MARBELLA
History of Marbella
Embark on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Marbella's history. Delve into the ancient whispers that echo through time, starting with the discovery of Paleolithic and Neolithic remnants in the enchanting Las Chapas and the mysterious Cave del Pecho.
Witness the Phoenicians' fleeting presence, leaving behind tantalizing traces of their small colonies. Yet, it was the Romans who etched their indelible mark on Marbella, evident in the majestic Villa Romana de Rio Verde (1st century), the alluring Las Termas de Guadalmina (2nd or 3rd century), and the remnants of Ionic capitals and ancient walls within the Old City. Marvel at the enduring legacy of the Paleo-Christian Basilica of Vega del Mar (4th century), a testament to the city's rich past.
In the Islamic era, Marbella transformed into a mesmerizing labyrinth of narrow streets and quaint buildings, fortified by a castle and beacon towers in the 10th century. Wander through the charming streets of Marbella's old town, where echoes of its Muslim history still resonate. The Arabs bestowed upon the city the poetic name "Marbil-la," perhaps the genesis of its present-day nomenclature.
Enduring the ebb and flow of history, Marbella witnessed the strategic power shifts among the Taifa kingdoms until the triumphant arrival of King Ferdinand in June 1485. The city thrived on diverse economic activities, from agriculture to the cultivation of figs, mulberry trees for silkworm production, and the renowned sweet wine of Marbella, celebrated as early as the 13th century.
The 19th century ushered in a wave of industrialization, marked by the installation of Spain's first blast furnaces melting iron from the Sierra Blanca mines. Marbella emerged as the second industrial powerhouse in the country's provinces. Fast forward to the early 20th century, and the city underwent a transformative shift, evolving into a global tourist destination with a thriving economy driven by tourism and high-end construction.
Today, Marbella stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of its storied past and vibrant present, inviting you to immerse yourself in the allure of its history and the promise of an enchanting future.
Marbella, a fantastic destination for property investments in southern Spain, with luxury Apartments, Penthouses, Townhouses and Villas, in sought-after locations such as Nueva Andalucia, Sierra Blanca and Puerto Banus.
The pleasant climate on the Costa del Sol, the renowned golf courses, the many restaurants, the vibrant nightlife and the lavish lifestyle continuously attract international buyers to the real estate market.
Marbella also offers a diverse range of water sports such as kite surfing, jet skiing, water skiing, boat rental and fishing charters. In late spring, summer and early autumn, these activities are very popular among many tourists. This ensures that Marbella has acquired the status of a top holiday destination on the Spanish costas. The region's popularity is reflected in record numbers of tourists at Málaga airport and local hotels consistently reaching maximum occupancy.
Marbella also has an abundance of luxury shopping, with well-known designer stores such as Jimmy Choo, Versace, Hugo Boss and many more, reinforcing its reputation as a glamorous destination.
What to visit in Marbella
-Plaza de Los Naranjos.- It was built by the King Fernando the Catholic in 1485, Renaissance Castilian style similar to the Castilian squares of that time. It has a fountain dating from 1704, in the square you can find the following:
-Town Council.- built-in 1568 over its façade you can see the wide door of Mudejar style, a balcony in wrought iron, a sundial, and commemorate shields and plaques.
-La Casa del Corregidor.- Built-in 1552, we have to stand out its Gothic-Mudejar and Renaissance façade.
-Santiago.- The Hermitage was built in XV century, very simple construction with a single nave, is the oldest church in the city.
-Church of Nuestra Senora de la Encarnación.- Built initially in 1510, has undergone several reconstructions and renovations, the most important in 1710. After the twentieth century other renovations took place. This baroque-style church with three naves stands the Grand Organ in G major formed with 5,000 tubes of tin, and copper on wood. It is one of the largest building in Spain. Outside we can apprecite the rococo facade carved in brownish stone, and the square tower of about 50m. high and finished in a pyramidal form, topped by a weathervane.
-Church of Santo Cristo de Vera Cruz - Its construction dates from the XVI century and expanded with the construction of a tower chamber The church has a single ship. It also includes a Tuscan column that supports the choir. The cover is of carved stone.
-Chapel of San Juan de Dios - It was ordered by the Catholic Kings, Gothic-Mudejar style, stands inside the panelling Mozarabic and Mudejar and the front facade carved in stone, its wooden door with the Royal shield and the Order of St John of God shield.
