Marbella, an Old Town full of Charm

Marbella is known the world over as one of the classiest and most beautiful holiday and residential tourist destinations in Southern Europe.

And if you have a property in Marbella, you will surely know that it has everything: beaches and mountains, city and countryside retreats, old world charm and vibrant modern day social scene, cosmopolitan atmosphere and services, multi-culture visitors and residents, and a wonderful climate that offers long summers and short mild winters – and all only a direct flight away from most major European cities. For all this, and much more, Marbella is truly unique amongst European resort towns.

Much of its charm is centred around the old town centre which includes the ancient city walls and the two historical suburbs of the city, the Barrio Alto to the north, and the Barrio Nuevo, to the east, and today it retains practically the same layout as in the 16th century. Noteworthy is the main square called the Plaza de los Naranjos (the Square of the Orange Trees) around which you will find three remarkable buildings: the Marbella Town Hall which was built by the Catholic Monarchs, the Mayor´s House and the Santiago Chapel, which was built before the actual square itself and dates back to the 15th century. Click on Marbella Town to read more about the old town, its buildings of interest and architectural heritage.

Today, the way up to the Plaza de los Naranjos and indeed the Plaza itself, is lined with excellent restaurants and bistrots where “al fresco” dining is a delight enjoyed by all during the long Marbella summer months. Take a walk up to the main square and then wander around the narrow cobbled streets, which are full of everyday bustle, sitting against a magnificent historical backdrop: you will not be disappointed!