Marbella is a city and municipality in southern Spain, belonging to the province of Málaga in the autonomous community of Andalucía. It is part of the region of the Costa del Sol and is the headquarters of the Association of Municipalities of the region; it is also the head of the judicial district that bears its name.
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Marbella is a city and municipality in southern Spain, belonging to the province of Málaga in the autonomous community of Andalucía. It is part of the region of the Costa del Sol and is the headquarters of the Association of Municipalities of the region; it is also the head of the judicial district that bears its name.
Marbella embodies culture, entertainment and glamour; it is one of the most exclusive cities in the Mediterranean and the pride of the Costa del Sol. Twenty kilometres of coastline, four marinas, sixteen golf courses and a privileged climate, make it a destination beyond compare. Perhaps that is why Julio Iglesias, Sean Connery, Antonio Banderas, Eva Longoria and Naomi Campbell (just a handful of the many famous faces that are seen here) do not think twice when choosing Marbella as their holiday destination.
Visiting Marbella is a unique experience. From shopping in its luxurious boutiques to dining in its distinguished restaurants or having fun at their beach clubs, the possibilities are endless. But if the priority is relaxation, the city has twenty thalassotherapy centres and spas, alongside a first class selection of hotels in its three main centres: Marbella, San Pedro de Alcantara and Puerto Banus-Nueva Andalucía.
All of this has led to almost 4,000 Britons choosing Marbella as their place of residence.
NOT TO BE MISSED IN MARBELLA
MONUMENTS
Marbella is a destination that will not fail to surprise you. Even today its historical centre preserves the remaining fortress walls that surrounded the city in the Moorish period, and the Moorish castle. In one tower you can see built-in Roman capitals, revealing that even older construction materials were used to build the defensive enclosure.
An unmissable stop on the cultural route through the city is Cortijo Miraflores centre of culture. This 1704 mansion was a sugar cane press and mill. Today it houses the Museo del Aceite, rooms for temporary exhibitions, a library and a municipal art gallery. Behind the building, remnants of ovens and a rupestrian chapel from between the eighth and tenth centuries were found.
Also worth a visit is the Colección Municipal Arqueológica and the Museo Ralli, dedicated to the promotion of European and Latin American contemporary art. Furthermore, in the Avenida del Mar you can admire a collection of bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí. This artery connects Marbella Marina with the Paseo de La Alameda, designed in the nineteenth century.
In the Plaza de los Naranjos, designed after the Christian conquest of Marbella, you have a view of the Hermitage of Santiago, the Town Hall and the Casa del Corregidor, built between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. They are in the heart historic centre of the town, with its white houses and balconies bedecked with flowers.
Near the square are the Capilla of San Juan de Dios and the sixteenth century Hermitage of Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz, and the seventeenth century Iglesia de la Encarnación. The latter consists of three naves and its front door, carved in Rococo-style ochre stone; it is truly wonderful.
The Hospital Bazán, located in the vicinity, houses the headquarters of the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo, with works by Picasso, Miró, Tapies or Chillida. While the Museo del Bonsái, a short distance away, exhibits one of the most complete collections of its kind in Europe.
Marbella has interesting archaeological sites, like the Basílica Paleocristiana de Vega del Mar, in San Pedro de Alcántara. The remnants of the Roman town of Río Verde or those of the hot springs near Guadalmina also have some historical interest.
MARBELLA MOST IMPORTANT AREAS AND SURROUNDINGS
The coast of Marbella starts in Cabopino and finishes in Guadalmina, San Pedro de Alcantara. The following are the most prominent areas:
Marbella East – Los Monteros
Marbella Centre & Old Town Marbella
The Golden Mile
Puerto Banus
Nueva Andalucia
Guadalmina – San Pedro de Alcantara
Benahavis
Estepona
Marbella East
The east area of Marbella, extending from Rio Real to the Port of Cabopino, is less developed and enjoys the best sand beaches, numerous “chiringuitos” and several golf clubs. The best known urbanizations are: Torre Real, Rio Real, Los Monteros, Los Altos de Marbella, Santa Clara, Las Chapas, El Rosario, Elviria, Hacienda Las Chapas, Marbesa and Cabopino. The small Port of Cabopino with some restaurants and bars, marks the beginning of the Marbella municipality by the East, coming from Malaga.
Marbella Center and Old Town Marbella
The original small village started here. “Old Town Marbella” is charming and traditionally Andalusian. It forms a labyrinth of narrowly paved streets, all leading to “The Orange Square” (Plaza de Los Naranjos). There are numerous shops, restaurants and cafes.
Marbella Center is the newer area of the city, with numerous businesses. The walk along the seaside promenade is very pleasant. This marble paved promenade stretches several kilometers, from the fishing port all the way to San Pedro de Alcantara. Some luxurious apartment complexes are situated here, like Gran Marbella, Los Cipreses and Jardin del Mediterraneo, by the Gran Melia Don Pepe hotel.
