marbella offers a mix of Spanish culture with the historic Old Town standing side-by-side with the new, overlooking the Mediterranean sea. It has always been a firm favourite with the rich and famous, many of whom have homes here and now also attracts the more discerning holiday-maker. Marbella is a working town, not just a tourist resort and successfully offers a balance of smart shops, fabulous restaurants and tapas bars for year-round enjoyment. The Old Town is Marbella's jewel but is no museum piece! The alleys and squares are kept spotlessly clean and make it a joy to amble around. Visit Plaza Los Naranjos, particularly on a summer's evening. Marbella is 10-minutes away from the apartment by car and parking is easy.

beaches on the Costa Del Sol have long been renowned for their safe "Blue Flag" status on the Mediterranean. The daily tended sandy beaches and marble promenades stretching between Marbella and Puerto Banus and westward to San Pedro de Alcantara are just 10-minutes from our apartment and have spectacular views along the coastline. Bars and restaurants, offering anything from light-bites to thee course meals, are dotted along the beaches. Many water sports activities provide good entertainment and are strictly regulated to ensure safe swimming for all others. Perfect for families. Plenty of shaded car-parking - usually free (or a very modest charitable donation) - is adjacent to the promenades.  Or, for something different take the 50-minute drive past Gibraltar to Tarifa, Spain's southern-most point, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean. After enjoying a stroll around the old town, search out the beaches west of the town, then sit back and let the amazing kite and wind surfers entertain you while you enjoy the soft white powder sand, cocktails on the beach and stunning views of the African coastline and mountains, just 10-miles across the Straights of Gibraltar. Sunsets here are amazing.