Trifter

The Old Town-Picture by author

The coach trip can be quite an experience for people travelling with too much baggage with a free-for-all on the bus, as we have previously experienced; however the fare to and from Marbella on the bus is only 4.27 Euros each way, as taxi will set you back around 40-50 Euros each way. So if you can afford it, there are plenty of taxis waiting to take your money and give you a more comfortable journey.

My tip for the Bus is to take deep breaths, be patient (The bus will not go without you, although many fret that it will and practically barge their way through cramming their baggage in the hold without any consideration to others. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone has been accidentally pushed into the hold themselves at some time.)

There is rarely anyone to load the coach, obviously because the drivers have got fed up with people’s impatience. I have often turned and told people to wait. The same is at the other end, so it is best to wait until you get your bag near the open of the hold if you are in a hurry to get a connection.

Marbella is a delightful town and I understand why there are so many Ex-Patriots. I feel sorry for those who have been seduced to certain areas; where places have been built illegally and have faced with a demolition order or have seen their pensions in Britain dwindle.

The main attraction which seduced us was the Old Town which dates back to 1485, with its small side streets leading to a square with beautiful wall flowers and fruit- bearing Orange trees gracing a large array of restaurants; the ideal place for a romantic meal out, snack or just a drink. There are many musicians and dancers to entertain, but make sure you have some spare Euros for a collection; you will sometimes get two or three lots depending on how long you take with your meal. The pound has taken a battering with the Euro so extra cash is advisable to have a good time as the cost appear on par with Britain, although the service is far better.

The Orange Square-Picture by Author

Amongst the small streets of the old town, there is a small church and along another very narrow street is a figure of the Virgin Mary in an upstairs window, overlooking an area where we had a meal, which was first class.

Walking down towards the sea, we walked across the main high-street and coastal road to a park area (LA ALAMEDA) with marble type floor and trees and shrubbery where market traders were selling many souvenirs and crafts. Fountains and Spanish architecture added an artistic concourse to the Coastal Walk.

There are Museums, art galleries and a Roman villa and Baths naming but a few of the attractions in this Historic and trendy town which high street has the “Golden Mile.” Here you can walk miles with many Shops, cafes, bars and restaurants which entice you to look in with many tempting your pallet.

There are also many shopping complexes with well known designer boutiques. There isn’t much you cannot find in Marbella. There are many little utility stores in side streets with very competitive prices.

However along the beach walk way which seems to go on for miles you will be approached by tradesmen trying to sell you a bargain, with leather goods, watches, jewellery and DVD’s; be careful as some of these may not always be what they appear.

 There is a boat trip from the harbour which will take you to the wealthy Puerto Banus in about half an hour. It is well worth the trip with panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains, with many beautiful properties of the rich and famous dotted around. Many moor their yachts and ships and drive around in their Ferrari and other expensive cars around Puerto Banus.

PuetoBanus- Picture by Author

There are many trips available to other towns and attractions nearby. One of the best viewpoints is a short bus ride to the Cable car at Benalmadena which was opened in 2003 and travels up to near the top of Calamorro Mountain, which is 771 meters above sea level where Morocco and Gibraltar are both visible on clear days.

At the top of the cable station there is falconry, with many birds of prey on show. Their demonstrations are worth watching especially from the walk which takes you higher up with spectacular views. . Also there is a cafe if you want something to eat or drink.

Also near Marbella is Fuengirola where they have a glass bottom boat with trips for dolphin watching and a zoo and Andalucia where there are a number of Aqua parks with some of the largest in Europe. The area has many bullfighting rings and golf and many other sporting activities available.

There is so much more to the Costa’s to explore and each town deserves a separate story of its beauty, culture and history. I look forward to returning soon to discover some more to this fascinating country.

There are also trips to Ronda, Seville, Gibraltar and Terrifa where you can go to Morocco by ferry with the possibility of spotting dolphins, whales and orcas on the way. This is the nearest point to Morocco approximately 15 miles apart but it looks a lot closer with its mountainous terrain. Many of these we hope to visit next time we visit as it cannot be done in just one holiday.