Holiday villas in Marbella

If the swankier and more glamorous side of Marbella has piqued your interest, rent a villa either close to the Golden Mile – one of most luxurious destinations in the Costa del Sol – or Puerto Banús.

The latter is where you’ll find those super yachts idling in the marina and fancy cars lining up its shiny streets – Ferraris, Maseratis, Lamborghinis. There’s high-end shopping, too, with the likes of Louis Vuitton and Gucci in town.

Needless to say, villas in this neck of the woods come at a premium. However, you can pick up some cheaper deals in and around Marbella’s understated Old Town.

With flowers spilling out from boxes hanging from whitewashed buildings and traditional cafes serving up fuss-free and appetising bites, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled across an altogether different world. The fact that this historic side Marbella is somewhat overshadowed by the flashier part of town has its advantages.

Other options for your villa holiday include locations close to Marbella’s delightful coast. Depending on where you settle on, you could find yourself a short stroll from gorgeous beaches like Bounty Beach, Playa de Alicate and Playa Real de Zaragoza.

July and August are two of the best months for Marbella – you’re looking at highs of 30C and plenty of activity. Unsurprisingly, as this is peak season, villas are likely to cost more – and it’ll be busy too.

If you’re after more moderate temperatures, plan your break for May to early June or September – during the day, you’re looking at 20C temperatures. And, as a bonus, there’ll be fewer tourists.