Marbella, lying between Málaga and Algeciras, was originally a Phoenician foundation. It is now the most fashionable resort on the Costa del Sol and one of the principal tourist centers on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, with beautiful long beaches and every facility for shopping and entertainment
Marbella's entry into the world of tourism began in the mid fifties, when Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe founded the Marbella Club, still a favorite haunt of the jet set. He was followed by members of the European nobility, industrialists, playboys and their friends and associates, and the little town of Marbella became the scene of constant parties and luxurious living. Then in the early seventies the seriously rich began to come to Marbella. Arab potentates, including the king of Saudi Arabia and the emirs of Abu Dhabi and Qatar, chose Marbella for their summer retreat and built veritable palaces; and although they live a relatively secluded life their immense financial power has greatly increased the prosperity of the town - not always to the satisfaction of the local people. The society of Marbella is further enlarged by a group of residents who might not care to be asked about the source of their wealth: famous or notorious arms-dealers and a colony of British citizens who, having arrived before an extradition agreement between Britain and Spain came into effect in 1986, are able to lead a carefree life on the Costa del Sol.
Print this page
Add to Favorites
