Traditionally a playground to the rich and famous, Marbella sits among spectacular scenery between the Sierra Blanca mountains and the Mediterranean. The old town is crammed with art galleries, museums, interesting architecture, shops and restaurants. ‘Orange Square’ is typically Andalucian with strong Moorish influences, where the 16th century Town hall and Governor’s House are flanked by orange trees and stately buildings group around a 15th century fountain. There is a baroque church with one of the most impressive organs in all of Spain. Take in the beautiful flowers of Alameda Plaza and even book a horse and carriage to see the sights in grand style.

There are a wide variety of restaurants to choose from in the tangle of streets, from formal dining to traditional Spanish tapas bars. Few places can match Marbella for sporting activities: world-class tennis, sailing and golf are on offer here. Golfers can indulge their passion all year round on more than 20 golf courses which attract major stars for international championships. Beach life here offers everything you could hope for, including a wide choice of water sports and good beachside facilities.

Nearby Puerto Banus is a jet-setter’s haunt and celebrities are often spotted in the famous fashion houses or boutiques. Massive yachts sit in the marina, and nightlife is alive with alfresco bars, piano clubs, a casino and all night discos.

Local recommended beaches…

Mistral Beach - Between San Pedro de Alcántara and Puerto Banús, Mistral Beach has panoramic views of much of the Costa del Sol, it is the ideal place in which to relax in the Andalusian sun. Mistral Beach also boasts one of the coast's finest beach restaurants, which offers great food in a relaxed atmosphere.

San Pedro - The long 'paseo maritimo' makes it easy to find a space even on a Sunday during the summer. Numerous beach bars. Try Bora Bora and also Guayaba Beach at the west end.

Take time to go to…

visit the Nagueles Park with the family, a nature reserve at the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountain range. A beautiful area with picnic tables and plenty of shade.

visit the old Roman villa at Rio Verde, noted for its well preserved mosaics, and the ruins of some Roman bath houses.

take a trip to the Saturday morning flea market at Puerto Banus and haggle for clothes, furniture, artwork, food and a multiple of curiosities.

take the family to the Cortylandia amusement park for a fun day out with safaris, train trips, wild river canoe rides through the Canadian Rockies, and visit an Indian settlement.

visit historic Rhonda. A pretty town in the hills with a famous bridge Puerto Nuevo over a plunging river gorge, one of the areas most famous landmarks. Rhonda is home to the oldest bullring in Spain.

spend the evening in Puerto Banus at one of the many open air restaurants, and star spot.