Excusions in Marbella
 Marbella is surrounded by some of the most interesting and picturesque towns and villages of Andalucia. There are literaly thousands of places to visit near Marbella, from ancient sites to fishing villages along the coast and white washed towns dotted in the mountains
To satisfy your curiosity, we propose several excersion destinations, each can be visited in one day.
Follows are a few examples of what to see and where to go during your stay at Coral Beach Marbella.
Visit our other sections for information about golf, sports and activities in Marbella.
Marbella
http://www.pgb.es/marbella/html/marbella.html
Marbella is the enclave for luxury and quality tourism. The old town of Marbella is well worth a visit. There in the small alleys filled with flower pots hanging on the walls you'll run into the old Arab walls of the village and the "La Casa del Corregidor" in the beautiful orange tree square and "La Parroquia de la Encarnación". Marbella has many golf courses, bullrings, luxury hotels, casino and sporting clubs. This jet-set destination is sure to satisfy every whim for any person.
Marbella -Puerto Banus - Virtual Tour
http://www.marbella.to/
See Marbella and Puerto Banus from the comfort of your home. Wander through Marbella's Old Town then walk along the beach to Puerto Banus. This Website is a must for those interested in seeing Marbella and Puerto Banus as they really are. Also don't forget to visit the Coral Beach Virtual Tour, click here.
Istán (15 minutes)
http://www.andalucia-online.net/istan/
Istán is a low profile andalusian village situated next to the Natural Park "Sierra de las Nieves". It has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and has not been tamed by tourists.
Benahavís (20 minutes)
http://andalucia-online.net/benahavis/index.htm
Benahavis is the opposite of Istan. This village has benefited from a great tourist influence. You can visit the fortifications that were built to defend "El Castillo de Montemayor" the art galleries and the innumerable cozy and typical restaurant as Benahavis is determined to develop and preserve the Andalusian gastronomy.
Refugio De Juanar (45 minutes)
http://www.infotur.tsai.es/infotur/marbella/juanar
The Refugio de Juanar is situated in the heart of one of the most beautiful natural settings in Spain. The Juanar forest has well indicated tracks and is a paradise for everyone who loves to be in contact with the natural environment. If you're tired of the artificial side of Marbella and don't want to spend a lot of time in the car to get away from it all, then look no further, Juanar is the right choice. The refuge itself is a small and charming 24-room hotel that you can use as a base to explore the many peaks in the area with breathtaking views of the coast, the mountains and the inland plains.
Mijas (45 minutes)
http://www.andalucia-online.net/mijas/index.htm
Mijas is a typical Andalusian village that managed to retain the essence of the Andalusian village. You can rent a burro-taxi (a small donkey) and contemplate the beautiful coastal plains. Mijas is also known for its artisans who make baskets and plates with "esparto" and miniature figurines made out with matches.
Málaga (1 hour)
http://www.malagaturismo.com
Founded 4000 years ago by Phoenicians, Malaga is the sixth largest city in Spain. You can visit the two fortresses which made it one of the best-defended cities of the "Andalus" namely the Alcazaba of the XI century and the Gibralfaro fortress converted today into a beautiful Parador (a hotel group owned by the government). The religious patrimony includes the cathedral built between the XVI and the XVII century. Regarding the gastronomy, you must try the sweet Malaga wine, the fried fish and shellfish and the "ajo blanco", a cold almond and garlic soup.
Ronda (1 hour)
http://www.ronda.net
Thanks to its strategic situation behind the coastal mountains, to its incredible views on the "Tajo" gorge, to its oldest and widest bullfighting ring in Spain which includes a bullfighting museum, to its Arab baths, and to its access through a majestic drive up from the coast, Ronda is one of the most attractive towns of the area.
Gibraltar (1 hour)
http://www.algeciras.com
The Gibraltar name comes from the Arabic "Jabal Tarek" and means: the mountain of Tarek. It also represents one of the pillars of the Hercules columns that represented the "end of the world" in antiquity. It is now a British colony since 1700 and has a very rich mixture of cultures: British, Spanish, Arabs, Hindus and a significant Jewish community. "The rock" as it now known is carved out like a Gruyere cheese due to its tunnels, warehouses, shelters, etc, built through the centuries. Other features to visit are the San Miguel cave, the Alameda botanical gardens, the Arab castle and the only wild monkeys in Europe.
Casares (1 hour and 30 minutes)
Casares is a also a typical mountain village, it is shaped like an amphitheatre and the white houses espouse the curves of the mountain. Like many other villages in Andalusia, the old men sit in the main square watch you and the time pass by.
Tarifa (1 hour and 30 minutes)
http://www.windtarifa.com
Known as the wind capital of Europe, Tarifa also has sumptuous white, soft sandy beaches, crystalline emerald color water and a young and relaxed atmosphere due to thousands of windsurfing fans. The road to tarifa winds trough beautiful rolling hills with views to Morrocco and Africa situated only 15km across the straight of Gibraltar. There are two important events: the Andalusian folk festival and the "mines singing" on one hand and the windsurfing world championships. (Tarifa is a must especially in the hot summer months since traveling to inland cities is a risk under the scorching sun).
