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ABOUT MARBELLA - Things to do in Marbella |
Marbella is in Andalucia, on the Costa del Sol, in Southern Spain in the Province of Malaga.
It is a coastal area with miles and miles of wonderful beaches.
Marbella has a "micro climate" due to its location.
These include the shelter brought by the mountains to the north & the southerly orientation of the coast.
The mild Mediterranean sea and the generally SW wind direction originating in the Straits of Gibraltar ensure
long hot summers and mild winters. There are on average more than 320 sunny days a year |
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Marbella in Southern Spain
A very different Holiday place. Originally a fishing
village but developed in the 1960s into a Holiday
resort.
Marbella is still a working town though - with
an International group of residents in the town all year.
Marbella is an elegant resort. There are no
"night clubs"or "rowdy" groups!
The sea front has very few "high rise" Hotels but
elegant and select apartment blocks which generally
have year round residents.
A very popular destination for people from Madrid
who spend weekends here. (All year round). |
MARBELLA BEACHES
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Marbella has miles and miles of wonderfully
clean beaches. (25 km)
You can either sit on the sand or hire a sun bed
(about 5 euros per day).
Or if you are allergic to sand(!) you can sit on the
Paseo Maritimo - the long sea front walk (6 kilometers)
that takes
you to Puerto Banus
All along the Paseo Maritimo there are restaurants,
cafes, shops, stalls, malls, cinema, things to do
and lots to see. Palm trees and lots of seats.
You can also pop down to the harbour and watch
the boats come in.
Professionally qualified Thai masseurs often walk
the beach and offer a well priced massage (LOVELY!!)
Spend an hour or so on a beach cafe with a cold beer
and maybe some barbecued sardines (HEAVEN!)
You feel GREAt just being here!! |
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MARBELLA PARKS/WALKS AND WATER ACTIVITES
BOAT TRIPS
Get a boat from Marbella to Puerto Banus
- 15 euros return, about half hour journey.
A great way to see the coast and
the beautiful La Concha mountain
During June and September there are also 3 hour trips.
FROM EASTER 2011 a water taxi is planned from Marbella
to Malaga, Benalmadena & Fuengirola. GREAT!!
Watch this space!!
WALKS
Walk to Puerto Banus from Marbella
- takes about 1 hour and 15.
The Paseo Maritimo stretches the whole way
(one 10 metre stretch not quite finished so you
yomp across the sand!).
There are some restaurants and cafes on
the way as well as public conveniences.
Also public gym equipment on the walk that you
can exercise on - lots of fun - they look at first
like kid’s playgrounds! (They don't call it the "Golden Mile"
for nothing!!
SUNSET
Mmmmmm. Doesn't matter if you are alone
(in fact it's better!)
Just disolve yourself in the moment and let your cares
disappear as you marvel at nature in the warm nights
as the sky turns, pink, turquoise, orange, red, indigo, violet
Sit on the breakwater and be quietly alone or in a beachside
restaurant. You won't forget that moment for a long time!!
In fact we challenge you to PAINT IT!!
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Marbella is wonderfully planned.
The streets are cooled with trees and shade.
There are numerous parks for you to sit in and
sketch or paint.
The Parque Alameda leads to the Avenida del Mar
where there are sculptures by Dali.
The Avenida leads down to the sea.
Exotic foliage with stunning colourful flowers
inspire anyone to pick up a brush and paint!!
Parque Constitution is a tranquil park with avenues
of trees and places to sit.
The fountains sprinkle water to refresh and
invigorate.
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Yes - lovely way to see Marbella. |
Get the boat from the Harbour - 5 mins from studio |
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Yes, you can do day or evening boat trips. |
Get the boat from the Harbour - 5 mins from studio |
The coastal trees go "red"
as the sun goes down
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MARBELLA RESTAURANTS
Marbella will give you a "Taste of Spain"
Marbella has Spanish dishes such as "tapas" - small
portions of various meats, vegetables and rice.
There is every sort of restaurant in Marbella.
From cafes to 5* restaurants.
There is possibly nothing nicer than some barbecued
fish on a beach.
HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS
LA TABERNA DEL PINTXO
A really "Spanish" restaurant. Food is excellent.
They also have a novel way of tasting "tapas"
The waiter walks round with a selection on trays
You just stop him and try one!
FISH RESTAURANTS
Lots on the beach who do great barbecued fish
For an evening try La Pesquera or Altamarino
EVERYTHING FROM PIZZA TO MEAT, FISH & PASTA
Da Bruno
An Italian restaurant with a BIG reputation. Service is great
but suffers slightly in high season (very popular restaurant!)
But why would you want to rush??
SPECIAL OCCASION
If you want to push the boat out and enjoy great atmosphere
exceptional food and a really great night out
Beckitts
A great restaurant with a great atmosphere. Irish ran and
WOW sensational food.
Oyar Bide
Fine Basque dining. Serves a wonderful tasting menu.
Expensive but worth it.
LIGHT LUNCH, BREAKFAST AND SNACKS
Goyo
Very well known patisserie shop and restaurant. Great for
a coffee and cake or their chicken sandwiches for lunch
are yummy -
with posh chips!
They do a nice light breakfast also. I think their Cava is the
best in Marbella.
ICE CREAM PARLOURS
There are lots and lots of these on Paseo Maritimo
(sea front). They are perfect to sit at and watch the
world go by and watch the sea.
Coffee, beers, ice cream, sundaes, smoothies,
ice cream cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
Try a few and find your favourite.
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LA TABERNA DEL PINTXO
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Yes! Many times!! Gambas pil pil is FAB!! |
a short walk (1 min from studio) |
LA PESQUERA
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Yes! Try anything - it's all great! |
a short walk (1 min from studio) |
ALTAMARINO
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Yes! Lovely atmosphere - great food |
in the old town a short walk (10 mins) |
DA BRUNOS
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Many times - the Marbella restaurant has a great location on the sea front - if you want cheapish - just have a pizza! But watch the sun go down!! |
On the sea front (5 mins from studio) |
BECKITTS
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We had Christmas lunch here with our students. Exceptional - we ALL raved about it!! |
(5 mins from studio) |
OYAR BIDE
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Yes by Cat! |
(5 mins from studio) |
GOYO
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Yes we go there most lunchtimes! |
(2 mins from studio) |
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SPAS AND POOLS
The sea in Marbella is fine for swimming. There were even
people in the sea at Christmas!
However if you want a SPA try Hotel Miramar
Shanti-Som
A new retreat opening in April
2011
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HOTEL MIRAMAR
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Yes - good value, nice spa, good treatment, friendly staff who speak English. |
(2 mins from studio) |
SHANTI SOM
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Not yet - opens in April |
15 minute taxi or bus ride into the mountains. |
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ART GALLERIES & MUSEUMS
Contemporary Engraving Museum -
sign-posted Museo de Grabado
Located in a beautiful old building in
the Old town of Marbella housing
some rare works by Miro, Picasso and Dali.
An absolute must.
CAC - Contemporary Art Centre
Malaga’s largest art museum
Picasso Museum
Picasso was born in Malaga, so this Museum is a homage
to his life and works
Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza MÁLAGA
OPENING in Malaga MARCH 24th
Cat is super super excited about this
- the Madrid Thyssen museum is her most
favourite art museum. This new one is housed
in the Villalón Palace, Malaga following 5 years’ renovation.
It will house Andalucian artists and works
from Mirò, Tàpies and Picasso
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Museo de Grabado
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Yes, lovely museum |
In the Old Town - a 10 minute walk. |
CAC - Contemporary Art Centre
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Brilliant Art Centre |
Bus from Marbella (about 45 mins) |
Picasso Museum
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Yes, fascinating to see REAL Picasso close up!! |
Bus from Marbella (about 45 mins) |
Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza
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Not opening until March 24th - will let you know!! |
Bus from Marbella (about 45 mins) |
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SURROUNDING ATTRACTIONS
Marbella has a great transport system
Buses are cheap and very accessible
Longer bus journeys - ie to Granada, Algeciras etc
includes Malaga - Marbella bus
You can get a bus to Fuengirola or Estepona or Rhonda
There is a high speed train service to Madrid
Bercelona is a short flight away
Hire a car and travel inland for a while and you come across
small white villages (Ojen & Monda) which have a character
all of their own.
