Marbella vacation rentals

Discover Spain's playground of the rich and the famous

In the heart of the glittering Costa del Sol in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, Marbella has long seen young and trendy crowds flocking to its shores. Between the 17 miles of sandy coastline and the dozen renowned golf courses, there's more than enough opportunity to soak up the divine Marbella weather. A centrally located Marbella vacation rental will also put you close to all the shops, bars, and historic buildings tucked into the maze of winding streets in the fascinating Old Town. To top it all off, the food is second to none.

A taste of Andalusian history with a scent of oranges

The preserved walls of Marbella's Old Town surround countless treasures in its winding 16th-century streets, including the old Town Hall, the Capilla de San Juan de Dios, and the Ermita de Santiago, the town's oldest church. Its centerpiece is Plaza de los Naranjos, where you can take in a meal or sip sangria under the scent of fragrant orange trees. For a taste of the good life, stroll down the glitzy Golden Mile (actually four miles), lined with posh villas, hotels, and restaurants. Don't forget to stop by and see the trees at the Bonsai Museum.

Golf, golf, and more golf (and the beach, of course)

It's no surprise that a town on the Mediterranean is known for its beach life. With 24 beaches to choose from (including some for the clothing-optional set), there are plenty of options for working on your tan, frolicking in the surf, or catching some killer sunrises or sunsets. But while the beaches are undeniably a draw, the golfing might be even more popular. There are a dozen top-notch courses in Marbella, and over 50 in the Costa del Sol region. There are also constant festivals in the warmer months, and the Old Town is well worth a walking tour.

Experience the most magical of microclimates

Because it's sandwiched between mountains to the north and the sea to the south, Marbella sits in the middle of one of Europe's most temperate microclimates. What this means for the non-meteorologists in the bunch is that you'll see moderate temperatures no matter what time of year you opt for a Marbella vacation rental. Highs range from the low 60s to the mid-80s year round. Overnight lows can dip into the high 40s in the coldest months of December through March, so you might want layers. Better yet, it's sunny a vast majority of the time.

Golden sands, vibrant blue waters, and plenty of greens

The 17 miles of Marbella's Mediterranean coastline are lined with golden sand beaches. The protected natural beach area at Dunas de Artola sees sea grasses and shrubs growing wild. Much of the rest of the area is developed, largely with golf courses. To the north are the foothills of the Sierra Blanca mountains. Most of the mountain areas are protected and still exist in their natural state, home to plants like chestnut and cherry trees, firs and pines, plus animals like goats, deer, foxes, and rabbits. You're likely to see eagles, hawks, and falcons circling above.

Traveling to and around Marbella

The nearest airport is in Malaga Airport (AGP), located 24.6 mi (39.7 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you might consider flying into Gibraltar (GIB), which is 35.7 mi (57.4 km) away.