Marbella has so much to offer. Laid out over two halves, the town provides a bustling beach life along the Paseo Marítimo with shops, bars and beach clubs, while the historic Old Town offers a delightful blend of flower-bedecked, white-washed buildings, chic boutiques and fine dining in one of the prettiest town centres in Andalucía.
However, many who visit this beautiful town don’t realise that there is so much to do and see away from the main tourist areas. In fact, Andalucía is the second largest region in Spain, and home to a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, beaches and agricultural plains, and is known for its rich history and cultural traditions.
Where to go
Málaga, city of culture
We would suggest that one of the first places to visit is the region’s capital, Málaga. Now rebranded as a cultural hub following extensive renovation over the past decade, this vibrant port city has everything you could want for a change of scenery and it’s just an hour away from Marbella. It has been nicknamed the city of museums, with a range of museums that is surprising for a city of its size. The rehoused Picasso Museum takes pride of place in the artist’s hometown or visit the Museum of Málaga housed in the attractive neoclassical Palacio de la Aduana, or the old Customs Building. Nearby is the Muelle Uno, or Pier One, and the Pompidou Centre, a branch of the storied Parisian modern art museum. With over 40 museums to choose from, Málaga should definitely be on any culture-vulture’s radar. There is so much more to see, including the Alcazaba, the Cathedral, theatres – as well, of course, the huge range of gastronomic delights to be found in and around the city. Go for a weekend and you certainly won’t be bored.
Pueblos blancos
A rich part of Andalucian history, the pueblos blancos, or white villages, are well worth a day trip out.
One of the most famous white villages is Ronda, perched high above the Guadalevín River that divides the old town from the new at El Tajo gorge. Here you will find the famous bridge, Puente Neuvo, which stands 120m over the canyon floor, is rather misnamed as it was actually finished in 1793.
There’s even a blue village – Juzcar, in the Valle del Genal in the Serranía de Ronda Mountain Range was painted blue for a Smurf movie in 2011, and never repainted to its original white. It’s a fun place to visit with a zip wire and adventure route around the community, placed in a stunning natural setting, it’s a great place to visit for members of the family from young to old.
There is so much to see and do in Marbella and its surrounding area, we really could continue much more, however, if you are looking for property from which to explore this beautiful part of Southern Spain, we’d be delighted to chat further. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.