The Golden Mile
This famous stretch, between the Gran Melia Don Pepe hotel and Puerto Banus, is considered the prime location in Marbella, which received its exclusive reputation from the opening of the Marbella Club Hotel in the 50s. Aristocratic and elite families owned summer homes in this area, which initiated Marbella as an exclusive resort destination. Many of these beautiful old homes still exist today, such as Casa Los Llanos and La Coneja, which you can look up on our website. Today, this area boasts the best hotels, and many restaurants and shops along the roadway.
Mediterranean style urbanizations and single home villas have also been built in the hills above this area. The Mediterranean village “La Virginia” is on the Hills at the back of Marbella, as well as many other residential urbanizations like Sierra Blanca, Cascada de Camojan, Nagueles, Las Lomas del Marbella Club and Puente Romano. Nearer to the beach you will find urbanizations such as Casablanca, Santa Margarita, El Vicario, La Coneja, Los Verdiales, Las Torres del Marbella Club, El Ancón Playa, Oasis y Rio Verde. Luxury apartment complexes are here, like Alhambra del Mar, Marina Mariola, Las Cañas Beach, Marina Puente Romano and Oasis de Banus.
Puerto Banus:
The famous Puerto Banus is home to some of the most exclusive private yachts in the world. HRH Conde de Barcelona (King Juan Carlos’ father) often sailed into Puerto Banus on his sailboat “Giralda”. Today, a bronze bust of Don Juan de Borbon sits near the lighthouse in his memory.
The port has grown into Marbella’s main recreation area, with the opening of high-fashion designer shops like Lanvin, Carolina Herrera, Armani, Louis Vuitton, El Corte Ingles department store, banks and countless restaurants, cafes, bars, piano bars and movie theaters. Some of the most luxurious apartment complexes are found here, like Los Granados, La Alzambra just across Puerto Banus, Playas del Duque, El Embrujo de Banus, Laguna de Banus, Malibu y Bahia de Banus.
Nueva Andalucia
Nueva Andalucia is almost a residential city of its own. It is called the “Golf Valley” due to its numerous golf courses. It is mostly residential, with beautiful single home villas and urbanizations, and is located on the hills by Puerto Banus. Albatross Hills, Aloha Park, La Corniche and Las Alamandas are among the luxury apartment communities in this area.
Guadalmina – San Pedro de Alcantara
The town of San Pedro is part of the Marbella municipality. San Pedro retains its quaint Andalusian village atmosphere, with many small shops and cafes. The new part by the sea promenade is called Nueva Alcantara. Guadalmina borders with San Pedro to the east, and splits into Guadalmina Baja on the sea side, and Guadalmina Alta on the hill side. Many beautiful seafront homes are located here. The Guadalmina small shopping center is lively with residents meeting for coffee at D’Alicia’s, or noon time aperitif and lunch at the many good restaurants and tapas bars. Many renowned personalities, such as former Spanish President Aznar, own homes in this area.
SURROUNDINGS:
Benahavis
Benahavis is a quaint hillside village, which Marbella residents often visit for lunch at one of the countless village restaurants. The broader hillside area of the village includes such renowned and prestigious urbanizations as La Zagaleta, Los Flamingos with the five stars Hotel Villa Padierna, Monte Mayor, the Marbella Club Resort with its golf course and equestrian center, and El Madroñal, as well as La Alqueria, Atalaya and Monte Halcones.
Estepona
Estepona municipality term borders with Guadalmina to the east, where Casasola is situated. The town of Estepona remains authentically Andalusian in spirit, as it has not been impregnated with the international flair of Marbella. The port offers a variety of restaurants and bars. The broader area is extensive, and includes such urbanizations as Menara beach, Cabo Bermejo, Torre Bermeja, Los Granados del Mar and Los Granados Playa, which together form a stretch locally known as “The New Golden Mile”. The five stars hotel Kempinski is located on this coastal stretch, as well as the Laguna Village shopping center. The best equestrian center on the Costa del Sol is also located here on the hills (Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol). Estepona offers several golf courses such as El Paraiso, Atalaya and Valle Romano on the west part.
Frigiliana is a Spanish town in the district of Axarquía located in the Natural Park of Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama, so their environment is privileged for lovers nature and that of trekking.
Its white houses, its traditional cuisine and its Moorish past of narrow streets and passages make Frigiliana one of the favourite enclaves of those seeking to enjoy their holiday with all five senses. This town owns the purest popular architectural province of Arab origin and received the 1st National Award for Beautification of the Towns of Spain in 1982.
It is noteworthy that the British community residing in Frigiliana, as well as throughout the Axarquía, is very large.
The Palacio de los Condes (Palace of Condes) of Frigiliana, popularly known as ‘El Ingenio’, is a Renaissance mansion of the XVI century. It is currently the factory of molasses Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Our Lady of Carmen), the only traditional factory of this product that runs in Europe. In its facade, the decoration paintings with geometric motifs are highlighted. It was built partly with materials from the Moorish castle, which can be seen in the stones of its facade.
