Located on the Costa del Sol, Marbella has become one of the most popular tourist destinations amongst British people. Often referred to as Spain’s answer to St Tropez, Marbella draws a glamorous crowd. The city is the luxury, cosmopolitan heart of the Costa del Sol, and a blend of lavish 5* resorts and Andalucian old-town charm.
Marbella is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, white-washed buildings and beautiful marina, brimming with eye-popping yachts and pristine sandy beaches.
Marbella is mostly free from the high-rises that have sprung up in many popular beach resorts but still boasts all the modern facilities you would expect from the Spanish coast.
The summer months in Marbella tend to be filled with warmth and sunshine, with July being the hottest month. At this time, average temperatures are around 24°, with the occasional hot day reaching the 30° barrier. The town also enjoys 14 hours of sunshine a day during this time. Beach and water sport enthusiasts will also be happy to learn that the average sea temperature can reach up to 24° during the summer months, making it perfect for a swim or something more exhilarating.
As with many locations in the Costa del Sol, the weather during the winter months is far from what we know in the UK. Temperatures average the mid-teens, meaning that the winter sun is perfect for those who struggle to cope with the heat of the summer.
It boasts 12 beaches in and around the town including the popular Playa de la Bajadilla and Playa de Fontanilla beaches, which lure tourists with sunshine and water sports. However, there is much more to Marbella than these serene beaches.
One of Marbella’s biggest tourist hotspots away from the beach is the Old Town. With origins reaching as far back as the 15th century, it is steeped in history. This picturesque part of Marbella boasts a truly Spanish atmosphere, which is perfect to escape from the high life of the marina. The Old Town is also home to the famous Orange Square, where the growth of orange trees is in abundance as well as other historical buildings such as its Moorish castle.
Water sports are a popular pastime for tourists, with the activities on offer including jet skiing and parasailing; just the thing for those wanting cheap Marbella holidays to get away from the colder waters of the UK.
The Sierra Bermeja Mountains are also in close proximity to Marbella and provide an excellent day trip for holidaymakers who wish to get away from the beach. The mountains give spectacular views that overlook the town’s coastline.
Visitors to Marbella will find a variety of bars and restaurants, with many of them offering local Andalusian cuisine. Many of these dishes focus on locally caught seafood, a traditional ingredient in Spanish dishes such as paella. There are a number of delicacies on offer in this part of the Costa del Sol including borrachuelos, torrijas and churros. If you’d rather have a taste from home, Brown's Bar and Bistro offers a traditional English menu.
The nightlife in Marbella is diverse with something to suit everyone, including the rich and famous who like to hang out at Suite Nightclub. Bars such as La Notte are perfect for those who wish to party long into the night.
2 hrs
(from London)
Euro
Spanish
GMT +1
€3.5
€35
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