Hotele niedaleko miasta Marbella

The most exclusive Costa del Sol resort, Marbella stands for beaches and beautiful people. Expensive yachts line the marinas here and in nearby Puerto Banús, where supercars outnumber saloons. It also has the best clubs, as well as designer shops and trendy fish restaurants. Look out for the celebrities that holiday here or live on the Golden Mile, home to only the fanciest villas and Marbella hotels.

Marbella beaches stretch over 16 miles, all set against the backdrop of spectacular mountains, best viewed from a boat. You might even spot a dolphin. The beaches at Puerto Banús and San Pedro Alcántara have a Blue Flag, while the most popular are Venus and La Fontanilla in the town centre. Artola Beach also has protected dunes.

Attractions in Marbella include the 10 Dalí sculptures on Avenida del Mar, and the cobbled Old Town streets lined with colourful Andalusian-style houses. Picturesque Orange Square has pavement cafes under the shade of orange trees, and nearby are remains of a Moorish castle and the 16th-century town walls.

Other well-heeled pursuits include horseracing at the Hipodromo Costa del Sol, and the area’s golf courses, including one designed by national hero Seve Ballesteros.

Malaga Airport is the nearest and Booking.com has a great range of accommodation in Marbella and the surrounding villages.