Welcome to Marbella Vacation
When you think of a summer vacation, with fancy Mediterranean touch, combined with Moorish influence, hospitality excellence, history and diversity of food delicacies, then you surely think of Marbella.
It was always intriguing to me to search and explore about Andalusia, remote south of Spain, and its fascinating cultural diversity. This is where friendship, family, respect and love for life comes first. I have traveled Andalusia many times, but I’ve never stayed more than a day, in charming summer resort of Marbella. Daily excursions from Malaga to Marbella were fine, but having a vacation there, despite how pricey it can be, was an interesting project to work on.
mabrella vacation logistics
Finally, in August 2015., based on personally created tour package, my wife, our five years old son and I, were ready for a 17 nights summer vacation in Marbella. As a family, we were always able to plan trips way in advance. Due to our specific jobs, it was only August, the most expensive month in Europe, where we could fit our summer adventure. Opportunity to book almost ten months ahead, leaves enough space for us to transform even the fanciest, celebrity destinations, into affordable dream vacation. Low cost airlines flying from Budapest to Malaga were certainly the best option. Round flight came to 750$ for three of us, with checked luggage included which was super great deal for the peak of the season. Finding affordable accommodation in Marbella was truly a challenge, but sooner you start, bigger choice you will have.
Our concept for summer vacations in Europe is renting an apartment, rather than staying in a hotel, and there are two important reasons. First: for a price of staying 7 nights in a 3 star hotel with breakfast included, we can stay two or three weeks in a rented apartment. Second: option to cook in our apartment (which we adore) allow us to prepare authentic, high quality local food, and spend way less than in any of the restaurants. Among all private accommodation booking websites, please check our best choices on our Travel Resources page. Sending enquiries and receiving feedbacks from the owners, provided our final solution for our vacation in Marbella. Very nice studio with kitchen, in a charming quiet street, two minutes walk from the beach and the old town, for 850$ for 17 nights!
“What you can do today, leave it for tomorrow.”
That was a deal of a century, and I was never able to find something similar again. Excitement was superb, when we landed in Malaga, another pearl of Andalusia, which I knew well from my previous trips. This was our time for Marbella, so we enjoyed 45min bus ride to the south west from Malaga. We were in the heart of exotic Costa del Sol – sunny and vibrant Riviera, with more than 300 days of beautiful sunshine per year. Marbella proudly represents superb, Spanish counterpart of French Saint Tropez or Italian Portofino, but with more relaxed mood. This becomes as a signature character of southern Spain and you should not be surprised seeing celebrities in five star Michelin restaurants, high-end shopping areas, beaches or night clubs, acting like any other visitor or a tourist.
dynamic history of marbella
If you dig a bit deeper through the history, it’s easy to recognize Marbella as a pure ancient city. It prospered even in Roman times, when it was called “the salt city”. Golden age came with marvelous seven centuries of Moorish culture, from which name Marbil-la originates. Heroic conquest of Marbella in 1485. by Spanish Catholic Monarchs, reshaped former mosques, palaces and castles. New chapter was opened, dominated by the rising power – Spanish Kingdom . Rough times of Spanish Civil War marked this town as destination heaven for dignitaries loyal to dictator Francisco Franco. After WWII, Marbella was a tiny village with less then 1000 inhabitants overlooked by La Concha Mountain and washed by the waters of the sea. Tourism initiative came with the first hotel opening in 1954. Pinnacle of luxury was 1970. and glamorous Puerto Banus marina opening, with Prince Ranier III and Grace Kelly in the VIP lounge. From that moment on, travel industry purpose building mania, flourished. Marbella, with its 135.000 inhabitants, 12km of golden sand waterfront and 12.5 million visitors per year, is a place where spirit and colors of the Mediterranean meet glamour, in a fascinating way. My family was keen to dive into this world and see it through their own eyes.
MARBELLA vacation BEACHES
Bajadilla beach
Morning hours were always so pleasant. We preferred easy walk to Bajadilla beach, where calm, clear sea water and a small bay provided exactly what every family needs. During our vacation in Marbella, majority of the beach space allowed bringing your own beach towels and parasols. You can simply pick your paradise spot and enjoy it until lunch time. Then it becomes truly hot. Our choices were either to walk back to our room and prepare quick, healthy lunch, or to relax and dine in some of numerous restaurants on the beach promenade. Cooking was what we did mostly for lunch, always with great joy. We prepared local fish with vegetables, salad and some wine for 35$, while beachfront restaurant option will come to around 70$ for two adults and a child. Some nice, resting time in air conditioned comfort of our studio was always desirable. Afternoon hours, after 4 PM, were just perfect for us to go back to the beach with plenty of activities.
Playa de Venus and Playa da Fontanilla
Next to Marbella port, Playa de Venus and Playa de Fontanilla beaches, offer plenty of entertaining staff for kids, outdoor play areas, and water sports. Our excitement was mostly focused on nice and big sea waves. Struggle with them is always challenging. For my son, this was the peak of fun, so he laughed no matter how much salty water we drunk through this activity. Mediterranean way to make kids active, with additional beach volleyball or climbing polygons is super interesting. It reminded me on our daily dynamics on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, with a slight, European touch. After a day like this, parents usually feel like being struck by a high speed train. That fact never stopped us to have a few drinks, in the nearest chiringuito – beach bar, overlooking deep blue ocean and thinking how great this life actually is.
