Marbella is a municipality located between the city Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is unofficially considered as the capital of the Costa del Sol. This municipality has become one of the most visited areas in Andalusia, maybe even in the whole of Spain! There are two main reasons why Marbella attracts so many tourists. First, it is located in the heart of the Costa del Golf. Second, it has its own microclimate that ensures pleasant weather and sunny days all year round. Especially over the last decades, the city attracts all kinds of people, but especially those whom love a Luxury Lifestyle! Marbella is the place to be!
Its privileged location at the foot of Sierra Blanca on the coast, provides excellent climatic conditions as well as great scenic beauty. It is protected in its northern fringe by the coastal mountains of the Cordillera Penibética. This makes the city enjoy a microclimate that originates an average annual temperature of 18 °C. What makes this municipality a great place to live in your luxury country villa, is the fact that you get to live your private luxury life in the countryside, and have any facility, restaurant, service you need at a 10 or 15 minute drive. Being located by the coast makes Marbella a one of a kind area to live.
What is the history of Marbella?
Marbella used to be a humble fishermen’s town by the coast. Already then it was a magnificent and beautiful area. The impressive mountain sheltered the beautiful village by the sea. “Where does the name come from”, one might wonder. Marbella, or mar bella, translates to beautiful sea. Because of the fact that this area was so breathtakingly beautiful, the town was named after the beauty of the natural setting.
The historical origin dates back to many thousands of years ago when the Romans founded this gorgeous paradise somewhere between 8 BC and 2 BC. The Romans placed Marbella on the Via Augusta, which is the longest and most important road on Ancient Hispania. It measured about 1500km and was intended to connect Spain with Italy. From the Roman era, we have fantastic archeological remains. Some of the more important ones are the Roman baths and the city centre, around the Plaza de los Naranjos, square of the orange trees. This square is a highlight for its historical importance, and because the blossom of the orange trees will lift your mood instantly.
The Romans were not the only civilisation that passed through. Also the Arabs and the Christians left their mark on this little piece of Heaven on Earth. The Basilica of Vega del Mar is one of the best preserved remains from the Christian Era.
Facilities, services and activities
Marbella stands out for what it offers to tourists. Of course, she is known for the warm sun, her splendid and exclusive beaches, the luxury hotels, restaurants and beach clubs. But apart from the lux life in Puerto Banús, Marbella also has some spectacular natural areas that are perfect for a morning hike. A few that stand out are the Cabopino Dunes, the Pinares de las Chapas and the hike in La Concha.
Other offered facilities are an auditorium, a theatre, a music conservatory, a cinema club with movies in Original Language and several multiplexes. Additionally, you can visit several museums, a sports stadium, a sports centre, numerous gyms and fantastic shopping malls. Marbella also has nearby hospitals and private clinics, some of the best International Schools, different and beautiful marinas, the most beautiful golf courses and sports clubs where you can practice horse riding, tennis, padel…
According to a study by the Institute of Statistics of Andalusia (IEA) in 2008, Marbella was the Andalusian municipality with greater social welfare and quality of life. This is also the reason why the Golden Mile was built. The Golden Mile is known as the most luxurious and exclusive residential area in Marbella. Here you will find the Palace of King Fahd and other emblematic hotels.
Last but not least, just outside of Marbella you can drive onto the Autovía del Mediterráneo highway and the Autopista del Sol toll road. These roads connect Marbella with the rest of the coast as well as the rest of Andalusia and Spain. It truly is a wondrous place to live.
Cultural hub
Because Marbella has welcomed so many people from all over the world, an immense number of cultural events have been organised for you to attend. You can visit some of the most beautiful flamenco shows or concerts by famous artists in Starlite Marbella! For a night in the Casino you can find plentiful places too. There are musical events that make the city attractive to the national and international musical artists from all over the world. Over the past years Marbella has welcomed famous flamenco dancer Sara Baras, Pablo Alborán, Rosario Flores. Also Ozuna, Nicky Jam, Jason Derulo, Christina Aguilera… Endless celebrities have been to Starlite and we cannot wait to see who else comes in the next years.
Other festivals that the city hosts are the Marbella Film Festival, the International Contemporary Art Fair of Marbella or the International Art Festival of Marbella. Because of the varied population that currently lives in Marbella, there are activities for everyone!
Beach trips
Of course, Marbella has beautiful beaches. Some are privately owned by luxury hotels, giving you the privacy you might be looking for. The city also has public beaches that become lively and vibrant whenever the sun comes out. Outside of the city there are some incredible beaches that are definitely worthy of visiting. Driving along the coast, in the direction of the Costa de la Luz, you will find the municipality of Tarifa. Around Tarifa and further, you will find the typical elongated beaches with white and silky sand. Some beaches that we recommend you go to are the beaches by the dunes in Bolonia and the beach of los Lances for a quieter afternoon. If you are a surf fanatic, then the beaches in El Palmar will be perfect for you. For some fantastic beach days paired with great lunch spots, definitely visit the coast of Barbate and Conil!
Danielle Ernstsen | 14th March 2023
