Marbella what to see in the paradise of Andalusia: from the picturesque antiguo helmet to golden beaches, discover what to do and where to stay in the most glamorous resort of the Costa del Sol.
After meetings, interviews and conferences Essence of Luxury #eol2019, the event dedicated to luxury travel organized by Traveller Made, I managed to cut out a half day to discover the Marbella helmet.
The old town is a picturesque labyrinth of cobbled streets full of boutiques, art galleries, tapas bars and restaurants of all kinds, from the most informal to the gourmet star. What struck me most is the relaxed atmosphere of the helmet antiguo of Marbella, typical of the Andalusian village. And that's why I was in my heart.
During my stay in Costa del Sol, which I reached with a comfortable flight Vueling from Milan to Malaga via Barcelona (the Catalan city is reachable from 17 Italian airports, including Rome Fiumicino, Turin, Venice, Florence, Naples and Bologna), I also had the opportunity to be guest of some of the most luxurious and glamorous hotels in Marbella (of the rest I was there also for this!), frequented by the international jet set. Follow me and I'll tell you everything!
Index of Article
Plaza de los Naranjos
My visit to Marbella's anti-guo helmet started from the Plaza de los Naranjos (flat of the oranges), a beautiful typically Andalusian square, shaded by orange plants and tropical essences under which to sit and observe the viavai of passersby and the surrounding buildings.
Among these, the Town Hall, built in 1568 by the Catholic monarchs in Renaissance style; the mayor's house, which combines Gothic and Renaissance elements in its facade, with a roof in mudejar style and frescoes inside; and the chapel of San Giacomo, the oldest religious building in the city, built before the square and not aligned with it, is believed to date back to the 15th century.
Ermita de Santiago
The Ermita de Santiago is the oldest Christian parish church in Marbella. It dates back to the 15th century, then after the conquest of the Catholic monarchs, and rises on the site of a previous mosque. Overlooking the Plaza de los Naranjos and the interior is very simple, with a rectangular nave covered with Moorish tiles and a statue of St. James the Apostle.
Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
Located in the Piazza della Chiesa, in the Marbella Antiguo helmet, Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (Santa Maria dell’Incarnazione church) is Marbella’s largest and most important. Built in the 16th century by the Catholic monarchs, the church stands on the site of the former Marbella mosque, as was used at the time in Andalusia.
The bell tower, 33 meters high, is one of the symbols of the Marbella antiguo helmet: a tower composed of four sections with bells and watches and a tiled pyramid spire. Each bell has its own individual name, including "Santa Trinità", "San Barnaba" and "Vergine dell'Incarnazione".
The interior has a spacious basilical plant, with a semicircular apse with Corinthian columns and a central nave with barrel vaults that also houses the chapels of the Immaculate and the Virgin of Fatima. With a bit of luck on holiday days you can hear the melodious sound of the Sol Mayor organ, considered the best type of modern organ built in Spain. The distinctive feature of the façade is the main gate of the 18th century, exquisitely carved in ocra stone in rococo style.
Alcazaba
The Marbella anti-guo helmet is dominated by the remains of the Alcazaba, the ancient Moorish castle with its imposing fortifications and defensive walls of the 10th century, which once surrounded the city. An important testimony of the Muslim civilization of Marbella. Inside the building are built remains and Roman capitals belonging to ancient buildings. In summer the complex becomes the suggestive scenery of outdoor concerts and cultural events.
Alameda Park
The Alameda Park is a pleasant public space in the Marbella Antiguo helmet that combines the Alameda del Mar and the Paseo Marítimo on the seafront. A delightful 18th century public garden with a main promenade, decorative benches and fountains. A cool green space where to stay or take a pleasant walk on hot sunny days.
Barrio Nuevo
Between Calle Málaga and Avenida Severo Ochoa there is Barrio Nuevo, known as "El Barrio", whose origins date back to the 18th century, with the development of the city. It's called "new" because the San Francisco neighborhood already existed. Just a few steps from the historic centre of Marbella, the Barrio Nuevo consists of 7 streets of simple lime houses, tiles and wooden beams that have maintained their traditional style.
Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving
Opened in 1992, Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving (Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo) is considered a lively centre of reflection on art, in particular on contemporary Spanish and the world of original graphic work.
The Renaissance building houses more than two thousand works that allow visitors to travel through the history of engraving, from the end of the 19th century to contemporary experiments. Picasso, Miró, Dalí, Tápies, Saura, Chillida, Rueda and Miquel Barceló are just some of the masters you can admire in the rooms.
Dunes of Artola
The Dunes of Artola were declared Natural monument from Junta de AndalucíaIn 2001. Above them is the Ladrones Tower, a monument of historical interest declared Site of Cultural Interest. A day on the beach at the Dunes of Artola allows you to reconnect with nature in a deeply uncontaminated environment thanks to the dunes and vegetation.
A few meters away are the Porto di Cabopino and the homonymous naturist beach, considered one of the most beautiful of the Costa del Sol, with clean waters and fine and golden sand.
The Golden Mile of Marbella
What is known as the Golden Mile of Marbella is actually a stretch of over 6 km that begins at the western end of the city and extends to Puerto Banús. In this area there are some of the most luxurious villas and estates in Marbella, such as the Palace of King Fahd, as well as some of the most prestigious Marbella hotels including the Melia Don Pepe, the Hotel Puente Romano and the Hotel Marbella Club.
It is with the development of this area since the 1960s that the golden epoeia of Marbella began by Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe, who accidentally stopped in the small fishing village, was stalked. To the point that it began to build the exclusive Marbella Club, a complex of villas, hotels and apartments immersed in a tropical garden on the sea, to host the international elite of its entourage in an informal but discreet luxury context. The rest is history.
Marbella hotels
Marbella Club
The legendary Marbella Club, which has always been a destination for actors, celebrities and crowned heads, was the location of the most successful Essence of Luxury 2019 festival, organized by Galeria Canalejas in Madrid.
For one evening the doors of the superb Villa del Mar, a Moroccan-style residence of more than 6,000 square meters with 6 bedrooms with private bathroom, a large kitchen, entertainment room, fitness area and a spectacular garden on the sea with pool and bar area, where the dj set went on stage until night.
Each corner of this Marbella Club villa has been designed with the utmost attention to detail; the result is a perfect mix of elegance, comfort and design, enhanced by objects and art and antiques. Silk carpets, ceramics, coffered ceilings, wooden fireplaces, each element contributes to making the atmosphere magical.
Villa Padierna Palace
Instead, I stayed at Villa Padierna Palace, a fabulous Marbella hotel that resumes the style of a Tuscan palace and offers a combination of luxurious rooms, art, unique culinary experiences and exclusive areas for relaxation, health and well-being.
In the centre of the "Golden Triangle" of the Costa del Sol composed of Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona and surrounded by three golf courses, the resort recently passed under the banner of Anantara Hotels offers a wide choice of accommodation between rooms, suites and villas, combining the exclusivity of a private residence with the comfort of a luxury hotel.
Among these, the most prestigious is Villa Obama, renamed after First Lady Michelle Obama spent the holidays in summer 2010.
The deluxe rooms are decorated in neutral shades, with travertine marble details, golf view, lush gardens or swimming pools. The suites offer spacious rooms and balconies with exclusive views, as well as hosting valuable works of art.
Inspired by the distinctive character of the Spanish local cuisine, this Marbella hotel offers a range of restaurants and gastronomic proposals for all tastes and hours of the day.
The resort also houses the Villa Padierna Wellness Spa, one of the biggest of its kind in Europe: run by a team of experienced therapists, offers a wide range of customizable treatments and a fully equipped gym.
Hotel Barceló Marbella
Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, Barceló Marbella is the ideal place to enjoy a well-deserved break in a colonial-style hotel near the best golf courses in Europe.
A paddle court, outdoor tennis, a state-of-the-art gym, a spa, treatments "à la carte", three outdoor pools and the possibility to practice yoga, are just some of the many options offered. An experience of relaxation and fun at 360o, a few meters from the most beautiful sandy beaches of the Mediterranean.
