Marbella

Local information on Marbella, Costa del Sol

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Located in the province of Malaga, on the Costa del Sol in Andalucia, Marbella is a large town with a population of over 120,000 residents. Best known as a playground for the rich and famous, it has become a favourite destination for man wealthy tourists from all over Spain, Europe and the world.

Marbella is not only the abode of the rich and famous though. With a more down to earth side best expressed by the old part of town, there is something for everyone. In one of the older parts of the town you will find ‘Orange Square’, home to not only the 16th century town hall, but a range of restaurants catering to all tastes.

Leading of from the square, you will find many small traditional streets and vie between homes and business, giving you the feeling of a small quaint town as opposed to the international holiday destination that Marbella has become.

For those looking at long strolls, Avenida del Mar and Avenida Ricardo Soriano offer everything from beautiful sea views and attractive parks to modern high end shopping.

More than just the town, Marbella stretches for 26 kilometres from Cabopino to Guadalalmina, and boasts attractive beaches where you can still enjoy traditional fish and seafood favourites.

History of Marbella

Marbella, like Fuengirola, Benalmadena and most large towns on the Costa del Sol, shows archaeological evidence of having been inhabited from Palaeolithic era as seen by weapons and tools found in the area of Las Chapas. At the foothills of the Sierra Blanca there is also evidence of Neolithic inhabitation in the Pecho Redondo cave. This was followed by Carthaginian and roman settlements who left their home mark on the area, including the Guadalmina bathhouses.

Following the Roman Era, the Visigoths left several artefacts of interest including the Paleo-Christian basilica of Vega del Mar, one of the most remarkable structures from the period in Spain.

The Marbella that most people know today, started to form in the 1940s. At the time a village of 900 souls, on one eventful day Alfonso de Hohenlohe was travelling through the area when his Rolls-Royce broke down. Enjoying the area greatly, Alfonso decided to buy land in the area and decided to market the area as a tourist destination.

By 1954, on some of the land that had been purchased by Alfonso, the Marbella Club Hotel was opened and became an instant attraction amongst the aristocrats and socialites of Europe

This patronage was continued by Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia who until his death in 2005 regularly visited Marbella with a retinue of over a thousand people.

Invariably such wealth in the area attracted further wealth, which was a boon to the municipality. But it was not until 1991, with the election of Jesus Gil, that Marbella entered its latest faze. To improve Marbella international image, famous individuals, such as Sean Connery were used as international spokesman for the city. Combined with this publicity there was extensive construction activity.

It was not until 2002 that investigations of corruption forced Jesus Gil to resign from the post due to allegations of diverting public funds. He was followed by Julian Muñoz and Marisol Yagüe, both of whom were also charged with corruption and were found guilty.

With the continuing corruption in the town hall the Spanish government decided on April 8, 2006 to suspend the council, a first in Spain’s democratic history. A caretaker council was put in place until fair elections were held in 2007. The newly elected council has been tasked with improving Marbella’s tarnished image by legalising, where possible the illegal builds and upholding the Urban Plans.

How to get to Marbella

The Coastal motorway (A-7; N-340) links the Marbella with the rest of the Costa del Sol. If you are coming from the Malaga airport all you need to do is drive westwards past Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Mijas Costa. Once you reach Cabopino you are within the territory of Marbella. After a few kilometres from Cabopino you will reach the town proper.

Tourist Information

Casa Consistorial de Marbella
Telephone: 952 761 100
Fax: 952 779 457

Marbella Youth Department
Telephone: 952 761 193
Fax: 952 777 862

Culture Department
Telephone: 952 90 87 81
Fax: 952 82 34 43

Sports Department
Telephone: 952 76 11 93
Fax: 952 77 78 62

Festival Department
Telephone: 952 90 33 05

Market and Beach Department
Telephone: 952 76 11 40

Consumer Information
Telephone: 952 76 40 01

Congress and Exhibitions
Telephone: 952 82 82 44
Fax: 952 77 27 49

Public Health
Telephone: 952 77 02 45
Fax: 952 86 34 56

Marbella property

For many looking to move to the Costa del Sol, Marbella property for sale still generates a lot of interest. With its combination of traditional homes in the old quarter of Marbella to the luxurious apartments located in areas like Elviria and Las Chapas. As a main holiday resort, Marbella offers a range of international services that few towns on the Costa del Sol can match.

Marbella maps and weather

For those of you looking to know more about the area, this map of Marbella will allow you to better understand the area. Additionally for those looking to enjoy the many sites and activities the Marbella weather forecast for the next few days may be of use.

Marbella hotels

For holiday accommodation, there are a range of Marbella hotels to suit all tastes and budgets.