Marbella Guide
Since many people who are interested in buying property in Marbella want to know more about this beautiful and enchanting city in Southern Spain, we felt we could provide some useful information. The city of Marbella is situated in the province of Malaga which is located in Andalusia. Other Andalusian provinces that border Malaga are provinces of Cadiz in the west, Seville in the northwest, Granada to east and Cordoba to the north. The province of Malaga is bordered completely by the beautiful Mediterranean Sea to the south.
Marbella is situated in the province of Malaga in an area which forms Costa del Sol. The Costa del Sol is comprised of numerous coastal towns and communities along the Mediterranean Sea. Most of these cities and communities that form part of Costa del Sol have transformed from small fishing villages to cities and have become major tourist destination over the last 70 years and so.
Being situated on the Mediterranean Sea and next to Sierra Blanca mountain range are major contributing factors behind Marbella’s charm and beauty. The Mediterranean Sea and Sierra Blanca mountains which border Marbella allow it to have a wonderful climate all year around. This has made Marbella a major tourist destination.
The population of Marbella has been continually increasing. In the latest population figures released in 2023 showed the city had 156, 295 inhabitants. Marbella is one of the fastest growing cities in the province of Malaga and also in Andalusia. When it comes to the total size of the municipality of Marbella it covers an area of almost 117 square kilometre.
Marbella’s Climate
One of the principal reasons behind the beauty, charm and popularity of Marbella are due to its wonderful climate. Marbella’s climate is wonderful due to numerous factors. The climate is classified as a typical Mediterranean climate which is further enhanced by the microclimate of Marbella. Being located between two mountains ranges being Sierra Blanca to the north and Sierra de las Nieves to the south provides Marbella this wonderful microclimate. The dynamics of typical Mediterranean climate and its own unique microclimate give Marbella an average annual temperature of 18 degrees centigrade.
You can see why many people from northern European countries where climate is harsh and cold are attracted to Marbella. The wonderful climate of Marbella allows people to enjoy outdoor activities all year around. Its and ideal location to enjoy sporting activities such as tennis, golf, running, bicycling and swimming.
History of Marbella
For those who are interested in living and buying properties in Marbella is good and interesting to become familiar a bit with its history. We will start talking about the history of Marbella staring with the Roman period. That is not to say that there was no history before the Romans in Marbella. But we will start with the Romans since from there we can find concrete and structured information about Marbella’s history.
Roman period
For many who enjoy Marbella’s beaches, restaurants and golf courses thinking or even knowing about the Romans existence in Marbella is a distant thought. One of the places where you can see signs of the Roman period in Marbella is the Casco Antiguo which is the Marbella Old Town. You can find signs of Roman architecture in the Moorish castle which was built many centuries after the Roman period. This suggest that the Moorish castle was perhaps built upon an already existing structure dating back to the Romans.
You can also find signs of Roman architecture in Marbella heading further west from the old town. In Hotel Puente Romano situated on Marbella’s Golden Mile you can find a small 1st century bridge over a small stream. You can also find old ruins of Roman baths in Guadalmina Baja and Villa Romana in Rio Verde.
Moorish period
During Moorish rule under the Caliphate of Cordoba a citadel and the Alcazaba were constructed in Marbella. During this period a fortified wall was also constructed to protect the Alcazaba and the citadel. During this period in the old town many small building with large patios were also constructed. The most notable building of this period were the citadel and the mosque. Those who visited Marbella during this period described it as a beautiful town in a fertile region.
Later on, during the Moorish period Marbella was disputed for by different Moorish ruling dynasties which were called Taifas. Both the Malaga Taifa and Algeciras Taifa wanted to control Marbella, but it eventually fell under the control of the Taifa of Malaga. The Taifa of Malaga eventually fell under the control of the Nasrid of Kingdom of Granada.
Modern age
As the Moorish rules declined in Andalusia and in Iberian Peninsula the city Marbella passed to the Crown of Castilla in 1485. After Marbella became a possession of Crown of Castilla its new rulers made it a regional capital. At the same time Marbella became a protectorate of the crown of Castilla which made Marbella a royal protectorate.
