There are now 2 billion active Instagram users, not to mention, 2.9 billion people using Facebook. What we post on our social media channels matters, as it’s what we’re showing to the world about our lives, our success and our happiness. When we’re on our holidays, the social media content is even more important. We want people to see that we’re having a great time and create some envy, so we need to choose our location carefully!
Marbella is not only a fantastic place to holiday, not only an aspirational 5* destination, but it’s also gorgeous. This makes it the perfect place to generate that social media content which will having your Instagram blowing up, and everyone wishing they could be there with you.
As Marbella holiday experts, we can provide you with stunning holiday rentals in Marbella and also insider knowledge to make your stay the very best it can be. We are also always sharing beautiful pictures to inspire you on our Instagram and Facebook pages, so we’re very well placed to advise you on where to go to create amazing content!
Here’s our list of the top 6 most Instagrammable places in Marbella. Please tag us in any stunning pics you take of Marbella or use the hashtag #VacationMarbella and we’ll share the best on our socials!
Calle Ancha de Marbella
Calle Ancha literally means wide street, and is a beautiful street in Marbella’s Old Town. This street dates back to the 19th Century, when Marbella expanded beyond the city walls and Calle Ancha was built to link the city to the Northern area, which at that time was an area of farming and a place to raise livestock. Here you’ll find large houses of important figures from Marbella’s past, many with coats of arms on their facades. The architecture is Andalucian Baroque and features beautiful balconies, many filled with flowers and imposing doorways, leading on to patios.
The width of the street, with the church and its spire in the background, makes for a great photo. The vibrant flowers, bougainvillea and other climbing plants, gives an explosion of colour which contrasts with the white walls of the houses behind. That’s a great backdrop for a fantastic Insta post. On this street is the stunning French bistro of Casanis, which is a great restaurant, but also very Instagram friendly!
Marbella Old Town
The whole of Marbella Old Town is stunning and exploring its winding streets is a great thing to do when you’re on holiday in Marbella. You’ll find Instagrammable places all over the Old Town, from the beautiful Orange Square, with its bars, restaurants, orange trees and lovely architecture, to the old city walls and imposing main church. Don’t be afraid to get a little lost in the winding back streets, there’s beauty and that perfect shot waiting for you at every turn.
Great times for a seriously impressive and perhaps surprising Instagram post is during the Easter parades, when large sculptures of Jesus and Mary and carried through the streets on “tronos” by religious devotees. The Old Town also looks stunning at Christmas, with the lights twinkling and the nativity scenes set up in the churches and chapels.
We’re staying in Marbella Old Town for our next recommendation and taking you to the impressive old city walls and the remains of the castle, which dates back to the time when the Moors ruled over Marbella and the whole of Andalusia. They date back to the 11th and 12th centuries and originally had ten or eleven towers to defend Marbella from invaders and pirates, being used until the end of the 15th century and restored in the 18th century.
You can find these impressive walls and turrets along the following streets – Solano, Portada, Arte, Salinas, Trinidad, Carmen, Ortiz del Molinillo and Virgen de los Dolores. Following the walls and looking out for the towers is a great way to explore the Old Town and appreciate the history of this beautiful town.
A great Instagram location has to be the enormous walls opposite the Incarnation church, as you have the church, the square and the imposing and well restored walls, so you’re spoilt for choice. We love the contrast between the white walls, with pretty pots filled with flowers and then the imposing castle walls behind them. Walking up the steps from Calle Trinidad, with the old walls alongside you, also makes for a great picture.
Parque de la Alameda
The Alameda Park is a shady, tree filled sanctuary, which connects the Old Town and the Avenida del Mar, which leads you down to the sea. With benches, fountains and lush vegetation, it’s a great place to escape the heat and rest and relax. It also makes a stunning backdrop for an awesome Instagram post. The dappled light, is really interesting and there are some lovely little secluded corners to take some great shots. It often has things going on there too, like a Santa’s Grotto in December, book fairs and markets.
Just beyond there is the Avenida del Mar, with the sea in the background and 10 stunning bronze sculptures by Salvador Dali. There are some great pictures to be taken here too!
