The city of Marbella occupies a flat strip of land between the Mediterranean and the Sierra Blanca mountains to the north. It stands on the southern Spanish coast, between Malaga to the east and Gibraltar to the west. If you pick up a hire car in Marbella you’ll be able to explore one of the Costa del Sol’s major tourist resorts. The main Costa del Sol coast road, the AP-7, runs through the northern suburbs and gives quick access to neighbouring resorts like Estepona to the west and Fuengirola to the east. Drivers can also take the N-340 along the scenic seafront.
Marbella is a modern tourist resort with heavy development along its coast, including apartment complexes and golf resorts. But there are historic parts to the city too. If you have a hire car in Marbella you’ll be able to explore the ancient 16thcentury walled centre. The highlights here include the Plaza de los Naranjos, surrounded by fine renaissance buildings. It’s fascinating to wander the narrow streets of whitewashed houses and tiled roofs. Nearby you’ll find ten public sculptures by Salvador Dali on Paseo de la Alameda. For many visitors however, the most memorable impression of Marbella is driving along the ‘Golden Mile’. It’s actually four miles of super luxury millionaires’ villas stretching to Puerto Banus.
