Marbella offers plenty of glitz and glamour. The transfer from Málaga Airport to Marbella takes 40 minutes, so you can be walking its Golden Mile in no time.
Marbella is Spain’s interpretation of St Tropez in Southern
France, with its lifestyle seducing the rich and famous as well as foreigners
who have taken up residency here. But there is plenty to see and do for
‘ordinary’ visitors here too. Start by hanging out in the most exclusive area
in Marbella and walking its Golden Mile.
What Is Marbella’s Golden Mile?
The 4 mile stretch known as Marbella’s Golden Mile starts at
the west of the city and continues all the way to Puerto Banús. Named the
Golden Mile because of the luxurious villas and estates that line it, the area
is also home to the Palace of King Fahd and some world famous hotels.
The History of The Golden Mile
During the 1960s, this area saw a huge tourist boom and
developed with great speed. The Roman villa Rio Verde; the Botanical Gardens of
El Ángel (which date back to the 8th Century); and El Ángel (an agricultural
colony) itself still stand here and are reminders of the rich history the area
is so proud of.
Today, the scene is dominated by modern, progressive and
up-to-date expansion. Split into two, the Golden Mile is divided by a motorway,
with the beachside of the motorway now fully developed and the mountainside
still undergoing construction. Top class hotels, exclusive golf courses, elite
urban developments and prestigious business are the prominent features.
Walk The Golden Mile
When on holiday in Marbella, walking the Golden Mile is a
great way to spend the morning or early evening. The total length is 4.8 miles
and if you are walking at a good pace, you should only take 2 hours. We
recommend stopping off for refreshments at some good sightseeing spots underway
to get into that holiday vibe.
Plaza de los Naranjos, with its sandstone fountain built in
1504 and its 15th century Chapel of Santiago, is the official starting point in
the old town. This square is full of cafes and restaurants, so you can fuel up
before you start.
Once you are ready to take off, you leave the square to the
east, continuing on to Plaza de la Iglesia with the Church of Our Lady of the
Incarnation, which dates back to 1485, when the Catholic Kings took the city
back form the Moors.
As you follow the route, you pass the Parque de la Alameda,
with its stunning fountains and gorgeous tiled benches, from where you reach
Avenida del Mar - the pedestrianised area by the sea. Along the route you can
find some marvellous sculptures by Salvador Dali, as well as fabulous views.
Upon reaching the promenade, the walk continues in a
straight line. There is no shortage of places to sample the local tapas along
the way or indulge in a refreshing cocktail or two.
Once you reach Puerto Banús, after stopping to admire
Gibraltar in the distance and marvelling at the glitz and glamour of the top
class restaurants and five star hotels along the way, you can catch a bus back
to Marbella. They run regularly from the marina and offer a welcome rest for
weary legs.
How To Get There
Málaga Airport is the arrival airport of choice for most
holidaymakers. It has direct flights arriving from several European cities,
including Paris, Frankfurt, and London. Flights from London leave daily during
the summer months and you can fly from London Gatwick to Málaga for less than
£100 with easyJet, if you are flexible with dates. Other airlines, such as
Thomson and British Airways, are also good options, offering deals at different
times of the year.
Getting from Málaga Airport to resort is easy. A private
transfer from Málaga Airport to Marbella is by far the most convenient option.
Shuttle Direct run a reliable and professional service that can be booked in
advance. We are much cheaper than the regular taxis, and if there are multiple
persons in your party , there is really is no better way to get to resort with
minimum fuss.
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