Marbella

For the automobile, see SEAT Marbella.
Marbella
Marbella sights
Flag of Marbella
Flag
Coat of arms of Marbella
Coat of arms
Map
Location of Marbella
Coordinates: 36°31′0″N 4°53′0″W / 36.51667°N 4.88333°W / 36.51667; -4.88333
CountrySpain
Autonomous communityAndalusia
ProvinceMálaga
ComarcaCosta del Sol Occidental
Government
 • TypeMayor–council
 • BodyAyuntamiento de Marbella
 • MayorMaría Ángeles Muñoz (People's Party)
Area
 • Total
114.3 km2 (44.1 sq mi)
 • Land114.3 km2 (44.1 sq mi)
 • Water0.00 km2 (0.00 sq mi)
Population
 (1 January 2023)
 • Total
156,295
 • Density1,367/km2 (3,540/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Websitewww.marbella.es

Marbella (UK: /mɑːrˈbeɪjə/ mar-BAY-yə,[1][2] US: /mɑːrˈbɛlə/ mar-BEL-ə,[3] Spanish pronunciation: [maɾˈβeʎa]) is a city and municipality in southern Spain, belonging to the province of Málaga in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is part of the Costa del Sol and is the headquarters of the Association of Municipalities of the region; it is also the head of the judicial district that bears its name.

Marbella is situated on the Mediterranean Sea, between Málaga and the Strait of Gibraltar, in the foothills of the Sierra Blanca. The municipality covers an area of 117 square kilometres (45 sq mi) crossed by highways on the coast, which are its main entrances.

In 2023, the population of the city was 156,295 inhabitants,[4] making it the second most populous municipality in the province of Málaga and the seventh in Andalusia. It is one of the most important tourist cities of the Costa del Sol and throughout most of the year is an international tourist attraction, due mainly to its climate and tourist infrastructure. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in both Andalusia and Spain.

The city also has a significant archaeological heritage,[5] several museums[6][7] and performance spaces,[8] and a cultural calendar[9] with events ranging from reggae concerts[10] to opera performances.[11]

  1. ^ "Marbella". Collins English Dictionary. HarperCollins. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  2. ^ "Marbella". Lexico UK English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 2020-03-22.
  3. ^ "Marbella". The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (5th ed.). HarperCollins. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  4. ^ La población andaluza. Instituto de Estadística y Cartografía de Andalucía. 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  5. ^ "Archaeology Marbella". PGB España. Archived from the original on 29 June 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
  6. ^ "Marbella Museums and Art Galleries". World Guides. Archived from the original on 28 January 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
  7. ^ "An up-and-coming cultural quarter for Marbella?". Déjà Vu Marbella. 19 November 2012. Archived from the original on 15 June 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
  8. ^ "Costa del Sol Concerts for Summer 2012". i-Marbella.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
  9. ^ "Marbella events and activities". Marbella Family Fun. Archived from the original on 29 January 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
  10. ^ "Reggaeville: World of Reggae in One Village". Reggaeville. Archived from the original on 2018-12-26. Retrieved 2013-04-14.
  11. ^ "Marbella Opera Festival & Other August Events". Enforex Spanish Language School. Archived from the original on 8 August 2009. Retrieved 13 April 2013.