There’s never a dull Moment in Marbella

For those who came, holidayed and subsequently bought a holiday or permanent home in Marbella there has certainly never been a dull moment. The last couple of years have brought new hope to cash-strapped householders. Thanks to an unprecedented influx of tourists the surplus of unsold homes is gradually going down. In Marbella’s gorgeous Puerto de Marbella marina residents are finally returning to happier times.

Puerto de Marbella, with its black mountain range forming a stunning background against the white yachts and azure sea, is one of two major marinas Marbella has to offer. Boating and fishing enthusiasts can charter vessels, have a fantastic day out with their friends and explore the Costa del Sol’s coastal waters at their leisure. But these are pursuits costing money and that, in many residents’ households, is still in short supply.
 
Marbella Activities on a Budget

Thankfully, there are plenty of things one can do and see in Marbella that don’t involve spending a great deal of money. If hiring a yacht or even a small fishing boat is out of reach, there are the great cultural events and sights that will entertain, educate and provide a few hours of fun.

Apart from Marbella’s art galleries there’s also the Spanish Contemporary Engraving Museum, located in the 16th century Hospital Bazán. The museum’s collection focuses on 19th and 20th century art and showcases works by world famous masters such as Dali, Miró and Picasso.

Local markets are also a good way to see interesting things, chat to a few artisans about their work and sample some delightful culinary offerings from stallholders or tapas bars. Making the most of the beautiful countryside, one can enjoy excellent walks in the hills above Marbella. Try La Zagaleta or El Madronal’s leafy neighbourhoods for fairly undemanding but highly enjoyable trails.

Snacks like “ajoblanco”, a cold soup made with olive oil, garlic and grounds almonds, or the better known “gazpacho” can also be easily made at home and be made part of grand picnic by the sea. If you can’t afford the prices at Puerto Banus’ or Puerto de Marbella’s bars and restaurants, why not prepare your own hamper, sit on a bench and watch the town’s high society walk by?

Delicious freshly baked bread, local cheeses and ham or spicy sausages are all relatively cheap – add a few barbequed sardines and you’ll have a feast.

Exploring Marbella’s Surroundings

If the budget stretches to a day’s car hire, why not visit the beautiful hill town of Ronda, its white-washed houses dozing peacefully in the afternoon sun. Stroll through the town’s ancient winding streets, stop off at a cafe for a drink and enjoy the fantastic views. Or spend an exciting day with your kids at the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Reserve near Ronda.

Over in the Sierra Blanca mountain range the small town of Istán has been looking after people’s wellbeing for centuries – famous for its springs, amazing views and clean air, Istán makes for an excellent day trip destination that won’t break the bank. For even more nature walks in an area of ecological importance try Ojén, which lies just a short drive inland from Marbella’s town centre.

Marina Living

At Puerto de la Bajadilla it can be rather fun to watch the huge cruise ships arrive and the marina is within walking distance of Marbella town centre. Eventually, this traditional harbour will be turned into a EUR 400 million development with new hotels, luxury apartments, more berths for yachts and pleasure cruisers and more moorings for those enormous cruise ships. It’s unclear when property will become available to purchase off plan. For the moment the “Al Thani” project for Puerto de la Bajadilla has run aground before it ever set sail – the consortium behind the project has seemingly had difficulties raising the necessary cash to fund construction phase 1.

Puerto Banus on the other hand already offers “living by the sea” in style and at currently affordable prices – rentals start from EUR 450 per week; a luxury beachside penthouse duplex with sea views over the harbour will, however, command a price of around EUR 2.5 million.