drawback is the extremely busy main road separating the new and old towns.

Description:
Marbella is the "jet-set" capital of the Costa del Sol, the "in" place with Europe's and America's fast-living pace-setters. Famous artists, authors and film stars have bought homes and spend parts of the year in this celebrated resort. The area is a golfer's paradise, boasting several excellent courses. There are several tennis clubs in the resort and horse riding is found at some beaches and some inland stables. 4 miles from the centre is the modern development of Nueva Andalucia, covering several square miles. The old town still has a quaint atmosphere and has retained some of its 16th-century charm.

Suitability:
It is undoubtedly the place to be for the international jet-set. Also, golfers' paradise with a great range of luxurious, upmarket accommodation.

Accommodation:
Spread over a 10-mile area. To the E there are a number of quality residential developments where many of the private villas are available for rent. Westwards there are two main concentrations. 4 miles from the centre is the modern development of Nueva Andalucia. Covering several square miles, it comprises a number of hotels plus numerous villa and apartment complexes. For many apartment locations a car is a must, as buses stick to the main road.

Shopping:
Marbella is filled with classy boutiques selling top-name fashion labels at sky-high prices. The area around the port offers some of the most exciting shopping opportunities, and boutiques often stay open well into the night. In welcome contrast, the "Plaza de los Naranjos" in the old part of town is a favourite coffee-spot for residents and tourists alike and claims a warren of tiny twisting streets, leading off in all directions with all types of small shops.

Beach:
There are almost two dozen beaches around the resort, although many are narrow and mostly artificial. Some better beaches are dotted along the coast although many are difficult to find as they are not sign-posted and can only be reached by car. The resort's central beach is among the most popular, and thus the most crowded.

Entertainments:
Daytime: home to many well-known golf courses, as well as tennis clubs, and all sorts of water sports take place at the marina. A drive up into the hills is well worth the journey as there are some very scenic routes. Collection of contemporary Latin American art at Ralli Museum. Nightlife: while away the hours at an open-air terrace beside the Puerto Banus marina. Nightclubs are upbeat and expensive but free tickets are often handed out around the bars. There is a very smart casino in Puerto Banus too.

Eating:
Unlimited choice of restaurants, most of them pricey, particularly in the Puerto Banus area, but it is possible to find a more reasonably priced meal in the town. There are excellent beach bar restaurants specialising in paella and sangria.

Public-transport:
Marbella town has a central bus station providing services up and down the coast; hourly to Torremolinos and Malaga, more frequently between Fuengirola and Estepona. Some of the accommodation featured is not on a bus route. Taxi or hire car necessary for further exploration.

Local-excursions:
See Torremolinos.