Marbella boasts beautiful beaches, stunning mountain backdrops and some of the best international restaurants on the Costa del Sol. However it is often overshadowed in the culture department by Málaga, with its plethora of galleries, museums and exhibitions. But don’t let Marbella’s size fool you, for it actually punches above its weight in what it can offer culture vultures, courtesy of some prestigious art galleries and cultural hotspots of its own.

Not many people know for example that away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of town, close to the iconic archway that bears the Marbella name, lies an up and coming cultural quarter. According to those in the know the poligono, or industrial area, is steadily attracting an increasing number of sculptors, artists and musicians. At present, the poligono boasts two impressive modern art galleries, Galeria Yusto/Giner and the Poligono Gallery, which both opened in the past three years and are steadily attracting more visitors. Continue reading »

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the most important dates on the Spanish calendar. This year, Easter is celebrated between Palm Sunday (24th March) and Easter Sunday (31st March) with the most holy days coming towards the end of the week. Visitors to Marbella travel from far and wide to witness the events that take place during Holy Week – why not join them this year?

As in most Spanish towns and cities, Marbella will have processions each day of Holy Week (except Saturday), all depicting a different day from the story of The Passion of Christ. Costaleros from the local Brotherhoods sway through the streets carrying incredibly heavy, large and ornate tronos or thrones, which have been painstakingly repaired and maintained during the preceding year. Some of these thrones are so heavy that they need to be carried by more than 100 bearers, accompanied by penitents, drummers, legionnaires and marchers. Continue reading »

Yes, Marbella is known for its bountiful sun, Mediterranean beaches and outdoor lifestyle, but did you know that its surroundings are also full of surprises?

Ronda
With its luxurious shops, restaurants, sports facilities and nightlife, cosmopolitan Marbella is often regarded as not being ‘the real Spain’. However, authentic Andalucía starts right on its doorstep – as soon as you begin to wind your way inland through the beautiful Serranía de Ronda. This collection of mountain ranges and deep green valleys is dotted with traditional villages where life is still lived at a typically Andalusian pace.

The jewel in the crown of this region is the beautiful historical town of Ronda, elegantly poised on a rocky outcrop from which it surveys the fertile farmland around it. Home to an up-and-coming winegrowing region, Ronda oozes rural charm with a touch of elegance, and has become a favoured destination not only for day trippers from the coast, but also cultural visitors and wedding parties. Continue reading »

Nordica has built up a strong reputation as a rentals specialist, but it is also very much a real estate company involved in sales, and has been so, right from the beginning. Where rentals are very much Anna Lena’s department, sales are headed up by Peter, ensuring that this is a family-run business in the true sense of the word.

A vital role within the sales department is played by Susanne Mairena Eriksson, an experienced real estate professional who has pretty much had a lifelong love affair with Marbella. “I first came here from Sweden when I was just ten months old,” says Susanne, whose parents were to visit Marbella twice a year for years to come before buying a property here. “By the time I was a teenager I knew the area inside out, and when a friend and I came to stay at my parents’ place for an extended holiday that turned into a much longer stay.” Continue reading »

…when the winter is knocking on the door back home and the sun is still shining in Marbella. Take out those last holidays and come down to Villa Melissa!

This luxury 5 bedroom modern villa is situated in the heart of Nueva Andalucia with several well known restaurants and bars just around the corner and only 2 minutes drive to Puerto Banús, where the newly built promenade is still full of people and the beach bars are still open.

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