Marbella the best city in Spain

The very fashionable region of Marbella is divided up into a number of areas, all of which are exclusive and have their own particular character. The first port of call coming from Malaga airport in Marbella East in Cabopino, a beautiful small fishing port located about 50 minutes from Malaga airport. This hidden jewel has a very clean and attractive beach, a pleasant harbour and is renowned for its excellent restaurants. Named after the pine forests that surround this magnificent port, Cabopino is in an unspoilt area of outstanding natural beauty. An ancient fortified watchtower stands guard over the coastline with amazing views of the Mediterranean coast and on a clear day you can even see Africa. Cabopino's location makes it the ideal place for beach lovers as it is sheltered by the wind and the elements. This is a family-friendly area with nearby golf courses, sand dunes, parks, water sports and fine dining. Chiringuitos (beach restaurants) are in abundance where you can eat fresh seafood caught that morning. The harbour has 169 moorings which are always occupied by exclusive yachts. If you prefer the finer, yet less pretentious things in life then Cabopino is the place for you.

Close to Cabopino is the quiet residential area of Elviria which is popular with British and Spanish residents due to its proximity to excellent schools such as the English International School. It is also well-equipped with other services, amenities and entertainment facilities and is an ideal place for families to reside her permanently. Many homes in this coastal district are within walking distance to the beach and are conveniently located close to numerous popular golf courses. There is also the El Casco tennis club which is very popular with residents. The area is famous for its pine trees and is a lovely quiet place where you can take plenty of walks around its natural surroundings.

Located just behind the Costa del Sol hospital, you will find another attractive area called Santa Clara. This is an area famous for its golf and the course itself is immaculately presented and beautifully maintained. It is extremely popular with golf enthusiasts and properties in this area are rented out easily because of their proximity to the prominent course. Properties in this part of Marbella are luxurious and this is a popular region for wealthy Spanish residents. Simon Cowell owns a holiday villa in this area and it was once featured on the X Factor show.

Not far from here you will also find Los Monteros - another prosperous region with an excellent golf course and exquisite villas looking out to the Mediterranean. Los Monteros is located about 15 minutes drive from the centre of Marbella. Properties in this area enjoy amazing coastal and mountain views. Its most famous resident is the Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas who returns here each summer to visit his family and friends. Los Monteros is also home to one of Marbella's most luxurious hotel resorts; Los Monteros Hotel is the only 5 star grand luxe hotel on the Golf Mile. It exudes luxury, and the properties that surround it are of similar taste and quality. This area is also popular with families who live here permanently, due to its proximity to the prestigious English International College. Los Monteros boasts a very clean and family friendly beach running some 2km down the coast and properties in this area can be expensive but are of excellent quality.

Rio Real is found further down the coast and is another popular golfing region. This famous golf course runs down the valley alongside the river all the way down to the beach. Designed in 1965, this course currently ranks 50th in the world and is extremely popular with golf enthusiasts. This area is also home to the exclusive Rio Real Marbella Golf Country Club; an exquisite and elegant private golf resort where you cam mingle with the upper echelons of Marbella's high society. Developments in this area have been constructed with a particular focus on quality and perfection. Taking inspiration from the magnificent fairway and coastal views, properties here are magnificent. If you are a golf fanatic, or just prefer the more luxurious and quieter way of life, then Rio Real is the perfect destination to purchase a property.

Torre Real is a small coastal region located just 10 minutes drive from the centre of Marbella. It is a quite area popular with families as it is well-known for its 'El Pinillo' beach. Due to its proximity to some of Spain's best golf courses (Rio Real, Santa Clara), properties in this area are usually rented out throughout the year as it is a popular destination for golfers in the winter months. This area is just a short drive to many restaurants, shopping malls, schools and hospitals. It is the perfect family destination.

Marbella Centro is the heart and soul of this region where you will find the hustle and bustle of Spanish life. It is easy to think that nobody works in this relaxed region. However, the centre of Marbella town is a residential and commercial area popular with Spanish residents. Here you can walk along the Paseo Maritimo and breathe in the fresh salty air or wander through the busy streets browsing through the many shops. If you have to go to a bank, post office, notary, supermarket, etc, then Marbella Centro is the place that will cater all of your essential needs. There is also a large shopping mall nearby called La Canada where you can shop around independent Spanish stores or feel at home in Marks and Spencer. If you prefer the hustle and bustle of daily life then this is an ideal place to purchase an apartment in Spain.

Marbella has a quaint fishing port called 'La Bajadilla' which for many years has been overshadowed by the famous Puerto Banos. Currently, it is a vibrant port well-known for its variety of excellent restaurants yet it lacks the glitz and glamour of its sister port just down the road. However, that is all about to change as the port is due to undergo a €100 million refurbishment backed by one of Marbella's most famous residents; Sheik Abdullah Ben Nasser Al-Thani, the current owner of Malaga Football Club. The plans for this new super harbour include a 200m quay for luxury cruise liners and and extra 800 berths for yachts, including exclusive access for two super yachts. This new wharf will rival San Tropez and Monte Carlo, not to mention Puerto Banos. This will bring in much needed investment into the quiet area of Marbella that was long forgotten for many years. The marina will also boast a 5 star hotel and new restaurants, bars, cafes and luxury shops. Plans have already been approved and work is due to start on this port in summer 2012. It is expected to take up to 4 years to complete. For the shrewd investor, this is your perfect property destination.

