Since the opening of the Marbella Club Hotel in the 1950s, Marbella has been synonymous with the glamorous resort lifestyle of Spain’s Costa del Sol. Once a string of several sleepy fishing villages, the Costa del Sol has transformed into a highly successful holiday destination that draws more than 13 million passengers annually to the airport in capital city, Málaga.

Backed by the majestic Sierra Blanca mountain range, Marbella lies between Fuengirola and Puerto Banus in Spain’s Andalusia province. In its more than 50 years of history, this resort has hosted its share of the world’s elite and famous. Most of today’s visitors hail from the UK and Germany.

The city’s historic infrastructure dates to the 1500s. The heart of the historic district centres on the plaza de los Naranjos, a lovely town plaza fringed by white-blossomed orange trees. Here is the 16^th century Town Hall, the city’s historic iglesia. Artwork by Andalusia’s own, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali are prevalently featured at local museums. Also of note is the unique Bonsai Museum in Parque de la Represa.

Only four miles west of Marbella, Puerto Banus boasts a collection of lavish boutique retailers and a bustling marina. Fine dining and a formidable nightlife characterise this playground for the rich and famous.

Marbella offers ample accommodation options ranging from quaint and historic inns in the city centre to sprawling beachfront resorts that offer all of the amenities that vacationers have come to expect from such upmarket venues. The most impressive hotels offer deluxe sporting facilities, beach equipment and seaside dining.

Conveniently connected to the airport in Málaga via the N340 coastal highway, Marbella can be reached by bus or, more conveniently, by hire car. The train travels as far as Fuengirola, from which point passengers must use other transportation options. It is also possible to arrive to the west at the airport at Gibraltar. In either event, travel time from Marbella to both of these airports is roughly 30 minutes.

Marbella is sheltered from the humid winds that sweep into neighbouring valleys, keeping the climate mild and comfortable throughout the year. Average high temperatures peak at around 28°C between the months of June and August. Rain is very rare during this time, and plentiful sunshine ensures a high turnout at the local beaches.

Rainfall is more plentiful during the winter months, and average night-time temperatures dip below 10°C between the months of December and February. Daytime temperatures during December and January are still pleasant though they rarely reach 20°C. The flowers of spring begin to bloom in February, after which time average temperatures increase and rainfall begins to diminish.