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Monda - a typical Spanish "White Village"
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SHOPPING
Spain is famous for its Markets
PUERTO BANUS MARKET IS held
9.00 6to 3.00 every Saturday by the Bullring
Sells bags, jewellery, shoes, golf items, crockery,
souvenirs, belts, scarves, clothes
MARBELLA MARKET
Alameda Park - Saturday Mornings
SHOPPING CENTRES
La Canada
Just north of Marbella this is a Mall
with M&S, Habitat, Dorothy Perkins
and the like as well as many Spanish chains
- lots of clothing and shoe shops,
a large supermarket, hardware store,
electronic and entertainment shops.
There is also a café plaza, cinema and bowling alley.
El Corte Ingles
This is the equivalent to John Lewis or Debenhams
a large store which has everything, the best is in Puerto
Banus.
"High Street" Shopping
Puerto Banus
Possibly more a place "to look" . Fabulous clothes and
Jewellery, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton etc etc!
Marbella
It's great to wander round Marbella - both the "High Street"
and lots of little lanes that stretch off the main road. Their
shoes are wonderful and the Spanish "fashion" is
generally "flamboyant" but well cut. GREAT but only if you
have small feet and a smaller figure!!
Marbella Antiguo Casco - web site
Old Town
The Old Town is LOTS of fun to explore
- there is an eclectic mix of shops
- souvenirs, kitchenware, handmade clothes,
toys, kids clothes, jewelery, icons,
hats, bags, leather goods, galleries…
It’s not just for shopping - find the churches,
old monuments, museums, fountains and
restaurant and café squares
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Cat and friend with their new silk scarves!!
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MARBELLA HOTELS AND APARTMENTS
There is no shortage of Hotels in Marbella.
From very luxurious to basic and clean budget
HOSTALS
A Hostal is cheap accommodation. Basic, clean and
generally very welcoming.
2*/3* HOTELS
There is such competition in Marbella that every hotel
has to offer a good service and facilities
4/5* HOTELS
Hotel accommodation in Marbella can be "sophisticated"
"boutique" or just very "indulging"!
Everyone has personal choices.
La Villa Marbella is an "upmarket" choice and comes with.
rave reviews web site
This privately owned boutique hotel is cleverly spread
across 5 charming properties in the Old Town.
Rooms are all ensuite with highly spec’d wetrooms,
with tv and mini bar, most have balconies, and all
are decorated beautifully. There is a pool, breakfast
is served on roof terraces, and the staff are
friendly and helpful.
Don Pepe - web site
A large hotel along the coast. If you’re looking for
a little luxury….
The rooms are wonderful - view of the
seas are incredible. All that you would
expect from a large hotel, including spa,
hotel bars and a restaurant, room service,
mini bar, tv, concierge service,
large pools (with double sun beds!!).
One of the oldest hotels in Marbella with high standards. |
HOSTALS
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A lot of our long term students stay in Hostals and everyone has been very happy with them. |
Bus from Malaga airport (about 45 mins) - then a short walk (20 mins) donwhill! from the bus station into Marbella. |
2* HOTELS
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Hotel Finlandia . Yes, lovely friendly staff, clean rooms and comforatble beds. |
In the same street as our studio |
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Hotel Lima. Yes, many students have stayed here and enjoyed it. |
One block away from our studio |
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Central Hotel. Yes, one student said "the best bed in Europe"!! |
In the Old Town a 10/15 min walk from the studio. |
Hotel Finlandia
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MARBELLA PAINTING
We are the only Professional art studio in Marbella
that offers Painting Holidays. We paint on location in
Marbella and in our wonderful studio.
The studio (estudio 61) located just 150 yards to the
sea and in the HEART of Marbella, offers you painting
classes and holidays
in oils, watercolour and acrylics.
All your professional art materials are supplied.
Your tutors are friendly, well trained and offer you
the best service. click for client comments
WE REALLY LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!!
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WELCOME |
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