Marbella

It is now the second largest city in Malaga province and the certainly the most infamous. Since its beginnings in the Palaeolithic period and the Neolithic period it became occupied by the Romans who marked their passage with the Río Verde villa and the Guadalmina bathhouses. Some people say that it was the Romans you laid the foundations to what we see today.

The Moors built an Acazaba know as “The Castle” to contain the city within its walls. The people soon spread outside the Alcaza into what is today known as the old town. An area of typical Moorish architecture with narrow, twisting streets.

When the Catholic Kings defeated the Moors in 1485 it was bestowed the title of “Noble and Loyal City”, a lot of money was spent on government buildings. Take a stroll around the Plaza de los Naranjos “Orange Square” and see the ornante Town Hall built in 1568.

One of its best known fiestas is Saint Bernabé the Patron Saint of Marbella which takes place round 11th June to commemorate the reconquista in 1485.

These are Andalucian party days, with flamenco music and dancing, typical Spanish dresses, fairground rides and plenty of wine and tapas until the early hours, when it’s chocolate, churros and bed – usually around 6am.

See hotels in Marbella.

The town is synonymous with wealth film stars and expensive cars, luxurious dining and shopping and of course many specatacular yachts.

Puerto Banus is the berth for these yachts and many big names get spotted around the first marina-style yacht harbour with its designer boutiques and never-closing night-life.