Attractions & Map

A favourite destination for the rich and famous, Marbella mixes the glamour of today's international jet set together with the charms of old Moorish Spain. It has an endless supply of world-class restaurants, luxury hotels, spectacular golf courses, fashionable shops, as well as a lovely marina and a vast number of lively bars and clubs to keep you entertained till sunrise. Marbella's charming Old Town is a warren of whitewashed streets with authentic tapas bars while six kilometres west, glitzy Puerto Banús is host to super yachts, designer outlets and gold-card dining.

The surrounding area is also fascinating and beautiful, each destination offering its own individual qualities. We have listed the ‘white village’ of Mijas and the mountain village of Benahavis as particular highlights but there is much more to discover. Please explore the destinations listed below and use the links to read more and so discover the wealth of options available along the Costa del Sol.

Marbella Old Town

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The ruins of an ancient Arab wall mark the boundary of the old town, partially enclosing a warren of narrow, cobbled streets that meander in and out of shaded squares and past colourful gardens of historic, white washed houses. Marbella is a treasure trove of historical monuments with Orange Square (c. 1458) at its centre and, at the same time, it coexists perfectly with the luxury of the modern and exclusive residential estates that lie around it.

Puerto Banus

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The epicentre of glitz and glamour on the Costa del Sol, this is the place to see and be seen; a marina full of luxury yachts, some of the best restaurants on the coast, the liveliest bars, the most exclusive boutiques, all along the beautiful Muelle Rivera water-front. Although it is expensive, dinner in Puerto Banús is a true pleasure and highly recommended. A day-trip to visit the world-famous boutiques is another must.

Mijas

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Mijas is known as the ‘White Village’, the reason for which is pretty self-explanatory when you see its hundreds of white-washed buildings. It lies on the west side of the Costa del Sol, up in the mountains, 428 metres above sea level which allows for spectacular views over the Costa del Sol. It is very cosmopolitan with over sixty nationalities residing in the area including many English speaking residents. This large range of nationalities is apparent from the varied international cuisine on offer in the village as well as traditional Andalucian dishes and a local favourite of egg soup. If you come to Mijas be sure to witness some traditional flamenco dancing.

Benahavis

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Benahavis is a lovely little village set up in the mountains 500 metres above sea level, 7km away from the coast and a 10 minute drive from Marbella. It’s reached by driving through the Rio Guadalmina gorge up into the hills, its then best to park before you enter the village and walk in from there. The buildings are ancient, small and Spanish white, cut up by windy thin cobbled streets that are lined with orange trees.

Museo Picasso, Malaga

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It is easy to understand why Malaga City is dubbed the Capital of the Costa del Sol. Once considered to be the poor cousin of Andalusia’s capital city, Seville, it now competes successfully for attention. Since the opening of the already well acclaimed Picasso Museum in 2003, cultural tourists have been flocking to this and the now beautifully refurbished birthplace of the great artist, all in the heart of the historic centre of the city.