If you get close to the Tourist Office of Frigiliana, you will see Casa del Apero, which also houses the town library and the Archaeological Museum. It was built in the eighteenth century and initially was attached to «»El Ingenio»». Within the Archaeological Museum we can find a skull of the Neolithic, Phoenician vessels or Moorish dagger.
The church of San Antonio is the most prominent monument of Frigiliana. It was built in the XVII century in Renaissance style almost entirely. In the temple, there is a sculpture of San Anton of XVIII century made of polychrome wood. In the entrance porch, there is the choir, with a crown of rococo style, and on its main façade, you can see a shield of Bishop Fray Alonso de Santo Tomas.
Another monument worth visiting in the chapel of Santo Cristo de la Caña. The building dates from the XVIII century and has a revered size of neo-baroque style ‘Ecce Homo’.
We can also find in Frigiliana, the remains of the Arab castle of Lizar. It is located on the top of the town and dates from the IX century .
More information
Natural resources
Frigiliana is one of eight towns of Axarquía that is part of the Natural Park of Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama, allowing it to offer to its visitors, numerous outdoor activities. The eight trails that can be explored inside Frigiliana, four of them belonging to the Great Path of Malaga, makes many tourists decide to make a repeat visit.
Popular festivals
The festive calendar starts on January 20 with the Festival of San Sebastian, the Saint of the village. On that day, a Mass and a procession in honour of the saint, accompanied by fireworks is held. Formerly, this festival was extended to celebrate the Fair known as «»La Funcion»» but in 1966, it was moved to the month of June.
In February, the Frigilian Carnival is celebrated, although it is a young tradition, which has great reception.
In Frigilian, the International Festival of Oriental Dance is celebrated in April, and in May, the Cruces de Mayo or Day of the Cross are celebrated. And colourful flowers flood the streets of Frigiliana.
Fair of San Antonio de Padua is celebrated in June. Although it lasts for 5 days, there are numerous activities, the main event is the traditional procession held on June 13 and which is carried in procession of the Saint Patron in a wagon pulled by oxen.
The last weekend of August is celebrated as the Three Cultures Festival. Music, food and culture which come together in this event that has been declared of Tourist Singularity in the province. It includes performances, parades, exhibitions, a craft market, workshops and gastronomic tours, lectures on Islam, Judaism and Christianity, etc.
A festival recently created but has had great success is the Day of molasses. Although there is no fixed day, held in late April and its protagonist is the product of the earth, molasses. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy numerous free recipes with this product. In addition, there are performances and various activities that accompany the holiday.
Cuisine
In the cuisine of Frigiliana, hearty dishes of traditional Axarquía cuisine are included like fried spiced lamb, fennel stew, the emblanco (a very mild white fish soup), or chick peas with tripe (usually pork). Another typical crumbs (bread crumbs sauté with garlic and accompanied by peppers and fried pork). As for the pastry they highlight the arropía and marcochas, homemade sweets based on molasses.
Town history
Traces found in the cave of Los Murciélagos attest to the presence of man in Frigiliana since the late Neolithic to the Chalcolithic or Bronze Age. There is also an Algar menhir, and the necropolis in Cerrillo de las Sombras belongs to the Phoenician period.
The Romans settled in the area in 206 BC by virtue of a pact with the native population, which meant Frigiliana was part of the Conventus Gaditanus (from Gades, Cadiz). The village»s name can be traced back to this period: Frexinius, a term referring to a historical character about whom very little is known.
Little is known too about the years between the arrival of the Arabs in 711 until the late ninth century, when they built their fortress. We do know, however, that the village was dominated by Umar ibn Hafsun and that it was part of the Nasrid kingdom between the thirteenth and the fifteenth centuries.
Frigiliana surrendered to the Christian army of the Catholic Monarchs in 1485 without bloodshed. The Moors lost their rights; they were allocated the least fertile lands; they could not speak in their native language nor could they wear their traditional costumes. This transformed the village into the seedbed of the Moorish riots in the sixteenth century. The Moors living in the regions of Axarquía and Montes de Málaga took refuge in Frigiliana»s fortress, waiting for the help Ibn Umayyah had promised them. There were 7,000 of them in the fortress, which, together with a rock, dominated the Sierra de la Almijara – an impregnable garrison.
In May 1569, the magistrate of Vélez charged, to appalling results for the Christian soldiers. 25 galleys of the Italian fleet were at that time sailing the Mediterranean Sea, and they were asked for help in fighting the rebels. 6,000 men were part of the second assault. The Moors resisted, but they were eventually vanquished, giving up on 11 June 1569. More than 2,400 soldiers were killed, hundreds were injured and thousands fled.
The battle of the Frigiliana Rock was the subject matter of a popular romance transcribed on ceramic tiles by Amparo Ruiz de Luna. The tiles can still be seen across the village.
With the expulsion of the Muslims, silk production came to a halt in the area. It was replaced by the sugar cane industry as the main economic activity, to which the Palace of the Counts of Frigiliana (Nuestra Señora del Carmen Sugar Cane Factory) and the Church of San Antonio de Padua are related. Frigiliana became a chartered village under King Philip IV.
Marbella East – Los Monteros