Puerto Banús
Moving away from Old Town Marbella now, we recommend exploring Puerto Banus for a very different set of Instagram posts. You can even take the catamaran ferry, which connects Marbella to Puerto Banus and get some fantastic snaps along the way.
Puerto Banus is Instagram gold! The port itself is really beautiful, with white washed buildings clustered around a marina, full of incredible yachts and power boats. It’s the playground of the rich and famous, so you’ll also find amazing supercars parked up, close to enormous and glamourous boats – perfect Instagram material!
It’s also designer shopping paradise, with boutiques from some of the world’s top designers and a picture of you popping out of Dior or Gucci with bags on your arm is sure to impress. A drink at the legendary Sinatra Bar offers some great photo opportunities too and a chance to rest weary feet.
When you’re rested, walk round the port to the viewing point Mirador del Muelle de Honor, for some fantastic shots out to sea and back to the beautiful port itself.
You’ll be spoilt for choice, day or night for stunning pictures from Puerto Banus and with our Puerto Banus vacation rentals you could be at the heart of all the action for your next holiday.
Sunset on the beach
Sunsets in Marbella are something else. The sky is a work of art, the light is beautiful and looking out to sea while the sun goes down is a wonderful thing to do. It’s also a perfect time to take pictures for Instagram. Whether you’re sitting on the sand, or sipping a sundowner in a beach bar, get that phone out and get snapping!
We’d love to see your favourite pictures of Marbella, so make sure to tag us on Instagram or on Facebook @vacationmarbella or use the hashtag #VacationMarbella and we’ll share the best with our followers.
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[post_content] => You’re spoilt for choice when you’re looking for villas in Marbella – there are hundreds, if not thousands to choose from, to rent and buy. They range from the modest to the spectacular, and the developers and owners are always looking for ways to differentiate theirs from the competition. They do that with architecture, state of the art fixtures and fittings and amazing facilities; from pools and spas to gyms to tennis courts and even putting greens.
Another way to stand out from the crowd is with a name and what better than to take a name which is known world over? Some villas have been named after famous people, others have been designed by, or in collaboration with famous names from the world of fashion or iconic brands.
In this article we’re looking at six of these amazing villas and you can find hundreds of stunning villas in Marbella to rent on our website.
This stunning villa is named after the American professional golfer and golf course designer Jack Nicklaus, due to its prime location in the so-called Golf Valley of Nueva Andalucia, home to five fantastic courses. The iconic golfer played many times at the Las Brisas golf course, very close to the property, and so the owners were inspired to take his name.
The villa has been meticulously renovated and embodies elegance, comfort and craftmanship. It sleeps eight people in its four spacious and exquisitely designed bedrooms and boasts wonderful interior and exterior spaces to enjoy. Relax after a game of golf, a run, or a workout, in the heated pool, spa and outdoor hot tub, or enjoy sports or movies in the entertainment room. If you love to cook, the spectacular indoor and outdoor kitchens will inspire you, or be the perfect space for a private chef to cook up some magic for your party.
Be transported to the White Isle, with this Ibiza-inspired designer villa close to Marbella. It is named after the model Kate Moss, who loves the boho chic cool of Ibiza and is a regular visitor to Marbella. This villa is an ode to her beauty and love of design and wellness.
Expect a mix of Ibiza charm and Marbella elegance, and a bespoke design which inspires serenity and connection. There are five bedrooms, a lovely open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, all beautifully appointment and designed. Channel your inner supermodel topping up your tan around the private pool, and enjoying cocktails and champagne in the sunken fire pit lounge, and rustling up healthy and delicious meals in the outdoor or indoor kitchens. Kate Moss has been on a personal journey of self-discovery and wellness, and so have the health-conscious owners of this property, who have provided an environment aligned with mindful living and optimal wellbeing, where Miss Moss herself would feel perfectly at home.
Villa Birkin in Nueva Andalucia is a gracious five-bedroom retreat, which is serene, stylish and impeccably designed. It is a haven which combines functionality and indulgence, just like its namesake, the iconic Birkin bag. It has the elegance and grace of model, actress and musician Jane Birkin, and is the perfect place for stylish entertaining, relaxing and unwinding.
It is a cozy holiday retreat designed for sophisticated living and effortless luxury, including five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a heated swimming pool set in manicured gardens, a private gym, cinema room and wonderful interior and exterior living spaces.
