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- Destinations
- Europe
- Spain
- Costa del Sol
- Marbella
Marbella
Situated 25 miles (40km) southwest of Malaga, the few miles of
coast between Marbella and Puerto Banus is Spain's answer to Monte
Carlo. Spain's elite, and Britain's more successful felons, have
flashy holiday homes in the surrounding hills, and swanky yachts in
the marina. Marbella is the Costa del Sol's best quality holiday
resort - the restaurants and bars are more stylish (and expensive)
and the town has been spared the worst excesses of concrete
development that have blighted neighbours such as Torremolinos.
The old town of Marbella is hidden away and retains some of its
medieval charm, and has some good clothes shops and restaurants.
The more exclusive Puerto Banus, six miles (10km) to the west, is
where you will find the casino and the seriously large yachts.
Those holiday visitors who drive just a few miles inland, to the
villages in the hills around Ronda, will discover a Spain
completely untouched by tourism with village markets and tapas bars
to be explored.
Information & Facts
Activities
There is a casino, mega-bowling hall and go-kart track close to
town, while the Crocodile Park and Fuengirola Zoo are a short drive
away. Local flamenco shows are also fun.
Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely
understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and
Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.
Money
Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided
into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and
major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards
and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels,
restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the
cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.
Negatives
Marbella can be expensive when compared to smaller towns on the
coast; it has also grown into a busy and modern place, with little
of the old world charm that attracted many visitors here twenty
years ago.
Night Life
Marbella's best bars are Ana Marias, La Notte Piano Bar and
Stones Music Bar. Clubs worth trying while on holiday in Marbella
are the legendary Nikki Beach, long-standing favourite Dreamers
Disco, Suite del Mar and Olivia Valere. Dress codes are the norm in
Marbella, and entrance fees often higher than those of Madrid and
Barcelona. The Golden Mile in Marbella is the place to be seen and
tourists in Marbella should expect to rub shoulders with the rich
and famous including many well-known celebrities and even members
of the Saudi royal family.
Restaurants
Eating out in Marbella tends to be pricey although there are
plenty of good value fish and chips venues around the sea-front
promenade. Beach bars offer good pub grub and excellent views at
sunset. Tapas is always a good bet, as is the local fish,
particularly in paella. Avoid eating the widely touted Chanquetes -
tiny, deep-fried baby fish - which are endangered.
Shopping
The best shopping is at the markets, which are a focal point of
local life. Marbella has a good Monday market at Recinto Ferial de
Arroyo Primero, and an antiques market on Fridays in the old town.
Good buys in Marbella include Moorish pottery, copies of designer
clothing, and Andalucian crafts such as shirts and leather shoes.
Tourists should expect to bargain hard on all items from fresh
produce to Spanish tourist souvenirs and clothing.
Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March
and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). The Canary
Islands: GMT (GMT +1 in summer).