MARBELLA

Marbella’s historical background

Prehistoric artefacts have been found dating as far back as the Paleolithic era (circa 25,000BC) in the area of the Coto de Correa in Las Chapas, and from the Neolithic (circa 9,000BC) at the caves of Pecho Redondo in the foothills of the Sierra Blanca mountains.

Marbella’s antiquity can be traced back to the Roman settlement of Barbesula, in the 1st century BC. Artefacts from this period have been found in the mouth of the río Verde river near San Pedro de Alcántara.

Also near San Pedro de Alcántara, nowadays also a municipality, are the remains of the Roman colony of Cilniana – which appears to have been destroyed by earthquake in the 4th century AD – one of the most interesting of all the many archeological sites found along the coast of the Málaga province. Various historians have connected it to the Roman city of Salduba, mentioned by the 1st century Roman geographer of Spain, Pomponio Mela. Near the beach here are the vestiges of Roman baths now known as Las Bóvedas, ‘the vaults’, from their distinctive architecture.

Another important archeological site near San Pedro de Alcántara is the PalaeoChristian basilica at Vega del Mar, built in the 3rd century and later used as a necropolis, burial ground, by the Visigoths.

During the period of Moorish rule (711-1492), Marbella was a settlement in what is now the town centre, and gained an outstanding position in local history. During the 11th century reign of the Taifa statelets, its rulers, the Idris dynasty of Fez, Morocco, fought a lengthy territorial battle with the Hammud dynasty of Algeciras. This lasted until the invasion by the Benemerine armies (1274) who, after taking both Marbella and Málaga, unified the region. During the Nazari period it came under the Nasrid rulers of Granada, and remained so until Marbella was taken by the armies of the Reyes Católicos (the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel), in 1485 (Granada fell in 1492). The casco viejo (old town) of Marbella still features parts of the defensive walls and towers from this period.

A new initiative, perhaps even a renaissance, that would change both the face of Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara and the entire Marbella coast, as well as transforming the economy and the lifestyle of its people, came in the second half of the 20th century. This was the radical and progressive development of tourism begun in the 1970s, which would transform Marbella and its environs into one of the most outstanding tourism destinations the world over.

Thousands of years before Christ there were already human settlements in the Sierra Blanca mountains above Marbella, clearly identified by the artefacts and remains from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods uncovered in the Sierra Blanca foothills.

Recent discoveries have shown that as long ago as the 7th century AD settlers from Carthage and Venice had established towns and settlements in the area around the Río Real (royal) river west of the town centre.

The Roman presence in Marbella left many examples of its culture, such as the Roman Village at Río Verde, the Roman baths at Guadalmina and various remains unearthed in the casco antiguo, old town.

The earliest references to ‘Marbella’ were first found in texts written by medieval geographers and adventurers.During the Islamic era, Marbella became a walled city. The Muslim rulers constructed a castle surrounded by imposing walls with three gates or passages in and out of the city: the puertas (gates) del Mar, de Ronda and de Málaga. The castle is partly conserved, but the walls and the gates have disappeared. After the Reconquest in the 15th century and through much of the 16th century, Marbella underwent major changes. The Muslim central Medina (casbah, or old quarter, nowadays the casco antiguo) was partly demolished to make way for a plaza (the Plaza Mayor, or Real, nowadays Plaza de los Naranjos, after its orange trees) and a new road, Calle Nueva, to connect the plaza to the Puerta del Mar.

During the 19th century, with the establishment of two the first metal furnaces in Spain, in El Ángel and in La Concepción, to process the metals mined in the Sierra Blanca mountains, Marbella became the most industrialised area of the Málaga province, making it the second largest industrial province of the entire Iberian Peninsula.

Forty-five years ago Marbella was an agricultural town, with a mining industry and 10,000 inhabitants. Today there are more than 100,000 inhabitants on the census, entirely separate from the seasonal and temporary population. Marbella has become one of the most important tourist destinations in the world, and with its facilities, as well as 26km of clean beaches and beautiful mountain scenery (the Sierra Blanca), it boasts a wealth of high-quality hotels, a fishing port and three international marinas (among them the famous Puerto Bánus), ultra-luxury residential developments, a thriving restaurant culture, an expanding retail economy that stretches throughout its streets and squares, and it has transformed its ancient walled city, nowadays the casco antiguo, into a grand centrepiece for the whole of Marbella and environs.

