Tourism in Marbella.
Marbella´s History.
Marbella’s numerous advantages attract thousands of tourists from across the globe each year and inspire many celebrities to vacation in the region. The popularity of this part of Southern Spain began in the late 1950s when affluent individuals began to frequent the Marbella Club, a beautiful hotel that continues to be a chic holiday destination today.
Discover the rich history of the Costa del Sol by exploring market towns and former fishing villages with beautiful whitewashed houses and quirky cobbled streets. Visit Marbella to see Roman and Moorish influences still visible across the town, or admire the historical architecture while enjoying artisan coffee. The Costa del Sol is the perfect destination if you enjoy traditional surroundings.
The handy location and pleasant microclimate have drawn a select clientele since the first pioneers saw its potential in the 1950s—the Marques of Ivanrey, the climate, and attractiveness. Vistas of mountain scenery and the Mediterranean Sea purchased a much rural estate between Marbella. The small settlement of San Pedro in what was then open countryside.
Long after, his nephew, Alfonso von Hohenlohe, purchased the Santa Margarita estate to become the Marbella Club. Established in 1954, this famed five-star resort hotel became an emblem of the glamorous years that followed, with regular visitors including Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr, Omar Shariff, Sean Connery, and Liza Minelli. Soon after, the Puente Romano Hotel opened its doors, becoming almost as famous as the Marbella Club. Still, before long, wealthy tourists began building their villas on the beach.
With families like the Bismarcks, Rothschilds, Thurn und Taxis, Metternichs, Goldsmiths, de Mora y Aragóns, and Thyssen-Bornemiszas as occupants, the Golden Mile had a reputation for being one of the most prominent addresses in all Europe. This prestige increased when the late Saudi King Fahad erected a vacation palace that matched the White House in style and grandeur; the location, ‘La Milla de Oro’ by Roy Boston, the German entertainer and creator of the award-winning Alhambra del Mar project.
Things to Do in Marbella.
Moreover, Marbella’s upscale amenities, including world-class golf courses, luxury boutiques, and Michelin-starred restaurants, cater to the desires of affluent travelers seeking an indulgent retreat.
Furthermore, Marbella’s vibrant nightlife scene, with its chic beach clubs and stylish bars, adds to the city’s allure as a premier destination for leisure and entertainment.
Overall, tourism in Marbella offers visitors a unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable experience on Spain’s sunny Costa del Sol.
Marbella’s tourism and property rental scene.
Tourism sector is not only significant nationally but also essential here in Marbella. By the end of that year, new records were set for total tourist numbers, flight movements, and incoming revenue. The Costa del Sol welcomed millions visitors who spent billions euros, with a substantial portion of the expenditure occurring in Marbella.
Marbella’s surge in popularity has resulted in high occupancy rates in hotels, restaurants, shops, and beaches. Additionally, there is a rapidly growing demand for holiday rental apartments and villas throughout the area, particularly in key zones near the beach, Puerto Banús, and the Golden Mile, which are highly sought after by the fashionable crowd.
The market is primarily driven by the top end of the spectrum, as owners of mid-range apartments and villas benefit from the summer rush, but the top segments are experiencing explosive growth. According to luxury rentals expert LuxuryForSale.Properties Real Estate, “We had exquisite beachside villas and penthouse apartments available, but they were quickly snatched up well before the summer season began.”
“The Golden Mile is still one of the most coveted locations, and although it was great news for the owners to find tenants so early, it was unfortunate to have to turn away many interested individuals,” says the expert. Due to the increasing popularity of Marbella as a high-end destination, occupancy rates in hotels and residential tourism have reached heights not seen in years. This summer, new records are expected to be established!