Marbella has a charm and character all of its own and unique to any other Spanish town or city.  It has changed greatly especially in the last twelve years.

Location:	Reserva de Marbella
Type:	Apartment
Area:	7
Beds:	2
Baths:	1
Price:	€ 199,000
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Although once a quiet fishing village and now a sophisticated resort city with many nationalities living together going about their daily life, you will still find the locals using the benches in the Alameda Park!

The unstoppable Mayor Jesus Gil did an enormous amount to bring outside investment to Marbella and improving the infrastructure. The beach promenade is wide and clean, and there are always street cleaners busy at work ensuring that any rubbish is disposed of quickly.  Palm trees and colourful plants line the main road, and the streets are leafy and attractive. Twelve years on we are still experiencing a building boom and the sight of cranes against a blue sky is a permanent reminder of progress and employment possibilities for many.

Parking can be a hassle especially in summer and it's best to use the car parks to avoid going round and round and then risk getting towed away by the very effective local "grua" (towaway truck).

In case you do get towed away, your car will end up in the police car pound underneath the football stadium. Don't park on a taxi rank whatever happens and don't argue with the policemen in general.

Eating out is wonderful, prices vary according to establishments obviously, but overall it has to be said that there is something for everyone.  There are many places slightly off the main beach promenade or in the old town for example which are fantastic.