A Fresh Look at Marbella’s Old Town
March 21st, 2011
Now, a lot of people will prefer modern shopping malls and we have our share of those along the coast, but for me it is hard to beat the atmosphere of an old town centre like that of Marbella.
The problem is that while shopping centres feature some great shops and international brands they are pretty much the same wherever you go. From my perspective you must have a pretty narrow outlook not to get bored by the same chain store names on every high street and mall from ‘Lake Geneva to the Finland station,’ but maybe I’m just being cynical.
Give me the sights, scents and impressions that are unique to a certain location and that are deeply rooted in its history and cultural heritage. Marbella’s old town is a fine example. Situated just off the main shopping boulevard, Avenida Ricardo Soriano, and less than a kilometre from the beach, its maze of cobbled pedestrian streets are a welcome change from tall buildings, loud signage and noisy traffic.
What’s more, this is the old heart of Marbella, so its whitewashed houses arranged around narrow alleyways and lovely squares are a historical delight that still buzzes with the everyday life of a vibrant community. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that washing hangs over your head in the classic Mediterranean tradition – Marbella’s a bit too refined for that – but the old town’s charm lies in the way it is quaint, clean and very well preserved.
While people still live here it is also the setting for some of the nicest antique shops, boutiques, shoe shops, cafés, tapas bars, restaurants and specialist outlets in Marbella. Good bargains can be had and one of the main attractions is the lively yet traffic-free ambience and feeling that you’re in the real Spain. As a result, this is also one of the very best places to head for lunch or to go out at night, with excellent tapas bars, restaurants (avoid the more touristy ones) and some really great nightspots.
Where Puerto Banús is about flashing your Rolex and/or Roller, old town Marbella is about having fun in a more relaxed and understated way. The locals love it here, as do those foreigners in the know – and keep an eye out for the special events and activities organised on a regular basis.
So for something a little more authentic give the shopping mall a miss and make the most of a sunny day.
With thanks to Michel Cruz of www.manifestodesign.com
