Marbella holidays

You can expect to eat well in Marbella – there are a number of Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from. It is also a great spot for those who have a meat-free diet, as there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian cafes to choose from. Seafood lovers will be in heaven, the coastal location means it is available in abundance and with a reputation to live up to, they are cooked to perfection. Chiringuitos line the beach serving up fresh, locally caught fish while the most popular tapas is boquerónes – anchovies. You’ll no doubt see espetos de sardinas – sardine skewers – which are cooked over a fire on the beaches here. Fritura malaguenña is a mixed platter of seafood – perfect if you can’t decide what you fancy and ideal for sharing. Wine and beer are popular here and the perfect accompaniment to the dishes on offer.

Marbella boasts more than 16 miles of coastline, across which you’ll find around 20 beaches that range from laidback to more of a party atmosphere. Many of these are Blue Flag including Playa El Faro – situated in the centre of Marbella, not far from the old town and popular with families. San Pedro Beach has also been awarded the Blue Flag. It is just over half a mile long and is lined with bars and restaurants. Cabopino Beach is among the most popular. The water is incredibly clear making it the ideal spot for snorkelling. Fontanilla Beach can be found a short distance from the centre and offers watersports such as jet skiing.

When you aren’t sampling the delicious local cuisine and enjoying the sandy shoreline, there is plenty to do in this lavish resort.

Explore Puerto Banús: Known as a playground for the rich and famous, Puerto Banus was developed in the 70s to create a luxury marina and shopping complex in Marbella. This is the ideal place if you fancy a spot of retail therapy. Around the marina you’ll find designer shops and boutiques but it is also home to El Corte Ingles department store and a market every Saturday. As you wander around, super yachts can be seen bobbing on the water while the streets are lined with sports cars. It is the perfect place for people watching – you may even spot a celebrity or two.

Discover the Old Town: A world away from Puerto Banus and much of Marbella, is the old town. Here, as you wander the cobbled streets you’ll see terracotta roofs atop white-washed buildings. Splashes of colour are added to the space by bright vibrant flowers and orange trees fill the squares. In fact, the main square is known as Plaza de los Naranjos – Orange Tree Square – and sits at the heart of the old town. There are a number of historic attractions to discover here including the Alcazaba and Marbella Castle.