The Spanish town Marbella in the south of the country has 140,000 inhabitants. It is located directly at the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the most popular holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol. Marbella has already been existing in the Neolithic era. Later, the Phoenicians launched a place for trading in Marbella which became part of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. In the middle of the 20th century, tourism became an important matter for the town. The first hotels occurred and numerous famous people started to build their houses in Marbella. Today, tourism is the main source of income for Marbella. Hobby-captains can chose between three different marinas. The most famous anchorage ground is Puerto Banús. Pure nostalgia can be experienced at Marbella’s fishing port.

Midpoint of the historic town center is the town hall from the 16th century. In the narrow streets you find numerous cozy restaurants that invite you to relax. A memory of the long eventful history of Marbella is the Arabian Wall. No visit to Marbella without spending some time at one of the beautiful sandy beaches, for example at the Playa de la Bajadilla or at the Playa de Fontanilla. Especially during summer the beaches are a bustling place. Not only plant experts will love the Bonsai Museum in Marbella. Worth a day trip is San Pedro de Alcántara, close to Marbella. The town is famous for its antique mosaics and a basilica from the 4th century.

Puerto Banús
The luxurious marina Puerto Banús in Marbella is hotpot for the international jet set at the Costa del Sol. The area, inaugurated in 1970, is particularly popular among rich Arabians, so it not surprisingly that the docking fees are about 500,000 Euros per square meter. Around the marina you find numerous shopping facilities, affordable only for “big” purses. Not far from Puerto Banús you find Marbella’s nightlife area with clubs, bars and restaurants.

Bonsai Museum
The biggest collection of bonsai trees in Europe with more than 300 miniature trees can be found at the Bonsai Museum in Marbella. It opened its doors to the public in 1992 on the edge of the coastal town in Andalusia. The huge variety of trees with more than 40 different species offers great fun for the whole family. Highlight of the museum is the Acebuche Olive which is already 300 years old. Stroll around the park and enjoy the view of the bonsais.

Plaza de los Naranjos
In the heart of the picturesque old town of Marbella you find the Plaza de los Naranjos. The town center is also meeting point for night owls, as many bars and clubs are located here. The Moorish influence becomes obvious at the Plaza, but there are also some Renaissance items like the fountain from the 15th century. It is surrounded by orange trees from which the Plaza got its name. Do not miss to visit the archaeological museum with many exhibits from Roman, Gothic and Early Christian times.

Paseo Maritimo
The Paseo Maritimo runs along Marbella’s picturesque seaside. The six-kilometer-long promenade invites you to have a relaxing walk and enjoy the sun. Have a refreshing beer or a glass of wine in one of the numerous restaurants and watch the romantic sunset. Conclude your evening in the cinema located at the promenade.

Old Town of Marbella
Marbella’s old town welcomes you with its very special charm. Narrow alleys, white houses and cobblestones make this part of the town to a must-see for all visitors of Marbella. You find historical places, museums and numerous tapas-bars which are typical for Spanish life. During the holy week which is called “semana santa”, long processions with thousands of believers wander the streets. In the center of the old town you find the Plaza de los Naranjos (place of oranges) with the famous Renaissance fountain from the 15th century.

Aquapark Mijas
The Aquapark Mijas with its attractions is great fun for the whole family. You find a slide labyrinth, an adventure river and a wave-side. If the parents are tired of the many glissades, they can relax in the Jacuzzi, use the minigolf course or have lunch with the family at the picnic area. Everyone who is looking for adrenalin can break the record of the kamikaze-slide.

Avenida del Mar
The Avenida del Mar connects the Park Alameda with the beach promenade Paseo Maritimo. During a walk along the alley you should pay attention to the beautiful bronze statutes. They were constructed by none other than Salvador Dalí. Beside the famous statue of Don Quijote you find a three-ton-heavy statue of a rhino. Have a rest at one of the restaurants, bars and cafés and let the atmosphere of Marbella work its magic.