Guide
To Marbella
Marbella's
motto is 'A Way of Life' and, certainly, this luxurious
resort town seems to have it all and is, once again, rising
to the fore as a favourite location with the rich and
famous, as well as more ordinary folk who are willing to pay
just a little bit extra for southern Spain's answer to St
Tropez.
Not too long ago,
Marbella sharpened its image still more thanks to a
considerable investment initiated by the town's colourful
and controversial former mayor, Jesus Gil which resulted in
a massive landscaping drive.
But Marbella has a down to earth side as well, an air of
individuality which can be best appreciated by exploring
back streets in the old part of town. One of the prettiest
places is the fabled 'Orange Square' which is located just
off the main street in the older district and is also home
to the 16th century town hall and tourist office where you
can pick up a detailed map and visitor information.
Back to Orange Square, or "La Plaza de los Naranjos",
as it is called in Spanish, expect to meet with stately
buildings, small shops, art galleries, bars and bistros and
is a hub of activity day and night. And, depending on the
time of year, the colours here can be vibrant, with the
trees and exotic tropical plants set against a backdrop of
dazzling white buildings and a deep blue sky.
 Be
sure to explore the honeycomb of surrounding narrow streets
where homes and shops intermingle to create the atmosphere
of a small village, rather than a cosmopolitan town. There
are numerous excellent restaurants to choose from, ranging
from those specialising in the predictably pricey exclusive
cordon bleu to the gritty individuality of a backstreet
Spanish bar where the Serrano ham is gently cured.
Back towards the coast is the La Alameda park where you can
book your personal horse and carriage to travel in style or,
if you prefer, stroll on towards the sea along the Avenida
del Mar. This is arguably one of the most delightful
promenades on the costa, flanked by classy restaurants and
bars and mercifully free of concrete skyscrapers, glass
bottom boat trips, imported shells and I love .... T. Shirts
that are fast bringing a sameness to coastal resorts,
whether they be in Pathos, Cyprus or Portimao, Portugal.
From Guadalalmina to Cabopino, the Marbella coastline
stretches along some 26 kilometres of sunny beaches bathed
by the Mediterranean and where you can enjoy traditional
fish and seafood favourites like sardines on a spit, fried
fish and the incomparable paella. There are also two large
parks in Marbella which provide some welcome shade to spend
some time with a book. The amphitheatre at Constitution Park
(once the garden of a private residence) is frequently used
for concerts and plays in the summer. Casinos, clubs and
just about every sporting activity under the sun, few places
can match Marbella for world class tennis, sailing and golf.
There are also three pleasurecraft harbours here.
 However
for the ultimate in coastal charisma it would be hard to
beat Puerto Banus, just west of the town. This is the place
to be pampered yachtside and watch the world go by or window
shop at one of several of the world renowned fashion houses
and boutiques. The port has grown considerably over the
years and now includes a casino, commercial shopping centre,
El Corte Ingles department store, marine observatory and a
multi cinema with films shown in their original soundtrack.
The nightlife is buzzing here with afresco bars, piano clubs
and discos which are open dusk until dawn.
Golf
Guide Tennis
Clubs Water
Sports Old
Town Marbella
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