Marbella, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, has long been a busy tourist destination for sun and fun seekers, but it’s beautiful old town still retains the character and history of long ago.
All you need to do to enjoy it, is simply walk around. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with boutique shops, restaurants and traditional houses. On a high spot in the east is the remains of the old castle (Murallas del Castillo). Several walls remain although the interior has long been lost to accommodation.
Although there has been a settlement here for at least 2000 years, the castle dates back to 10th Century when the walls enclosed a Moorish Citadel. Around this in the following years, much of the current old town started to be constructed.
Another highlight in Marbella Old Town is the ‘orange square’ (Plaza de los Naranjos) which is now seen as its cultural centre. The square is surrounded by restaurants and dominated by the white frontage of the traditional buildings. There are huge flower beds which are packed with orange flowers here too.
There are several churches in the old town and the biggest is open to the public for free. Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación has an attractive square outside (pictured above) and stunning, ornate altars inside. It dates back to 1680 and the figurines at each altar are really striking.
Make sure you sit down for a drink somewhere in the old town and watch the world go by. It’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere before heading into Marbella’s more modern bustling commercial centre. There are two other sights we’d recommend seeing which are just outside the old town.
First, the small but formally laid out Parque de La Alameda which is packed with botanical specimens and has a large water feature at its centre. Look out also for the attractive tiled benches which are dotted around. Then head down Avenida del Mar (pictured above), which is a large paved walkway leading to the sea. Through the middle are a series of sculptures by Salvador Dali, intermingled with plants and flower beds. Sadly the water features down each side were not functioning on our last visit though.
LOCATION & MAP
This map shows the location of the Plaza de los Naranjos in the heart of Marbella Old Town.
MORE ON MARBELLA OLD TOWN
Stay in Marbella Old Town – Booking.com
Marbella Old Town – Wikipedia
More Things To Do In Marbella