Marbella

Marbella is the centre of gravity on this coast. The old town, with its orange-tree square and narrow whitewashed streets, is genuinely old; the Golden Mile stretching west towards Puerto Banús is where the estate and hotel infrastructure sits; and the hills above hold gated communities like Sierra Blanca and La Zagaleta with views back over the Mediterranean to Africa on clear days.

It is a year-round town rather than a season. Restaurants stay open in February, the international schools run full timetables, and the medical, legal and property services expected of a permanent community are all here. Summer, particularly August, changes the pace considerably: tables, treatment rooms and drivers need booking well in advance.

The businesses listed in Marbella cover dining, wellness, beauty, chauffeurs, event planning and household management, all reviewed by our editorial team.