MOVING TO MARBELLA: WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?

Congratulations! If you’ve decided to move to Marbella, you’ve come to the right place. Aside from the sunshine, friendly people, afternoon cerveza’s and a wide range of beautiful modern properties, there’s so much more to this vibrant city than meets the eye.  

A Warm Welcome

It’s not quite Marbella, but arriving in the nearby town of Puerto Banus is certainly an entrance to remember. Upon reaching the port, arrivals will be greeted by Salvador Dali’s three-ton statue of a rhinoceros, so be sure to look out for it!  Not one to be rivalled by Hollywood, Marbella also has its own sign over the city - It may not be quite as famous its American counterpart, but it’s worth checking out for its efforts alone.

The welcome is certainly warm in every sense of the word! It’s no secret that sun-seekers venture to Spain for its hot climate all year round, and Marbella is no exception. With 23 stunning beaches to choose from, you’ll be able to top up your tan, enjoy a glass of vino and watch the world go by in this perfect relaxation destination.  

Beautiful Scenery

Those already familiar with Marbella will already know of its glamorous nightlife and A-List celebrity hangouts; and in some of the more affluent areas of Marbella and Puerto Banus, you’ll be able to see the homes of some of the world’s most rich and famous individuals. The port itself is known for its expensive yachts and boats, and while some of us can only dream of such luxuries, there’s nothing wrong with taking a look at how the other half live!

While some areas may be known for its fancy parties and glistening beaches, there are some corners of Marbella which may take you by surprise. The old town is home to some of the most authentic views of Spain; from cobbled streets to charming architecture, lined with bright potted flowers on the surrounding walls. The old town is certainly a colourful place to be, so if you’ve got the time, we recommend grabbing five minutes on one of Marbella’s beautiful marble benches to sit and soak up the atmosphere – it’s guaranteed to be an instant mood changer.

Marbella is also surrounded by gorgeous coasts and mountain ranges. Located in the foothills of Sierra Blanca, there are some breath-taking views on the mountains. If you don’t mind the hike, you can take your camera and get a postcard worthy picture in seconds. There is an abundance of history and culture to the area which will no doubt keep you entertained for weeks on end. 

Act Like A Tourist

If you’re looking for a thriving city with plenty to do, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Marbella. Famous for its nightlife, the bars and restaurants located here are some of the very best in the world – see our thoughts on authentic food below

Known as a  golfer’s paradise, those who are fans of ‘teeing off’ on lush greens won’t be disappointed with Marbella. There is an array of golf courses all over the city suiting a wide range of budgets, from those who prefer a more modest course to those looking for a premium green. With pretty much guaranteed sunny weather all-year-round, there’s plenty of time to perfect that golf swing.

For something different, you could try your hand at Andalusian flamenco – a traditional Spanish dance that is sure to impress the locals. There are also plenty of museums and art galleries, including the Ralli Museum, which is perfect for those seeking a bit of culture.

In terms of family activities, there are range of water parks across Marbella that you can venture to for a fun day out – a great way to cool off in the Spanish sun and still entertain the kids at the same time. However, if you’re in the mood for a more relaxing way to enjoy the climate, you can simply take a trip to one of Marbella’s many beaches, and with so many to choose from, you’re sure to find your favourite in no time. Outside of the old town, you’ve got Marbella’s sunny boulevard where you can view some of the most beautiful sunsets that Spain has to offer.

If all else fails, just sit back, relax and soak up the amazing sunshine and atmosphere that Marbella has to offer all year round!

Authentic Food Galore

A traditional fishing village, Marbella has some of the freshest seafood that Spain can offer. Whether you prefer the shellfish or are more partial to a slice of cod, the local cuisine is certainly worth a try. You may prefer an authentic Indian, a slice of Italian or a good old English fish and chips, there’s something here to suit even the fussiest of taste buds.

If something more traditional is up your street,  some authentic tapas dishes may just be what you’re looking for. You’ll be sure to find plenty of this all-over Marbella, so visit as many as you can – top tip; the hidden gems are always the best!

In short, you won’t go hungry or thirsty in Marbella!

Venturing Further…

One of the great things about Marbella is that you’re just a stone’s throw away from so many other beautiful Spanish towns and cities. Marbella may have a lot to offer, but if you’re moving to a new city, it never hurts to explore the surrounding areas.

Those who have flown into Marbella from the UK, it’s likely you will have landed into Malaga, as this is the closest airport to the city. It’s a big place and there’s lots to do here, so it’s handy to know what’s around and you can plan plenty of day trips should you fancy something different.  It’s also home to the adventure park, Tivoli - a great place to take little ones and will be sure to provide enough fun to keep the adults entertained too.

For a more scenic day out, you can take the bus from Marbella to Tarifa in Andalusia on the most southern coast of Spain. It’s a popular town primarily known for its wind sports so if you’ve ever fancied taking the plunge, this is the place to do it. In the opposite direction, you have Mijas, a town that combines the old and new. Not only is it home to a quaint hillside village with beautiful traditional Spanish architecture and a stunning landscape,  but further outside of the town you’ll find gorgeous white beaches typical of 21st century Spain – the best of both worlds!

If thrill-seeking is more your thing then you can always venture to Caminito del Rey in Malaga, also known as the world’s scariest footpath. It’s open to all of those who are brave enough, so if you can pluck up the courage, it’s definitely one to cross off the bucket list…but only if you dare!