Isabel Preysler is a lively person and a lover of luxury, so it is not surprising that her favorite place to go on holiday in Spain is Marbella, the most glamorous destination on the entire Costa del Sol. Lately, she has taken a liking to going to Ibiza with Tamara Falcó, but she has been spending her summers in this corner of the south of Malaga for many, many years.
Despite his boom Overcrowded, with its very expensive shops, nightclubs and tourist traps, some parts of Marbella still retain their traditional essence and the charm of an old fishing village. It is something that can be breathed in its whitewashed houses, in its flowery cobblestone streets and in its smell of saltpeter. Therefore, today we are going to discover the Marbella that hides behind the spotlights.
What to see in Marbella, Malaga
You have to go to Marbella without prejudice, avoiding falling into the stereotype of a 'guiri' destination that so tarnishes its magic. Surrounded by the Sierra Blanca, this town has a beautiful and very Andalusian historic center, with bougainvillea, geraniums and narrow, picturesque alleys that still maintain their medieval framework. In fact, you can still see some of the towers from the 9th century near the church of La Encarnación, which was built later, in the 18th century.
The Plaza de los Naranjos has been the heart of Marbella since 1504, today full of secluded and beautiful terraces where you can rest in the shade of the orange trees. There is the Town Hall, the hermitage of Santiago and the beautiful Casa del Corregidor, with a balcony that is a work of art. Especially if we take into account that it was made in the 16th century.
Guadalmina Hot Springs
The Middle Ages are not the oldest things that Marbella can offer us. Before being a traditional fishing village in Malaga, this place was already populated by Romans and Arabs. There are also vestiges of this, such as the Roman villa of Río Verde or the Guadalmina hot springs.
Of course, Marbella revolves around the sea and its promenade attests to this: Avenida del Mar has spectacular views of the Mediterranean, decorated with sculptures by Dalí. Its beaches are not far behind in majesty: from Capobino to Guadalmina there are almost 30 kilometers of coast with soft, golden sand, turquoise waters and all the services. Puerto Banús is also in the heart of everything, but it is not part of that more authentic Marbella.
Where to eat cheap and delicious in Marbella, Málaga
In Marbella there are more than 800 restaurants, so you won't have a problem with the offer. Not with the price either, because if you escape the tourist menus there are real hidden gems. The Bar Diamante restaurant is the best, of the few restaurants in town that still serves local fish and seafood. Traditional cuisine without frills with grilling, frying and market products. And if you are more into tapas, in Cotxino the Kava bar has an omelet, some croquettes and a salad that makes you cry with happiness.
What to do near Marbella, Malaga
Just over an hour from Marbella, if we drive inland, we will reach the incredible Ronda, the city that rises over an abyss and is divided into two halves, joined by the iconic Puente Nuevo, a work from the 18th century that seems taken from our imagination. Its old Andalusian town, its Arab baths, its hiking trails…everything in Ronda is worth a getaway, at least to spend the day near Marbella.
In Xataka | Clint Eastwood thinks about the United States: “It's not like Europe, there aren't many more original art forms here.”
In DAP | Dariush Mozaffarian, cardiologist: “People obsess about protein, when they should focus on healthy fats. They are the most important group of nutrients.”
