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Marbella: A Jewel on the Costa del Sol

Marbella, Spain is the jewel of the Andalucia region known as the Costa del Sol (Sun Coast). This resort town is visited by rock stars, business tycoons, and members of European royal families. The attraction is obvious: sun, fun, and a nightlife exploding with excitement. Art and history lovers will also find plenty to keep them occupied. A day's itinerary can include swimming, beach combing, hiking, parasailing, wind surfing, golf, sight-seeing, or just lounging in the Mediterranean sun.

With more than 29 beaches within a 26 mile stretch of Mediterranean coastline, Marbella offers great swimming and watersports. Casablanca Beach, lined with palm and pine trees, has a boardwalk area with a great view of the beach, and cafes where you can sit and enjoy the sun. Cortijo Blanco Beach has an area sectioned off for use as a children's playground. The moderate surf conditions draw surfers and body boarders. If you want a bit more privacy in your beach excursion, nearby Estepona and Playa de Calahonda have beaches that are just as beautiful, but far less traveled than the Marbella beaches.

In addition to wonderful beaches, Marbella has plenty to offer those interested in the culture and history of the area. The heart of the city resides in the Plaza de los Naranjos, a central gathering place lined with shops, restaurants and historical sites. The Museo del Grabado Espanol Contemporaneo (Spanish Contemporary Engraving Museum) houses a collection of over three thousand works, including some early works by Picasso, Dali, and Miro. East of the old town area is the Museo Bonsai, a charming homage to Japanese miniature tree art.

Andalucia has acquired the nickname "Costa del Golf"; more than 45 courses line the hills, valleys, and coastline. The pearl of the area is Valderrama, the Robert Trent Jones course that hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup. Located just east of Gibralter, the course is a test of golf for all skill levels. For another premier course, head to Montecastillo, located in the city of Jerez de la Frontera in the province of Cádiz. Montecastillo is one of Europe's finest championship golf courses, and between 1997 and 2001 was home to the Volvo Masters. The only course in Andalucia designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course takes full advantage of the hilly terrain of the province. Modest in length, the course has par 5s that are reachable in two by most golfers. The course is designed with shot makers in mind and will challenge all whose tee ball goes awry.

Marbella can serve as a jumping off point for other Andalucia attractions. Kids of all ages will enjoy Selwo Costa del Sol, a wildlife preserve located in nearby Estepona. The zoo has over 200 animal species from around the globe. Malaga, to the northeast of Marbella, is less trendy than its southern neighbor, but no less fascinating. The remains of Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress erected in the 9th or 10th century, sits perched atop the most prominent hill in Malaga. King Fernando and Queen Isabel stayed here when they re-conquered the city. The city has gifts that will brighten every vacationer's trip. The problem will be finding time to enjoy them all.