Marbella has a reputation as being one of the chicest holiday resorts in Spain. The seaside town on the Costa del Sol started to become popular in the 1950's when one of its residents, the exotically named Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe of Liechtenstein, bought 10 hectares of farmland next to the beach. He built a small hotel and some holiday bungalows on the site and named it the Marbella Club. The prince's wealthy friends started holidaying here and Marbella, which actually means beautiful sea, began to develop a reputation as an exclusive resort. Famous celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida, along with rich Arabian oil barons, all became regular visitors.
In the 1980's the resort fell into decline, although a major facelift during the 1990's reversed this trend. Today, Marbella remains a popular holiday destination.
Sightseeing
In the centre of Marbella, to the north of the Avenida Ramon y Cajal, is the picturesque Casco Antiguo or Old Town, with its narrow streets, pretty little squares and quaint whitewashed homes. At the heart of the Old Town is the lovely Plaza de los Naranjos, which dates back to the late 15th centruy. To the east of this square is the Barque-style Iglesia de la Encarnacion with the remnants of the town's old Islamic walls situated nearby.
Art lovers should visit the Museo del Grabado Espanol Contempraneo, which houses prints by Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso, among others.
Marbella's main beach next to the town centre is the pleasant, but unremarkable, Playa de Venus. The best beaches are found slightly to the west of the town centre. These include the 2km-long Playa de Casablanca and the Playa de Nagueles, both of which have lovely golden sand.
Another popular activity in Marbella is shopping, with numerous designer boutiques situated within the Old Town and along the the town's main thoroughfare, the Avenida Ramon y Cajal.
Getting to Marbella
Marbella is about 55km (33 miles) from Malaga's international airport. There is a direct bus service from the airport to Marbella bus station which takes around 45 minutes. For more information, visit ctsa-portillo.com. Taxis from the airport to Marbella cost around 60 euros.
Friends Link : Fascination Cruise Accommodation Coast Summer Trips
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