Marbella

Marbella is one of the Mediterranean's most representative tourist venues and a top favorite for travellers. What was once a small white village of fishermen is now one of the most cosmopolitan beach resorts on the Costa del Sol in Spain.

Getting there

By air

Malaga Airport (Aeropuerto Pablo Ruiz Picasso) is serviced by most European carriers otherwise fly in to Gibraltar, although this entails a 1.5 hour drive.

By car

The main coast road (N340, now known as the A7) connects the major towns along the whole southern coast and Marbella is approx 30 minutes drive along the N340 from the provincial capital, Malaga. If you are prepared to pay the toll fee (around 4-6 Euros depending upon season) you can take the new AP-7 road which runs parallel to the N340, but with less traffic and higher speed limits means you will reach your destination more quickly.

By bus

Long distance buses run from a terminal on the motorway, about one km up from the beach.

There are high quality regular bus services along the length of the Costa. Although cheap, the buses can run to their own timetable (!) and are often very busy in summer.

By train

There is a train service between Fuengirola and Malaga, which due to be extended to run further down the coast to Marbella in the near future.

By taxi

Taxis are available from Malaga Airport to Marbella outside AGP airport. The cost of the journey is around €68. The disabled can also pre-book a wheelchair accessible taxi or minivan online with Marbella Taxis for €65

Traveling around

• Hire Car - all the major car hire firms are represented, but the best value will probably come from local firms. Small car for around 80-90 euros a week in off season.

• Taxis If travelling any distance agree the fare in advance. Official rates should be displayed inside any licensed taxi. Phone 952 823 835

See

• The Old Town & Orange Square - although a modern town, Marbella is full of history, its origins date back to 1600 BC so it's fair to say there is a little part of history to be found in every corner of the "old town", with its Moorish castle, and famous "Orange Square". The historical old quarter with the Andalucian/Moorish mix can still be found with its flower filled balconies and narrow streets.

Things to do

• Golf - If you love golf then Marbella has spectacular golf courses that have been designed by the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Peter Alliss and Clive Clark. There are more than 40 quality courses to be played throughout the Costa del Sol making it a perfect destination for the golf enthusiast. See also: Spain section of main Golf article

• Horseracing - about 15 minutes from the centre of Marbella is the Hipodromo Mijas Costa . The recently built all weather racetrack has meetings throughout the year including floodlit night racing on summer weekends. The course also boasts plenty of entertainment including bars, music and restaurants.

• Ski - Marbella is the perfect base to visit the famous Spanish Ski resort of Sierra Nevada (1.5 hours away by car)

Eat

• Al Dente & Champagne Bar - Urb. Jardines del Puerto, Puerto Banús; tel. 952 90 61 81 - Italian restaurant

• Babilonia Restaurant - Ctra. de Istan - Km.0,8 29600 Marbella; tel. 952 82 88 61 - Italian & international

• Brown's Bar and Bistro - Pino Golf de Don Carlos 18 Elviria, Marbella; tel. 952 838 604 - British cuisine

• El Argentino - Centro comercial elviria; tel. 951 310 087 - charcoal grill

• El Oceano - CN 340 Km 199, Miraflores; tel. 952 587 550 - international

• La Meridiana - 0.1 km N, Cno. la Cruz, S/N, 29600 Marbella; tel. 952 776 190 - international

• Trader Vic's - Urbanización La Alcazaba, Puerto Banús; tel. 952 816 100 - international

• La Taverna del Pinxto, Avenida Miguel Cano 7, One block from Playa de Venus, Basque style tapas.

• Le Papillon Restaurant & Beach Club , +34 952 834 113, from 11AM until late, /Cuesta S/N Urb Marbesa CN340 KM 193 Marbella, Situated on the at Marbesa. Menu which includes a selection of fresh fish and shellfish and some meat dishes. The seafood paella is popular. Sunlounger and umbrella rental service and a kids play area. (mailto:info@restaurantepapillon.com)

• Robertos Ristorante Italiano , +34 952 839 190 , 9AM until late, C/Cuesta S/N Urb Marbesa CN340 KM 193 Marbella, Offers a variety of home made Pizzas and pasta dishes as well as some more traditional Italian cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and does take aways. Flamenco show and a Buffet night on a weekly basis.

Drink

Most late night action takes place in Puerto Banús, or in one of the clubs along the 7 km road there.

• El Catalonia , +34 625 54 85 97, Opens 1700, Puerto Deportivo Marbella Local 4 MARBELLA - MÁLAGA , In the Marbella port., Relaxed, water front dining and drinking spot. Serve fresh, local food for dinner. Host private events. Spanish/English/French spoken.