Nerja (1 hour and 45 minutes)
http://www.nerja.net
The main attraction in Nerja is the huge grotto with towering stalactites reaching the ceiling reminiscent of the gothic cathedrals.
Grazalema (1 hour and 45 minutes)
http://www.cadiznet.com/ver.html?/naturaleza/srrgrae.html
Grazalema (believe or not) is the rainiest spot in Spain. Its mountains trap the humidity coming from the Atlantic and give it a lush and very pleasant temperature in the summer as opposed to the countryside surrounding it where it can easily reach 37oC. Here tourism is concerned or related to the outdoors and nature. There are many excursions available and one can find a rare specie of pine tree which existed during the last ice age. The topography is very accidented and the views are majestic. (This is a must).
Granada (2 hours)
http://www.granada.org/inicio.htm
Favored by its magnificent emplacement at the bottom of the Sierra Nevada, Granada possesses the epitome of ancient Moorish art and architecture embodied in its world-famous Alhambra Fort. Juxtaposed to the palace, you will also find the Generalife or the making of architecture with plants, fountains, ponds, and small palaces. You can also visit the old town which has been rated by the UNESCO as a "world treasure". The traditional ceremony of Granada is the Corpus Christi parade where the streets are covered with flowers and people sing all night. Remember it is very hot in the summer and you must make an appointment to visit the Alhambra. (This is a must).
Córdoba (2 hours and 30 minutes)
http://www.red2000.com/spain/cordoba/1cordob.html
Córdoba surprises you at first glance because it suddenly appears at the turn of a road set in the middle of nowhere among the endless rolling hills filled with olive trees. The old mosque is the most notable feature with an interminable colonnade decorated in some areas with a profusion of colored and golden mosaics. Don't forget to visit the "Juderia", the old Jewish neighborhood where you can find the only synagogue of Andalusia. Cordoba is also a center for jewelry as large amounts of persons have their own "home shops". The craft practiced by Jewish people before the inquisition was passed on through generations until today.
Sevilla (2 hours and 30 minutes)
http://www.sevilla-es.com
Seville owes its glory days to the Arab reign of the city. Proof of that past splendor can be found in the "Torre del Oro" nowadays converted into the maritime museum, the "Giralda" which was an old minaret - then incorporated into the Seville cathedral built in the XV century, the "Reales Alcazares" and many other vestiges. Another "must" to visit is "Plaza de España" and the adjacent Maria-Luisa Park, which were built early in the XX century with a pronounced Andalusian accent. Don't forget to get lost in the labyrinth of small roads and walkways in the old town, discover small typical bars, try the delicious tapas (small varied appetizers) and if you're visiting around Easter, don't miss the passionate religious processions of "Semana Santa."
Ceuta (3 hours)
http://www.ceuta.com
Ceuta is a Spanish Colony on the northern coast of Morocco on the other side of the straight of Gibraltar. It has good offers for shopping jewelry, electronic devices, etc…and can be a stopover before entering the African continent. You have to check the timetable of the ferries to get over.
Cádiz (3 hours and 30 minutes)
http://www.cadiznet.com
Like Málaga, Phoenicians founded Cadiz because of its "natural port" and its easy access to the interior of the countryside. It is much smaller, and less dynamic than many other Andalusian cities since tourism doesn't have a strong presence there. It has though a charm of old important city especially when the sun sets in the Atlantic Ocean. Cadiz is also close to the biggest National Park of Europe: Doñana which has Eagles, Lynxes, wild Boars, Dears and an innumerable amount of birds which use the marshes in the park as a stop for migrating birds from Europe to Africa or as a winter stay away from northern European cold weather. But if it is "marcha" (action) you're after, then the famous Cadiz carnival is yours to enjoy!
Morocco
If you're looking for an exotic destination or just a change for a few days, Morocco will certainly put your senses to the test. Here, the souks, the smells, the costumes, the looks, everything is different. Morocco offers a wide choice of climates and landscapes, from snow covered cedar trees to oasis in the scorching desert sun. The hospitality of Moroccans is well known, but if you don't know anyone in the country, it is very strongly recommended to take a guide for any tour or visit and will make your journey much more enjoyable.
Tánger (3 hours and 30 minutes)
http://www.moroccoweb.com/fr/tourisme/villes/tanger/index.html
Tangier is the Moroccan city on the edge of the straight of Gibraltar. It used to be the "in" city during the twenties and thirties and has many mansions testifying that old grandeur. It is the first contact with the Arab world so you'll get a glimpse of the culture and you'll know soon enough whether you will handle the change. You must go with an open mind, otherwise don't even bother. It also boasts beautiful white sandy beaches, but beware don't go swimming with your beautiful wife or girlfriend as you'll feel you're the center of the world! A better choice would be to visit the more affluent and tourist oriented Marrakech.
Marrakech (7 hours)
http://www.moroccoweb.com/fr/tourisme/index.html
http://www.tourism-in-morocco.com
Marrakech, the terracotta color city, is well worth a visit. You can visit the souks, the main square of Djemaa el-Fna, the mosques, and the Saadines tombs. Also, you can use the city as a base to visit the Atlas Mountains, the desert and the flashes of lush green of the oasis.
* Disclaimer: Although we've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from information published on this site. We encourage you to verify any critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel. This includes information on visa requirements, health and safety, customs, and transportation.
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