Marbella is a favourite location with the rich and famous, which means prices are a bit more than you might expect in the quieter resorts. But Marbella has a down to earth side as well, a traditional Andalucian spirit which can be appreciated by exploring the back streets in the older part of town.
One ‘must see’ area is ‘Orange Square’ (La Plaza de las Naranjas) 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.
Home to stately buildings, thriving shops, art galleries, bars and bistros Orange Square has a vibrant buzz around the clock.
You’re sure to enjoy exploring the honeycomb of surrounding narrow streets where homes and shops intermingle to create the atmosphere of a small village, rather than a cosmopolitan town.
Puerto Banus
The vibrant place to be seen.
Lying approximately 6km west of Marbella, Puerto Banús is just about an hour from Malaga airport and the same from Gibraltar airport.
You could be forgiven for thinking it is Duquesa on a larger scale in both size of port and marine craft, although here you are likely to rub shoulders with all kinds of celebrities including the titled rich and famous, as it is a favourite stop for royalty of all nationalities.
The Playa Levante beach lies north of the town and holds a European blue flag. Very long, wide and clean, the beach offers all of the usual facilities with the additional plus point being its close proximity to such a thrilling town.
It really is an experience not to be missed, and it’s easy to enjoy a pleasant evening wandering up and down the marina pontoons, and then sit in one of the many bars, watching the world go by.
As with Duquesa, Puerto Banús enjoys a beautiful setting, with its stunning mountain backdrop and sparkling ocean vistas.
From being a shopper’s dream during the daytime with some of the most famous fashion houses, vibrant shops and boutiques, Puerto Banús becomes a lively cosmopolitan port in the evening, blessed with an abundance of bars and clubs to suit all tastes.
The bullring plays host to a popular street market every Saturday morning where all sorts of bargains can be bought. Stalls spread out in all directions offering a wide range of goods, especially antiques.
To enjoy a bird’s eye view of the port’s magnificent position, take one of the regular boat trips departing from the central promenade. Then all you have to do is lie back and dream, and when you return to shore, let Puerto Banús turn those dreams to reality.
San Pedro de Alcántara
Traditional Charm
San Pedro de Alcántara is a charming town ideally situated a short drive from both Marbella and the Sierra de Ronda mountain range, giving the holidaymaker a fantastic choice of scenery to enjoy.
The main attraction of this town is the central plaza, which houses the parish church, as well as being a meeting point for the surrounding narrow streets where you’ll find many shops, cafes and bars. Be sure to visit on a Thursday to bag a bargain at the street market.
Walk down the Avenida del Marques del Duero, an avenue lined with palm trees, and reach the promenade filled with ‘chiringuitos’ (beachside restaurants), many specialising in fish dishes.
If you’re visiting later in the year, you may catch the last summer fair in Andalucia in the second week of October.
If you’re interested in local history, you could always visit the Paleochristian Basilica Church by the sea or the third century Roman Baths, Las Bovedas.
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