Marbella’s Marina and Port

Maritime facilities around the capital of the Costa del Sol offer moorings to boats and yachts of almost any size, including some of the biggest ever seen in the Mediterranean, often to be found anchored in the luxury yacht enclave of Puerto Banús.

Puerto Banus. Puerto José Banus Hotel Marbella.But this isn’t Marbella’s only marina; at the other end of the range and just beyond the casco antiguo there is another port for both sail and fishing craft, with a smaller number of available moorings, but with all the atmosphere of a working port and under ten minutes walk from the heart of Marbella.

Puerto Deportivo Marbella

Address	Paseo Marítimo, s/n Town: Marbella CP 29600
Port Information	Latitude 36°30áN Longitude 4°53áW Harbour entrance 100 m Seabed conditions: sand Entrance depth 6 m Dockside depth 2,5-6 m Berths 377 Berth lengths 6-20 m Rental berths 25 per cent Port radio frequency VHF CH9 Sailing school, diving school, fishing fleet: 6777 17 315 Note: Crane/hoist 15 Tm
Telephones	Port office telephone 952 82 58 69 Port office fax 952 77 57 00 Harbourmaster 952 77 18 40 Club Marítimo de Marbella: Telf. 952 77 25 04

Puerto deportivo Jose Banús

Address	Nueva Andalucía, s/n Marbella CP 29660
Port Information	Latitude 36°29á01″N Longitude 4°57á02″W Harbour entrance width 80m Seabed conditions: sand Entrance depth 7,5 m Dockside depth 3-7 m Berths 915 Berth lengths 8-50 m Rental berths 45 per cent Port radio frequency VHF CH9-16
Telephones	Port office telephone 952909800 Port office fax 952810899 Customs Extn. 215/217 Harbourmaster 952 77 18 40

Marbella beaches

The twenty-seven kilometres of safe sandy beaches along the Marbella coast have been a major attraction for visitors since the 1950s. Marbella itself has 24 beaches to suit all tastes, from the busy central beaches to the quieter exclusive beaches with beach clubs, restaurants and bars. To name just one, since 1992 the Guadalmina beach has held the prized Blue Ribbon award for excellence; although this is by no means the only one, but just one of the beaches of the Costa del Sol capital awarded this Europe-wide distinction, along with the beaches at la Fontanilla, la playa Real de Zaragoza, la playa del Alicate, numerous others …

Playa El Fuerte

Hotel el Fuerte

Length: 500 mts

Average width: 25 mts

Parking: yes

Number of places 50 – 100

Nearest road route: CN-340

Bus: No dedicated route but urban routes pass at 1 Km.

Playa El Alicate

Beside the Costa Bella y Pinomar, occupying a beach space of 2 km on a beach graded as medium for occupancy rates.

Length: 850 mts

Average width: 25 mts

Parking: yes, but unattended

Number of places 50 – 100

Nearest road route: CN-340

Bus: No dedicated route but urban routes pass at 1 Km.

Playa La Víbora

Narrow sandy beach of at minimum 10 m width and 1 km long, with few facilities.

Length: 850 mts

Average width: 30 mts

Parking: No

Nearest road route: CN-340

Bus: No local bus service

Playa Realejos

A 2 km section of the coast that includes the playa de Los Monteros.

Length: 850 mts

Average width: 40 mts

Parking: No

Nearest road route: CN-340

Bus: Local bus route paasses at 0,5 Km.

Playa Real de Zaragoza

A long and expansive beach, by the residential area of the same name.

Length: 1700 mts

Average width: 30 mts

Parking: No

Nearest road route: CN-340

Bus: Local bus route passes at 500 mts.

Playa Pinomar

Next to the beaches of Costa Bella and El Alicate, occupying a beach space of 2 km on a beach graded as medium for occupancy rates.

Length: 300 mts

Medium width: 25 mts

Parking: No

Nearest road route: CN-340

Bus: Local bus route passes at 500 mts.

Playa Las Chapas

A long beach next to the residential area of Las Chapas.

Length: 750 mts

Medium width: 25 mts

Parking: Yes, 100 spaces

Nearest road route: CN-340

Bus: Local bus route passes at 1 Km.

Playa La Adelfa

Forming a part of a 2 km stretch of the coast as an extension to the playa de Los Monteros.