-The Wall - It was built in the tenth century by Abd al-Rahman III, it underwent through several reforms between the XIV and XVI centuries. Marbella Museums
-Cultural Center El Ingenio - Barriada El Ingenio S. Pedro de Alcántara, Tel. 952 825 035 -Museum Cortijo Miraflores - Avd. José Luis Morales Marin s/n Marbella, Tel. 952 902 714
-Bonsai Museum - Parque Arroyo Represa, Marbella, Tel. 952 862 926
-Museum of the Contemporary Spanish Engraving - Hospital Bazán s/n, Casco Antiguo -Marbella, Tel. 952 765 741
-Museum Ralli - Urb. Coral Beach CN-340 km 176, Puerto Banús, Tel. 952 857 923
Marbella Entertainment - Activities
-Theatre Ciudad de Marbella - Olaza Ramón Martínez 3, Marbella. Tel. 952 903 159
-Cinema Cinesur Plaza del Mar - 8 Salas, Avda. Camilo José Cela s/n, Marbella. Tel. 952 766 941
-Complejo Gran Marbella - 7 Salas, Paseo Rivera, Pto. Banus, Marbella. Tel. 952 816 421
-Cinema Cinesa La Cañada - 8 Salas, Carr. Ojen s/n, Marbella. Tel. 902 333 231
-Casino Marbella - Casino, Restaurants and shows, CN340 km173, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel. 952 814 000
-Active Scuba Divers - Scuba diving, Pto. Deportivo Marbella Centro. Tel. 952 793 095
-Aquatime - Catamarán, watercraft, Kayak, water skiing etc. Beaches of Cabopino and Puente Romano. Tel. 686 488 068
-Buggy Safari Marbella - Buggy, mountain bikes, CN340 km192. Tel. 952 833 664
-Megabowl La Cañada - Bowling and billiards, Centro La Cañada. Tel. 952 903 370
-Aloha Super Bowls - Bowling (on lawn) and billiards, Aloha Golf Club, Tel. 952 817 713 Marbella Clubs
-La Comedia - Muelle Ribera 12, Puerto Banús -Olivia Valére - Crta. Istán km0,8 Marbella, Tel. 952 828 861
-Scream - Muelle Ribera casa OPQ 6, Puerto Banús Tel. 619 164 343
-Vanity - Camino de la Cruz s/n Las Lomas de Marbella, Tel. 952 866 996
-Nikki Beach - Beach H. Don Carlos, Crta. Cádiz km192, Tel. 952 836 239
-Atrium Beach Club - Beach El Cable Marbella, Tel. 687 908 053
-Mambo - Puerto Banús, Tel. 952 815 195
Flamenco Extravaganza in Marbella:
Immerse yourself in the passionate rhythms of flamenco at these vibrant venues:
Donde María - Vicente Blasco Ibáñez s/n, Marbella, Tel. 952 864 298
Ana María - Santo Cristo Square, Marbella, Tel. 952 775 646
Pub Exploration in Marbella:
Embark on a lively pub crawl through Marbella's dynamic nightlife:
Colonial Café - Pto. Deportivo Marbella, Tel. 676 585 829
Azabache - Camino José Cela 6 Marbella, Tel. 952 823 723
Kellys Bar - Avda. Arias Maldonado (apartamentos Skoll) Marbella, Tel. 952 779 537
O´Willies Irish Whiskey Bar - Avda. Arias Maldonado 7 Marbella, Tel. 952 866 057
Rubi Bar - Puerto Deportivo Marbella, Tel. 652 574 483
The Tavern - C/ Peral 7 Marbella, Tel. 952 772 814
Marbella's Alluring Ports:
Explore the coastal marvels of Marbella through its four enchanting ports:
Puerto Deportivo de Marbella - Boasting 377 berths and comprehensive services.
Puerto Banús - A jewel with 915 berths, considered one of southern Europe's finest marinas.
Cabopino Marina - Offering 169 berths, a quaint dock, and fuel services.
Puerto Pesquero de Marbella Marina La Bajadilla - Featuring 266 berths, a slipway, elevator, fuel, and repair shop
Sunny Escapes at Marbella's Beaches
Indulge in the sun and sand at Marbella's picturesque beaches:
Gualdalmina: A semi-urban paradise with 1600 meters of golden, thick sand.
