inTELLIGENCE – Cultural inspiration in Marbella and Andalucía
Best known as the playground of the rich and famous, Marbella has inspired event agencies time and time again with its prestigious hotels and captivating backdrops. Far more than just a wealthy tourist hotspot, Marbella has become a key destination in the incentive industry, especially following the travel recovery era and we’re delighted to be hosting our first event of the year here.
So, look beyond the high life and designer fashion and discover the astonishing richness of culture here in the region of Andalucía!
Away from this southern Spanish tourist hangout lies the surrounding Andalucía region and some of the country’s most fascinating cities – Cordoba, Granada, Seville and Malaga – with an amazing array of attractions, history, heritage and natural beauty at your fingertips.
So ideally placed, it’s no wonder Marbella has become such a highly sought-after destination in the incentives industry these last 40 years.
Laura de Arce, director of the Marbella Tourism Office, puts this down to a unique combination of qualities: “Luxury, comfort, traditional and modernity all join forces in Marbella. And, thanks to its geographical location, the city offers a special microclimate characterised by mild temperatures and a shining sun throughout the year.
“Marbella is also held up as a benchmark in the catering field due to its high concentration of restaurants – more than 800 of them – and its hotel facilities are without doubt some of the most varied and numerous on the Costa del Sol, providing for every possible taste.”
The area has a unique and varied range of facilities to satisfy the requirements of even the most demanding of visitors with 28km of beaches, a spectacular mountain range, golf courses aplenty, the greatest concentration of luxury hotels on the Costa del Sol, modern shopping centres, large facilities for conferences, four marinas, including the world-famous Puerto Banús, and, of course, a vibrant nightlife.
Each year more than 1,000 events are held in Marbella - from car presentations to medical congresses and product launches. That’s a lot of visitors - with a myriad of tastes to entertain and endless opportunities for a wide variety of excursions.
Discover the region’s impressive art and culture scene with a trip to the local World Heritage Sites – from the Alhambra in Granada and Great Mosque of Cordoba, to the Giralda Tower and old town of Seville.
Once home to artists Murillo, Velázquez and Picasso, impressive Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque architecture are visible throughout the region with plenty of cathedrals, museums, churches and palaces available to visit.
Set off to Antequera and prepare to go back in time as you witness a city deep in Andalucía boasting more than 50 incredible monuments and archaeological sites as well the national park, El Torcal.
See the likes of the Roman Villa Río Verde (dating back to the 1st century AD), the Paleo-Christian Basilica at Vega del Mar and the vaults or Roman Baths at Guadalmina. You certainly won’t be disappointed.
In Marbella itself, there is an abundance of historic cultural attractions to see from the Arab Walls of Marbella and the Old Castle Fortress to the Encarnación Church-which dates back to the 16th century.
Otherwise, why not step into the Bazán or Encarnación Hospital - a true Renaissance beauty, set in the heart of the town’s old quarter which functioned as a hospital until relatively recently and once cared for the foundlings of Marbella and Estepona. Its restoration began in 1989 where it then became the head office for the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving.
Marbella’s main square, Los Naranjos Square (“The Orange Trees Square”) dates back to 1487 and for many years was the historical centre of Marbella’s administrative and commercial activity as well as the home of Santiago Hermitage, the oldest Christian parish church in the town. Come during spring and you’ll find the square filled with the intoxicating scent of orange blossom and jasmine!
Equally appealing to the senses, Andalucía is home to a phenomenal range of gastronomic options – with restaurants offering virtually the whole gamut of regional and international cuisine as well as over 20 Michelin-star options. The area is renowned for its produce and really is a destination to savour with local delicacies ranging from ham, wine and olive oil to cheese, tomatoes and langoustines.
Local crafts, music and religion are also a big part of the region’s fiestas and celebrations, which showcase the arts and customs of its people and range from spring festivals to planting and harvest festivals saints’ day fiestas, fairs and wine festivals. One of the most fun-filled and light-hearted is the Carnival of Cadiz in February where the whole city joins together to get involved.
Base yourself in Marbella, with its city slogan “A way of life” and discover a place where the sun always shines and luxury, comfort, tradition and modernity all join forces. “We always say that Marbella is the best place to live, to visit and to invest,” explains Laura de Arce. Pay it a visit: your guests will be grateful.
If this has piqued your interest, head over to our events page and find out more about our Marbella event taking place on 12-15 March 2023 at Puente Romano Beach Resort & Nobu Hotel Marbella,