Holiday in Marbella

What makes Marbella special as a destination?

Marbella is the most glamorous beach resort on the Spanish Costa del Sol and the European counterpart to Saint-Tropez. The city on the southern coast of Andalusia combines kilometers of sandy beaches, an elegant old town, top-notch gastronomy, and a nightlife that attracts international jet-setters and celebrities. Puerto Banús — Marbella's legendary marina — is the place to see and be seen: superyachts, Ferraris, designer boutiques, and beach clubs. The old town (Casco Antiguo) is the charming counterpoint: whitewashed houses, narrow streets lined with orange trees, and the Plaza de los Naranjos — one of the most beautiful squares in Andalusia. The Golden Mile (Milla de Oro) between Marbella and Puerto Banús is lined with luxury villas, five-star hotels, and the famous Nikki Beach Club. But Marbella also has its down-to-earth side: the Mercado Central offers fresh fish and Andalusian specialties at local prices. The Sierra Blanca — the mountain range directly behind the city — offers hikes with views of the coast and, on clear days, all the way to Africa. The white villages of the hinterland (Ojén, Istán) are perfect half-day trips.