We got here by a total accident, when seerching for a car mechanic. The one we finally found turned out to be the worst we have ever dealt with so far (and believe me, there was a whole bunch of them). We will definately tell you the story of repairing our van soon, because there is quiet a lot to talk about. Our car broke down in December and we got the car repair shop in Marbella in March and still haven't left this awful place in August. Maybe Marbella itself is not to blame for anything, but we will never associate it well. We were unlucky and stuck in one of the worst districts, surrounded by car workshops and burned wrecks of abandoned cars, and on top of that, with no wind or shade (we had over 50 degrees inside every day). Today, however, we will try to approach the matter objectively and show you how to spend a nice time in Marbella.

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A walk around the old town

When we get lost in the old district of Marbella, we will feel like in any other typical Andalusian town. Narrow, winding streets, balconies overgrown with buganville, charming and cosy tapas bars that contrast with modern restaurants serving dishes following the latest culinary trends - you will find all this in Casco Histórico, which will also remind you of the history of this place, because this is where the elements left over from Roman or Arab times intertwine.

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Be sure to check out the Oranges Square (Plaza de los Naranjos) with the beautiful building of the city hall and a lot of charming restaurants. This is where you can be tempted by a glass of freshly squeezed juice or a churros with a mug of hot chocolate and savor the taste under the shade of orange trees. The Museo del Grabado museum is nearby and will surprise you with works of Picasso and Miró.

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Castle walls and a walk along the promenade

You cannot miss the remains of a castle from the 11th and 12th centuries - you can actually say that these walls are such a showcase of the city you can’t forget to take a selfie there! Then you can head towards the beach and take a walk (or a jog!) along the promenade. The Paseo Maritimo in Marbella is always full of runners, walkers and cyclists. If you are in shape, you can even reach Puerto Banus, but be prepared to walk for over an hour.

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Walking along the promenade, you will reach a small square that cannot be missed. At Av. del Mar (https://goo.gl/maps/oApqs2epn9vuQLku8) you will find a collection of sculptures made by Salvador Dalí. It is located right next to the park (Parque de la Alameda), where interesting concerts and other events take place in summer.

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Puerto Banus

The remains of the castle walls are one thing, but the real "showcase" of Marbella is Puerto Banus - the most elegant, glamorous and charming port of Spain and probably one of the most famous in all of Europe. It is here that you absolutely have to take a photo with a cool sports car, a yacht, and if you are lucky, maybe even with a celebrity. Shopping can be the culmination of the day, as there are plenty of designer clothing stores here. And then just a cold mojito by the sea, with the beautiful sunset in the background.

Due to problems with the car, we did not manage to take advantage of all the attractions that Marbella offers, but maybe you will! If you are a fan of hiking, go to Juanar. It is the perfect place for nature lovers to walk and enjoy the views, especially from the summit of La Concha (1215 m), from where you can see the entire coast. There are over 20 different routes at our disposal. You can, of course, choose to go scuba diving, boat trips, rent a bike or play golf - don't forget that the Costa del Sol is sometimes called Costa del Golf (The Coast of Golf). There are several very exclusive golf courses in Marbella.

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In Marbella, there is also a restaurant with three Michelin stars - Dani García. We haven't been there, but I know that some look for this type of experience. However, if your wallet does not allow you to eat in such an expensive place, I will gladly recommend my favorite restaurant, where you will eat good, home-made Andalusian food. La Tartana, because this is the place we are talking about, is not located in the center, but on the outskirts, in the "industrial" district. Almost every Spanish city has districts called poligono industrial - this is where various wholesalers, car workshops and large warehouses are located, one next to another. In one of those „Poligono Industrial” La Tartana restaurant is located. That’s where almost all employees from the nearby companies dine every day. I guarantee that you will eat well, traditionally and cheaply there. For 10 EUR you have a „menu del dia” („the menu of the day”), a different set of dishes every day - a choice of four starters, which always include a typical Andalusian soup (whether it's gazpacho or salmorejo or another cold soup) or a healthy, nutritious salad. There are also four options of the main course – one with meat, one with fish and, of course, a vegetarian option. A dessert and a drink is included. If you want to eat good Andalusian food, really go there at least once for lunch. Quite an economic option for Marbella.

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If you don't like dining in restaurants, maybe you prefer to grill on the beach? In Marbella you will find the perfect place for a weekend barbecue with the family. On one of the beaches, we have at our disposal large wooden boats filled with sand in which we can prepare a perfect barbecue. What do you think?

Marbella is very well situated and an ideal starting point. You can rent a car and go to one of the charming, nearby villages such as Mijas, Ronda or Júzcar, you can also chose Gibraltar, the beautiful, wild beaches around Tarifa or a day trip to Malaga, Granada, Seville or Cádiz.

If you like extreme sports, you might be interested in the Guadalmina River - it is perfect for canyoning, but not necessarily kayaking. I tried it once in Croatia and I was delighted, and I know that the Guadalmina River is recommended for beginners.

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