Time has transformed this small maritime village of humble homes into a splendid tourist city that every year opens its doors to hundreds of thousands of visitors attracted by the wonderful climate (the average temperature is 19º Celsius), the warmth of the people, and the renowned parties and nightlife.

Although packed with visitors and only slightly less popular than Torremolinos, Marbella is still the chicest resort along the Costa del Sol, with some of the region's best upscale resorts, such as Puerto Banus, Elviria, Las Chapas, Cabopino, coexisting with more affordable hotels. This Andalusian port at the foot of the Sierra Blanca, traces of Marbella's past survive in its palatial town hall, medieval ruins, and ancient Moorish walls.

Old Marbella, with its flower-filled balconies and whitewashed houses, remains delightful. Make the Patio de los Naranjos (Court of the Orange Trees) your focal point for a night wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Here you can enjoy the fountains and cafes with sidewalk tables where you can sit back and watch the world go by.

Marbella's chic reputation dates from the beginning of the Eisenhower era. The Marquis don Ricardo Soriano and his nephew, Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe, started spreading the word in 1953. Soon the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and lesser mortals began arriving to see what this sleepy coastal town was all about. The Rothschilds heard about it, as did Saudi emirs. Marbella was on its way; its discovery by jet-setters brought long-overdue prosperity.

Historical District and Downtown

Marbella was called Salduba in the time of the Romans and re-named Marbil-la under the Muslim rule, and walking through the Historical District is like taking a small trip through the past, where the Arab roots and traces of Christianity come together. For example, the Iglesia de la Encarnación (Church of the Incarnation) was raised just a few metres from the murallas (walls) of the Caliph's castle.

The streets wind through cobblestones, immaculate façades, and balconies decorated with flower-boxes full of geraniums and carnations. There are priceless tiny, typically-Andalusian squares and nooks and crannies, such as the Balcón de la Virgen (Balcony of the Virgin Mary), set in the window of an old white-washed house that today houses a restaurant.

The hub-bub of daily life—work, business, shopping, and the coming and goings of people—begins in the Avenida Ricardo Soriano and extends throughout the entire downtown area. But calm reigns again once you reach the Paseo Marítimo (promenade), where tranquility, the ocean breeze, hammocks, and tanned bodies are the star of the show.

Puerto Banús

Jose Banús was the promoter of all of New Andalusia and of course of the Marina that carries his name, which is one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean coast. There are 915 tying-in points on the two piers, Ribera and Benabolá. In the clear blue waters the most luxurious yachts in the world have anchored and slept: the Nabila of the magnate Adnan Kashoggi, the Príncipe Abdulazis, the Tritona, and the Shaf. The port has been declared a Center of International Tourist Interest and among its many honors has the Gold Medal for Merit in Tourism.

Shopping, having a coffee on one of the terraces, walking along the piers, and, of course, enjoying the nighttime atmosphere by dancing until dawn or drinking a cocktail while gazing at the star-covered bay are just some of the activities you have to choose from. And every year more visitors come, making it a must-see in the summer months for celebrities and people from the tabloid world, including photographers who snap their celebrity shots.

Marbella is not only a great place to relax and have some fun but it's also a gourmet's paradise, boasting a cosmopolitan array of restaurants.

Tour of the Tapas Bars

Once a year, the residents of Marbella celebrate the town's culinary status with a party they call La Ruta Tasquera. Tapas are the savory snacks served with an alcoholic drink in bars throughout Spain. So that you do not miss out on the fun, the following is a list of some of the best tapas bars that you can try any day of the year. You might start with a cold beer in La Bodeguita Marbellí and it will probably be accompanied by homemade ensaladilla rusa (Russian salad). Wash down a variety of cured hams and sausage with your second beer at La Sacristía or the Tasca Don Matute. Share a tortilla de ajos tiernos (spring onion omelette) over the next beer at El Burlaero. In La Cervecería they will offer you a little kebab with your drink. And at La Querencia the tapas are a meal in themselves. En Ca Curro is famous for smooth, sweet Moscatel wine, served with prawns or fresh fried fish.

By now you'll need a break so take a seat in one of Marbella's squares or parks before hitting what is arguably the best tapas bar of them all, La Venecia de los Olivos, which has three branches around town and serves delicious savory ribs. Next is a regional treat: cider and snacks from Asturias in the north of Spain at Sidrería Urogallo. Thought you were finished? Not likely. That was just a warm-up before lunch. And the choice of restaurants for lunch and dinner is as exciting as the tapas bars.