Intersected by the river, Rio Real is basically flat with many trees under which to shelter under from the Andalusian sun. The course runs right down to the beach.

Large and guarded greens at the Aloha Golf Course offer a good challenge and the varied vegetation makes each hole different. This is one of the best-known golf courses on the Costa del Sol, and it has benefited from improvements over recent years. Fairways have been replanted and the clubhouse and changing rooms refurbished.

American actress Melanie Griffith was well known in Spain for her acting career (Working Girl, The Bonfire of the Vanities) long before 1996. But as a star, she shot into the Spanish-celeb stratosphere that year when she married the Andalusian-born actor Antonio Banderas.

This highly acclaimed actor has it all – the looks, the charm, the drive, the energy, and the creativity. Star of innumerable Hollywood movies, Banderas is one of Andalucia’s most famous, and proudest, exports.

Ana de Pombo (Ana Caller Donesteve) (1900 - 1985) was originally from Santander. She founded a fashion line in 1928 in Paris called Chez Elviana. Coco Chanel asked Ana to manage her public relations, which she did from 1929 to 1933.

Between Marbella and Puerto Banús, set in a stunning 2,000 m2 of lush subtropical gardens on the famous Golden Mile, is the five-star NH Alanda Hotel, where you will find the Elysium Spa.

Marbella is a popular destination for families and party goers alike, especially during the summer season when the town comes alive. Holiday Rental of an apartment is a good idea for those wanting to come as a group or with the family. Apartments offer visitors more space than a hotel and comes complete with cooking facilities.

If you want a break from the clamour and crowds on the Costa then explore Mijas, Alhaurin, Coin, Monda, Ojen and also Istan. The scenery is quite spectacular and the roads are well-travelled, yet perfectly good.

This beach is located between the Puerto Banus Marina complex and Playa Rio Verde, just to the east of the main town. It is also known as Playa de Levante.

Playa de Cortijo Blanco lies at the east end continuationi of the long Playa de San Pedro de Alcantara. The beach is approximately 500m long and wide and forms a slight headland. It is backed by the mature Urbanisation Cortijo Blanco.

In the up-market areas of Andalucia, a growing trend has evolved for a beach life quite different from the simple pleasures of buckets and spades, cool boxes and fold-away deck chairs. Many simple, traditional "chiringuitos" or beach bars still exist dotted along the coast where you can enjoy local cuisine and get an ice cream.

Bus service operates from Marbella to Malaga Airport (AGP), Algeciras, Almería, Benahavís, Benalmádena, Cádiz, Coín, Córdoba, Estepona, Fuengirola, Granada, Jaén, La Línea, Málaga, Ojén, Ronda, San Pedro, Sevilla, Torremolinos and Madrid.

This shortish circular route takes you round the rocky massif that lies just to the north of the Refugio de Juanar with an optional 45 minute diversion to the top of the jagged ridge of Los Cuchillos, El Picacho de Castillejos (1238m). Even though I’ve graded the walk as Easy/Medium don’t imagine that this is in any way a dull route.

A typical street market of over 360 stalls that sell everything from shoes and clothes, to plants and flowers, fruit and vegetables. Parking is extremely difficult nearby, so public transport or parking a little further out is recommended.

A general market and rastro spread over more than 230 stalls. Particularly good for fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables. Every Thursday 09.00 - 14.00. San Pedro Fair Ground, Calle Jorge Guillén

If well-priced, environmentally-friendly produce, that supports local businesses and farmers, is your thing, then this is the ideal market. The market opens on the first Saturday of the month in the Parque de la Alameda, between the oldtown and the beaches of Marbella.

For those that love spending their Sunday afternoons wandering around and browsing stalls full of antiques, handmade items and vintage jewellery, then this is the ideal market. Held in the Port of Marbella (Puerto Deportivo de Marbella), this artisan market has 30 stalls of handmade gifts and jewellery, paintings, accessories, handpainted ceramics and unique baby clothing.

Located a little west of Marbella, for the last 50 years Marbella Club Hotel Beach Club has been combining an upmarket chiringuito with exclusive poolside dining to create the perfect chilled-out Beach Club atmosphere.

Marbella’s first boutique beach club, Buddha Beach became Sala Beach in 2012 and later La Sala by the Sea. It offers a relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful setting near Puerto Banus. Previously a private front line villa with large beach-front garden and swimming pool. The poolside restaurant with sun loungers is open for day and evening dining, including a selection of Thai fusion food and sushi, and sun lounger service includes a snack menu throughout the day.

Nikki Beach Marbella opened in 2003 and comprises of a swimming pool with VIP beds on a raised deck, a large open air restaurant, a centrally located octagon-shaped bar, a Lifestyle Boutique and a VIP terrace with views of the Mediterranean Sea.