MARBELLA, SPAIN

Time has transformed this small maritime village of humble homes into a splendid tourist city that every year opens its doors to hundreds of thousands of visitors attracted by the wonderful climate (the average temperature is 19º Celsius), the warmth of the people, and the renowned parties and nightlife.

Historical District and Downtown

Marbella was called Salduba in the time of the Romans and re-named Marbil-la under the Muslim rule, and walking through the Historical District is like taking a small trip through the past, where the Arab roots and traces of Christianity come together. For example, the iglesia de la Encarnación (Church of the Incarnation) was raised just a few metres from the murallas (walls) of the Caliph's castle.

The streets wind through cobblestones, immaculate façades, and balconies decorated with flower-boxes full of geraniums and carnations. There are priceless tiny, typically-Andalusian squares and nooks and crannies, such as the Balcón de la Virgen (Balcony of the Virgin Mary), set in the window of an old white-washed house that today houses a... more