THE TOP 5 FREE THINGS TO DO IN MARBELLA, COSTA DEL SOL

By John Kramer who works for Spain Holiday. The place to look for holiday rentals in Marbella. Founded in 2002, Spain holiday now has over 6,900 holiday homes listed all over Spain. Book with confidence, directly from verified homeowners.

Marbella’s magnificent climate, superb beaches, wealth of leisure facilities and its unparalleled location have combined to make Marbella the centre for international tourism on the Costa del Sol.

The former fishing port was originally transformed into a summer playground for the rich and famous. In 1943, Ricardo Soriano, the Marquis of Ivanrey moved toMarbellaand was instrumental in developingMarbella’s tourism industry. His nephew, Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg founded theMarbella Clubwhich became a name synonymous with the international jet set.

These days Marbellais far more accessible and is one of the most popular family holiday destinations on the Costa del Sol.

So what can you do inMarbella? More importantly what can you do for free? Here are five suggestions.

Plaza de los Naranjos

Visit the Old Town

Marbellahas carefully preserved its old town of whitewashed houses, their facades adorned with wrought-iron grilles and breathtaking displays of flowers.

No visit is complete without seeing the Plaza de los Naranjos (translated literally as ‘orange tree square.’) It provides the perfect setting to unwind at one of the many outdoor cafes and enjoy a drink.

Hike up La Concha

La Concha

La Concha is one ofMarbella’s most emblematic landmarks. The highest mountain in the area, it stands at 1200m and offers some spectacular views over the Costa del Sol and across toNorth Africaon a clear day.

There are two routes upLa Concha. Thefirst is from thevillageofIstanand the other from El Refugio de Juanar. Neither of the walks is particularly technical, but a good level of fitness is required.

Parque de la constitución

Parque de la Constitucion

Parque de la Constitucion is situated right in the heart ofMarbella. An island of peace of tranquility, if you are looking to get away from it all, a visit to the park is recommended.

Expect to find carefully landscaped gardens, thick vegetation and a small amphitheatre that offers musical and theatrical performances throughout the summer months.

Visit the Bonsai Museum

The Bonsai museum inMarbellais considered to have one of the most important collections of Bonsai trees inEurope. It also has an impressive collection of olive trees that include the “Acebuche olive tree” which is over 300 years old.

The museum itself is situated in another beautiful park, the Parque Arroyo dela Represa. Althoughnot strictly free, the entrance price is minimal (adults €4 and children €2) and well worth a visit.

Nagüeles

Going to the beach

Marbellais a beach lover’s paradise with no less than 23 beaches along its 27kms of coastline.Marbella’s beaches were awarded another three Blue Flags in 2012, bringing the total number of Blue Flag beaches to 12. No other coastal town in theprovinceofAndalucíahas as many.

Playa de la Fontanilla, Playa Nagüeles, Playa Real de Zaragoza –Marbella’s beautiful beach list is almost endless.