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Cheap Car Rental in Marbella
Situated 25 miles (40km) southwest of Malaga, the few miles of coast between Marbella and Puerto Banus, is Spain's answer to Monte Carlo. Spain's elite, and Britain's more successful felons, have flashy houses on the surrounding hills, and swanky yachts in the marina. Marbella is the Costa del Sol's quality resort - the restaurants and bars are more stylish (and expensive) and the town has been spared the worst excesses of concrete development that have blighted neighbours such as Torremolinos. The old town is hidden away and retains some of its medieval charm and has some good clothes shops and restaurants.
The more exclusive Puerto Banus, six miles (10km) to the west, is where you will find the casino and the seriously large yachts. Those visitors who drive just a few miles inland to the villages in the hills around Ronda will discover a Spain completely untouched by tourism, with village markets and tapas bars to be explored.
Among the nearby attractions is Ronda. Situated on a towering plateau in the mountains 30 miles (48km) inland from Marbella stands Ronda, one of the loveliest and most historic towns in the region. Ronda is a popular day-trip for holidaymakers on the Costa del Sol wanting to escape the beach and soak up some culture in one of the many cafés and restaurants. It is famous for the plunging river gorge that divides the medieval from the 18th-century parts of the town. Known as El Tajo, the gorge is spanned by a stone bridge, Puente Nuevo, which once housed a prison and now acts as a dramatic viewpoint for visitors. There is a spectacular walkway, El Parador, along the river gorge, which offers superb views of the surrounding countryside. Ronda is also well known for its bullring - the oldest and largest in Spain. When there are no fights, the bullring is open to visitors, and has a fascinating museum.
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