Every February, Marbella shows a completely different side of itself. Beyond the luxury boutiques, yachts and elegant promenades, the streets fill with colourful costumes, music and parades as the city celebrates one of the largest Carnival festivals on the Costa del Sol. Families, local associations and samba groups transform the historic centre into a lively celebration that contrasts sharply with Marbella’s sophisticated image.
Despite its modern reputation, Marbella has a long history. Founded as a Phoenician settlement, it later became the Roman town of Salduba before flourishing under Moorish rule. After the Christian conquest in 1485, the old town gradually developed into the charming network of narrow streets and whitewashed houses that still surrounds Plaza de los Naranjos today.
For us, Marbella was all about the Carnival.
The parade brought thousands of people into the streets, creating a fantastic atmosphere full of music, costumes and colour. It was one of the most enjoyable local events of our journey and gave us the opportunity to experience the town well beyond its famous luxury image.
Our stop, however, was less convincing.
We used the large paved parking area outside the centre. It was practical for reaching the old town on foot, but it felt rather neglected. The surroundings were untidy, there was rubbish in several places and, despite other motorhomes being present, we never felt completely comfortable. It worked well for visiting the city during the day, but it was not somewhere we would have chosen to spend longer than necessary. (Park4Night)
We also checked another small roadside parking area on the eastern side of Marbella. Although suitable for a short break, it was close to a busy road, noisy during the day and noticeably dirty, making it unsuitable for anything more than a brief stop before continuing the journey. (Park4Night)
One fascinating curiosity is hidden beneath Marbella’s historic centre. Archaeologists have discovered Roman remains, including sections of roads and buildings from ancient Salduba, directly beneath today’s streets. Most visitors walk through the old town without realising that nearly two thousand years of history lie below their feet.
Another little-known fact concerns Plaza de los Naranjos. Although it appears medieval, it was actually created shortly after the Christian conquest in the late fifteenth century as part of a completely new urban plan. More than five centuries later it remains the true heart of Marbella.
Marbella certainly deserves its reputation for the beauty of its historic centre, and experiencing the Carnival made our visit especially memorable. The parking areas, on the other hand, did not leave the same positive impression. They were convenient enough for a daytime visit, but their condition and atmosphere fell well below the standard we found in many other places along the Costa del Sol. The city itself, however, proved that there is far more to Marbella than luxury—it also knows how to celebrate.