MARBELLA PROMENADES AND the OLD TOWN
Evenings in Marbella are incredibly dynamic and “paseo” (a stroll) needs to be done. Quick shower in our room, casual wear, and we were ready for the famous Paseo Maritimo seafront promenade. Bars, restaurants, beach front hotels and apartments, palm trees trees and busy atmosphere, fill up Marbella’s prime seaside avenue. Here, one can really feel the vibe of Costa del Sol. From this iconic promenade, we loved to switch to Avenida del Mar. It is more a square than avenue, and serves as an artistic link between beach area and exotic Alameda park. Avenida del Mar represents free open space museum, adorned with ultra symbolical statues in bronze, designed by genius Catalan artist Salvador Dali. Human and animal bodies, sculpted in distinctive disproportional style of Dali, are brilliantly combined with cascades and fountains, making Avenida del Mar one of our favourites to stroll.
From this artistic hub, you can just cross the street and exotic vegetation will absorb you while walking through La Alameda park. Rest for a few minutes on a beautiful bench, made of local ceramic tiles, with painted scenes from Marbella’s history. Leaving colorful fountain and Alameda Park behind, and you are already at the “gates” of he old town, which was one of the highlights of our vacation in Marbella.
Busy shopping Avenue Ramon y Cajal, loaded with boutiques and outlets will be in front of you. Please wait for a few seconds to let some Porches and Bentleys to drive through, proving how rich and famous are still attracted by Marbella. Casco Antiguo ( the Old Town) was a daily must for my family, no matter how many times we walked through.
Delightful maze of narrow streets, with white washed facades, mixed with painted ceramic tiles and flowers, make every person keen to walk and discover more. Entire layout belongs to XV century, Spanish heritage. Visible remains of the old defensive city walls and Alcazaba fortress, always remind on glorious Moorish culture. I cannot describe my feeling while standing on the Plaza de los Naranjos, exotic and picturesque central square of Marbella old town. I was surrounded by orange trees, fountains, bright flowers on the balconies, smell of local delicacies and generous smile of locals.
culture and food heritage of marbella
History of Marbella was partly revealed through XVI century town hall, old Chapel of Santiago and authentic Governor’s House from 1552. Restaurants on the square were getting ready to serve dinner. No matter how pricey they can be, it was a real treat to taste delicious food, on a starry night, with the sounds from a bell tower of Our Lady of Incarnation Church.
Crispy espetos de sardinas (sardine skewers) were on the table. I squeezed a bit of lemon juice over, and had one, ice cold , Mahon beer for a starter dish from heaven. Then came traditional platter of fritura Malaguena (mixed seafood) with local patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), plus tender artichokes, seasoned with vinegar, olive oil and garlic.
After dinner, it was time for a quick family shopping. My son was ready to scan local souvenirs and toys. Meanwhile, my wife and I were focused on superb choice of Spanish shoe brands, creative art souvenirs, and beautiful, linen shirts. To round up our day, we usually ended up on Plaza de la Victoria, which is more authentic and bohemian than the other squares. On this square, Churreria Marbella makes the best sweet churros for my son. Dipping crispy churro (light dough fried pastry), in a hot chocolate, became almost a ritual for us. Day after day, we felt like locals being at home, rather than tourists on a vacation. Visiting local sea-food and vegetable market, or even regular grocery supplies contributed to every day, enjoyable excitement during our vacation in Marbella.
beyond marbella VACATION
We did our best to explore more of Marbella’s surroundings with half and full day excursions. This was a great surplus, making this vacation even more adventurous and educative. It was so easy to hop on a local bus, and in 25 minutes we were walking the streets of Puerto Banus. This glittering town can be easily called Monte Carlo of Costa del Sol, with its luxury marina, high fashion stores, top restaurants and beach clubs.
Puerto Banus fun time, Andalusia
Just one hour drive to the north, brings you to the fascinating historical town of Ronda, while the same driving time to the east, leads to another exotic jewel – Malaga. Traveling south west from Marbella, enables you to wave to the coast of Africa, from the iconic rock of Gibraltar.
Vacation in Marbella, with its surroundings, offer one of the most powerful, active holiday palette of experiences. It represents one of the most visited exotic destinations in the world. I was endlessly proud for my family, to participate in a cultural and tropical effect of southern Spain. After almost 20 days of pure enjoyment, we adopted so much from Andalusian way of life. It is just how it essentially needs to be – full of great moments, true human feelings flavored with family love, honest friendship and fascinating nature of the Mediterranean.
Famous Spanish mañana, mañana (what you can do today leave it for tomorrow and use your time to enjoy life), on Costa del Sol reaches its real meaning. Regarding your visit to Marbella, never leave it for tomorrow.
Feel it today, so you can remember it forever!
Notice: article images are made by Jonnie World Walker team.
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Discover Marbella in depth with Turismo Marbella where all information you need is collected. Amazing videos, maps, best excursions and traditional food is described so well, it will instantly motivate you to travel and visit south of Spain.
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There is no better chance to bring flavors of Marbella, then to prepare crispy churros at home and dip them into the warm chocolate. Check out this easy recipe brought by The Cooking Foodie.
