World-famous for its gardens and beaches, the jewel in the Costa del Sol's crown offers the visitor a most special panorama, a contrast of sea, mountains, village and cosmopolitan city, where fishermen rub shoulders with wealthy tourists in summer.

Marbella is unique. A sun drenched historic town, at the foot of Europe, it is blessed with a specially mild microclimate, thanks to the protection of the impressive Sierra Blanca mountain range, which rises majestically behind Marbella just one mile inland from the shore. Surrounded by luxuriant semitropical vegetation, bathed by the waters of the Mediterranean, cooled by sea and mountain breezes, Marbella has a very special feel.

A truly Andalucian town, Marbella has always succeeded in conquering its conquerors - Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Arabs. A few years ago, the first mosque to be built since the reconquest of Spain by the Catholic monarchs at the end of the 15th century, opened its doors to worshippers and visitors, a few miles from Marbella. This magnificent complex was built by H.M. King Fahd of Saudi Arabia .

Marbella is a wonderful blend of old and new, historic and modern. Its carefully conserved historic monuments include the beautiful 16th century parish church with its outstanding organ, built ten years ago by public subscription, its Moorish, whose walls border the eastern perimeter of the Old Town - itself a fascinating collection of old houses and quiet streets. Marbella's archaeological treasures and sites have been carefully catalogued, restored and protected.

The Museum of Engravings is the largest in Europe, whilst its Bonsai Museum is located nearby in the broad Represa stream bed, recently converted into a quiet and beautiful park. All Marbella's wide beaches fly the European Union blue flag there are national and international schools for students of all nations, and soon there will be a university.

The Exhibition and Conference Centre hosts dozens of events a year, there are hotels and restaurants, bars and discos for all tastes and pockets, a string of leisure ports, including the world famous Puerto Banus, and a full range of sports facilities, including numerous golf courses, water ski centres, tennis and health clubs.

Its musical life, both classical and pop, includes concerts and recitals by world famous artists. Lighter entertainment is also on offer - piano bars, karaoke bars, flamenco centres, and the like.