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Marbella

Glamorous and exclusive

Population: 115,871 Distance from Málaga airport: 55 km (34 miles) Nearest VIVA office: El Rosario - Head office, five minutes from Marbella town centre Click here for maps and addresses > Click here for information about properties in Marbella >

What's it like in Marbella?

Marking the midway point between Málaga and Sotogrande, Marbella is a sophisticated blend of high society, exclusive shopping and seaside neigbourhoods, bathed in some of the most consistently sunny weather in Europe. Leading the wave of residential and commercial development on the Costa del Sol for much of the last twenty years, Marbella has risen from the ranks of a quiet fishing village to become Andalucía's most popular and renowned resort thanks to a pleasant combination of culture, commerce and sun that is difficult to beat. That combination has helped draw an array of visitors from across the world giving Marbella a uniquely international personality in the heart of Spain's most traditional region.

First developed as a hideaway for those in search of a discreet brand of luxury, Marbella has evolved into a varied collection of elegant residential areas surrounding a busy central business district and the famous Golden Mile; a lengthy stretch of the town's most exclusive shops, hotels, restaurants and residences, including the late Saudi King Fahd's palatial estate. Extending into the foothills towards the La Concha mountain peak, Marbella's Sierra Blanca neighbourhood showcases some of Andalucía's finest architectural treasures, with breathtaking villas set high above the town's long coastline. Presenting a more accessible side to the famous locale, Marbella's centre is a dynamic blend of family-friendly restaurants and shops, surrounding the peaceful Alameda Park and the narrow streets and orange-tree lined plazas of its fabulous Old Town. The cultural centre of Marbella, the Old Town welcomes visitors throughout the year to a number of local festivals and celebrations and to see clear remnants of the town's rich history. Marbella's seaside promenade is one of the Costa del Sol's busiest and most popular, attracting a steady stream of families and younger visitors to its long line of cafes, tapas bars, boutiques and ice-cream parlours.

Healthy, wealthy and wise

As the focal point for much of the attention and activity along the Costa del Sol, Marbella has no shortage of services and amenities, including the Costa del Sol Hospital and countless smaller private medical and aesthetic centres such as the famous Molding Clinic.
The town's diverse population has resulted in a number of international schools opening their doors in Marbella, including St. Javier's and Swan's international primary schools and The English International College. Additional educational programmes are available in neighbouring Nueva Andalucía at the Aloha College. Several sports facilities, ranging from high-end gyms to municipal soccer pitches can be found across town as well as a number of public parks and green spaces, ideal for jogging or an evening stroll, including the Paco Cantos Deportivo Park, offering spectacular views overlooking the town centre. Banking and financial investment offices are spread throughout town as are a number of chemists open 24 hours a day.

Stepping out

Brimming with activity throughout the year, it's not necessary to wait for the June town fair for a good time – though it's definitely not to be missed either. Cafes, bars and award-winning restaurants, including two Michelin star establishments, fill the town centre and extend out in every direction, providing an endless supply of dining and leisure choices, whatever your taste might be. From the quaint plaza cafes of the Old Town to the renowned eateries along the Golden Mile and on to the beachside "chiringuitos" serving the freshest seafood, Marbella really is a culinary adventure. The town's nightlife follows a similar path, providing an ideal night out for just about anyone. Look out for some of the more exclusive and seasonal spots down the Golden Mile such as the summer-only Suite del Mar and the famously sophisticated Olivia Valére night club and exclusive eatery.

Stretching far beyond the town centre, Marbella's beaches are some of the most active on the Coast, offering all sorts of activities to choose from, including the NH Hotel's beachside chiringuito and Spain's one and only Nikki Beach day and night club and restaurant. While widely known for its social activities, Marbella also boasts an increasingly active arts and culture scene, including a number of private galleries, the Ralli Museum, and the annual Marbella Jazz Festival each May when locations across town are turned into temporary music venues. Marbella also provides a wide variety of family-friendly activities including jet ski rentals, beach attractions and plenty of shopping opportunities, both in town and at the La Cañada commercial centre, located at its north end.

For further information on Marbella and the properties we have available there, use the form below to let us know what you're looking for and we will be in touch with a selection of our best properties in the area!

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