Referred to as the pearl of the Costa del Sol, Marbella has once again been recognised. Once again, it has been recognised by tourists in the ‘European Best Destinations’ poll organised by a prestigious Belgian tourism portal. In the latest ranking, Marbella proved unrivalled, beating the established resorts and luxury destinations.
Unrivalled Marbella
The ranking prepared by EuropeanBestDetinations.com is based on a vote by internet users. As many as one million travellers from 172 countries took part. They named the best places in Europe in various categories including: cities, places for a nature break, places for a sunny holiday and cultural and gastronomic experiences.
Of the 500 cities proposed in this year’s vote, the title of ‘European Best Destination 2024’ was won by Spain’s Marbella. As the poll’s authors emphasise, it is one of the most beautiful, sunny and also luxurious destinations in Europe. In one of the previous editions of the ‘European Best Destinations’, Marbella – located on the Costa del Sol, i.e. the coast of the sun – was already close to victory, taking second place. This time, it even beat the likes of Monaco and Malta.
The ideal place for sports enthusiasts
The editors of the EuropeanBestDetinations.com portal point out that Marbella is one of the best places to play golf in Europe. The city and its surroundings are teeming with top-class golf courses, with almost 70 in total, making it known as the Costa del Golf, and the sport’s popularity is also reflected in the… property market. Anyone who chooses to spend time on the golf course can also enjoy the magnificent views of the Mediterranean and the mountains.
The green spaces are well prepared for all lovers of the sport. The golf courses do not close outside the summer season, which is unique in Europe where, as a rule, such facilities are not available in autumn and winter. A definite advantage of playing golf in Marbella is the friendly microclimate provided by the sheltering La Concha mountain. Combined with more than 320 days of sunshine a year, this creates dream conditions not only for the sport.
The clubs operating in the region are excellent places for both professionals and amateurs just beginning their golfing adventure. If you want to combine playing with admiring the sea views, it is worth going to one of the following centres. The 18-hole courses include: Rio Real Golf Club, Atalaya New and Old Course, Cabopino Golf Marbella, Santa Clara Golf Marbella or the remote Alcaidesa Link Golf Resort, San Roque. World-class golf courses for professionals and experienced players include Valderrama and Finca Cortesin.
Something for the spirit and the body
However, what invariably attracts visitors to Marbella is also its fascinating history. The city’s history dates back to Palaeolithic times, and archaeological research carried out in Marbella has found traces of settlements dating back many centuries. Remnants of the Phoenicians, the Roman Empire, the Visigoths and the Moors, who ruled the area in antiquity and the Middle Ages, have been preserved to this day.
Visitors to the Costa del Sol have the opportunity to admire the remains of the Las Bóvedas baths or the ruins of the Rio Verde houses from the 2nd century, known for their beautiful mosaics. Very impressive is the Puente Romano, built in the 1st century AD. Puente Romano, or Roman Bridge, which was once part of the Via Augusta – the road from Rome to Cadiz. It is one of the most remarkable monuments in Spain. The bridge is today part of… the Puente Romano luxury hotel.
A visit to Marbella is also not complete without a stroll through the Casco Antiguo. The old town is a place worth seeing to feel the atmosphere of this part of the Iberian Peninsula. The old town is well worth a visit to get a feel for this part of the Iberian Peninsula, with a square full of orange trees on the one hand, and buildings dating back to the 11th century that are remnants of the Moorish period in Andalusia on the other, as well as many narrow streets full of flowers hanging from the walls.
Marbella is also a paradise for those seeking gastronomic discovery. In the city you will find Michelin-starred restaurants serving excellent cuisine. There are also hundreds of smaller restaurants, offering both traditional Mediterranean cuisine and cuisine from almost every corner of the world. There is no problem finding a place to reach for paella or succulent local tapas.
As the editors of EuropeanBestDetinations.com point out – Marbella has everything it takes to satisfy the most discerning traveller. There is only one way to find out – by visiting this city!
