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Marbella, Spain: 10 Quick Things To Know for Your Next Visit by Marcelo Lanteri via Flickr

Marbella, Costa del Sol: 10 Things To Know for Your Trip

The lovely city of Marbella is a Mediterranean coastal area in the Málaga province of Southern Spain. Very popular for being part of Costa del Sol, the beach resort paradise.

The former is the coastal region of Andalusia comprising the picturesque beaches and communities overlooking the Mediterranean sea, Gibraltar and Africa.

Here are 10 quick tips to equip yourself before heading there:

10. Marbella, Málaga and Andalusia are Great Filming Spots

Marbella has always captured the attention of filmmakers. It is very bright and sunny year round. Therefore, directors are excited about moving their sets there.

Most recently, the Spanish Netflix series Toy Boy was filmed there. Inspired by the the musical ambiance of the clubs in Costa del Sol. The series depicts dance performances infused with mafia crime events. A perfect blend for Netflix bing and maybe learning some Spanish!

However, Andalusia as a whole has been featured in many series including Star Wars, Attack of The Clones in 2002. As well as Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade was partially filmed in the region of Granada in 1989.

With all these enriching information for cinema lovers, Marbella comes as a sweet surprise to enjoy your own movie-making this time by the beach. You can document it in your Instagram feed!

9. Numerous Expats Call The City Home

Nerja, Costa Del Sol, Spain by Richard Vaillancourt via Flickr
Nerja, Costa Del Sol, Spain by Richard Vaillancourt via Flickr

300,000 Brits live in Costa Del Sol, while 2.5 Million visit annually. Moreover, many Arabic, Russian and recently Chinese wealthy people have huge mansions around the city. As you might imagine, their real estate properties are truly a feast to the eyes.

These personas are, of course, in possession of dreamy yachts, more of majestic flouting towns. Moreover, “sci-fi” cars are on exhibition around the city streets.

However, if you are a random tourist and on a budget, do not get discouraged with these facts. As you can enjoy the picture perfect beaches of Marbella and the whole of Costa del Sol, just like these VIPs.

8. Celebrities Mansions and Golf Valleys

Many celebrities call Marbella home including James Hewitt, Rod Stewart and Simon Cowell who is definitely not here to criticize your performance!

Consequently, to satisfy the tastes of the rich and famous, many Golf valleys are perfectly maintained. These vast green landscapes can never escape your attention while driving on the main roads of Costa del Sol.

7. An Arabic Touch Crafted Via European Hands

Arabic Touch Crafted in Alhambra By Denis Doukhan via Pixabay
Arabic Touch Crafted in Alhambra By Denis Doukhan via Pixabay

Much of Southern Spain’s history included Arabic and Berber raids from North Africa. Additionally, the Muslims have established a residence over this area during the 700-1400 AD period.

As a result, many of the buildings retain an Arabic-Berber touch. Also, much of the streets are still echoing of this history. Also, they vibrate with a European painted aspect of an ancient Arabic style.

6. The Golden Mile, The Epicentre of Luxury

Puerto Banús, adjacent to Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain by Camus via Flickr
Puerto Banús, adjacent to Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain by Camus via Flickr

We get it by now, Marbella has much wealth exhibited through wealthy people’s homes and possessions. However, The Golden Mile takes luxury on a whole new level of surrealism. It starts from Puerto Banus and stretches for over a mile of pure perfection.

Therefore, you might feel you are in a high-end neighborhood in one of the Caribbeans, but this one is definitely on steroids!

5. Puerto Banus Harbours, Southwest of Marbella, Costa del Sol

Puerto Banús Harbour by pepoexpress, via Flickr

Opened in 1970, it contains numerous stylish bars and chique restaurants. Of course, in the marina, you won’t be surprised by seeing the luxury yachts overlooking designer shops like Fendi and Gucci.

If you are in the mood for shopping, we suggest you spare a couple of thousand Euros for a bag of these brands. Otherwise, just take a stroll and enjoy your window shopping. Later, you can relax at the beach, after seeing the four-figure price tags.

So why come here? Well if you’re planning to become one day a member of this elite club of wealthy people. Alternatively, if you may simply like to be close to the glamour and see the pursuit of a well lived life. Indeed, you will be surrounded by elegant people and homes and you will be inspired…

Moreover, there is the fantastic night life, with great music and shows. Also, many amazing culinary experiences awaits you there.

4.Perfect Sunny Weather Year Round and Ascari Race Club

Beautiful view of Marbella Spain by Drew Graham via Unsplash
Beautiful view of Marbella Spain by Drew Graham via Unsplash

With roughly 300 days of pure sunshine, no one can refuse such a great offer! Actually, it is the power of heliotherapy that truly kicks in Marbella.

Moreover, with sunshine comes car racing.The Ascari Race Club filled with Formula One masterpieces, is a real adrenaline pumper for motorsports lovers. This is a perfect balance after a long relaxation in Marbella, Costa del Sol.

3. Mountain Backdrop Views along The Coast

Gibraltar View from the Rock on Mainland Spain by Neil MacCormack via Flickr
Gibraltar View from the Rock on Mainland Spain by Neil MacCormack via Flickr

On a clear day, you can view 3 countries: Gibraltar, Morocco and of course Spain. Well, technically, you are in Spain, but still you will have views of the sea in front of you while Spain will be behind you.

Try soaking up the ambiance of being literally hinging between the 2 continents of Europe and Africa. Moreover, history and present day are also meeting in Marbella, so what a truly magical place to be in…

2.Old Town

Parque de La Alameda by Ramón Bravo Aliseda via Flickr
Parque de La Alameda by Ramón Bravo Aliseda via Flickr

The authentic part of Marbella is unveiled here. Many tourists overlook this place just to enjoy the beach. They might actually repeat the same activities each day, thus losing the opportunity of discovering new things. Consequently, missing the core of travel.

Avoid that by all means, as the old town is very close to the main street opposite to Alameda Park. It goes without saying that this would be unveiling a new dimension in your trip. Just try the Southern European way of  a relaxed life. Hence, sip a cup of coffee while enjoying watching people walking by.

After all, “The best things in life are free”. Well, the same applies to Marbella, just let the views sink in.

1. Fresh Healthy Food

Pulpo Octopus dish, by encantadisimo via Flickr
Pulpo Octopus dish, by encantadisimo via Flickr

Sunshine, seafood, fresh vegetables and fruits are real immunity boosters, don’t you think? Try eating the traditional dishes of Paella, which is mainly seafood and rice. Moreover, try the Pulpo,  an octopus dish prepared for perfection.

Also, replenish your vitamins and minerals with some of the freshest vegetables and fruits in the city.

If Italy has “La Dolce Vita”, Spain could rival that with “The Relaxed Life”. Cast away your worries, enjoy the Mediterranean food and lifestyle while having your health restored to its original factory settings…

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