The Destination
Marbella is one of the most famous cities located along the Mediterranean coast in the South of Spain. Once a small fishing village, Marbella is now an internationally renowned destination.
This prominent part of the Costa Del Sol is easily accessible, only a 45-minute car drive to Malaga airport by the highway, or you can enjoy the very scenic coastal road - not forgetting the various ports which give direct access to the heart of Marbella.
Marbella is a very cosmopolitan municipality with a mix of international students, artists, professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as retirees from northern and western Europe. It is an affluent, quiet and safe place, and its old charm can be seen throughout, especially in the Old Town where it’s narrow streets and historic buildings offer a traditional and romantic space.
However, with many events and exhibitions taking place it maintains a young and vibrant feel throughout the year. The atmosphere attracts numerous local and international celebrities and royalty, with many of them relocating to spend their time soaking up the sun in their private villas and socialising in the many exclusive restaurants, clubs and private yachts found throughout the area.
One reason for Marbella’s popularity is its famously pleasant climate. Sheltered by the peaks of the Sierra Blanca mountain range, the city has its own micro-climate. Marbella is protected from extremes, during the warmer months you can expect temperatures in the region of 28-32° Celsius whilst winter ranges from 10-20° Celsius – with very few rainy days across the year.
Modern and colourful
Surroundings
Marbella City
Marbella City is modern and colourful, home to many top designer boutiques such as Gucci, Versace, D&G and Dior - but it also has a well-preserved quaint Casco Antiguo (old town), with the Plaza de Los Naranjos at its heart, and archaeologically significant building including a Moorish fort and Roman remains still visible today.
Marbesa offers the best of both worlds. It is set very near from the beach, and it’s made up of peaceful, leafy streets lined with fabulous villas with character and charm and located just outside the hustle and bustle of central Marbella. With easy access to private international schools, clinics, shops, restaurants, beach clubs, spas, cafés, tapas bars, gyms, tennis clubs and of course golf you are never far from life’s pleasures!
The long stretches of sandy beaches around Marbesa are complete with pretty dunes and the protected natural zone of Dunas de Artola, housing local beachside fish restaurants, chiringuito beach bars and trendy cocktail venues right by the sand. Heading 10 minutes inland and you come to a wonderland of hill country views and trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding, with lots of children’s activities in the area too.
Marbesa
Marbesa is a beautiful exclusive beachside area in the Marbella region and epitomises all of Marbella’s most sought after characteristics. Marbesa is renowned for its private and relaxing atmosphere, it's quiet green environment, and its well-maintained streets which give easy access to the beach and sea - most properties in Marbesa enjoy stunning uninterrupted sea views!
Puerto Banus
Puerto José Banús, more commonly known simply as Puerto Banús, is a marina located in the area of Nueva Andalucía, to the southwest of Marbella, Spain on the Costa del Sol.
It was built in May 1970 by José Banús, a local property developer, as a luxury marina and shopping complex. It has since become one of the largest entertainment centres in the Costa del Sol, with 5 million annual visitors, and is popular with international celebrities
The focal point of Puerto Banús is the marina. It has berths for 915 boats, including those of the King of Saudi Arabia and several of the world's wealthiest individuals.
Behind the harbour lie streets filled with bars, boutiques and nightclubs. The marina has slips for boats and ships from 8–50 metres (26–164 ft). Its surface area is 15 hectares (37 acres), and its depth ranges from 3–6 metres (9.8–19.7 ft) within the marina, with 7.5 metres (25 ft) at its entrance. There is a beach on each side of the marina where boats can be hired.
Cabo Pino
The Puerto Deportivo de Cabopino situated in Marbesa, at only 10 kilometres away from the city centre and next to a residential area.
In a setting of pine forests and dune beaches, Cabopino is an idyllic area that offers visitors many attractions. Surrounded by beautiful buildings, it is a good place to rest. Fishing, Sailing Cabopino is a quiet Marina situated between Marbella and Benalmadena.
The port also has a beautiful beach and typical ‘chiringuitos’ (beach bars) where we’ll be able to enjoy the typical sardines on the spit (espetos), the fried fish or the Malaga-style salad.
The Cabopino port offers hull cleaning and the dock to top up with fuel is open seven days a week. It has a workshop for the maintenance of the boats, a 24h. vigilance service and leisure areas in the surroundings.
To get there one must access via the A-7 or the N-340 towards Marbella and take the signposted turnoff to Cabopino.
