Homes for sale in Marbella Spain
Widely acknowledged as being the jewel in the crown of the Costa del Sol, Marbella continues to attract visitors from all over the world.
This famous resort town combines the best restaurants, hotels, beaches and nightlife that you will find in southern Spain, and its popularity continues to grow.
There is much more to Marbella than first meets the eye when you drive under the famous archway, and away from the golden beaches and glitzy night life you will find a more sedate and traditional way of life in the old town. Orange Square is Marbella´s prettiest area, and is home to the 16th century town hall, and tourist information centre. The narrow streets around Orange Square are packed with small shops, art galleries and pavement cafés, where visitors can relax and watch the world go by. As its name suggests, orange trees and tropical plants fill the main square with a burst of colour and blossom, depending on the time of year.
Bars and restaurants are plentiful here, and many are situated in the old town. Some of the more classy restaurants are situated in and around Orange Square, but if you prefer something cheaper and more traditional, there are some great tapas bars close by, selling a fabulous and tasty range of Spanish favourites.
Marbella´s seafront promenade is one of the most stylish in Spain, and elegant fish restaurants sit side by side with ice cream cafés, designer clothes shops and every type of eatery imaginable – from Spanish to Italian, Chinese and Lebanese – it can all be found here.
Covering over 26km, the Marbella coastline runs from Puerto Cabopino in the east to Guadalmina in the west, and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Andalucia. This cosmopolitan resort is home to over 100 different nationalities, and the town prides itself on the facilities and amenities available to all.
Puerto Cabopino is well worth a visit, and although this fun port has grown considerably over the past two decades, it still retains a certain charm and individuality which you may not find at the bigger marinas. Small bars and restaurants jostle for position on the harbour side, and the best beach in the area is situated next to the marina. Water sports facilities are also available at Cabopino plus dolphin spotting trips. Visitors who want to make a day of it can enjoy lunch at one of the fabulous beach bars or take a stroll up to the main square for tapas or snacks.
For golf enthusiasts there is no better place to come than Marbella. Over 30 top class courses are situated within easy driving distance of the town, and the famous Valderrama Course at Sotogrande hosts the annual Volvo Masters Tournament in October/November.
If skiing is more your thing, Sierra Nevada, meaning ´snowy mountain range´, is situated just north of Granada, and only a couple of hours drive from the Marbella. Enjoying such a southern position, skiers and sightseers alike are almost guaranteed sunshine at this beautiful resort – especially during the early spring.
There are several ski schools in the village of Sierra Nevada and boot and equipment hire, including snowboards is readily available from the shops at the entrance. Children are also well catered for here, and there are two crèches in the main square of the village plus a kid´s ski club offering lessons to the younger skiiers. There are six ski areas within the Sierra Nevada, and with slopes to suit every ability from novice to professional, this fabulous mountain range provides fun for all the family in a stunning location.
Funny Beach is one of Marbella´s most popular amusement parks, and is situated just 1km from the centre of town. The park is instantly recognizable by the massive inflatable coke tin at the entrance, and offers great entertainment for all the family.
As its name suggests, Funny Beach is right on the seafront, and offers plenty of car parking facilities and great road access. Activities include motor go-karting on a specially designed track, trampolining, video games, electric bikes and cars, jet skis and cable skiing, plus many other sideshows and entertainments. There are also plenty of rides and activities for smaller children to enjoy. For visitors who prefer a quieter time, there is also a swimming pool with sunbeds and parasols, and a cocktail bar close by.
A mecca for shopping, Marbella´s most famous commercial centre is undoubtedly La Cañada, which is situated just outside town at the Ojen exit of the A-7 motorway. The largest shopping centre on the Costa del Sol, and home to over 150 shops, La Cañada offers free, ample parking as well as regular buses and two taxi ranks. In addition to the shops, La Cañada also boasts restaurants, hairdressers, ten pin bowling and an amusement arcade, multiplex cinema, Alcampo supermarket and Oxygeno Fitness Centre, a state of the art gymnasium.
Marbella has something to offer everyone, and is forever improving. Everything you want from a holiday resort you will find here.