There’s loads more to Marbella than chic bars, decedent nightclubs and a golden sandy beach (though they help, right?!) Oh, yes come to Marbella and there’s a whole host of things just waiting to reel you in, from markets and pretty neighbouring villages to luxury yachts and horse-drawn carriage rides. Here are our top ten Marbella attractions to ensure your stay is a memorable one…

1. Drive to Tarifa and try kite-surfing on the white sandy beaches

Tarifa has long white sandy beaches, lots of hotels, bed and breakfasts and for those more in touch with their outdoor side – some great campsites where you can pitch your tent and be at one with nature! (Personally not something you’d ever catch me doing). While you’re in Tarifa you simply must try kite-surfing – whether you’ve done it before or are a first timer it will keep you hooked all holiday!

2. Sip cocktails at the famous beach clubs including Buddha Beach, Nikki Beach, Ocean Club, Suite del Mar and Puro Beach

Mojitos, Cosmopolitans, Woo Woos, and many more – sipping cocktails at one of Marbella’s famous beach clubs is a definite must while you are here. Soak in the atmosphere and rub shoulders with their celebrity clientele as these beach clubs really are the place to be seen while you are here.

3. Visit the white walled town of Ronda

Ronda is a beautiful white walled city and has many sights that you must go and see while you are here holidaying on the coast…The three bridges that span the canyon are the most well-known and the tallest one Puente Nuevo stands 120 ft above the canyon floor. The Arabic baths are also worth a visit as they date back to the 13^th century as well as the Plaza de Toros or bullring which is one of the oldest operational bullrings in Spain.

4. Go shopping...whether its at one of the high end designer shops on the front line or at one of the many daily markets along the coast

Marbella and Puerto Banus are known for their luxury high end designer shops which showcase some beautiful items including hand bags, shoes and accessories but you can also head to one of the daily markets that take place along the coast and grab a bargain if Gucci, Prada and Jimmy Choo are a little out of your price range. The most well-known markets include San Pedro which takes place on Thursdays, Puerto Banus on Saturdays, Estepona on Wednesdays, and Marbella centre on Mondays.

5. Walk round Puerto Banus, soak in the opulence and see all the luxurious yachts

The amazing yachts of Puerto Banus are also definitely a must see – even if its just to choose which one you’d buy once you win millions on the lottery. Many celebrities and famous sporting stars often anchor their yachts at the port – Roman Abramovitch’s yacht was reportedly so big that he had to anchor out at sea and get a smaller boat to bring him ashore.

6. Enjoy tapas and a vino at one of Marbella's many tapas bars

Marbella has many great little tapas bars that are tucked away in the cobbled streets where you can get a cerveza or vino and a couple of delicious plates of tapas, you just have to go out there and find them.

7. Head up to Sierra Nevada and enjoy a day skiing or snowboarding

Only two and a half hours drive from the Coast are the beautiful mountains of Sierra Nevada where you can ski and snowboard during their winter season – November to April. With over 115 runs including the easy green runs and the more taxing black there is something for every ability.

8. Take a horse driven carriage around Marbella

Take in all the sights of Marbella while relaxing in a horse driven carriage – there are many that are located by Parque Almeda in the centre of Marbella and you’ll often hear the clip clop of horse’s hooves if you are walking around the town.

9. See two of the best museums in the world – the Picasso and the Thyssen in Malaga

Just a 30 minute drive away from Marbella is Malaga, one of the oldest cities in the world. There are two fabulous museums in Malaga, the Picasso which hosts some of Pablo Picasso’s most famous and stunning works of art; and the Thyssen Museum, named after Baroness Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza who has given much of her personal art collection to the city to be displayed.

10. Visit the indoor food market in Marbella and get the freshest fish around!

The Mercado Municipal is located at the top of the old town and is open on Monday through till Saturday. You can get fresh fish, meat, vegetables and herbs of every kind – it’s a must see especially for food lovers!

Jessica White, MyMarbellaInfo.com
April 2011