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Marbella
With its short 40minute drive from Malaga airport, connecting bus service and also popular port for cruise ships the 26km of coastline, Marbella not only attracts the wealthy and famous, but it is a popular destination for British, German, American, Saudi Arabrian and United Arab Emirate visitors and tourists.
Marbella, like most of the coast was just a quite fishing town until Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg built the famous Marbella Club Hotel as his residence in the 1950s. From the 1950's onwards, Marbella has grown increasingly popular with artists, filmstars, musicians and royalty. Some of the past and present residents of Marbella include;
Although known for this luxurious lifestyle, designer boutiques and highly fashionable interior design stores, the old town of Marbella is like a traditional Andalusian village, with small squares, little craft shops and tapas bars. If you are out in the old town, a must to visit, is the beautiful Playa de los naranjas - Square of the oranges, ideal for relaxing and taking a drink and some tapas.
As well as film stars, Marbella attracts many sporting people with the vast amount of well known quality golf courses, the Ascari race track a short distance away, and hosts a WTA tennis event.
If its music you want, through out the year many big artists stay in Marbella as part of their European tours and also Marbella is host to several festivals throughout the year including Jazz, Reggae and Opera.
Marbella, like most of the coast was just a quite fishing town until Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg built the famous Marbella Club Hotel as his residence in the 1950s. From the 1950's onwards, Marbella has grown increasingly popular with artists, filmstars, musicians and royalty. Some of the past and present residents of Marbella include;
- Andy Gray - Retired Scottish football player who throughout is career has 20 appearance for his country as well as playing for some large English and Scottish team including Aston Villa, Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Dundee United and Rangers before going to Sky Sports as a football pundit until his dismissal this year.
- Mike Reid - Big British icon, known for his character 'Frank Butcher' in the BBC soap Eastenders. Mike retired out in Marbella until he passed away in 2007.
- Joan Collins - She was living in Marbella at the time the agreed to the role of 'Alexis' in the ever so popular 80's soap opera, Dynasty, to which she is probably remembered best.
- Sean Connery - One of the first big faces, Sean lived in the Malibu Mansion, where he spent many days playing Golf on his private course until he had a dispute with the then mayor of Marbella, Jesus Gil y Gil over the way Jesus had used Sean as a marketing campaign for his elections.
Although known for this luxurious lifestyle, designer boutiques and highly fashionable interior design stores, the old town of Marbella is like a traditional Andalusian village, with small squares, little craft shops and tapas bars. If you are out in the old town, a must to visit, is the beautiful Playa de los naranjas - Square of the oranges, ideal for relaxing and taking a drink and some tapas.
As well as film stars, Marbella attracts many sporting people with the vast amount of well known quality golf courses, the Ascari race track a short distance away, and hosts a WTA tennis event.
If its music you want, through out the year many big artists stay in Marbella as part of their European tours and also Marbella is host to several festivals throughout the year including Jazz, Reggae and Opera.