'Fancy a bit of star spotting with your sunbathing? Ritzy Marbella is where the Costa Del Sol meets celebrity chic.'
If you want to rub shoulders with the rich and famous, Marbella is the place for you. This glamorous resort is the Costa Del Sol's answer to Cannes or Monaco - a favourite stamping ground for royalty, celebs and business tycoons.
But you don't have to be loaded to enjoy the resort's great beaches and lively atmosphere - even if you confine yourself to window shopping. Marbella's Casco Antiguo, or 'old town', is a complete change from the designer chic of the seafront area. It's a network of narrow, cobbled streets and little plazas with white-washed houses, street cafes and small shops selling local handicrafts.
The focal point is the Plaza de los Naranjos. Originally an orange orchard, it's now planted with cafe tables where you can sit, sip a San Miguel and soak up some sunshine. While you're there it's worth checking out the Museo del Grabado Contemporaneo, housing engravings by Dali, Miro and Picasso et al. And if you're into miniature gardening, the amazing collection at the Museo de Bonsai will have you green with envy.
In the evening, you won't have any trouble finding somewhere to eat. Marbella has over 600 restaurants, serving everything from Spanish-style seafood to pizza and pasta. As for nightlife, there are quite a few clubs in town, but for the hottest spots you need to head down the famous Golden Mile towards Puerto Banus. There you'll find some real 'happening' places, including Olivia Valere, the 'Queen of Clubs' – dress to impress, you might bump into Bruce Willis on the dance floor.
Find the cheapest late deals to Marbella leaving in the next six weeks.
Recommended Marbella hotels and apartments
Marbella hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Marbella include Fuerte Miramar Spa, Hotel Cortijo Blanco, Hotel El Fuerte, Hotel Gran Melia Don Pepe, Hotel Occidental Coral Beach and Hotel Puente Romano.
More Costa Del Sol holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Costa Del Sol? Our Costa Del Sol holiday destinations include Benalmadena, Benalmadena Pueblo, Calahonda, Estepona, Frigiliana, Fuengirola, Marbella, Mijas Costa, Nerja, Ojen, Puerto Banus, San Pedro De Alcantara, Torremolinos and Torrox.
Beaches
Marbella boasts a number of beaches. The most popular is the centrally located Playa de Venus while the Playa de la Fontanilla is a more secluded stretch of sand. It's a man-made beach protected by jetties. Beyond this lies the quiet Playa de Casablanca - the ideal spot to really get away from it all.
Eating out
In keeping with Marbella's up market image, the resort is home to classy eateries serving top quality Spanish and international cuisine. Unsurprisingly, many of the restaurants are expensive, especially in the Puerto Banus area. Nevertheless, Marbella also has a number of attractive cafes and beach-bar restaurants that cater for all purses and tastes.
Nightlife
Marbella boasts a wide selection of exclusive and expensive nightclubs while the casino in Puerto Banus plays host the cream of European society. Look out for free tickets to various clubs and bars which are frequently handed out around resort if you want to hob-nob with the rich and famous in a glamorous late night hangout.
Shopping
Top-name labels fill the extravagant boutiques and designer stores that line the warren-like streets of Marbella's old town and port area. Most shops are open late into the evening and so after a leisurely day down on the beach you can shop to your heart's content once the sun goes down.
Local information
Marbella is home to a number of pretty parks and public gardens. Why not take a pleasant afternoon stroll through La Alamada park which overflows with exotic plants and gurgling fountains or while away a summer's evening at a concert or dance in the amphitheatre in Parque de la Constitucion? Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Museo del Grabado Espanol Contemporaneo, home to an impressive art collection which includes works by Picasso, Dali and Miro.
Location
Marbella is situated 56km west of Malaga.
Transfer time
1 hr 30 mins
Recommended
