This is also Marbella
Today we come ready to break stereotypes . to revolutionize the concept of marbella . Today we are determined to surprise you. But to begin with, we need you to set aside for a few minutes. the image you have preconceived of Marbella.
Forget all those parties starring the jet set that you have been seeing all your life in magazines and television programs. put aside top brand stores –although, of course, they exist- and high-end cars.
Today we are going to tour the real Marbella . The one that really makes it a real pleasure, during the 365 days of the year , venture to know this little corner of the to Costa del Sol . Because the city doesn't live on summer alone.
Let's break stereotypes: let's look for the real Marbella
Our route starts in your heart: Orange Square , authentic emblem of Marbella, is our starting point.
Of Christian origin, it was built at the end of the XV century and with its cobbled floors and its lively terraces, the most Andalusian essence is present in it. R
take a deep breath and keep this memory: It is the exquisite smell of orange blossom that the orange trees that decorate the square give off. . Precisely here are both the City Hall as the Old House of the Corregidor , both from the 16th century.
The Hermitage of Santiago , at one end, is another of its treasures. It was built on an old mosque and is the oldest Christian building in the entire city.
The Orange Square
Another temple, on this occasion, of the sweet, is the Churreria Ramon , a historic business that since 1941 has been serving those who say they are the best churros with chocolate in the country . Here we stand: We refuse to go one step further without checking whether such a resounding statement is true!
At number 11, a curious gallery: Josephus van Gestel , a Dutchman living in marbella since the 1960s, he opened this art venue just a couple of years after landing in the city.
Taking a look at his extravagant sculptures, paintings and ceramics is well worth it. And yes: we haven't been touring Marbella for even ten minutes and we have already made an original trip back in time.
Although it is not surprising: in this Andalusian corner, prehistoric remains belonging to the Paleolithic and Neolithic . And not only that. Also, it's easy to run into roman and arabic vestiges and of course, christians on every step. Something that is very surprising to anyone who imagines a Marbella based solely on the luxury and glamor.
Churrería Ramón, the Marbella treasure of the Plaza de los Naranjos
We continue with a single purpose: to lose ourselves in the labyrinth of alleys, slopes and narrow passageways of the old town . Here the local businesses are the protagonists.
Fashion stores like Tanah Lot -at 6 Station Street-, where you can find beautiful garments made with fabrics brought from Indonesia; decoration or food – Urban Gourmet , on Calle Caridad, is the perfect place to pick up some other luxury gastronomic product with the most southern flavor- star in downtown commerce in an oasis full of charm where the big chains have no place.
The continuous flow of tourists from the most diverse areas of the world invades the historic center, but there is no need to fear it. With his flip-flops combined with white socks and his marked "reddish-beach" color on his skin, They have been part of the decoration of this area of the city for a long time..
We pull on our good traveler weapons and expertly dodge them. We continue in search of the most authentic.
And we run into history again when we find ourselves before the old arab wall . When the Muslims conquered Marbella they wanted to leave their mark and built, in the 10th century, a huge castle , a citadel and a citadel of which only a few remains remain today.
in the surrounding streets, flower pots, those so typically southern, decorate the whitewashed walls.
Do not think about it: it is an ideal place to take that photo that will look great on your Instagram.
Almost all its streets are instagrammable
More culture? No problem. In the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving we find what we are looking for.
In the heart of the old town, since 1992 its rooms have housed engravings by artists of the stature of Picasso, Barceló, Chillida, or Miró. Take a look at its programming: sometimes it has very, very interesting temporary exhibitions.
We walk through the Victory Square or Africa Square , we walk and retrace beautiful alleys like the Calle Ancha or Calle de la Virgen de los Dolores . Suddenly in the aduar street , the best of gifts: skina , one of the five restaurants with a Michelin Star that Marbella has.
The chef Mark Granda He has run his kitchen since it opened its doors in 2004. Perhaps it is time to give us the first gastronomic tribute of the trip? We would say yes...
Treat yourself and try their wonderful dishes
Although if we prefer something more than walking around the house, in the La Pirinaca Winery you can enjoy some croquettes Y a marinated dogfish that take away the feeling.
We have already toured the most authentic part of Marbella, the one where you feel the life and throbbing of a city. We are now heading for the sea, because we are on the Costa del Sol for nothing!
To give color to our skin, yes, mojito in hand, nothing like cheering us up with one of the clubs that are giving the most talk this year. In the Marina of Marbella there is father beach , where you can enjoy at the foot of the sea, from the morning and Until the wee hours of the morning , with elegant Balinese beds and the best atmosphere to the rhythm of the most acclaimed DJs.
Aerial view of Playa Padre
That we prefer a calmer plan? we can always rent a hammock in any of the beach bars that are scattered around the different urban beaches and enjoy a swim in the waters of the Mediterranean at our leisure.
In the lighthouse beach , for example, we will have at hand the Chiringuito El Faro de La Pesquera , one of the great classics of the city in which we can, why not, delight ourselves with a rich seafood platter and some typical sardine skewers... Does anyone give more?
But Marbella adapts to the times in every way, and if we are looking for alternatives, here we have them. A good walk down the avenue Ricardo Soriano , the backbone of the city and the place to go shopping, can also be used to make a stop and satisfy the stomach.
The chosen place? Groceries & Food , a gourmet market installed in what was the old Cinema Bishop , for a long time the only one in Marbella. Here the doubts will come when choosing between its many gastronomic stalls .
Do you fancy a delicious gazpacho, a fried fish, some pieces of sushi or an elaborate artisan pizza? In The Celioteca those intolerant to gluten will find their own paradise, a whole menu designed for them!
But to gobble up everything that comes our way without remorse, it is better to start thinking about how to compensate.
An option, why not, you can perform one of the multiple hiking trails that depart from Marbella. And it is that the city also invites you to practice sports, for something it is chosen every year by the international soccer clubs most prestigious to do their preseason. It is what it has to have one of the kindest climates of the peninsula throughout the year...
An example of what we can do? The path that leads to the 1,215 meters from the peak of La Concha -the most visible of the Sierra Blanca, the mountain that governs the landscape of Marbella, is one of the most beautiful.
From the Sierra Blanca
Although if we are looking for a more relaxed activity, Marbella has a total of 15 golf courses where you can practice the king sport in the area . Is anyone excited? But attention: The thing does not end here! Night is coming and, in this matter, Marbella, gentlemen, is a specialist. We couldn't find ourselves in a better place!
We dress up and opt for one of the most innovative and original shows of the summer season: Marbella Theater It is pure fun, pure fantasy and, by the way, pure magic. Sitting at a table in a cozy patio, we get ready to enjoy a dinner show perfectly timed.
Marbella, open 365 days
The play of lights and projections does not stop while we are served an exquisite cosmopolitan dinner directed by the chef Manuel Lopez-Quiñones –Should we decide on the white prawn salpicón from Huelva, for the marinated salmon in the oven or, why not, for the seasonal mushroom risotto?-.
At the same time, the artists of this modern cabaret surround us and make us participate in their performances, living them in the first person. An evening of those that leave their mark.
A post-show cup in its lounge, while we chat with the protagonists of the great show, it will be, without a doubt, the best farewell in the city. Now we only have to toast Marbella: for its benefits, for its surprises and for everything it offers us.
Because yes, there is another city beyond luxury and glamor accessible to a few. Marbella is, after all, a true paradise. Yes, open all year.
Puerto Banús yes, you have to step on it: but there is much more