Introduction:

Marbella, the playground of the super-rich and the fabulously famous is an electric mix of glitz, glamour, class and coastal charisma. Stretching from Marbella to Puerto Banus, the “Golden Mile’ seafront is an awesome exhibition of some of the most magnificent yachts in the world. Ferraris cruising the quayside are so common it considered de rigeur. An irresistible combination of warm winters, mild summers, less than 40 rainy days a year and a plethora of sporting activities and fabulous beaches make Marbella, located in the Province of Malaga, one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world. With the spectacular Sierra Blanca Mountains in close vicinity to the pristine white sandy beaches, visitors can go scuba diving and snow skiing all in one day! For those who love the rugged outdoors, the tall La Concho peak and the Juanar - El Pozuelo offer impressive trails for hiking. This nature-lovers paradise, with an amazing diversity in flora and fauna provide plenty of delightful bird watching opportunities.

History:

Marbella’s history dates back thousand of years B.C. Recent archaeological discoveries hint at Phoenician settlements around the 7th century B.C. Other discoveries in the Sierra Blanca mountain range are testimony to the long history that dates back to the barbaric Neolithic and the primal Palaeolithic Ages. The Arab influence predominated for eight centuries, during which time Marbella remained a city that was walled-in and protected from invaders and outside influences. Although Christianity was restored in Marbella in later years by the Catholic Kings, the architectural influence prevailed and is evident everywhere.

Site Seeing:

From beaches to mountains, churches to museums, amusement parks to ancient ruins, there is plenty to see and do in Marbella. A must-do is a visit to the Selwo, Costa del Sol, a nature park where animals from five continents co-exist peacefully in special semi-wild conditions. Different zones feature different animals from exotic birds such as the Steppe Eagle, the Condor and the Eagle Owl to some of the biggest mammals in the world including elephants, lions, Bengal tigers and giraffes. Exciting adventures await you at this natural park. You could choose to experience the thrill of walking along the overhead walkway route high above the forest floor, test your archery skills and marvel at the massive man-made bird canyon where a huge variety of bird species fly freely. The extraordinary re-creation of the tropical forest habitats at the Fuengirola Zoo is only one of the features that make this zoo unique. A walk through the zoo will carry you to remote forests in Madagascar, Southeast Asia and Equatorial Africa. State-of-the-art technical expertise and high quality facilities make this zoo one of the best in all of Europe. Education, research and conservation are the cornerstone of this fascinating zoo where you can observe the behaviour of small mammals and birds in environments similar to their natural habitats. Take a ride on the Benalmadena cable car if you dare. The Malaga Province, 769 metres above sea level is the highest point and offers spectacularly panoramic views of the Costa del Sol, the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Guadalhorce Valley. On a clear day you can even see the coast of Africa and Gibraltar. Marvel at the many sights as you walk along footpaths that are perfectly signposted. Spend a day at Puerto Banus if only to ogle at the uber-luxurious yachts sailing on the shimmering waters, indulge yourself in the chic stores and experience exquisite dining at some of the most elegant restaurants. The dark blue sea makes a fascinating contrast with the pristine white buildings. The Plaza de los Naranjos is the geographical as well as the social centre of the city. This Andalusian style square gets its name from the abundance of orange trees that grow there. Admire the architecture of the 17th century Casa del Corregidor, 16th century town-hall and the 15th century Renaissance fountain. Culture buffs can explore the Casco Antiguo, Marbella’s Old City, with its cobbled winding streets, ancient castles, historical churches, lime-washed facades and numerous charming local stores. some of the ancient attractions include the ruins of the Moorish fortress from the 9th century, the Bazán Palace and the Iglesia de la Encarnación church from the 16th century. The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engravings is housed within the Bazán Palace and features works of Dalí, Picasso, Tapies and Miró among others. The Archaeological Museum at the Plaza de Naranjos has on display several interesting items from the Paleochristian, Visigothic and Roman epochs. The Arrollo de la Ripresa, showcasing an impressive collection of micro-trees in its Bonsai museum is just one of the many amazing parks in Marbella. Spend a day with the family at the Funny Beach, where there is something for every one, from Go Karts and Mini-motorbike to Trampolines, Jet-skis and Water-skis.

Industry:

Tourism is the mainstay of the industry in Marbella and employment opportunities are seasonal. From May to September coastal jobs abound with plenty of opportunities in restaurants, clubs, bars and water-based activities. The construction industry is currently booming with several new houses, apartments and hotels springing up everywhere.

Gastronomy:

Lunch time offers plenty of gastronomical delights from the savoury gazpacho and paella, to an endless variety of rice dishes and the delicious home-made hors d'oeuvres or tapas that is characteristic of this region.

Nightlife:

The pulsating night life in Marbella is a non-stop whirl of clubs, discotheques and pubs. If you are looking for something more swish and sophisticated head on over to the “Golden Mile” with its glittering array of star-studded night clubs and restaurants. Plenty of night clubs offer karaoke opportunities for those who would like to sing the night away. For others who would  rather listen there are plenty of restaurants that feature live bands that play all night.

Summary:

A visit to this exciting beach resort along the Mediterranean coast promises an exclusive holiday with plenty of opportunities to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. The pristine beaches, the spectacular mountains and the charming city with its many unique attractions give Marbella a charming personality all its own.

Useful Business Links for Marbella:

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