The location is perfect for keen golfers, being within walking distance of some fantastic courses, and the wonderful restaurants, shopping and nightlife in nearby Puerto Banus. You could even stay in Villa Birkin and pop into the Hermes store in Puerto Banus for a Birkin bag to remember the trip by!
This contemporary villa near to Estepona offers the very best place to enjoy a relaxing holiday in a trendy, safe and luxurious area, away from prying eyes. It is ultra-modern and offers the maximum in privacy and comfort, alongside top-notch amenities. Highlights include an outstanding outdoor pool and wraparound terrace and a fantastic games room, complete with pool table and cinema area. We love how the huge windows disappear to bring the outside in and make this a really striking piece of design.
Named after the Spanish tennis legend, who has recently hung up his racket, Villa Nadal has a strong sense of Spanish style inside and out. This comfortable and elegant villa boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a lovely private pool and Andalusian garden. Located in Elviria, near to some of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol, not to mention the legendary Nikki Beach, this is a great place to be if you want to hit the beach, or cook up a storm in its splendid kitchen. If you want to follow in Nadal’s footsteps during your holiday, it’s within easy reach of the Royal Tennis Club Marbella and the new Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, which will boast seven clay tennis courts and 2 padel courts. Nadal has frequently holidayed in Marbella and has several investments in the area, including the new tennis center, so you might even be able to see the great man himself during your stay.
Keen golfer and legendary footballer Andres Iniesta, would love this contemporary villa in the La Resina Golf resort, which shares his name. It’s elegance, modern design and stunning features make it perfect for discerning guests. You’ll love the infinity-edge pool and lush garden, and a recreation room where you can play pool and ping pong, and watch the match in the cinema room. The contemporary design and sleek interiors feature top-of the range fixtures and fittings, and the golf location makes it the perfect choice for a holiday in the sun.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our rundown of villas named after famous people! If you’re planning on visiting Marbella, and want to browse the best selection of Vacation Rentals in Marbella, you’re in the right place. Take a look around, or contact our helpful team with your requirements for recommendations on the best accommodation for you.
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[post_content] => Polo is an exciting and action-packed game of skill. Teams of four fierce competitors mount their horses and grab their polo mallets for an intense 7½ minute chukker, with the aim of galloping down the field and scoring as many goals as possible. It’s a real spectacle of horsemanship, coordination and sporting prowess, not to mention beautiful polo ponies.
Sotogrande is the epicentre of polo on the Costa del Sol, with a long history of the sport, several clubs and schools and top-level players competing in tournaments. You can both watch and play polo in Sotogrande during a holiday to the Costa del Sol and we’d definitely recommend catching a chukker or too if time allows.
In this article, we’ll be explaining why Sotogrande is the polo capital of the area, where you can learn to play polo and the upcoming tournaments that you can watch.
Polo in Sotogrande, a bit of history
Polo is actually one of the oldest team sports, dating back to the sixth century BC. Today it is played professionally in 16 countries and the sport is growing in popularity with both spectators and players. It has a rich history in Spain, dating back to 1870, when the first club was opened in Jerez.
Sotogrande didn’t even exist back then! But one of the very first things that the founding family did, was to build a polo field, just a year after it was founded. That was because the nephew of the founder Enrique Zobel was a huge polo fan and player, and President of the Manila Polo Club. This original field which opened in 1965 is now part of the Santa Maria Polo Club and still central to polo in Sotogrande to this day.
Since the early days of polo in Sotogrande, the sport has grown in popularity, locally and globally and we now have four polo clubs in Sotogrande itself and more nearby. There are also excellent polo and riding schools and highly popular tournaments, which attract the premier players and thousands of spectators each year.
Best polo clubs in Sotogrande
As we mentioned, the Santa Maria Polo Club is the area’s first club and still stands as one of the best polo clubs in the world. From that very first field in 1965, Santa María Polo Club has grown to boast seven polo grounds, four of which are deemed World Class. They also have stables, with two arenas for horse riding and an additional polo ground at their Puente de Hierro site, nearby. They have polo clinics where you can try polo and also hold classes for children and adults to learn polo and polo wheel.