Length: 650 mts

Medium width: 40 mts

Parking: Yes, 100 places

Nearest road route: CN-340

Bus: Local route passes at 1 Km.

Playa Costa Bella

Next to the beaches at El Alicate and Pinomar, occupying a beach space of 2 km on a beach graded as medium for occupancy rates.

Length: 570 mts

Medium width: 15 mts

Parking: No

Nearest road route: CN-340

Bus: Local route passes at 1 Km.

Playa Artola o Cabopino

Designated nudist beach in a protected natural dune area, the Dunas de Artola.

Length: 1.200 mts

Average width: 30 mts

Nudist bathing: Yes

Parking: Yes, 100 places

Nearest road route: CN-340

Bus: Local route passes at 500 mts.

                                                                                                       PUERTO BANÚS

Playa Río Verde

Beach next to the río Verde river and the residental area of the same name. Noted for its gold and pink coloured sand. The area between the port and the mouth of the river is known as the Playa de Puerto Banús. Good facilities.

Length: 1500 mts

Average width: 40 mts

Parking: Yes, but unattended, 100 places

Nearest road route: CN-340

Bus: Local route passes at 1 km.

Playa El Duque

A stretch of fine sand 1 km long, with a high occupancy rate and many facilities nearby. Next to Puerto Banús, it is also known as the Playa del Duque.

Length: 1050 mts

Average width: 30 mts

Parking: Yes, but unattended, 100 places

Nearest road route: CN-340

Bus: Local route passes at 1 km.

Golf courses in Marbella

It is not for simple vanity that the Costa del Golf gets the name Costa del Golf. Now blessed with 40 courses along just 150 kilometres of coastline, it is little short of paradise for lovers of the open air sport.

Golf in Marbella offers 17 golf courses where you can practice, play a round or finesse your swing on the practice courses.

For a complete listing of facilities, please visit our dedication section on Golf in Andalucía

Marbella Golf and Country Club	Golf Club Flamingos	Los Naranjos Golf Club Nueva Andalucía
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, the private 18-hole course has a par of 71 for a slope of 129, over a 6000m course.	The course of 18 holes was designed by Antonio Gª Garrido with a par of 72 along 5883 competitive metres. Private club, visitors admitted. Slope of 128.	This private club which admits visitors was designed by Robert Trent Jones. Its 18 holes cover a course of 6437m for a par of 72 with a slope of 130.
Tel. 952 830 500	Tel. 952 889 157	Tel. 952 815 206
Club de Campo la Zagaleta	Santa María Golf and Country Club	Golf Rio Real
Private members-only club. Its 18-hole, 6039m course has a par of 72 for a slope of 135. Designed by Bradford Benz.	Designed by Antonio García Garrido, its 18 holes have a par of 70 for a slope of 114. The 5586m course also admits visitors.	Private club with visitor admission, 18 holes with a par of 72, and a course of 6166m designed by Javier Arana. Slope of 132.
Tel. 952 855 453	Tel. 952 831 036	Tel. 952 765 733
Guadalmina Club de Golf	Santa Clara Golf	La Dama de Noche Golf
An impresive course of 9 + 18 + 18 holes. Their 5766 or 6021 metres are by the sea and pine woods. Designed by Javier Arana and Falco Nardi. With a par of 72 or 73 for slopes of 126 and 123. The Club is run on a semi-private basis.	Designed by Enrique Canales, its 18 have a par of 71 and is open to the public. With a slope of 126 and a course of 5940m.	A private club that admits visitors, this course of 18 or 9 holes was designed by Enrique Canales Busquet. With a par of 72 for a slope of 122 over a course of 5352m.
Tel. 952 883 455	Tel. 952 850 111	Tel. 952 818 150
Golf Club Flamingos	Los arqueros Golf & Country Club	Aloha Golf Club
An 18-hole course designed by Antonio Gª Garrido with a par of 72 for a slope of 128 on a course of 5883m. A private club but guests admitted.	The greatest Spanish golfer of modern times Severiano Ballesteros signed the design of this 18 hole course with a par 72 in its 5624m course. Slope of 129. Private club but admits visitors.	One of the oldest golf clubs in Marbella, designed in 1975 by Javier Arana, its 18 holes for a long course of 6293m has a par o f 72 for a slope of 135. Semi-private club (May-October) but admits visitors.
Tel. 952 889 157	Tel. 952 784 600	Tel. 952 907 085
Cabo Pino Golf Marbella	Monte Paraíso Golf	Greenlife Golf
The 5170m course of 18-holes for a total par of 71 for a slope of 130 is the work of Juan Ligues.	Unusual and accesible 9 holes with a par of 3 and set a few kilometres from Marbella with a fantastic view of Marbella itself. Slope of 83, with a total 1904m for a par of 54.	A course of 9 holes over 2342m, with a perfect par of 3 , for a slope of 83. Holes reach from 88 to 169m of high quality and are distributed around a spectacular artificial course.
Tel. 952 850 282	Tel. 952 822 781	Tel. 952 839 142
Magna Marbella
beautiful course of 2848m with 9 holes in 29 shots to equal the par. Slope of 93 and a course of psychological complexity, mixing the easy and the difficult.
Tel. 952 929 249

