Why Marbella needs to be on your top destination list

There is no better place to visit or to buy property than Marbella. Of course, Spain has seen its fair share of ups and downs, almost too many to count. The country’s economic nosedive left millions struggling. However, the tide has definitely turned and southern Spain alone can be credited for the economic turn-around of the entire country.

Spain beats its own historical record…again

You can imagine the delight felt by millions across Southern Spain and almost hear the cheers from estate agents in Marbella, when property prices started to stabilise – the moment they had all been waiting for. The real question is how it happened. Who or what might be responsible for the new found attention Andalusia is getting? We think we might know or at the very least have one answer.

2014 was a good year for tourism in Málaga province, even beating the previous year’s record by 20 percent. To understand the magnitude and importance of these exciting times, we have to look a bit closer at the national statistics. And you may well be surprised.

Millions of foreign tourists in Spain in 2014

Statistics provided in the Frontur Tourist Border Movements Survey confirm that in 2014 (for the second consecutive year) Spain managed to beat its own record for the previous year, recording the highest growth over last 14 years.

What’s not to love about Marbella?

We’re not suggesting that you should ignore the historical city of Málaga and capital of the Costa del Sol; Málaga is much more than an airport and is definitely worth a visit if you get the chance. However, we think Marbella holds a different type of allure, a place that everyone, even the rich and famous, can relate to.

Here’s the best part, Marbella isn’t just a hotspot for the well-heeled; although it’s true that Puerto Banús is a Mecca for luxury cars, yachts and prime property. It’s a place for everyone, drawing people from all over the world with different levels of spending power and diverse tastes. And thanks to the recent property news, it is apparent that now is the time to buy apartments, penthouses or maybe one of the magnificent Marbella estates or villas for sale in Marbella. And you if prefer to make a profitable property investment, you could buy a villa in Marbella, then market it as a holiday let and earn an extremely respectable income. Spain is on the road to recovery .

Marbella has never lost its shine, and it’s not just about the affordable properties at your finger tips. This is one town that consistently attracts millions of visitors each year, and that number includes returning visitors. Marbella has a way of tempting you back again and again. The place is not only attractive to the hordes of visitors, it exudes a strong culture and pride from the locals; and even though Marbella is certainly on the world radar and map, it manages to retain its roots.

You must see old town Marbella

The old quarter of Marbella is very special, and even though Spain has many old villages and towns throughout the country, Marbella sets itself apart, almost like a time warp – is the only way of describing it.

If you’re arriving for the very first time in Marbella without any prior knowledge of the city, you are in for a very pleasant surprise. The old town or casco antiguo de Marbella sits right beside the bustling modern city. It almost sneaks up on you, but the quick jump back in time is absolutely wonderful. You will be transported back with old style villas and apartments, charming shops on narrow cobbled streets that suddenly open up into a giant square.

Los Naranjos Plaza (Orange Tree Square) is the most well-known and beautiful square, bursting with history, edged with picturesque restaurants and the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall). It was built in the sixteenth century and enlarged in the eighteenth. If you want older, then look no further than the Casa del Corregidor (House of the Magistrate), adjoining the Capilla de Santiago Apóstol (Chapel of Saint James the Apostle), both were built in the sixteenth century. Yet, Los Naranjos Plaza’s attraction doesn’t lie exclusively in the old style buildings today it continues to be the heart of the old city.

You can spend the entire day in the old town, where every corner offers another photo opportunity, taking it all in, visiting the individual shops, boutiques, bakeries and restaurants, churches, plazas or even the Bonsai Museum. But don’t take our word for it you really need to experience the atmosphere for yourself.

However, we should warn you…once you have visited, there is a distinct possibility that you will fall madly in love with it and you won’t ever want to go home.

For more information on Marbella, you can visit Marbella Exclusive Online.