Marbella is also the playground of the jet set. Taking a stroll around the marina you can see some of the world’s most luxurious yachts. There is the casino and a golf course. Marbella has everything you’d hope to find in Andalucía.
The narrow alleyways of the La Cuidad, occupied by the Moors until 1485 takes you by the Palace of Mondragon, convents, churches, the Forester Gardens, and the remnants of a 14th century mosque, the Minaret of Saint Sebastian.
The Plaza des Naranjeros is a focal point in the old town, with its café terraces and exquisite orange trees. Nearby you have the 16th century town hall with its beautiful wrought iron balconies and a Moorish style doorway, and the 15th century St James Hermitage, Marbella’s very first church.
A stroll along the Puerto Banús, its café terraces and brilliant white red-tiled buildings, is a ‘must’ for those who wish to see the luxury crafts moored in the marina.
The shops here open very late.
Inland, between the Plaza Ancha and the Plaza Altamirano there are some elegant 19th century houses. Including the home of Ferdinand de Lessops, chief engineer of the Panama Canal.
For culture lovers, the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engraving is housed in the 16th century white-washed building in the Calle Hopital Bazan, and features works by Tàpies and Alberti, among others.
As for restaurants, near the Puerto Banús, ‘Roberto’ offers great Italian food and the Florencia has a Moorish feel with its little central irrigation channel and plants all around. For really fine dining, try the ‘Guisos de Santiago’ in the Avenida del Mar, with traditional dishes, especially a lot of casseroles.
If you have a hire care and don’t mind bends, follow the A 397 out of Marbella towards San Pedro de Alcantará, where there are some ancient ecclesiastical buildings. But it’s the journey over two mountain ranges that will be memorable – breathtakingly rugged scenery.
As one would expect, there is a good range of accommodation. The 4-star Princessa Playa is right on the promenade near the Puerto Banús, while the 4-star Miramar Spa has an outdoor pool and free Wifi throughout. The 3-star El Faro in is 150 m from the beach and has a pool. The 2-star Hotel Central is in a quiet street, and there is fee Wifi in each of the rooms.
For Andalucían charm with a floral central patio, there is the 2-star La Morada Más Hermosa. The 1-star Hostal el Galo is in a quiet area and just a few minutes’ walk from the beach.