Linda Vista: Serenity meets beauty with 550 meters of golden, thick sand.
El Duque: A semi-urban haven in Puerto Banus, offering 1100 meters of fine golden sand.
Nagüeles: Located in the Golden Mile, this urban gem stretches 800 meters with fine golden sand.
Culinary Odyssey in Marbella:
Savor the flavors of Marbella at these diverse dining establishments:
More than 40€:
El Lago: Andalusian cuisine at Urb Elviria Hills Avda. Las Cumbres, Tel. 952 832 371.
Villa Tiberio: Italian delicacies at Crta. Cádiz km185, Tel. 952 771 799.
Calima: Personal cuisine by José Meliá, Tel. 952 764 252.
More than 20€:
Marisquería Pepe: Seafood delights at Puerto Banús, Tel. 952 811 794.
La Parrilla de Viviana: Grilled cuisine in San Pedro de Alcántara, Tel. 952 783 121.
Azafran: Indian flavors at Parq. Elviria 1 Marbella, Tel. 952 830 146.
More than 10€:
Dragón del Mar: Chinese delights in Puerto Banus, Tel. 952 817 969.
El Abrevadero: Mediterranean cuisine at Av Mediterráneo, San Pedro, Tel. 952 785 332.
Gambrinus: Tapas at Ramón Areces Puerto Banús, Tel. 952 929 722.
Sumptuous Stays - Luxurious Accommodations in Marbella
Indulge in opulence at Marbella's top-tier hotels:
5 GL Hotels:*
Gran Meliá Don Pepe: C/ José Meliá s/n Marbella, Tel. 952 770 300.
Puente Romano: Bulevar Alfonso Von Hohenlohe s/n Marbella, Tel. 952 820 900.
5 Hotels:*
Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa: Crta. Cádiz km192 Marbella, Tel. 952 768 800.
Vincci Selección Estrella del Mar: Crta. Cádiz km191 Elviria, Tel. 951 053 970.
4 Hotels:*
Occidental Coral Beach: Crta. Cádiz km176 Banús, Tel. 952 824 500.
Fuerte Miramar: Plaza José Luque Manzano s/n Marbella, Tel. 952 768 400.
3 Hotels:*
Pinomar Playa: Crta. Cádiz km189 Marbella, Tel. 952 850 140.
El Rodeo: C/ Victor de la Serna 1 Marbella, Tel. 952 775 100.
Retail Therapy in Marbella: Shopaholic's Paradise
Indulge in retail therapy at Marbella's vibrant shopping centers and markets:
Shopping Havens:
La Cañada: Crta. Cádiz a Ojen, Marbella, Tel. 952 866 804.
Costa Marbella: Ramón Areces s/n Puerto Banús, Tel. 952 909 990.
Market Excursions:
Nueva Andalucía: Around the Plaza de toros, Saturday mornings.
Marbella: Fairground, Monday mornings.
Puerto Banús: Boulevard de la fama, Saturday mornings.
Marbella's Mediterranean Climate: Blissful Weather All Year
Savor Marbella's Mediterranean subtropical climate, delivering mild winters and sun-drenched summers. Shielded by the Sierra Blanca, the city enjoys a microclimate, boasting an average of 320 sunny days annually.
Essential Numbers in Marbella:
In case you need assistance, here are essential contact numbers in Marbella:
National Police - Emergencies: 091: Avda. Arias de Velasco 25, Tel. 952 762 600.
Civil Guard - Emergencies: 062: Marbella, Plaza Leganitos 3, Tel. 952 770 344.
Local Police - Emergencies: 092: Marbella, Juan de la Cierva, Tel. 952 899 900.
Firefighters - Emergencies: Tel. 952 774 349: Call center, Tel. 952 772 112.
Civil Protection: Marbella, Juan de la Cierva, Tel. 952 775 195.
Health Emergencies - Emergencies: 061: Red Cross: Tel. 952 774 534.
Tourist Information Centers:
Plaza de los Naranjos Marbella, Tel. 952 823 550.
Marqués del Duero 69 San Pedro, Tel. 952 785 252.
Puerto Banús, Tel. 952 818 570.