Marbella is a town of many extremes. In Puerto Banos you can sit all day spotting Bugatis and countless celebrities. Yet there is also a hidden part of Marbella unknown to many tourists. Known locally as the "Casco Antiguo", Marbella's Old Town is where you will find the core of Andalusian culture. This is where the Spanish residents live and spend their time, nestled away in the heart of Marbella, away from the glitz and glamour of the jet set areas that gave Marbella its current reputation. Plaza de Los Naranjos is the cultural epicentre of Marbella's Old Town. Built in 1485, it is a rustic square centred by a Renaissance fountain and lined with beautiful orange trees. It is surrounded by the remains of ancient walls built during the Arabic occupation. It truly is a hidden gem that is difficult to find. Perhaps the residents of Marbella prefer it to remain that way as it is such a special place to visit if you want to experience the real Spain. This square is full of authentic restaurants, cafes and tapas bars and was frequented recently by the First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughter.

In the midst of the typical Andalusian white houses you will also find historic buildings such as the Town Hall, tourist office and the Chapel of Santiago. During the daytime people sit in the square soaking up the sun, taking in the beautiful aroma of the orange trees and watching the world go by. At night, however, this little square transforms into an outdoor theatre with flamenco dancers and the melodic sound of Spanish guitar strings. The Old Town of Marbella is an eclectic area where you will find artisans exhibiting their work in the narrow streets, flamenco music, excellent food, art galleries, exclusive independent shops and bespoke jewellers. If you prefer the more bohemian way of life then the Old Town is your perfect property destination.

Marbella's famous Golden Mile stretches from the centre of Marbella to Puerto Banos. Here you will find some of the most exclusive properties in the world, where the promenade might as well be paved with gold. Beach-front residences will set you back as much as €20 million as this area is Spain's most exclusive destination. Royalty and famous celebrities come here to enjoy the fabulous warm climate and exquisite lifestyle. The Arabian Royal family built their holiday palace here many years ago and countless famous people own holiday homes in this area. You cannot come here with an empty wallet as the shops are principally designer stores selling couture products and the restaurants are the most expensive Andaluc­a. However, the quality most definitely matches its price. Properties in this area are built to the highest of standards, there are excellent private schools and hospitals nearby and the food is outstanding. If you have won the lottery and want to live the lifestyle that equals your bank balance then this is the place for you.

Puerto Banos is so well-known that there isn't much else to say about this hedonistic area with its impressive mountain backdrop and glistening ocean views. This famous port is located just west of Marbella, before you reach the small town of San Pedro de Alcantara. This is the place to go if you want to be pampered and if you have serious money to spend. It is the Monte Carlo of Spain and features a casino, commercial shopping area, a large department store, marine observatory and a multiplex cinema. This setting is perfect and it truly is a playground for the millionaires. Purchasing a property in Puerto Banos can set you back at least a million euros depending on where you would prefer to live and what budget you have. However, there are some great repossessed bargains to be snapped up at the moment and now is the perfect time to invest in this area.

During the day you can stroll by the port admiring all the exclusive yachts and supercars, or just sip a very expensive coffee and watch the world go by. On Saturday mornings you can sample the other end of the spectrum by visiting the very popular traditional street market where you can pick up a range of bargain goods and gifts. The beach at Puerto Banos is outstanding and holds a European blue flag for its cleanliness. You can also take regular boat trips from the port or stay on land and stroll along the promenade. At night, however, the port converts into a buzzing arena where people show off their beauty and wealth in the many prestigious bars and restaurants. Puerto Banos is truly an amazing place to visit and a perfect way to see how the other half really do live!

Directly behind Puerto Banos you will find the more quiet residential area of Nueva Andaluca. This district is relatively new and is made up of majestic villas and apartments set amidst lush gardens and exotic trees. Nueva Andaluca has become a highly sort after area for those wishing to live permanently in Marbella. The architecture is typically Andalucian and a large majority of the properties in this area are blessed with spectacular views of the Mediterranean and African coast.

The entrance to the area is found up by the bullring behind the casino and the Andaluca Plaza Hotel. From the bull ring if you continue up the road you will get to the Commercial Central Plaza which houses a series of shops, a supermarket, bars, a gym and several popular local restaurants. The area is also an ideal destination for golfers as four top golf courses are right on its doorstep. These include Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, Aloha Golf and La Dama de Noche, which is floodlit if you fancy a game of midnight golf. There is also an abundance of restaurants and bars and apartments in this area rent out very easily due to its proximity to Puerto Banos.

Nueva Andaluc­a is the perfect holiday destination, especially for families or those who prefer a more peaceful way of life but also like to venture out for a party now and then. It is set far enough back from the hustle and bustle of Puerto Banos to feel serene amidst the Sierra de Ronda mountain range but is also close enough to walk into the port as and when you feel like it. Its most famous resident is Sir Alan Sugar who owns a beachfront property in this area and is often spotted cycling up the mountain on many of his frequent breaks to his Marbella holiday home.