Many of Marbella’s historic structures date to the 16^th century. The compact historic quarter is easily traversed on foot, with an ideal tour of the city beginning at the plaza de los Naranjos with its historic Town Hall and continuing on to Saint Mary’s cathedral. Selwo Nature Park and Puerto Banus, two popular daytrip destinations, can both be easily reached by hire car.

Plaza de los Naranjos
This historic city square takes its name from the numerous, white-blossomed orange trees that line its perimeter. The main attractions here include the Town Hall, the 16^th century Casa Consistorial and the Nuesto Senor Santiago Hermitage. Beyond the historic sites that it cradles, the plaza itself is a worthwhile attraction, characterised by white-washed houses and beautiful floral arrangements.

Puerto Banus
Less than four miles from Marbella’s city centre, Porto Banus is one of the region’s essential tourist attractions. In fact, more than four million visitors arrive here every year to make use of the facilities, which include expansive shopping options, an aquarium and a casino. In all, the marina holds nearly 1,000 moorings for yachts of various sizes, and it isn’t uncommon to see some of the world’s wealthiest vacationers docking their luxury yachts here throughout the year.

Saint Mary’s Cathedral
Called the Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Encarnacion in Spanish, this church dates to the early 1600s. Visitors enter through a red Baroque doorway built from stone and are greeted by a portrait of San Bernabe, Marbella’s patron saint, presiding over the central altar. This three-nave cathedral was restored after the Spanish Civil War, and its most recent addition is the spectacular organ which was added in the 1970s.

Selwo Nature Park
Located off the N340 highway, this African safari park is home to 2,000 free-ranging animals. Safari trucks and all-terrain vehicles cart visitors through many of the main attractions although portions of the park (such as the 350-ft bridge to the main village) are only accessible on foot. Plan on viewing lions, bears, rhinos, tigers, antelope and gnus, among many other smaller species.

Town Hall
Situated on the plaza de Naranjos, Marbella’s town hall was built in the 1500s. Exterior features include a sundial at the corner of the building and a cornerstone that memorialises the 15^th century conquest that recaptured the city from the Moors. The uppermost floor boasts a Mudejar-style ceiling and several elaborate murals that date to the time of the building’s construction. Phone: +34 952 77 14 42.