THINGS TO DO IN MARBELLA
THE PLAZA DE LOS NARANJOS AND MARBELLA’S OLD QUARTER
Marbella is not just Puerto Banús, jet-setters and a stream of expensive cars and sheikhs. Marbella surprises expectations by being a town with an impeccable and carefully maintained Old Quarter that has a flavour of Arabic culture. It is a place in which you immediately feel welcome: for instance, the Plaza de los Naranjos is a peaceful spot with terraces where you can have something to eat and where you can feel the heartbeat of daily life.
La Plaza de los Naranjos is located in the centre of Marbella’s Old Quarter. It is surrounded by naranjos (orange trees) and there is a constant flow of visitors – it’s lovely to have a walk around in spring, with the indescribable smell of the night jasmines and orange trees in flower, and the sight of the houses with hints of Arabic influence.
This plaza was constructed in 1485, following the capture of Marbella by the Catholic King, Fernando. It is constructed in imitation of Castilian plazas but without the porticoes, and is surrounded by typical white houses and a Renaissance fountain.
At the moment, the Town Hall and the Tourist Information Office can be found there, alongside countless restaurants where the typical cuisine of the region can be enjoyed, giving the plaza a constantly lively atmosphere. In the centre we find a bust of King Juan Carlos I surrounded by flowers and to the sides a beautiful Renaissance fountain from the 15th century, the facade of the Town Hall from the 16th century next to the Magistrate’s House which dates from the the 17th century, as well as the ancient shrine, the Ermita de Santiago.
This plaza without a shadow of a doubt deserves to be visited twice, once at night to enjoy the aroma of the flowers and once during the day so you can take in its incredible beauty. It is a must-see when you take a stroll around the Old Quarter.
This is an area you can definitely enjoy from the Vientos de Marbella Apartments.
NEARBY BEACHES
A mere five minute walk away you will find five magnificent beaches spread across what is called central Marbella, and here you will be able to find whatever you’re looking for according to your own preferences.
La Fontanilla Beach
La Fontanilla Beach, only a six minute walk away from the Vientos de Marbella Apartments, is the most central beach in Marbella.It’s an urban beach that runs alongside the seafront all the way up to Marbella’s marina.It has black sand and is 1000m long and 30m wide.La Fontanilla Beach is one of Marbella’s most popular beaches, and when you’re there, it has everything you need: bars, restaurants, beach bars, refreshment stands and activities.
Public facilities include showers, toilets and lifeguards.
El Faro Beach
El Faro Beach is located right next to La Fontanilla beach.
It’s 200m long and 50m wide and it’s always very busy.
It has golden sand and calm water since it’s located inside the breakwaters that make up Marbella’s marina.
The beach has won prizes (Blue Flag) and has every possible service, being located in the very heart of Marbella.
La Venus Beach
La Venus Beach is situated next to Marbella’s marina towards the east, and is 400m long and 40m wide.
It’s an urban beach with a seafront, and is made up of gravel and golden sand. This beach too has won the Blue Flag prize and the water is usually very calm. The facilities are good and it is usually very busy.
La Bajadilla Beach
This beach follows on from La Venus Beach towards the east, just before the old fishing port of Marbella. La Bajadilla Beach marks the beginning of Marbella seafront. The beach is ideal for children because of its lack of depth and its dimensions, 700m long and 40m wide. The sand is thick and dark.
There are several restaurants, since it is located next to the fishing port.
El Cable Beach
El Cable Beach is located at the eastern boundary of Marbella, between the fishing port and the famous Marbella arch. It’s the widest beach in Marbella, 70m wide and 1.3km long, with fine golden sand. It’s the beach that youngsters prefer, because you can eat and drink there at a reasonable price, as well as take part in activities such as volleyball and water sports.
On top of this, during the summer many parties are organised on the beach, especially on Sunday nights.