Marbella
When you take a long hard look at Marbella, and its elite inhabitants, it’s hard to imagine that in the nineteenth century Marbella was one of the areas where Spain’s mining industry was most highly developed. The blast furnaces that were used to smelt the iron that was extracted from mines in the Sierra Blanca have been replaced with designer fashion houses and stretch limousines. In a little more than a century Marbella has gone from being a reference for world industry, to a palm lined paradise for the rich and famous.
Now the second largest city in the province of Málaga, this huge conglomeration was home in the early days to the first few settlers in the Palaeolithic Era.
The discovery of tools and weapons in Coto Correa in Las Chapas has shown evidence of this area’s early history, and apart from a Phoenician archaeological site at Rio Rea little evidence exists of civilisation until the time of the Carthaginian presence.
With attractions such as the world famous marina at Puerto Banus, and a climate just perfect to top up that tan, its small wonder the tourists flock here in the droves. Due to Marbella’s geographical positioning, and the La Concha mountain range that surrounds it, this area enjoys a unique microclimate. The temperature is mild throughout the year, and there are no harsh winters.
Marbella has had its ups and down regarding prestige throughout the years. In the 1950’s Marbella was turned into a playground for the international jet set due to the Marbella Club Hotel being built by Prince Alfonso Von Holenlohe of Liechtenstein.
For the next 30 years wealthy Arabs built luxury villas and spent their summer vacations in Marbella, however with the recession in the 1980’s Marbella went into decline. In 1991 the new mayor Jesus Gil set about restoring Marbella to its former glory and rid the streets of the drug addicts, prostitutes and petty criminals, paved the streets in marble and planted beautiful exotic trees.
Marbella has over 26 kilometers of sandy beaches from Guadalalmina to Cabopino. The old section of Marbella has fabulous narrow streets with secluded patios, chic boutiques and quaint cafes. In the past 10 years shopping in Marbella changed from small shops selling Hand Made Clothing and Jewellery to giving residents a choice of large super store chains such as El Corte Inglés and the ultra modern La Cañada shopping centre.
Property in Marbella is now some of the most expensive in Europe if not the world, and regardless of cost it is highly sort after. The next time you are on the Costa del Sol come to Marbella, this wonderland of opulence is truly worth a visit.
Visitors and residents in Marbella can enjoy a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy. If you feel the need to get the rhythm going, take a salsa class or visit one of the fabulous nightclubs where you can dance till dawn.
Down on the beaches, the adventure seekers can try out parasailing, or jet skiing in the Mediterranean. Maybe sitting back with a glass of wine in your hand on a sea excursion or cruise out to sea on a luxury rented yacht would be more preferable. Marbella has it all from playing a round of tennis or horse riding to sitting outside a chic café just watching the world go by.
