This city has been voted Europe’s best destination in 2024

It’s a very well known location (Picture: Getty Images)

If you want to travel somewhere sunny and warm this spring but don’t want to stray too far from Europe, this Spanish city you’ve definitely heard of should be at the top of your list.

The reigning city is a well known location by the coast that offers blissful views, warm weather and sunlight. We’re obviously talking about Marbella.

The hugely in-demand location can’t keep tourists away, and it seems the people who have already enjoyed lounging by the sea so much they’ve given it top marks.

Marbella’s reputation precedes it, while the southern Spanish location is particularly good for golfers and keen shoppers, it’s also known among locals and Brits to be a place for bar crawls and debauchery.

The Plaza Altamirano in the heart of the old town of Marbella. The tower of the historic Greater Church of the Encarnacion is in the background (Picture: Getty Images)

It’s also a hotspot for aristocrats, celebrities and wealthy folks and their luxury yachts.

But the sun soaked Costa del Sol hasn’t put people off as Time Out’s new poll shows. Over a million visitors voted and Marbella beat places like Florence, Reykjavik and London.

Paris, the city of love and romance which is currently experiencing a sex recession, didn’t finish in the top 20.

Have you ever visited Marbella? Share your experiences in the comments.Comment Now

But why do so many people, especially Brits, still enamored with such a massively popular location, especially when over-tourism in places like Venice and Bali has led complaints about there being too many people and bad behaviour

Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital engagement at eurochange tells Metro.co.uk that the days of it just being a place to get wasted and catch a glimpse of a rich person are long gone.

‘Marbella is a great “all round” destination. As well as stunning beaches and marinas, there’s also an incredible food and drink scene, fantastic shops, museums and art galleries.

Top 7 activities to do in Marbella that don’t involve the beach

1. Explore the old town and the most famous square, Plaza de los Naranjos (Square of the Orange Trees) which was built between 1487 and 1493.
2. Visit the beauty Iglesia de la Encarnación (Church of the Incarnation) which is the largest church in Marbella. Located in the old town, it is one of the top rated landmarks in the area on Tripadvisor, with a 4.5 rating.
3. The remaining walls of Castillo de Marbella (Castle of Marbella) are a sight to behold. The castle itself no longer exists, but you can walk around the massive walls and imagine what it was like in the 9th century.
4. Nature lovers should find their way to Parque de la Alameda (Alameda Park) where you’ll find lots of greenery and a historic fountain decorated with sculptures.
5. Marbella may not be known as a haven for art but it should. Aficionados who find themselves in the Costa Del Sol should visit the sculptures designed by the late artist Salvador Dalí on Avenida del Mar (Sea Avenue).
6. Speaking of art, history buffs will be delighted to know that Marbella is also home to several museums. Add Museo Ralli Marbella to your itinerary to see collections of contemporary Latin American and European art.
7. You won’t struggle to find places to shop in Marbella and Mercadillo de Marbella is a street market where you’ll be able to find handmade accessories, clothes and homeware.

‘If you’re after a classic Spanish holiday, with a bit more flair, then Marbella is a must-visit. Its Mediterranean climate means you can visit pretty much any time of the year, peak season is between June and September, when temperatures will reach up to 31°C.

Laura suggests visiting in October or November, when temperatures average in the mid-twenties, if you don’t like sweltering temperatures.

‘Typically, Marbella is popular with larger groups such as stag and hen-dos, with a vibrant party scene. However, there are some stunning private villas on this Spanish Riviera, making it an ideal place to take the whole family for a relaxing break too. ‘

So yes, Marbella has lots to offer if you want to roll around in the sand after gorging on tapas and sangria with lots of other British holidaymakers, but there’s also a lot more on offer.

But with that said, holidays are jet off to Southern Space to spend time on the beach.

What are the 7 best beaches in Marbella?

Marbella is lined with golden beaches that won’t disappoint, all of which are surrounded by bars, cafés and restaurants. Here are 7 of the best reviewed on Google.

1. Playa del Real de Zaragoza
2. Cabopino Beach
3. Playa de la Fontanilla
4. Play de Nagüeles
5. Playa Nueva Andalucía
6. Playa de la Vibora
7. Playa don Carlos

Visitors in the future could be able to whiz between Marbella and Malaga in under an hour in the future, after commuters, engineers and railway experts proposed a new train route last month that will make exploring both areas even easier.

Journey times could be as little as 45 minutes, giving passengers lots of time to reapply their SPF before heading out to the beach again.

The proposal has yet to be approved and it will take eight years to complete, Sur in English reports.

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