Marbella’s useful telephone numbers

POLICY AUTHORITIES Policía (Urgencias) 091 Guardia Civil 95 239 19 00 Policía Local (Urgencias) 092 Policía Local 95 276 26 00 Policía Local de Tráfico 95 221 24 14 Centro Control Tráfico 95 231 06 11

MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES

Tax office (the ‘Hacienda’) 952 82 49 94 Police headquarters 952 77 12 96 Asesoría Jurídica 952 76 11 40 Public prosection department 952 76 11 40 Ombudsman 952 82 29 87 Treasury department 95 276 11 21 Pensioner centres: Marbella 95 286 86 07 San Pedro 95 281 67 92 Nueva Andalucía 95 278 74 47 Las Chapas 95 283 41 11 National employment departments: Marbella 95 282 04 62 San Pedro 95 278 30 56 Social Security department headquarters 95 277 15 99 Crown prosecutors 95 282 72 72 Pathologist’s deparment 95 286 14 57 Guardia Cívil, civil security and forensics deprtment 95 286 33 35 Judges’ headquarters (Juzgados 1, 2 and 4) 95 286 47 74

Judges’ headquarters (Juzgados 3 and 5) 95 286 77 76 Marbella Solidaria (Hacienda de Toros) 95 277 44 65 Youth information offices: Marbella 95 276 11 86 San Pedro de Alcántara 95 278 22 99 Community taxes office (San Pedro de Alcántara) 95 278 88 33 95 278 03 57 Tourism offices OMIC Consumer information departments Marbella 95 285 81 71 San Pedro 95 278 99 20 Palacio de Ferias y Exposiciones (Convention centre) 95 282 82 44 Local taxes office 95 276 41 34 Sevillana – Endesa (gas and electricity) 95 286 03 91 Power/supply failures (24 hours): 902 516 516 Client information (24 hours): 902 509 509

GENERAL INTEREST NUMBER FOR MARBELLA

Sea rescue/salvage 900 202 202

Toxicology/pollution 91 562 04 02

Child line 900 210 966

EDUCATION AND CULTURE Conservatorio Música y Danza 95 276 41 79 Fundación de Arte y Cultura 95 282 35 68 Biblioteca Antonio Gala (Nueva Andalucía) 95 281 17 14 Biblioteca Caballero Bonald (Las Chapas) 95 283 84 10 Biblioteca Camilo José Cela 95 282 88 39 Biblioteca San Pedro de Alcántara (San Pedro) 95 278 40 49

HEALTH

Hospital Costa del Sol 95 282 82 50 / 95 286 27 48

Emergencias Sanitarias 061

Centro de Salud Marbella 95 282 65 96

Cruz Roja Marbella 95 277 45 34

Hospital Costa del Sol 95 282 82 50 / 95 286 27 48

Emergencias Sanitarias (emergency ambulance service) 061

Centro de Salud (health centre) Marbella 95 282 65 96

Cruz Roja (Red Cross) Marbella 95 277 45 34

TRAVEL INFORMATION Port authority 95 221 05 95 Málaga airport 95 204 84 84 Iberia Airlines information 95 213 61 66 Bus station 95 235 00 61 Taxi 952 32 79 50 – 952 33 64 00 Radio Taxi 952 82 35 35 / 952 77 44 88 RENFE rail station (bookings) 95 236 02 02