Marbella is, without a doubt, one of the Costa del Sol’s major tourist centre, thanks to the high quality of the facilities and services it provides. Its excellent climate, beaches, natural surroundings and its major sports complexes are just some of the countless attractions.

Puerto Banús, one of the main focal points for tourists in the town, houses an exclusive leisure area inside the excellent facilities of its marina. Surrounded by exclusive housing developments, this famous marina each year welcomes some of the biggest and most luxurious yachts in the world. Its facilities also offer a select leisure area made up of restaurants, business premises and shops selling the big international designer labelsand luxury items.

But Marbella is also a paradise for golf lovers. A dozen magnificent courses allow the golfer to play the sport before the unusual backdrop provided by the sea and the mountains. The historic part of town, sitting on a beautiful bay, shelters lovely corners of a typically Andalusian flavour, with whitewashed houses and orange trees adorning the streets and squares.

At the foot of the Sierra Blancahills, on a beautiful bay, is Marbella’s historic quarter. A delightful layout which displays its typically Andalusian charm. The heart of the town is plaza de Los Naranjos, from the Renaissance period, flanked by noble buildings such as the City Hall, 16^th century, and the old Chief Magistrate’s Office, 17th century. In the small church square you will find the Greater Church of la Encarnacion, built in the 16th century. In this same setting stands one of the two towers which formed part of the city’s old Arab fortress, from the 9th century.

From Cabopino to Guadalmina, Marbella offers the visitor 26 km of beautiful coastline with a succession of sun-drenched beaches equipped with all kinds of services, which include modern hotels,shops and restaurants. The beaches of San Pedro de Alcantara, a major population centre less than 10 km from Marbella, are a fine example of the balance struck between nature and tourist development. Sports lovers will be in paradise in Marbella. Those who prefer water sportswill find the town has three marinaswhere they can take up the activity they prefer. In addition, Marbella has several ridingschools, tennisclubs and other facilities to suit the most varied tastes. All this, and not forgetting the enormous possibilities the Sierra Blanca hills offer for all kinds of outdoor pursuits.