One of Marbella most symbolic areas being Plaza de los Naranjos was built during this period. This iconic structure in Marbella’s old town still even today is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Later, during the 17th century the cultivation of sugar cane started in Marbella which eventually expanded to the whole province of Malaga.
19th century
In the second decade of the 19th century around 1828 the Marbella area was impacted by the growth of iron industry. A vast majority of Spain’s cast irons were produced in Marbella.
The iron industry started to decline in the 1860’s due to competition from producers in northern Spain. After the decline of iron industry many of Marbella’s inhabitants returned to their previous occupations in agriculture and fishing. Marbella was composed of three different areas in the late 19th century being main district, Barrio alto also knows as San Francisco and also Barrio Nuevo.
20th century
You can trace the start of tourism in Marbella back to the early 20th century. Between 1918 and 1926 two hotel being El Comercial and Miramar were built in Marbella. Also as the Spanish civil war started Marbella saw a significant rise in anti-celery violence in politics.
Marbella was still a very small village in 1945 after the end of the World War two with less than 1,000 inhabitants. Marbella became more when Ricardo Soriano who was the Marquis of Varney moved to the Marbella arae. As Ricardo Soriano moved to Marbella many of his rich and famous friends also followed him. Ricardo Soriano can be called one of the important elements that started the transformation of Marbella gradually into popular holiday spot.
Ricardo Soriano not only moved to the area, but he also purchased land and built one of the earliest resorts in Marbella in and area between Marbella and San Pedro called El Rodeo. His contribution to the development of Marbella are highly regards and today one of the Marbella main Avenida Ricardo Soriano is named after him.
As mentioned as Ricardo Soriano moved to Marbella so did many of his rich and famous friends and one of them was Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe. Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe purchased Finca Santa Margarita which was situated on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. He transformed this finca into the Marbella Club Hotel which attracted nobility, movie stars and business executive. The popularity of the Marbella Club gradually made Marbella a destination for the jet set.
Marbella Clubs offered simplicity and Andalusian charm but at the same time discrete elegance and luxury. These attributes made Marbella Club and Marbella very popular amongst Europe’s social elites.
As the popularity of Marbella started to increase Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe felt the area needed more to offer for the visitors. Due to this vision of Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe in 1966 with the help of Jose Banusthe development and construction of Puerto Banus begun. Puerto Banus was inaugurated in 1970 with the attendance of many members of nobility and celebrities.
The next significant event in the history of Marbella was the election of Jesus Gil as mayor in 1991. Jesus Gil was a property developer and the president of the Atletico Madrid football Club who kicked off a building and construction boom which was criticized by many due to disregard for urban planning, market speculation and damage to the nature and environment.
Population
As of 2023 Marbella is the 2nd largest city in the province of Malaga with a population 156,295 habitants. Even before the tourism boom that started in the 1960, s Marbella had an established population. But since the 1960’s the increase of population of Marbella as with other cities on the Costa del Sol has increases significantly.
The majority of population centres are Marbella and San Pedro Alcantara. Other areas within Marbella such as Nueva Andalucia and Las Chapas also hold smaller percentages of the population. The summer months can see a huge increase of population in the Marbella area due to tourism.
Some estimate that during the peak summer month the population of Marbella can reach up to 500,000 inhabitants due to tourism. The increase of population during the summer months can be clearly observed in the increase of traffic on Marbella roads. Although throughout the year you do have traffic at certain hours in the main roads during the summer months traffic lasts longer and effects more roads in the Marbella area.
The increase of population in Marbella has certainly affected the real estate market and Marbella property. The increase of population has clearly caused an increase in prices of property in the Marbella area. The price increase has impacted the most sought-after areas such as Marbella frontline beach properties but also properties situated in less sought after areas of Marbella.
Popular Areas
Marbella is truly a dynamic and rich area that not only offers great all year weather but also offers different districts within its municipality with their own rich and unique characteristics and culture.