The Ayala Polo Club is a newer club, but with a great history, as it’s run by the son of the man who brought polo to Sotogrande. He is leading the club and aiming to turn it into one of the best polo clubs in the world. They have three professional polo fields, 3 training tracks, 1 covered riding arena, 3 private stables and 400 stalls, daily polo practices, polo classes and polo tournaments.
Polo Valley was founded in 2015 to make polo accessible and offer a premier polo facility, which is welcoming to all. They offer beginners riding lessons and polo lessons to introduce adults to the wonderful world of polo, including an immersive one-week programme to take you from novice to accomplished polo player. There are also kids’ lessons, summer polo camps and even a family polo holiday including on site accommodation. They also organize club chukkas and training for experienced players, and experiences for novices and experienced riders alike. Their facilities include stables and care for polo ponies.
The Dos Lunas Club specialises in both dressage and polo and they have two polo fields, two training grounds, 54 pens, two grass practice fields and an all-weather exercise ground.
Iridike Polo Club is a welcoming club and school, which has regular tournaments and offers coaching for kids and adults at all levels. They have polo fields and stables, horse riding tracks and a tacking field. It’s particularly well known for its kids’ polo program and a range of polo packages.
Polo tournaments in Sotogrande in 2025
The biggest polo tournament in Sotogrande is the International Polo Tournament, which is held from late July to the end of August each year. This takes place at the Santa Maria Polo Club and features wonderful matches, as well as a shopping area, dining area and great after polo parties.
Confusingly, this tournament is organized by the Ayala Polo Club, yet the majority of the matches are played at Santa Maria Polo Club, in what’s called the Los Pinos fields. There are three categories of teams playing in this tournament – low, medium and high handicap. In the lower categories, some matches are played in the Ayala fields, so double check where they are being played.
In 2025, matches begin on the 23rd of July and continue until the 31st of August, and you can find out the fixtures, times and teams on the Ayala Polo Club website.
In May, Iridike Polo hosts the La Quinta Tournament, with two weeks of exciting matches. In October they hold the Nation Cup, a 2-week competition bringing in top teams from Europe, between the 3rd and the 12th of October. They also hold regular weekend tournaments throughout the season, accompanied by a great Argentinian BBQ. They have summer tournaments taking place throughout July and August too. Check their Facebook page for more information.
Other clubs also host tournaments, but their websites and social media channels aren’t usually updated, so it’s tricky to find information online, until very close to the date.
Where to stay near to Sotogrande?
Sotogrande is just under an hour’s drive from Marbella, so it’s an easy day trip if you’re staying in Marbella itself. However, if you want to be closer, but still close to Marbella, we’d recommend choosing a vacation rental in Estepona. Estepona is a lovely town, with a great food scene and lots of Spanish charm, plus excellent beaches. It is roughly half way between Marbella and Sotogrande, so you’re within easy reach of both, as well as being able to explore Estepona itself. Ideal!
Please contact us with any questions you have about visiting the Costa del Sol, where to stay and how you can make the best out of your next holiday.
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[post_content] => We love golf in Europe! Thanks to great transport routes and thousands of excellent courses in a relatively small area, it’s a great area to look at for your next golf trip.
Your biggest task will be to choose from all the great options out there. So, in this article, we’re running down a few European Golf Destinations to consider.
Why book a golf vacation in Europe?
Europe has nearly 9000 golf courses, and it offers a wonderful variety of climates, landscapes and of course food and culture to enjoy off the fairways. There are some wonderful golf holiday destinations, which also have a great tourism scene, so heading off for a golf trip in Europe can offer something for the golfers and non-golfers in the party.
The 5 best golf destinations in Europe:
The top golf destinations by number of courses are England, Germany, France, Sweden, Scotland, Spain, Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands. But for our list of European Golf Destinations, we’ve looked at the destinations that we think offer the best choice for a holiday! Our picks combine great golf courses, with fantastic weather and/or culture and heritage, so you won’t simply return with a lower handicap, but having had an unforgettable experience all round.
Read on to find out more.
