Marbella is the smartest - and the most expensive - of all the Costa del Sol resorts. Of course it's over developed but the Old Quarter retains its Andulacian charm while Puerto Banus, about six kilometres (4 miles) to the west of Marbella is awash with floating gin palaces and an accompanying array of the rich and famous.
Beaches
Shopping
Golf courses
Eating out
Nightlife
People watching
Not for anyone with car envy. Marbella is said to have more Porsches per square kilometre than anywhere else in the world.
Spain is a full member of the European Union. EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Spain. You are required by law to have your passport with you at all times and you may be asked to produce it when you use a credit card.
The weather in Marbella is mild all year - not too cold in winter and not too hot in summer. The yearly average temperature is 19°C/66°F
Malaga airport, eight kilometres west of Malaga, is the main airport forMarbella. It takes about two and three quarter hours to fly from London to Malaga and about 40 minutes to drive from the airport to Marbella.
It's easy to hire a car in Marbella. It is a legal requirement in Spain to carry two red triangles, one of which must be placed in front, and one behind the vehicle if there’s an accident. Spanish law also prohibits talking on a mobile phone when you are driving unless you have a hands-free phone.