A stroll through the centuries in Marbella
A stroll through the centuries in Marbella
Marbella, with its selection of stylish, modern villas and luxurious seafront apartments, and penthouses, has a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere.
But a short walk reveals many hidden nooks and crannies that show how the town has developed through the centuries.
So come with us for a walk on the tame side, with a gentle stroll to view some of Marbella’s historical gems.
A well-established route starts from the old town, taking you through the rich history of Marbella and along the famous Golden Mile. The 7.6 kilometres take just two hours to complete — without a few ice creams along the way.
It is a walk though time that starts in the 15th century and leaves you in super modern Puerto Banús. Setting off from the heart of the old town, the Plaza de los Naranjos (orange square) is a romantic setting where many of the buildings date back to the late 1400s, just after the reconquest of Spain by Ferdinand and Isabella.
The sandstone fountain dates to this period, having been erected in 1504 on the orders of the first mayor of Marbella.
Turn to the right of the fountain and you will find the Chapel of Santiago, which has a small white stone statue of the saint on the outside wall.
From here the narrow streets stretch out in every direction, creating a labyrinth of hidden shops and restaurants to explore.
Exiting the square by Chinchilla, and the long expansive road, giving clues of its Roman origins lays out before you.
The ruins of a castle built during Moorish occupation are found here and are the only remains from the Muslim era which have been preserved, although the Chapel of Santiago may occupy the site of an ancient Mosque.
Crossing the road leads you into Parque de la Alameda and out into the Avenida del Mar — a wide pedestrian area featuring a host of bronzes by Salvador Dali. It is a veritable outdoor museum whose marble paving leads down to the stylish seafront promenade, or Paseo Marítimo.
This is the place to see and be seen, where swaying palm trees line a path with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and vistas of Africa on one side, and some of the most luxurious properties of the Costa del Sol on the other.
Following this six kilometre promenade is an easy, level, walk and if you get thirsty there are plenty of options when it comes to sampling a refreshing drink.
Look out for the Marbella lighthouse — built in 1864, it is one of Marbella's landmarks, and unofficially marks the start of the Golden Mile.
A visit to the Hotel Puente Romano, whose tropical gardens stretch down towards the shore, is a must. Here you will find one of Marbella's earliest monuments – the first century Roman bridge that gives the hotel its name.
Head back to the promenade, and the Rock of Gibraltar is often clearly visible, as are the Rif Mountains of Morocco.
Walk along the seafront and you may make a slight detour to view the mosaics of the Roman villa at Río Verde, before crossing the river, and in no time at all the glamour of Puerto Banús marina will sure enough find you.
There’s no end of Lamborghini’s and Porsches — so much so a Top Gear episode was filmed there to capture the supercars that daily line the quaysides.
Now it's time to sit back and relax after the long walk, perhaps sip a cooling cocktail, and view the billionaires' yachts that berth in the stylish marina.