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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. Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable transfer from Malaga airport to Marbella, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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