In the heart of Costa del Sol (also called Costa del Golf) is Marbella; a city which offers an authentic Spanish ambience as well as an international jet set atmosphere. The Marbella-area has experienced a remarkable development the last 10 years with infrastructure and facilities in a class of its own on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Marbella has kept the unique Andalucian feeling with narrow streets and charming alleys while at the same time being the most international and elegant city on the coast. The Old Town has many cozy restaurants and numerous shops. A stroll along the Paseo Maritimo, a walkway along the beach from Marbella to Puerto Banus, takes about an hour. A dip in the ocean or a refreshing drink and good food at one of the many Chiringuitos (beach bar) can be tempting. The facelift of the Marbella-area has made this coastal line a very attractive place to settle down.
Puerto Banus:Only 5 minutes drive from Marbella through the exclusive area called the Golden Mile is Puerto Banus; a meeting place for celebrities and royalties, and Spain's answer to St. Tropez in France. It is one of Europe's most exclusive yacht harbors with well known design boutiques, casino, marvelous restaurants, and a lively nightlife. This is a place where you sit down on one of the many outdoor cafés in the harbor with a refreshing Tinto de Verano and tasteful tapas, simply enjoying the pulsing atmosphere. Every Saturday, the market by the bullring stadium offers everything from decorating items to quality clothing. You may also test your bargaining skills. Puerto Banus is also the gateway to the beautiful golf valley in Nueva Andalucia.
San Pedro:
Five more minutes down the coast is San Pedro de Alcantara; a lively coastal town with refreshing and unpretentious Spanish atmosphere. The development plan for the Nueva Alcantara area towards the ocean is extensive. When this area is finished in 2012 and the main road is lead through a tunnel to be built, San Pedro will become one of the jewels of the coast. Every Thursday is Market Day where the shops are moved on to the street with offers irresistible to bargain hunters. In the second week of October, San Pedro hosts the last Andalucian Feria of the summer with street dancing and fun fairs for a whole week.
Estepona:
After San Pedro, the coastal road passes through the exclusive Guadalmina area and down the coastline known as the New Golden Mile. At the end of this long beach, is Estepona; a nice town that has kept its original coastal charm while still providing all tourist facilities. In the Old Town, there are many good restaurants and bodegas with friendly people and prices looking more Spanish. Estepona also has a nice walkway along the beach, and after midnight in the harbor both young and old are dancing the traditional Sevillana side by side.
Climate:The Spanish Costa del Sol has long been known to have the best climate in Europe with 320 days of sun per year and temperatures ranging from 16 to 30 degrees Celsius all year. Sierra Nevada, the mountain chain surrounding the Marbella area, is the reason for the good weather since the rain and cold winds from the Atlantic Ocean is pushed further up the coast to the Costa Blanca area. As such, the conditions for a life of high quality are excellent for those who move to Costa del Sol on a permanent or temporary basis. Click the weather button to see how the sun shines in Marbella right now and the days ahead.
Golf & Beaches:The Marbella authorities have given priority to golf to stabilize the tourist traffic throughout the year. This focus has resulted in over 50 high quality Golf Courses within a half-hour's drive from Marbella. Therefore, the coast is now also called the Costa del Golf, which makes this area nothing but a golfer's paradise.
The area can also boast about more than 25 kilometers of nice sandy beaches where all thinkable water sports are being offered. The beaches east of Marbella are particularly child friendly with shallow shores, little waves, and fine white sand. There are many Chiringuitos (beach bars) which rent out beach beds and sell food and drinks.
Andalucia and leisure activities:Costa del Sol belongs to the province of Andalucia, which offers a lot of authentic Spanish culture. It is tempting to sometimes escape from the lively international atmosphere of the coast to the rustic Spanish countryside. Here you can experience fiery flamenco, flaming salsa, bullfight festivals, inspiring fiestas in a happy sherry ambience, and interesting medieval ruins. Exciting Sevilla, the Moorish Granada with the Alhambra fortress, one of Spain's oldest cities Ronda, and the flamenco capital Cordoba with the world's best guitarists and dancers, are just 1 to 2 hours drive from Marbella. Madrid is not more than a 4,5 hours drive away on very good highways. If you get bored with beach, golf and culture, only 2 hours away Sierra Nevada ski resort offers top down hill skiing conditions from November until March.
Health services:
The Marbella-area has a very well developed health sector with modern hospitals and many private clinics offering everything from general health care to plastic surgery. Although public health services cover most of your potential needs, it may be advantageous to buy a private health insurance. You may then have a choice of doctor and do not have to wait in lines.
Schools:
There are several well-renounced international schools in Marbella for grades 1 to 12. In particular, Aloha College by Puerto Banus keeps a high international standard with teaching in English. There are also schools for Norwegian and Swedish pupils in Fuengirola. If you want to learn Spanish, there are an abundance of language schools in the area.
Planes:
Marbella is situated between the airports of Malaga and Gibraltar, 30 minutes from each. There are good direct connections from all over Europe, and many charter companies fly regularly to Malaga. In the high season during summer, flights are more frequent.
