Page 397 - Lonely Planet Europe’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

TRIP HIGHLIGHT
6 Marbella
Marbella is the Costa
del Sol’s classiest ‘rich
MONYSASI / GETTY IMAGES ©
and famous’ resort and
is a good choice for an
overnight stop. This town
has a magnificent natural
setting, sheltered by the
beautiful Sierra Blanca
mountains, as well as a
gorgeous old town with
pristine white houses,
narrow traffic-free streets
and geranium-filled
balconies. At its heart is SPAIN 28 COSTA DEL SOL BEYOND THE BEACHES
picturesque Plaza de los
Naranjos, dating back to
1485 with tropical plants,
palms and orange trees.
From here walk to the
coastal promenade via
the lush Parque de la
Alameda gardens with its
fountains and tiled seats.
Next consider a gentle
stroll east along the sea-
front towards the luxuri-
ous marina of Puerto
Banús, past the five-star
resorts of the Marbella
Club and Puente Ro-
mano, the latter named
after the still-standing
Roman bridge, once part
of the Via Augustus link-
ing Càdiz to Rome. It’s
6km in total to the port
if you decide to stride out
all the way.
54 p397
The Drive » Continue
due west on the A7 autovia,
signposted to Algeciras and
Cádiz. This stretch of highway is
less built up and passes by San
Pedro de la Alcántera, as well
as five golf courses (they don’t

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