Whitewashed Lanes Beneath the Sierra Blanca
Marbella is a resort town on the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga, southern Spain, known for its whitewashed old town, its long beaches, its golf and its glamorous marina at Puerto Banús. It lies on a narrow coastal plain between the Mediterranean and the Sierra Blanca, whose peak, La Concha, forms a distinctive backdrop. The sheltered position gives it a mild climate and plenty of sun throughout the year, which is a large part of why it became one of the most popular resorts in Europe.
The Casco Antiguo, the old town, is the heart of its charm. Narrow lanes lined with flower-filled balconies lead to the Plaza de los Naranjos, a small square planted with orange trees, around which sit the town hall, a Renaissance chapel and a handful of cafés. The old Moorish walls and the Alcazaba add history. Along the coast, Málaga offers a cultural contrast with its museums and Alcazaba, and the hill villages of Andalusia, such as Ronda and Mijas, offer day trips inland.
The Golden Mile, Puerto Banús and Golf Valley
Marbella's modern identity was shaped in the 1950s and 1960s, when visitors began to discover its mild winters and sandy coves. The Golden Mile, a stretch of coast road between Marbella and Puerto Banús, is lined with villas and beachfront hotels, and Puerto Banús, opened in 1970, is a marina of luxury yachts, boutiques and waterfront terraces. The beaches, with chiringuitos, or beach restaurants, serving grilled fish and espetos, are the beating heart of summer.
Golf is another pillar. The area around Nueva Andalucía is often called the Golf Valley, with a large concentration of courses within a short drive, and spa hotels, tennis clubs and polo add to the outdoor calendar. Dining runs from simple seafood to ambitious modern restaurants, with Michelin-starred chefs among the town's attractions. A hotel group or villa operator can find a ready audience here, and the island resorts of Ibiza and Mallorca make natural companions for a longer Spanish itinerary.
Read the full Marbella guide on Visit Travel Group, or see VisitMarbella.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.