Marbella is probably one of the best known, most popular and best liked resorts on the Costa del Sol, within Andalucia. With 3000 hours of sunshine a year, along with a very agreeable climate, it is difficult to find better conditions anywhere in Europe. La Concha mountain in the Sierra Blanca towers 1000 metres above the surrounding landscape and is a famous landmark, protecting the area from the elements. This is just one point that makes Marbella so attractive to visitors and residents.

See a video guide to Marbella here

 

Here you will find a multitude of shops selling local wares, alongside the designer label clothing that Marbella has become known for. Local crafts mingle with European fashion, cheap leather goods and colourful ceramics.
	The two main beaches in Marbella are El Fuerte and El Fontanilla, both having all the facilities you would expect from a modern resort. Queen Isabella once said 'Que mar tan bella' - 'what a beautiful sea' and the saying stuck. The Paseo Maritimo is one of the best along the coast. Walk the marble Paseo and rest in one of the many bars or restaurants or make your way to the centre of town where you will find one of the most attractive parks, with its water features, statues and beautiful tiled benches.
Marbella also offers a selection of street markets for new and second-hand goods. Here's where you are sure to find a bargain. It is the nightlife of Marbella that attracts many thousands of visitors every year, with more than enough quality restaurants, theatres, cinemas and clubs of every description.
It has a pulsating nightlife, a little more realistic than that of its close neighbour, Puerto Banus. Many establishments open at midnight and party well into the next day. If its something a little more traditional that you want then head into the old town and try the tapas bars where the local cuisine is fantastic. The popularity of Marbella is evident in the number and quality of its hotels and apartments. Although Marbella is busy all year round, during the summer the hotels swell to capacity.
Marbella has long been popular with foreign residents, relocating to Spain and this can be seen in the price of property in the area which has increased by more than 400% in recent years. New developments are still being built on every available piece of land and are selling faster than they can be finished.
	Marbella is well served by the local highway, the N340, currently undergoing major improvement, the Mediterranean toll road and the coastal railway. The centre of town can become very congested at peak times and within the old quarter it is not advisable to drive. If you arrive by car, head for one of the many underground car parks and avoid on-street parking.
There are several tourist offices in Marbella who are very helpful, speak several languages and will supply you with a handful of booklets and a town plan, free of charge. If you plan to move to the Costa del Sol to live, Marbella is a good place to make your base, if you can afford to live here. Jobs are plentiful, especially seasonal work in the many bars and restaurants or even in one of the many hotels. There is a great DVD guide available that covers working in the Marbella area, just £9.99 including delivery. One by-product of the areas' new attractions is the employment available in the property sector. Many of the rich and famous have made Marbella their home. Set back from the town, beneath the mountains you will find some of the most beautiful villas on the whole of the coast. See a video guide to Marbella here