As well as boasting a glorious beach, Marbella has an old town, which is ideal for those looking to stay in a small hostel or locally-run hotel that is full of character. The town dates back to 1600 and is notable for its Moorish castle. The residential old quarter is well worth a visit.

The nightlife in Puerto Banus is perfect for those looking for a good night out, but for a more traditional Spanish nightlife, tourists are advised to stay close to the old town. If you are a keen shopper, Marbella offers exclusive boutiques, but consider heading east to Malaga for a wider range of retail outlets. Travel inland to Mijas and Ronda to be treated to spectacular views and a taste of local history. Also within travelling distance of Marbella is Gibraltar. A famous tourist destination, Gibraltar is a slice of the UK abroad and boasts plenty of duty-free shopping.

Many of the well-known hotel chains are located along the seafront in Marbella. Famous brands include Iberotel, H10, Hesperia, Nunez, Riu hoteles, Sirenis, Viva, Barcelo, Tryp, Sol Melia, NH Hoteles, AC hoteles and Abba. These Marbella hotels are well appointed and ideally suited to a family holiday. The summer months attract large numbers of visitors, so it is best to book hotels in advance.

In the area there are a number of package-only Marbella hotels and holiday villages, in addition to an extensive range of self-catering accommodation, from villas to luxury apartments. There are also plenty of timeshare properties, which are marketed as hotel-style suites.

There are countless ways to spend your days and nights in this splendid resort, if you can tear yourself away from the glamour of the poolside...

Top five attractions

Beaches

The star attractions of Marbella, the beaches are magnets for sun-seekers. Some of Marbella's best (and there are many great beaches in this part of the Costa del Sol) are Playa de Nagueles, Cabopino and Nikki Beach - the glitzy wild child of the resort.

Plaza de los Naranjos

For a more sedate side of Marbella, where tradition abounds, spend some time in the Orange Square, which is peppered with fragrant orange trees, fountains, outside dining terraces and friendly bars, where the locals drop in at any time for drinks and tapas with friends.

Shopping

Marbella is known for its high-end range of boutiques, where designer threads hang and tempt followers of fashion. La Canada shopping centre offers more in the way of High Street brands, including popular Spanish label Zara.

Puerto Banus

Walk to this neighbouring resort for an even finer array of designer stores, from the likes of Christian Dior and Gucci, or dine and drink in the swanky marina, where million-pound yachts curtsy and nod at passers-by.

Golf

Golfing holidays are massively popular in Marbella and there are many clubs to choose from. Whether you're a beginner on the greens or a seasoned pro, Marbella presents some of the finest holes in all of Spain and the opportunity to swing a club should not be missed.

Every night can feel like a party night between late spring and early autumn in Marbella. The following annual events will add an extra sparkle to the resort and create unforgettable holiday memories.
 
Carnival; February: Don fancy dress to join in the fun as a parade snakes through the streets. There are all kinds of activities taking place around this joyous event.

San Bernabe Fiesta and Summer Fair; June: Celebrate Saint Barnabas - Marbella's patron saint - with the locals via parties, parades, shows and activities for children, horse riding and, of course, the annual parade of giants.

Feria de Malaga/Malaga Fair; August: It takes around 40 minutes to reach Malaga, a city to the north of Marbella, but it's time well spent to be a part of the annual fair, where flamenco dancing, traditional music, fairground rides and much food and drink is topped off by spectacular fireworks.