Marbella occupies a narrow stretch of the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain about 40 km in length. The terrain is formed by the foothills of the Sierra Blanca. The north of Marbella is protected by the mountains of the Cordillera Penibetik. The climate is Mediterranean subtropical. Summer is hot and dry, winter is mild. The average annual temperature is about 18 degrees.
Marbella is one of the best destinations for a beach holiday in Spain. The province offers nearly 30 km of sandy beaches many of which are marked with the Blue Flag. Fontanilla Beach is a short walk from the historic center. It has a length of about 1 km and a beautiful seafront with restaurants and shops.
Marbella is a city in the south of Spain in the autonomy of Andalusia. Once a small fishermen's village it is now considered the resort capital of the province of Malaga and the entire Costa del Sol. Marbella is a cozy and fashionable city offering top-class leisure: chic clubs, restaurants and golf courses, beautiful beaches and numerous shops. In addition the historic center has a typical Andalusian charm: whitewashed houses with metal balconies and flowers.
Marbella
History
Some researchers have linked the Marbella foundation to the Phoenicians. But it is precisely proved that there was an ancient Roman settlement here in antiquity. In the Middle Ages after the Norman raids Muslims built a small castle and several towers for protection. The old town was surrounded by gardens which consisted mostly of tufts and figs.
In 1485 Marbella came under the rule of Castile Kingdom without bloodshed. Since 1644 sugarcane has been grown here. In the early 19th century one of the first Spanish blast furnaces was built here. Heavy industry produced more than half of the country's iron. By the mid-20th century Marbella became one of Spain's most popular resorts.
Attractions
The old town is located at the foot of the hills and foothills of the Sierra Blanca on the shores of a lovely bay. The historic center of Marbella is a typical Andalusian charm with a tinge of Moorish past which is conveyed through the neatly whitewashed facades of houses adorned with flowers and orange trees that can be found on every corner.
The heart of the old town is Los Naranjos Square. In the center of the square is a small orange garden and many restaurants under its crown. There are some interesting sights on the square. The first one is the town hall. It was built in the 16th century and is a great example of Spanish style.
Another attraction in Los Naranjos Square is the Church of Hermitage de Santiago. This small church is the oldest in Marbella and is remarkable for the modern sculpture of St. James the Apostle.
Interesting area is the Plaza de Altamirano. Located in a quiet corner of the old town and fully conveys its atmosphere. This beautiful pavement area is filled with palm trees, old-fashioned street lights and quaint old buildings.
Encarnacon Church is Marbella's most important religious building. The church was built in the 16th century by Catholic monks at the site of a Muslim mosque. A distinctive feature of the façade is the main doors, which are exquisitely carved of rococo-style stone.
Nearby is a charming Chapel of Capilla de San Juan in the Mudejar style. Nearby stands one of two towers that were part of the old Arabian fortress of the 9th century. Numerous archaeological sites can be found in the area including the Paleo-Christian Basilica of Vega del Mar, the Roman baths in Guadalmina or the Villa Rio Verde.
Santo Cristo is a historic church built by Franciscan monks in the 16th century. The facade of the church has stone details and an octagonal roof with beautiful ceramic tiles.
Puerto Banus is the most famous and trendy marina in Marbella located about 10 kilometers from the old town. The marina is considered the best in Spain. Stylish restaurants and expensive boutiques face the waterfront. The restaurants have outdoor terraces for the perfect seaside atmosphere.
How to get there
The nearest airport is Malaga Airport. It is served by most European carriers. The alternative is Gibraltar Airport but it is about two hours away. From Malaga Airport to Marbella you can reach by bus which departs every hour. Travel time is about 40 minutes. We recommend that you take the left side of the bus on the way to Marbella to enjoy the great view of the coast. Or to the right if you are moving in the opposite direction. The central bus station is right at the exit of the A-7 motorway. There are regular buses running along the coast.
Shopping
Marbella offers great shopping with several large shopping malls, hypermarkets, specialty grocery stores and boutiques. Quite a few shops can be found in the historic center of Avenida Ricardo Sorriano.
Cuisine
In Marbella you can find a huge number of cafes and restaurants with traditional as well as Eastern, European and even Latin American cuisine. You should definitely try fish and seafood, local gazpacho, paella, tapas and more. The province is also famous for its dessert wines.
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