Marbella, Costa del Sol

Villas and Apartments in Marbella

Marbella at the foothills of the Sierra Blanca on the Costa del Sol, is on the Mediterranean coast between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. Marbella is the second largest municipality in Andalucia, and one of the most important tourist towns on the Costa del Sol.

Marbella has been inhabited since the Paleolithic and Neolithic times, and during the Roman occupation was known as Casco Antiguo. During the Islamic era, the Muslims built in the 10th century a castle and wall to defend the city.

The old town of Marbella dates from the 16th century, and includes the Plaza de los Naranjos and the beautiful buildings surrounding it, such as the Casa del Corregidor, and the Church of St. Mary of the Incarnation. Other buildings of interest are the Casa del Roque and the remains of the castle and the defensive wall. The Ermita del Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz, the Chapel of Santiago, the Chapel of San Juan de Dios, Hospital Real de la Misericordia and the former Hospital Bazan are all historic buildings of note.

Between the old town and the sea is the Paseo de la Alameda, with a small botanical garden, and Avenida del Mar, a garden with fountains and ten sculptures by Salvador Dali. There are several other areas worth visiting including the Botanical Garden, the Angel, the Arroyo de la Represa Park and the Constitution Park.

Marbella has several important museums including the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Prints founded in 1992, containing a collection of prints by 20th century artists, such as Picasso, Miro, Dali, Tapies, Chillida, the El Paso Group, and others. The Museo del Bonsai houses a large collection of bonsai trees, with some for sale. The Ralli Museum is dedicated to Latin-American art. There is an interesting display of local artifacts at the Municipal Archaeological Collection, and the Mechanical Art Museum houses a collection of contains old machines.

Marbella has a great nightlife with festivals throughout the summer, the busiest time for tourists visiting the Costa del Sol. Marbella's festivals are internationally renowned, often with famous personalities in attendance, and held in some of the large mansions and elite.

Marbella is protected by the Cordillera Penibetica mountains to the north, providing a microclimate with an annual average temperature of 18° Centigrade, and in the winter the highest mountain peaks have a carpet with snow, which usually melts in a day or two.

Malaga's international airport is a short distance from Marbella, and is served by airlines from all over Europe. There are no train connections to Marbella but there is a bus service into the town, and taxis are also available.