 Playa | ||
| Marbella | ||
| region | Andalusia | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 147.633 (2020) | |
| height | 22 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
| ||
Marbella is a city in the Andalusian province Málaga and a well-known seaside resort. This part of the Mediterranean coast is known as Costa del Sol.
background
The city of Marbella has an ancient history. The Romans and Moors left their mark. At the beginning of the 50s of the 20th century, Marbella was made famous by Prince Alfons von Hohenlohe. Alfonso Maximiliano Victorio Eugenio Alexandro Maria Pablo de la Santisima Trinidad y todos los Santos Prince zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg (born May 28, 1924 in Madrid, † December 21, 2003 in Marbella) was a German member of the international jet set and co-founder of the famous Marbella clubs. Prince Alfons praised the mild climate, especially in winter. European aristocrats came, but also wealthy arms and drug dealers. The drug addicts and petty criminals who battered Marbella’s reputation in the 1980s were undesirable. At times the city was totally out. The somewhat rabid and, as it later turned out, corrupt Mayor Gil ordered a cleaning process for the city and increased security, which made him popular with the population. Marbella was in again. But the waves of arrests of the anti-corruption police in 2007, which brought many officials from the town hall to prison, again shook the confidence of the citizens and visitors in the city and its politicians.
The majority of tourists in Marbella come from Great Britain 37.85%, Spain 35.89%, Germany 6.59%, France 5.34% and from other countries 14.33% (according to a publication by the town hall). In the past one often heard Arabic, nowadays more often in Russian. Times are changing.
Current
A study by the Andalusian Statistical Office (IEA) in 2008 found that Marbella ranks highest in terms of the 154 cities in Andalusia studied life quality having. 14 features were examined. Marbella was the most dynamic city. Here, the residents have the highest income, the best leisure and sports facilities and the best services. The number of jobs is also higher than elsewhere.
getting there
By plane
The closest airport is the Aeroporto de Málaga. It is around 45 km from Marbella and can be easily reached in 35-40 minutes via the AP-7 or A-7 motorways. Many airlines fly to Málaga from Germany. The airport was expanded with a new terminal and a second runway before 2012. By bus you can get from the airport quickly and cheaply to the central bus station in Marbella (and vice versa).
By train
Marbella does not have a train station. The extension of the C-1 railway line over Fuengirola out to Marbella is always under discussion, but has not yet been addressed. The nearest train station is in Fuengirola. From there you can drive to Málaga every 20 minutes, see also Timetable, Map, Stations. In Málaga there have been fast connections with the AVE to Seville, Cordoba, Madrid and other cities in Spain since the beginning of 2008.
In the street
Marbella is located on the A-7 or AP-7 coastal motorway (subject to a fee). You can park in numerous public car parks, e.g. in Avda. del Mar. There are also public parking garages in Puerto Banus.
By boat
Marbella has two sports / marinas.
mobility
There are bus connections in all directions.
Tourist Attractions
- Marbella has one that is worth seeing, albeit one that is heavily used commercially Old town. At the Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square) you can find that Ayuntamiento (City Hall), the tourist information and some cafes and restaurants.
- The famous one is very popular Puerto Banus Marina. Large and small yachts are moored here, with the large ones being of particular interest to most visitors. There are also many restaurants on the waterfront and, in the second row, mainly more or less expensive shops. The smaller one, which is also interesting, but less sophisticated Cabopino Marina is at the other end of the city in the direction of Málaga.
- The large underground parking garage under the Avenida del Mar almost always has a place. Above the ground is a marble slab pedestrian walkway to the sea with 10 bronze statues from Salvadore Dali. Worth seeing!
- The Paseo Maritimo is the long and lively seafront promenade in Marbella. It was completely renovated in 2008. New stairs and ramps for wheelchair users were built and the rusted railings were renewed.
Activities and festivals
- Water sports are the number 1 activity in summer.
- The Semana Santa parades take place during Easter week.
- In June there is Feria in Marbella (center) and in October in the suburb of San Pedro.
- There are around 30 golf courses around Marbella, which golfers from all over Europe play on, and not just in winter.
- Equestrian sport is also popular. There is one in the neighboring town of Mijas Costa Racecourse.
shop
In Marbella you can buy everything from food to everyday items to luxury items. The great Corte Inglés department store in Puerto Banus has a wide choice (paid parking garage). The La Cañada Shopping Center at the AP-7 (departure) with a large free parking lot can fulfill many wishes. There are also cafes and restaurants here, including a Block House (steak house chain from Germany) and Manni's sausage stand right in front of the main entrance to Alcampo. On the main street Avenida de Ricardo Soriano and the parallel streets you will find numerous retail stores and banks.
kitchen
The cuisine ranges from Mediterranean to international. In contrast to the inland area, most of the restaurants in Marbella show consideration for tourists and open for dinner at 6:00 pm. Tapas is available all day.
Cheap
- Venencia, near the Avenida del Mar car park. Go down Avenida del Mar, turn right into Passeo Maritimo and at the next corner, turn right again into Avenida Miguel Cano. It's right there on the right, with black barrels on the street to sit outside. But you can also sit very comfortably inside. Very rustic tapas bar, especially popular with German tourists. Definitely try: Gambas Pil Pil (Shrimps fried in hot oil with pieces of garlic and bread basket), patatas bravas (roasted potatoes with the famous, eerily pink looking delicious Marbella sauce), Pimientos Fritos (fried small roast peppers with coarse sea salt). Fast, attentive service.Price: Dishes cost between 4 and 8 euros.
