All about
Marbella
SELLING QUALITY PROPERTIES IN MARBELLA SINCE 1970
June 2025
www.theolivepress.es
THE ROMANCE OF MARBELLA Explore the city’s vibrant history, rich culture, and world-class culinary scene
A family-run business, since 1970, offering the full range of traditional agency services 30 highly skilled professionals speaking 14 languages Two prestigious offices on Marbella’s Golden Mile
952 822 111
info@panorama.es
panorama.es
WHERE BETTER: to get married, while (below) the Marbella Club is a great destination
M
ARBELLA’S name has long conjured visions of a picture-perfect city of gleaming yachts, designer boutiques and luxury hotels… all with an endless stream of celebrity sightings. This undeniably glamorous image still pulls in a certain crowd - but a deeper, more compelling story starts to unfold for anyone willing to look beyond the obvious. As we approach the summer, this ‘sundrenched jewel’ (as it likes to call itself) offers an experience that’s richer and more nuanced than its reputation
By Dilip Kuner might first suggest. Just step away from those buzzing marinas and the thrum of high-octane luxury, and you’ll stumble upon a Marbella that time itself seems to have preserved. The Casco Historico, the old town, is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, their 16th-century origins, some even older, etched into every ancient wall. Hidden along narrow alleys you will find
modern art galleries, brimming with fresh, contemporary creations, sitting comfortably alongside traditional tapas bars, always busy with locals, despite the summer tourist hordes. Hip boutiques, like long-established Deja Vu, and artisan ice cream parlours invite you for a leisurely exploration - it’s like a treasure hunt for unique finds. At the heart of this historical haven, you’ll find the Plaza de los Naranjos, aptly named for its fragrant orange trees, which provide a colourful backdrop for countless selfies. This charming square pulses with life
as locals and tourists mingle to enjoy its attractions. The 16th-century town hall dominates, an immovable witness to centuries of change. While the immediate vicinity might lean towards the premium side (price-wise), the sheer immersion in this historical ambiance is priceless. For a moment of quiet reflection, the cool stone walls of the Ermita De Santiago, originally a mosque, offer a peaceful sanctuary that feels like it’s
pulled straight from a bygone era. Just around the corner, the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, dating Continues on next page
CREDIT: Pics by Jon Clarke
Highest qualifications, regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors