But Marbella has
a down to earth side as well, an air of individuality
which can be best appreciated by exploring back streets
in the old part of town. One of the prettiest places
is the fabled 'Orange Square' which is located just
off the main street in the older district and is also
home to the 16th century town hall and tourist office
where you can pick up a detailed map and visitor information.
Your visit might very well inspire you to consider living
in Marbella, if so click here for an introduction to
the neighbourhoods that make this such a charming place
to live.
Back to Orange Square, or "La Plaza de los Naranjos",
as it is called in Spanish, expect to meet with stately
buildings, small shops, art galleries, bars and bistros
and is a hub of activity day and night. And, depending
on the time of year, the colours here can be vibrant,
with the trees and exotic tropical plants set against
a backdrop of dazzling white buildings and a deep blue
sky.
Be sure to explore the honeycomb of surrounding narrow
streets where homes and shops intermingle to create
the atmosphere of a small village, rather than a cosmopolitan
town. There are numerous excellent restaurants to choose
from, ranging from those specialising in the predictably
pricey exclusive cordon bleu to the gritty individuality
of a backstreet Spanish bar where the Serrano ham is
gently cured by tobacco smoke and the tapas are both
tasty and filling.
Back towards the coast is the La Alameda park where
you can book your personal horse and carriage to travel
in style or, if you prefer, stroll on towards the sea
along the Avenida del Mar. This is arguably one of the
most delightful promenades on the costa, flanked by
classy restaurants and bars and mercifully free of concrete
skyscrapers, glass bottom boat trips, imported shells
and I love .... T. Shirts that are fast bringing a sameness
to coastal resorts, whether they be in Pathos, Cyprus
or Portimao, Portugal.
From Guadalalmina to Cabopino, the Marbella coastline
stretches along some 26 kilometres of sunny beaches
bathed by the Mediterranean and where you can enjoy
traditional fish and seafood favourites like sardines
on a spit, fried fish and the incomparable paella. There
are also two large parks in Marbella which provide some
welcome shade to spend some time with a book. The amphitheatre
at Constitution Park (once the garden of a private residence)
is frequently used for concerts and plays in the summer.
Casinos, clubs and just about every sporting activity
under the sun, few places can match Marbella for world
class tennis, sailing and golf. There are also three
pleasure craft harbours here.
However for the ultimate in coastal charisma it would
be hard to beat Puerto Banus, just west of the town.
This is the place to be pampered yachtside and watch
the world go by or window shop at one of several of
the world renowned fashion houses and boutiques. The
port has grown considerably over the years and now includes
a casino, commercial shopping centre, El Corte Ingles
department store, marine observatory and a multi cinema
with films shown in their original soundtrack. The nightlife
is buzzing here with alfresco bars, piano clubs and
discos which are open dusk until dawn.
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