Algarve, Portugal
Portugal boasts 113 golf courses, in total, with some highly regarded historic courses near Lisbon, on the western coast of Portugal and to the North of the country. But the heart of golf in Portugal has to be the Algarve, in the South of the country. Quinta do Lago in the Algarve is considered one of the world’s best golf resorts, and has won awards and plaudits aplenty. It has three championship golf courses to try, and is very easy to reach, being just 20 minutes away from Faro airport. Away from the fairways, the Algarve is a lovely holiday destination, with beautiful beaches, great food and wine, an interesting culture and vibrant towns, with excellent nightlife. You can visit beautiful old towns like Tavira with its wetlands, party in Albufeira, or take a ferry to some of the stunning white sand islands off the coast just off Olhão. Try the slightly sparkling vinho verde, sample the spectacular fish and seafood and have a tipple of Port wine too, following a day on the fairways and you’ll have an amazing experience.
Costa del Sol, Spain
Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol is a holiday hotspot for so many reasons, one of which is golf! Golfers flock to try over 70 golf courses which can be found between Malaga and Sotogrande and follow in the footsteps of the greatest players of all time. Known as the Costa del Golf, it’s been a favourite European Golf Destination since the 1960s and legendary golf course designers and architects have left their mark.
You can play on some of Europe’s best courses, including Valderrama, Finca Cortesin, Marbella Golf and Country Club and the Sotogrande Golf Club, which are all less than 1 hours’ drive away from each other. You can also base yourself in Nueva Andalucia and be within 15 minutes’ drive of 20 amazing courses.
But we’ve picked it as one of the top European Golf Destinations because of everything else that it has going for it. Malaga’s international airport makes it really easy to travel to from all over the world and because it’s a massively popular summer destination for tourists, there’s loads of quality hotels and holiday villas to choose from. The beaches are beautiful, the climate is perfect, and the landscape is really picturesque. Foodies will be in heaven - the Spanish tapas culture and great wine are a treat. You must try the delicious ham, cheese and seafood and for something even more special, why not push the boat out in one of the five Michelin starred restaurants. You can also enjoy a flamenco performance, or time your visit with one of the vibrant “Ferias” for which Andalucia is justly famous.
South of France
France has the third highest number of golf courses in Europe, with 815 in total. There are courses dotted across the country, but in terms of a golf holiday destination, we’d suggest the South of France. The areas of Provence and the French Riviera are rightly famous for their beauty, charm and wonderful weather, and they are the home to some excellent golf courses too. In Provence, Terre Blanche, close to Nice and Cannes is considered one of the world’s best luxury golf resorts. Taulane, Cannes Mougins, Saint-Donat and Grasse are picturesque, charming and challenging – what a great combination! The food and wine in France are legendary, and so you can combine playing golf with visiting vineyards, sampling local cheeses and visiting chateaux and artisan markets in pretty villages. The coastal towns and cities are historic and stunning too, with plenty of “je ne sais quai” and “joie de vivre” – all of which makes a golf holiday in the South of France a great option.
Italy
Italy is in 10th place in the countries in Europe with the most golf courses, with a total of 308. You can find golf courses throughout the country, so can combine a round or two with anywhere you’d like to visit. However, the largest concentration is in the North of the country.
2022 saw the Ryder Cup be held in Italy and since then the country has really started to push itself as a great golf destination in Europe. The courses are diverse and set in beautiful landscapes, with some really exclusive options available. You can combine a round of golf with a visit to a historic and stunning city such as Rome, or visit a beautiful golf resort and enjoy beautiful countryside, food and wine in Tuscany. You can even play golf and visit the canals of Venice! A golf break in Italy is perfect for lovers of great food, excellent wine, art, architecture and culture.
Ireland
Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses names the Royal County Down Gold Club in Northern Ireland as the number 1 course in the world, Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland as number 4 and Ballybunion in Kerry at number 10. This little country punches well above its weight and size with its golf offering! It has 357 courses in total, has a third of the world’s natural links courses and has given us some of the best players of recent years. It has been named International Golf Destination of the Year several times thanks to these great courses, its natural beauty, vibrant cities and welcoming, friendly people. While we can’t promise sunny skies, you’ll get a warm welcome and be able to enjoy great pubs, bracing walks and traditional music and dancing.
Wherever you choose for your European golf travels, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. So where’s next on your list?
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