Marbella Information
History & Culture
Marbella and the Costa del Sol in Spain offer you much more than warm weather, fabulous sandy beaches and numerous top golf courses. The various invasions that took place in Andalucía explain its very rich culture and its great variety of monuments. Both the Roman and Moorish invaders have left exceptional monuments; the cathedral in Sevilla, the 'Alhambra' in Granada, the 'Mezquita' in Cordoba and the bridge in Ronda illustrate the long, diverse history of Andalucia.
Marbella was founded by the Romans around 1500 BC. More recently it was a typical fishing village. Today, Marbella is an harmonious blend of Andalucian charm and International lifestyle.
Climate & Weather
Very often called "The California of Europe", the Costa del Sol offers more than 300 days of sunshine per year with an average temperature exceeding 19ºC that makes it the most desirable place to live.
Sport & Leisure
On top of its appealing climate and warm hospitality, the Costa del Sol offers numerous sports facilities;
swimming, sailing, horse-riding, windsurfing, polo, game fishing, and water-skiing are all within easy reach... Less than 2 hours drive from Marbella is the Sierra Nevada ski resort. At around 12,500 feet, the Sierra Nevada mountain range is one of the highest in Europe, and offers excellent conditions for all levels.
Within easy reach are historical cities such as, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Jerez, and Madrid. Gibraltar with its unique blend of England and Spain together with tax-free shopping is an interesting place to visit. If experiencing different cultures is of interest, a half hour ferry ride will take you to Morocco in North Africa. Here you will find street markets and bazaars, rugs and silks. In fact the Costa del Sol can always provide things to entertain should sunbathing become tiresome.
Last but not least are the Costa del Sol numerous golf courses (9 in Marbella and 65 on the coast) that have earned it the alternative name of "Costa del Golf".
One can play in short sleeved shirts all year long in fabulous locations with breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. Spain’s only links course is on the western end of the coast in Alcaidesa and Valderrama, in Sotogrande, held the 1997 Ryder Cup.
Cuisine & Restaurants
Due to the melting pot of cultures, Marbella and its surrounding area offer you a huge choice of restaurants from all possible nationalities. These range from high class Indian restaurants to "chiringuitos" on the beach for the finest fish and sophisticated French nouvelle cuisine restaurants. Besides the thousands of tapas bars where you can taste local and national dishes and wines there are also special wine bars, coffee shops with 30 different brands of fresh made coffee and shops specialised in Belgian and German beers.
Education & Health
If you wish to establish yourself on the Costa del Sol you will be offered a wide and diverse choice of International schools. Elitea will be very pleased to provide you with detailed information about Spanish and International schools in the area where you will purchase your property.
You can also enjoy the best practicioners and health care facilities including a modern international hospital.
The Hospital Costa del Sol is equipped with the latest technology in Health Care and employs medical staff of a very high level. Furthermore, Marbella offers you a huge range of private clinics for all your needs.