√ Marbella (Spain): information on the city, what to visit and what to do in Marbella?

Marbella

Population: ~ 100.000

Time difference to London - Time zone GMT/UTC: 1 hour (+/- changes due summertime/daylight saving)

Climate, weather: 14ºC - 20ºC (61ºF - 69ºF) from October to March spring-like with occasional showers in the winter, 24ºC - 26ºC (75ºF - 85ºF) from April to September, comfortable and dry in the summer.

► Basic information on Spain

Marbella is a marvellous town located right in the middle of the 'Costa del Sol-Costa del Golf'. Its origins date all the way back to 1600 BC, when it was founded by the Romans and called 'Salduba' a settlement of the 'Via Augusta'.

In the year 711 the Moors invaded and conquered much of the Iberian Peninsula and under their rule Marbella became a prosperous town called 'Marbi-la'. Here you can study Spanish with the rich and famous or maybe learn while catching a ride on one of the many yachts docked in the port.

Marbella (Spain) - Things to See:

• Old city center – Casco Antiguo
• Bonsai Museum
• Beach boardwalk promanade

Marbella (Spain) - Local Fiestas and Festivals:

• Fair and Fiestas of San Bernabé - the patron saint of the city. (Week of June 11th)

Facts and Figures

Marbella county covers a total area of 114.3 sq km (44 sq mi) and 26 km (16 mi) of coastline.

It comprises several important urban sites: Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucia and Las Chapas, as well as several suburbs. According to 1998 data, the population amounted to 98,377 voting people, and was estimated to grow to over 105,000 during by the year 2001.

Typical Andalusian style

Throughout its long history Marbella has offered its visitors a typical Andalusian style, with narrow little streets, whitewashed houses, historical town squares decorated with flowers and the warm blue Mediterranean lapping at its beaches.

Fauna and Flora

The land is rich in cork oaks, oaks, pines, fig trees, chestnuts, carob trees and, of course, olive trees. It is not that abundant in its fauna, although Hispanic goats, foxes, rabbits and Mediterranean partridges can be found. Unsimilarly, the sea offers a wide variety of species, such as sardines, hinds, porgies, saurels, red mullets, as well as mussels, clams, etc.

The Historic Center

Being one of the most patent stamps of the past we must show you the alcazaba wall. That is to say, what is most popularly known as "The Castle".

This wall held inside it the first and most primitive city of Marbella, although this did not take long in spilling over the walls, extending its arms over what is today known as the old town.

The Town Hall in Plaza de los Naranjos

The Town Hall in Plaza de los Naranjos is in the heart of the old part of the city and the center of a bustling shopping district.

The role of the Municipal Government is to manage and run all the activities and businesses that affect Marbella and its residents.

This is achieved, through council sessions to which the public can attend, thus allowing the public to get to know our town better.

Marbella Bonsai Museum

Unique in Spain. It holds an exhibition of bonsais that have been recognized to be one of the best in Europe, having the best olive trees in Bonsai in the world. The visit to the Museum, situated on the Doctor Maiz Avenue (Arroyo de la Represa Park), is an impacting event, and makes us reflect about the wonders of Mother Nature, at the same time that it gives us the chance to enjoy these small works of art.

Museo del Grabado Español Contemporaneo

Considered to be one of the best in the world, it is situated in the ancient Bazan Hospital within the Old Town of Marbella. The Museum, (which also has a school workshop inside) is an obliged center for high level international exhibitions of engravings and is a requested visit from all over the world by those who love art.

Fontanilla Beach

Due to its location and characteristics, this beach is situated within the urban area of Marbella and is 800 m long and 30 m wide, made up of a course black sand. The whole beach is flanked by the pedestrian promenade or boardwalk and it is next to the Leisure Port in Marbella.

Nagüeles Beach

Located on the Golden Mile of Marbella, next to the Marbella Club community. It is 800 meters long and some 50 meters wide, made up by blonde colored sand proceeding from a regeneration process.

The beach is flanked by a recently built promenade.

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