Marbella, Spain

Marbella is a coastal city on the Costa del Sol, in the autonomous region of Andalusia, in southern Spain. It covers 114 sq km (44 sq mi) and has a population of 139,000 people (2012 estimate). The city is located between Malága to the east and Gibraltar to the west.

As with many of the towns and cities on the Costa del Sol, Marbella has developed into an important tourist destination. Most of the tourists come from northern Europe although in recent years there have also been an increase in the number of tourist from Middle Eastern countries.

Marbella Beach, Marbella, Spain
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marbella_Beach,_Costa_Del_Sol,_Spain_-_Sept_2008.jpg
Author: David Iliff


Human habitation in the Marbella area has been traced back to the 7th century BC, when a settlement was established here by the Phoenicians. It was later taken over by the Carthaginians and then the Romans. For much of the Middle Ages, the Marbella area was under Islamic rule. During this period, the Moors built castles and other fortifications to strengthen their position against invaders. Nevertheless, Marbella passed into the hands of the Spanish on 11 June 1485 without bloodshed.

Discovery of iron ore in Marbella during the early 19th century helped spur its development. It was the first iron-smeling works in Spain, and for a while produced some 75% of the country's cast iron.

Río Verde Reservoir, Marbella, Spain
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pantano_de_R%C3%ADo_Verde.jpg
Author: Montuno


The opening of the first hotel in Marbella, the Mall, in 1918, ushered in the tourism industry into the city. This was followed by the Miramar in 1934. However, the Spanish Civil War as well as the Second World War brought enormous disruption to the city. At the end of the Second World War, Marbella only had a population of 900 people. However a number of famous and rich people moved there, and with them came their friends and relatives.

Today Marbella has a charming old town with its ancient city wall still standing. There are two historic neighborhoods namely Barrio Alto stretching to the north and Barrio Nuevo located to the east.

Visiting Marbella

The nearest airport is at Malága. From there, you can take a bus to Marbella. The bus ticket can be purchased at the exit of the Arrivals hall. There are trains to Marbella from Fuengirola and Malága.

Plaza Santo Cristo, Marbella, Spain
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plaza_Santo_Cristo.JPG
Author: Xemenendura

Places of Interest in Marbella

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