Costa del sol - marbella?

Question

I`ve got the chance to stay in someones property here - has anyone been - what`s it like ` where should we go etc?

Answer 1

Marbella is located on the Costa del Sol. Marbella is Spain's answer to St Tropez - a favoured haunt of the rich and famous. See http://www.spain4uk.co.uk/places/marbell... for more details

Answer 2

Lucky you!

I love Marbella! It's motto is "A Way of Life" and, certainly, this luxurious resort town seems to have it all and is, a favourite location with the rich and famous, as well as more ordinary folk who are willing to pay just a little bit extra for southern Spain's answer to St Tropez.

Marbella has a down to earth side as well, an air of individuality which can be best appreciated by exploring back streets in the old part of town. One of the prettiest places is the fabled 'Orange Square' which is located just off the main street in the older district and is also home to the 16th century town hall and tourist office where you can pick up a detailed map and visitor information.

One of my favourite places in Marbella is "La Plaza de los Naranjos", as it is called in Spanish, it has stately buildings, small shops, art galleries, bars and bistros and is a hub of activity day and night. And, depending on the time of year, the colours here can be vibrant, with the trees and exotic tropical plants set against a backdrop of dazzling white buildings and a deep blue sky.

You just have to explore the honeycomb of surrounding narrow streets where homes and shops create the atmosphere of a small village, rather than a cosmopolitan town. There are numerous excellent restaurants to choose from, ranging from those specialising in the predictably pricey exclusive cordon bleu to the individuality of a backstreet Spanish bar where the Serrano ham is gently cured by tobacco smoke and the tapas are both tasty and filling.

Back towards the coast is the La Alameda park where you can book your personal horse and carriage to travel in style or, if you prefer, stroll on towards the sea along the Avenida del Mar. This is one of the most delightful promenades on the costa, flanked by classy restaurants and bars and free of concrete skyscrapers!.

From Guadalalmina to Cabopino, the Marbella coastline stretches along some 26 kilometres of sunny beaches bathed by the Mediterranean and where you can enjoy traditional fish and seafood favourites like sardines on a spit, fried fish and the incomparable paella. There are also two large parks in Marbella which provide some welcome shade to spend some time with a book. The amphitheatre at Constitution Park (once the garden of a private residence) is frequently used for concerts and plays in the summer. Casinos, clubs and just about every sporting activity under the sun, few places can match Marbella for world class tennis, sailing and golf. There are also three pleasure craft harbours here.

However for the ultimate in coastal charisma it would be hard to beat Puerto Banus, just west of the town. This is the place to be pampered yachtside and watch the world go by or window shop at one of several of the world renowned fashion houses and boutiques. The port has grown considerably over the years and now includes a casino, commercial shopping centre, El Corte Ingles department store, marine observatory and a multi cinema with films shown in their original soundtrack. The nightlife is buzzing here with alfresco bars, piano clubs and discos which are open dusk until dawn.

You don't say where you're staying, if it's a private house or an apt on a complex, but I am sure you are going to love it!

It can be quite pricey, but if you're not paying for the accomodation the money you save will certainly help!

Go! and have a fabulous holiday!

All the very best of luck! I'm soooo jealous!