Nestled in the foothills between La Concha and the Mediterranean, Sierra Blanca is one of the Costa del Sol’s most desirable neighbourhoods. The embodiment of culture, leisure and glamour, Marbella city centre can be reached in less than 10 minutes by car, and the surrounding area boasts an abundance of leisure clubs, entertainment venues and activities to explore.
A mixture of traditional barrios and chic avenues, Marbella is a vibrant cosmopolitan city full of things to do. Built at the end of the 15th century, the Plaza de los Naranjos can be found in the centre of the old town, alongside the Casa del Corregidor, the Town Hall, and the Hermitage of Santiago. Remnants of the city wall from the Muslim period are still visible, as well as Roman columns protruding from one of the towers in Calle Trinidad. For those after some artistic delights, Hospital Bazán houses the works of renowned artists such as Picasso, Miró and Chillida. A collection of bronze sculptures designed by Salvador Dalí are also scattered along the paved Avenida del Mar, which connects the seafront promenade to the Paseo de La Alameda.
Numerous restaurants hug the waterfront, providing a selection of international cuisines with a backdrop of beautiful views out to sea. Stroll along to the city's old fishing quarter, where Playa de la Bajadilla offers a smaller, often quieter, stretch of sand and an arrangement of tables belonging to Puerto Playa, an unbeatable spot to enjoy a seafood supper. The Old Town has several well-respected restaurants, slightly more subdued than the promenade’s main bars. Based in an old converted house, the well-known ZoZoï is a trendy spot with a large courtyard terrace to spend the warm evenings. Another popular choice is The Farm, a charming restaurant tucked down a small alley in a home built in 1502. An original experience that celebrates simple and locally sourced food, its secluded garden makes it a lovely spot for an intimate dinner. Choose from their impressive selection of local wines or be entertained by a weekend flamenco show for a taste of energetic Spanish dancing.
As well as an abundance of golf courses and leisure clubs, Marbella has a strong connection to the increasingly popular game of Padel. Invented in the 1960s, somewhere between tennis and squash, this social game is a great way to spend an afternoon, and there are many courts dotted around the city. For water-based adventures, head down to almost any beach where you will find centres offering sailing, waterskiing and jet skiing, or indulge in a lazy afternoon at one of the many chiringuitos (beach bars). Victor’s Beach on The Golden Mile is great to listen to live music on the weekends whilst enjoying a delicious lunch. Marbella is famous for its nightlife, and many of the bars continue entertaining long into the night. For late-night dancing, check out the streets around Alameda Park or pop into the famous Nikki Beach Club to party to music from the world’s best DJs.
For those looking to escape the city, challenge yourself to scale La Concha. Part of the Sierra Blanca range, La Concha is a mountain approximately 1215ft above sea level. It is a demanding hike that takes an average of five hours to the summit and back. The views from the top are breathtaking, reaching along the coast and, on a clear day, stretching as far as Gibraltar and North Africa.