Marbella Old Town
If you are talking about the different areas that compose Marbella, you need to start with where the city of Marbella began which is the “Casco Antiguo” also known as the old town. In this part of Marbella, you can find many of Marbella’s landmarks such as Plaza de los Naranjos and ancient city wall built during Moorish period. The area is dotted with shops and restaurants that are not only popular amongst the tourist but also amongst the locals. Also, in Casco Antiguo you can find the famous Church of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion dating back to 1618.
The old town of Marbella is made of narrow streets and whitewashed buildings that represent the vibrant vibe of Andalusia. Walking down the narrow streets of the old town you are taken back to an earlier time when this was the main area of the town’s inhabitants, everything was concentrated there, and life was much simpler. The charm and beauty of Marbella lies in its dynamic nature where the Marbella Old town is in contrast and different than the other areas of Marbella which are modern and contemporary.
Marbella Golden Mile
The area known as the Marbella Golden Mile is one of the best-known areas of the Marbella. Some of the most luxurious hotels, shops and properties in the Marbella area are located within the Marbella Golden Mile. Marbella Golden Mile starts at the Palalcio de Congresso in Marbella and stretches out all the way westward to Puerto Banus.
The area of Marbella Golden Mile that is situated beachside is developed with luxurious hotels, villas and apartments. Although the elevated parts of the Marbella Golden Mile in the mountains are also developed, they are not as developed as the beachside section.
This stretch of land referred to as the Marbella Golden Mile is one of the most sought-after areas for those who want to purchase property in Marbella. As you can imagine the properties located in this area are quite expensive specially those located beachside!
Los Monteros
Situated on the east side of Marbella before you entre city of Marbella is Los Monteros. The area is very charming and offers elegance and tranquillity. You will find one of the oldest and most luxurious hotels in this area which is the Los Monteros Spa and Golf resort. The beaches of Los Monteros are beautiful and are very popular. The area is essentially a residential area with many luxurious properties, a hotel and a few restaurants.
Las Chapas
The district of Las Chapas is the first area of Marbella municipality you will encounter as you enter the municipality from east. Situated on the eastern edge of municipality of Marbella Las Chapas is near the Rio Real River. It is a laid back and easy-going area mainly consisting of residential areas. You will find many beautiful beaches on the coast of Las Chapas offering seafood and other cuisines.
Nueva Andalucia
If you are a golf lover, then Nueva Andalucia is for you. Some of the most prestigious golf courses in the area such as Aloha Golf Club, Las Brisas Golf Club and Los Naranjos Golf Club are situated in an area of Nueva Andalucia referred to as the Golf Valley. The area is also well developed and has some of the most sought after and luxurious properties of the Marbella area. Nueva Andalucia is ideally located, and you are just a short drive from some of the most popular areas of Marbella such as Puerto Banus, Marbella Golden Mile, Marbella and San Pedro de Alcantara.
San Pedro de Alcantara
Situated on the western side of the municipality of Marbella you will find San Pedro de Alcantara. San Pedro de Alcantara is a district that is part of Marbella municipality. The area still has held to some of its traditional Andalusian village charm and cosiness, in particular the areas around the centre. San Pedro de Alcantara is unique in away within Marbella since it seems to have held to its traditional Andalusian atmosphere even though other areas pf Marbella have greatly changed and developed.
These charming characteristics make San Pedro de Alcantara very popular amongst those who want to live in a more traditional Andalusian atmosphere. San Pedro de Alcantara stretches all the way to the sea and its beachfront is more modern and contemporary. The beaches of San Pedro de Alcantara are beautiful, and you will find several popular restaurants offering Spanish and international cuisine.
Sierra Blanca
Although Sierra Blanca is part of Marbella it is worth talking about this area briefly. Sierra Blanca is to the west of Marbella centre. It is an exclusive and gated area situated in an elevated position above the Marbella Golden Mile. You will encounter some of the most luxurious properties of the Marbella area in Sierra Blanca. This exclusive area is essentially completely residential. Many properties in Sierra Blanca offer incredible panoramic views of the coast due to the areas elevated position.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]