Marbella has the beautiful "Paseo Maritimo" (Esplanade) which stretches 7 kms, from the centre of Marbella all the way to Puerto Banus, and is lined with palm trees and sandy beaches. Along the esplanade there are many cafes, bars and places to get something to eat whilst enjoying a leisurely stroll.
If you want to rent a paddle boat or jetski in the summer months there are many to choose from.
If you have children then why not stop off on the beach so the kids can enjoy themselves for a while, before commencing along the walkway. Some of the showers on the beaches are elephant-shaped, with bathers showering under their trunks.

Be sure to visit Orange Square, or "La Plaza de los Naranjos" as it is called in Spanish, where you will see the old Marbella. Expect to see stately buildings, small shops, art galleries, bars and bistros and is a hub of activity day and night. And, depending on the time of year, the colours here can be vibrant, with the trees and exotic tropical plants set against a backdrop of dazzling white buildings and a deep blue sky.
The best way to sample Orange square is to take a seat at the many bars/restaurants and just watch life pass by, its a fantastic experience.
Be sure to explore the honeycomb of surrounding narrow streets that lead off the square, where homes and shops intermingle to create the atmosphere of a small village, rather than a cosmopolitan town.

In the center of the city (between the Alameda Park and the Promenade) you will find an absolute gem of a place called the Avenida del Mar.
What used to be an abandoned park in deplorable condition has become a promenade and a sitting area (with underground parking), studded with the most complete collection of sculptures by Salvador Dali, bought by the Marbella Town Hall during the Mayor Gil government.
The marble floors (always kept clean and shiny), fountains and cafes makes the Avenida del Mar one of the most beautiful parts of Marbella and a must place to visit.

One of the first works to be carried out by the former Mayor Jesús Gil, was the The Arroyo de La Represa Park, which is two kilometers long and half a kilometer wide. The small river bed which has now been walled in (once totally dirty and full of rubbish) has become a marvelous park in which there are numerous artificial lakes, sports areas, children's park and the famous Bonsai Museum; surrounded by large stone walls that makes it all the more beautiful.

The Bonsai Musuem is considered one of the best of its kind in the world, with trees of over 500 years in age are on display here. Housed in a well designed modern building within Marbella's Arroyo de la Repressa Park. Entrance is inexpensive at about 2 Euros. The building itself is actually built over a small lake set in a park, the lake is filled with turtles, whom you will often see basking in the sun on the rocks. Part of the lake, resurfaces within the building.

In the very center of the city you will find one of the most beautiful and peaceful parts of Marbella - the Parque de La Constitucion (Constitution Park).
Built in the 1950s, this lovely park is located behind the city centre and a few minutes from the beach. The ocean breezes mix with the scent of olive trees, cypresses, palm trees, little tropical shrubs, geraniums, bougainvillea, and jasmine.

Carefully tended, the park houses the municipal open-air auditorium, for 600 people (all seated), as well, where music, dance and theatrical festivals are held, especially during the summer months. It's a round building, with traditional Andalusian horseshoe arches and tilework. The park has swings and slides for children, and there's a café nearby.

Dont forget to visit Puerto Banus whilst in Marbella as taking a walk along the port is an experience in its self and a million miles away from the tranquil parks of Marbella. You will have the chance to see some of the most impressive yachts in the world and you may also be overtaken by some of the latest models (girls and cars) from all over the world.
The small streets inside the port are crowded with pubs and discos that contrast with the new avenues, squares and Commercial Centers with a large garden area (in front of Cristamar). From Marbella center we can access Puerto Banus by road along the 'Golden Mile', (10 minutes San

Old Town: Casco Antiguo - Arab Castle or Alcazaba
At one time many of its walls were hidden by some of the old buildings built against its walls. Today some have been removed and some restoration work has taken place to display their true beauty.
The construction dates back to the 9th and 10th centuries when the Moors built a substantial town on the site. Originally the walls totally surrounded the town with 3 main gates, the Malaga gate (on the road towards Malaga) the Ronda gate (giving access to the Ronda road) and the Puerta del Mar (giving access to the sea and the port).

Almeda Park - this is a small fantastic oasis in the very heart of Marbella where it is worth spending time in and offers peace and tranquility after the hurly burly of down town Marbella.
 Just at the back of the park, and just above the underground parking garage next to the park, are two well stocked kiosks with a very wide selection of international newspapers and magazine.

So before you head back to your car, why not take a seat on the lovely ceramic benches in the park and read a while. This is what Marbella is all about!

Marbella Old Town
It always amazes us the number of people who go to Marbella and never visit one of its “hidden” gems, the historic center. It certainly should be visited as it retains much of its historic character, narrow streets leading onto small plazas, the smell of orange blossom and jasmine, and some of Marbella´s most ancient buildings.
It also is the heart of Marbellas life, the town hall and administrative buildings, nice shops, great restaurants and it is the nightlife center with some of its best bars. Originally a small walled or fortified town built by the Moors. Some of the original fortifications can still be seen and its street plan is still chaotic as the moors liked to build. Click here to see map of old town