Car Hire Marbella - Mini guide to Marbella
Spain's answer to St Tropez, Marbella has recently sharpened its image but still retains a down-to-earth side, best appreciated by exploring the back streets in the old part of town.
The Old Town shows remnants of ancient Marbella, particularly its Arabic influences. The Castle, also known as the Alcazaba wall, includes the charming Salvador Rueda, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, and Avenida Ricardo Soriano – a fascinating centre of activity. The Avenida Ramon y Cajal is lined with interesting Moorish architecture.
The Town Hall, fronted by Alameda Park, is considered to be one of the city’s finest buildings, dating from 1568. Other buildings include the Chief Magistrate’s house, Apostle Santiago's Chapel (1552) and the ancient Bazan Hospital – now site of the highly acclaimed Museum for Contemporary Spanish Engravings. Also seek out the Encarnacin Church (with basilica), the San Juan de Dios Chapel, Hospitalillo and religiously significant Ermitage de Santiago.
Avenue del Mar has been re-developed and is notable for its extensive collections of Dali sculptures. The Jardin el Angel is one of the best botanical gardens on the Costa del Sol. Two other lovely parks offering respite from the sun are the Arroyo de la Represa Park and Parque de la Constitucion.
The Paseo Maritimo is an elegant waterfront promenade which epitomises the Spanish love of evening strolling. The seven kilometres of marble floor runs from Puerto Banus to Banana beach and is a focal point of the modern side of the city.
Marbella is a well-oiled tourist machine; accommodation is extensive, the golf courses superb, the shopping opportunities abundant and beaches plentiful. It has a lively nightlife to suit all tastes, and by day the 'Chiringuitos' are bars on the seafront, if you don’t care for an afternoon siesta.