It is often overlooked by the tourists mainly because it is not visible from the road, but like all the coastal Marinas it has some very good restaurants and bars, as well as a lovely beach and golf courses.
Albert's on the Port is the best-known restaurant, especially for its steaks. Harbour Lights is a friendly family restaurant also worth visiting.
THE GOLDEN MILE
The Golden Mile, one of the most luxurious residential areas in Marbella, lies to the west of the resort along the Mediterranean coast. It stretches for slightly over a mile (2km) from Puerto Banus in the west to the edge of the centre of Marbella in the east.
Some of the best beaches in Marbella lie along the Golden Mile. Also, a succession of good beach bars and restaurants line the seafront promenade.
The Golden Mile has easy access to Marbella and Puerto Banus, nearby resorts and Malaga Airport. Both the A-7 highway and the AP-7 toll motorway are just a short drive away.
ARTOLA
Artola - Cabopino Beach can be found in the town of Marbella and it is one of the best virgin beaches you can find along the Costa del Sol. It’s 1,200 metres within the Dunas de Artola nature preserve declared a Natural Monument in 2001.
This beach’s landscape contains breathtaking dunes and striking indigenous vegetation that lets visitors feel free and connected to nature. With delicate, gold sand, the beach is perfect for everyone as it has areas for families with sunbeds and beach chairs for let as well as beach bars and restaurants to cool off. There is also a nudist beach.
The beach has been recognised for its cleanliness and excellent facilities and it is generally awarded a Blue Flag.
ELVIRIA
Elviria is located in Marbella East, which is a large area that stretches from the edge of Marbella, towards Malaga, all the way to Cabopino.
It encompasses different sections of the coast where you will find some great restaurants, bars and some beautiful houses, although the area is low residential and very green with many golf courses and small forests dotted around.
Marbella's gastronomic scene
Restaurants
In terms of restaurants, Marbella's gastronomic scene is second to none and is one of the main appeals for both locals and tourists. Whether you are looking for a casual family meal, cafe, chiringuito or Michelin-star restaurants, Marbella has it all.
With so many options to suit everyone's tastes and needs it is impossible for us to list all the fabulous places. See our top 5 recommendations for all of Marbella, but when in the Marbesa area make sure you try out Simbad and Korral which are known for their Mediterranean, Spanish and fresh seafood dishes, both on the beach, along with Restaurante Sinbad which is located next to the old Moorish watchtower guarding the area.
Our top 5 Marbella recommendations are:
- Da Bruno Cabo Pino
- Simbad
- Rancho grill
- Korral Beach
- Restaurante Club 200
Feel safe
Healthcare
In these uncertain times it is important to feel safe and have access to state-of-the-art healthcare services, and in Marbella whether you are a Spanish national or a foreigner some of the best healthcare in Andalucía is available on your doorstep.
State hospitals and Health clinics
Hospital Costa del Sol on the A7, only five km east of the city centre close to Los Monteros. This is a modern and advanced facility and one of the best equipped hospitals in Spain.
For those with more minor injuries not needing A&E you will find various Health Centres called the 'Ambulatorio' and 'Centro de Salud'. The Junta de Andalucía website lists all the health centres in Marbella and surrounding areas.
Private Healthcare
There are many private health clinics and hospitals in Marbella and surrounding areas, including Quiron Salud Marbella, HC Marbella, and Hospital Ceram.
There is also Helicoperos Sanitarios based in Puerto Banús which is a 24 hour, 365 days a year health care service offering members a complete GP service in the comfort of their home, should you wish it.
Many options
Education and people
Choosing a school for your child is no easy task and the Costa Del Sol has many different options to suit your needs from nurseries/kindergarten, schools and universities.
You will find various private international schools (German, British, Scandinavian etc) which work on a 50/50 bilingual agenda, studying the baccalaureate curriculum or English curriculum. Furthermore, there are many Spanish private and public schools which offer a great education.
The Andalucian people are very friendly and open. Since so many British and other foreign visitors and residents often speak no Spanish at all, especially on the Costa del Sol, they are always delighted when you make the effort. With just a few useful phrases, you will begin to feel more involved in Andalusian life.
Marbella offers a variety of different language schools to suit your need and budget, catering for all levels from beginners to advanced but English is spoken by most in the city. If you are interested in learning Spanish, there are many private language schools, and the city of Marbella offers subsidised Spanish language courses in a variety of locations around Marbella including downtown Marbella.
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