Marbella, from rags to riches..

Marbella, a glamorous coastal city on Spain's Costa del Sol, has a rich history that stretches back over 3,000 years. Originally a Phoenician settlement, it was later occupied by the Romans, who called it *Salduba*, and then by the Moors, who named it *Marbil-la* during their rule from the 8th to the 15th centuries.

Marbella remained a small fishing village for centuries until the mid-20th century, when it began to transform into a luxury destination. In the 1950s, Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, a Spanish aristocrat, founded the Marbella Club, a hotel that attracted the European jet set, including royalty, celebrities, and wealthy travelers. This marked the beginning of Marbella's rise as a hotspot for the elite

By the 1970s and 1980s, Marbella had solidified its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, with Puerto Banús becoming one of the most prestigious marinas in Europe, home to over 900 luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and upscale restaurants. Today, Marbella continues to attract international visitors, offering a unique blend of historic charm, Mediterranean beaches, and world-class resorts and golf courses, making it one of the most desirable luxury destinations in Europe.

Marbella has a population of around 150,000 residents, but this number can swell to over 500,000 during the peak summer tourist season due to its popularity as a vacation destination and attracts over 2 million visitors annually, many of whom come for its luxurious resorts, beaches, and lifestyle. A significant portion of these tourists are from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, and the Middle East.

Puerto Banus

Puerto Banus

The Marbella region is also known for its upscale real estate market with exclusive areas such as Sierra Blanca (Marbella) and La Zagaleta (Benahavis), and its also a haven for golf enthusiasts, with 15 golf courses located within the city limits and more in the surrounding area, making it one of the top golf destinations in Europe.

As Marbella typical enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 320 days of sunshine, it has also become a international hub where around 35-40% of Marbellas population are expatriates, with large communities from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia and Russia which adds to Marbellas cosmopolitan feel.

These stats reflect Marbella's status as a premier global luxury destination today, continuing to attract affluent visitors and investors from around the world.