• Dreamers - Ctra.N-340, Km.175. Rio Verde 29660 Nueva Andalucia; tel. 952 812 080

• La Notte -0.1 km N - Cno. la Cruz, S/N, 29600 Marbella; tel. 952 777 625

• Nikki Beach - Playa Hotel Don Carlos Carretera de Cadiz 29600 KM. 192 ; tel. 952 836 239

• Olivia Valere - upscale restaurant, bar and disco; Ctra. de Istan - Km.0,8 29600 Marbella; tel. 952 82 88 61

• , +34 952 834 113, +34 952 834 113, 11AM until late, C/Cuesta S/N Urb Marbesa CN340 KM 193 Marbella, Situated on the at Marbesa. Menu which includes a selection of fresh fish and shellfish and some meat dishes. The seafood paella is popular. Sunlounger and umbrella rental service and a kids play area.

Sleep

• El Toro Residential Apartments , +34 952 839 190, Av. Asturias S/N Urb Marbesa CN 340 km 193 - 29604 Marbella, The beach, multiple facilities and the proximity to Marbella, has made el Toro Residential Apartments a favourite family holiday destination. El Toro is at the heart of the Costa del Sol, being near to Marbella, numerous golf courses, and the pretty port of Cabopino with its fine restaurants and popular sandy beach. There are good local transport facilities and multiple facilities are nearby. It is not essential to have a car. Beach restaurants/bars are in abundance.

• Alanda Club Marbella (Alanda Club Marbella) , +34 952 768 150, Elviria, Ctra Cádiz Km 192, Marbella, 29604, Hotel and resort offering a range of 1,2 and 3 bed self catering apartments. The resort is close to beaches and golf and is suitable for couples, families and golfers.

Budget

• Pensión Aduar , +34 952 773 578, +34 952 773 578, Calle Aduar 7, Old Town, Probably the cheapest beds in Old Town. Also has triples and quads,

• The Hostal, Calle Isaac Peral, old town, Shared bathrooms, roof terrace, no breakfast. Bar with pool table.

Mid Range

• Alanda Hotel and Spa (*****) Boulevard Principe Alfonso Von Hohenlohe, S/N,Marbella Telephone : 952899600. (There are another two NH hotels in Marbella if this one is full).

• Club Playa Real , +34 952 839 190, C/Cuesta S/N urb Marbesa CN 340 km 193 - 29604 Marbella

• Marbella Beach Resort , +34 952 839 190, C/Cuesta S/N urb Marbesa CN 340 km 193 - 29604 Marbella, One, two and three bedroom air conditioned self catering apartments with terraces providing views to the beach and the sea. Satellite tv and internet connection.

• Gran Hotel Guadalpin Marbella Spa (*****) Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, cn40 Km.179, Tel. 952 243 242

• The Townhouse (hostel) C/Alderete 7 Plaza Tetuán, Marbella Telephone : 0034 952 90 17 91 Fax : 0034 952 90 17 91

• The Beach House (hostel) Urb El ChaparralCN. 340 km 203 Marbella Telephone : +34 95 249 45 40 Fax : +34 95 249 45 40

• Hotel Fuerte Marbella (****) Avda. el Fuerte, s/n, 29602 Marbella Malaga Spain Tel. 902 34 34 10

Splurge

• Marbella Club Hotel (*****) CN340, Km 180,Marbella Telephone : 952822211

Buy

Shopping Centres:

• El Corte Inglés - Ramon Areces 29660 Puerto Banús Tel. 952 90 99 90

• Marina Banús - C/ Ramon Areces, Centro, (opposite El Corte Inglés). Puerto Banús

Clothing:

• New Yorker - Ramon Areces, s/n Centro Comercial Marina Banús 29660 Puerto Banús

• Versace - 29660 Puerto Banús Tel. 952 81 02 96

• Casta & Puro - Avda. de la Ribera Complejo Gran Marbella 29660 Puerto Banús Tel. 677 29 50 57

Learn

• Don Quijote Spanish school in Marbella is a great school where you can take 4-6 hours of courses a day. All courses including beginner courses are taught entirely in Spanish.

• Gibraltar - visit the historical British Colony, climb the famous rock and see the mischievous Barbary Apes. NB You will need your passport as the Spanish Guardia operate a full border control.

• Puerto Banús - is the famous yacht marina, lined with popular bars and restaurants, and a veritable posers' paradise. Plenty of late night bars and the odd celebrity are to be found here, but don't forget your wallet, it's not cheap! Some 7 km along the beach.