Marbella owes its fame to its pleasant climate, the dazzling blue sea, the stretches of sun-bathed sand beaches, the genuinely warm hospitality of the local people, the consistent high quality of the tourist services, the luxury marinas and the never-ending party. It is a cosmopolitan place that 'has it all', and the city's aptly chosen motto is 'A Way of Life'.

The beaches are undoubtedly the number one attraction for the tourist crowds. With 26 km of coastline, Marbella has 24 of them, all kept clean, with good facilities (public toilets, showers, sun beds, life guards), places to eat and attractions such as pedaloes and banana rides.

But Marbella is more than another beach resort. Its history and traditions are an important part of its charm. First founded in Roman times and called Salduba (meaning 'salt city'), it was renamed Marbila by the Moors, and its architecture is an interesting mixture of epochs and cultural influences.

Some splendid mosaics are preserved in an ancient Roman villa. The remains of 3rd-century Roman baths can also be seen. The ruins of he city walls date back to the time of the Muslim rulers. The 15th-century Orange Square is the focal point of the old town. It is flanked by the Town Hall (1568), with a preserved sun dial, shields and commemorative inscriptions, the Old Governor's House (1552), with a preserved original façade and arched balcony,  and the Church of St. Mary with the biggest church organ in Spain built in the last 125 years (it has a total of 5000 pipes). Inside the Town Hall, the visitors can see an interesting carved ceiling, some religious murals and relics from the time of the Catholic King and Queen. A beautiful stone fountain from the early 16th Century, built by the first Christian mayor of Marbella, stands where Nueva Street opens into Orange Square. The narrow cobbled streets and the picturesque tiny squares of the old town are full of whitewashed houses with spectacular flowers, small shops, art galleries, cafes and bars.