- Los Cano, on Alicate Beach. Take the El Rosario exit of the A-7 and drive down to the sea to the car park. Then go 50 m to the right. A very good beach restaurant right on the Mediterranean with a nice ambience, good service and deliciously prepared fish. We recommend: Boquerones fritos (fried anchovies), Lenguado a la plancha (Grilled sole), Dorade al sal (Sea bream in salt crust) and above all Rodaballo al horno (Turbot fried in a bed of potatoes, tomatoes and onions) for two or three people. The fish cost up to 40 € per kg. A fish meal can cost between € 10 and € 20 depending on the type and size of fish.
medium
- Cafe Dulcinea, on the beach promenade. Run by a German couple. He is a pastry chef and bakes delicious cakes. You sit well and can watch the goings-on on the promenade.
- Salduba Pub, on the corner in the port of Puerto Banus. You sit nicely and can watch the goings-on. A coffee costs € 2.80 (2008).
- Restaurante Mona Lisa. An Argentinian steak house in Puerto Banus on the first floor of the second row. They have good steaks here.
- Sol y Luna, in Avda. Oriental 7, Plaza Macías in the old town. Mediterranean food.
- Le Chateaubriand, in Nueva Andalucia. A French restaurant with excellent cuisine.
Upscale
- La Hacienda, Urbanización Laz Chapas (exit A-7). Tel.: 34 952 831 116. Once upon a time the best restaurant on the Costa del Sol. Still recommended today.
- Santiago, Paseo Marítimo 5. Tel.: 34 952 770 078. On the beach promenade. Good fish restaurant with nicely set tables on the corner of Avda. del Mar (Dali sculptures). Fish dishes cost € 25 and more.
- Cipriano, Avda. Playas del Duque.
- El Portalón. On the golden mile towards Puerto Banus on the right hand side is best known for its grilled dish.
- Taberna Alabardero, in Puerto Banus in the Muelle Benabola.
- Restaurante Marbella Club. There is an internationally oriented restaurant on the golden mile in the hotel of the same name.
nightlife
The night life is famous. Discos throughout the city, but especially in Puerto Banus, and a casino allow entertainment until the morning. Many discos do not open until after 1am.
- La Notte, next to the Restaurante La Meridiana. After dinner you can go to the disco.
accommodation
Marbella has many hotels including some ***** luxury hotels but also inexpensive ones.
Cheap
- Hotel Artola Golf ***, on the A-7 towards Málaga. Price: from 50 €.
- Hotel Linda **, C / Aucha 21. Price: from 50 €.
medium
- Hotel Boutique B51 Puerto Banus, Paseo Marítimo de Benabola 29660 Puerto Banús, Marbella. Tel.: 952 90 90 00.
- Refuge de Juanar ***, in the Sierra Blanca. From Marbella drive towards Ojén. After Ojén, soon turn left (signposted) and continue a few km through the forest to the Refugio.Price: 50 €.
- Hotel Pyr Marbella ***, in Puerto Banus. Price: from 70 €.
Upscale
- 1 Hotel Fuerte Marbella ****, Calle El Fuerte s / n. 29602. Marbella, Malaga. Spain. Tel.: 34 952 861 500. The hotel in Marbella is a house with history. The hotel opened over 50 years ago and has been offering its guests an unforgettable stay ever since.
- 2 Amàre Marbella Beach Hotel ****, Avda. Severo Ochoa 8. 29603. Marbella, Malaga. Spain. Tel.: 34 952 768 400. This modern Marbella hotel has an enviable location and is the only beachfront hotel just 5 minutes' walk from the old town that is recommended for an adult audience.
- Dos Carlos *****, in Elviria, a little away from the city center in the direction of Málaga. Price: from 180 €.
- Los Monteros *****, on the A-7 but closer to the center than Don Carlos.
- Marbella Club *****, on the golden mile.
- Puente Romano *****, on the golden mile. Price: from 270 €.
- Westin La Quinta Golf Resort *****, 10 km from the center towards Estepona. Price: from 160 €.
- Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banus *****, C / Edgar Neville in Nueva Andalusia. Price: from 70 €.
- Gran Melia Don Pepe *****. Price: from € 215.
health
In the urban area on Avda. Soriano you can find German doctors of all specialties. The large and modern Costa del Sol hospital on the A-7 has a good reputation. There are also private clinics, such as the USP clinic on the access road from the A-7 to Marbella at the maritime monument.
Practical advice
Tourist information offices are located in Plaza de los Naranjos and Paseo Marítimo.
English is spoken in many shops and restaurants. Here and there also German.
trips
- Most tourists who vacation in Marbella go to by rental car or bus Ronda. This is a half day tour. The beautiful A-376 road, which was built more than 15 years ago with EU funds, rises from the sea to over 1,100 m in a barren mountainous landscape. Then it goes back down to Ronda, which is 740 m high. Ronda is a historic city with many sights such as the new bridge (Punte Nuevo) over the gorge and the bullring with a museum. This is where modern bullfighting was developed. There are churches and palaces that are well worth seeing.
- Parque de Naturaleza integral Selwo. A large wildlife enclosure with elephants, lions and many other animals. You are driven through the park in a truck. Many birds live in a valley protected by a tent roof. You can go into the bird enclosure and watch the birds. Selwopark is located on the A-7 in the direction of Estepona. The junction is signposted.
- Refugio de Juanar. A hotel with a good restaurant in the Sierra Blanca. Take the A-355 up to Ojén and then turn left to the Refugio (signposted). From there it is a few kilometers on a narrow road through the forest to the destination. From the parking lot you can walk about 2 km to the viewpoint and enjoy the view of Marbella and the Costa del Sol. The restaurant is recommended.
literature
Web links
- Official website of the city (mostly German)
