Natural splendour in Marbella

Apart from its beaches and coastal scenery, Marbella is maybe not so famous for its nature, but to think that would be wrong, as this luxury destination is at the heart of much scenic beauty.

Quite apart from the fact that it is surrounded by the incredible natural variety of Andalucía – which ranges from sandy beaches and rocky cliffs to arid desert-like terrain, soaring mountain ranges, deep green valleys, wetlands and classic Mediterranean flora, Marbella is also within a short distance of the ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada and the wide beaches of the windsurfer’s paradise in Tarifa. Immediately to the north lie the endless green mountains, forests and valleys that make up the Serranía de Ronda.

But even within a short distance of Marbella itself there are plenty of natural beauty spots to explore, including the protected Sierra de las Nieves National Park, the winegrowing valleys of Ronda and the distinctive culture and scenery of the Axarquia, just north-east of Málaga city. The sights and impressions are many, and they can be admired on foot, horseback, by 4×4, biking or even from hot air balloons.

In the mountainous areas just inland eagles and vultures soar on thermals overhead, while mountain goats cling to rocky cliffs and the lakes and natural saltwater lagoons of the inland areas produce magical spectacles where thousands of brightly coloured flamingos group together during the breeding season. There are protected coastal areas too, best appreciated by scuba diving or from aboard a sailing boat, while a two-and-a-half-hour drive will take you to the Doñana National Park – one of the last true wildernesses of Western Europe, and home to the Iberian Lynx.

Venture out and you will find waterfalls, fast-flowing mountain streams, natural pools just made for a cool dip in the summer, curative sulphur baths once used by the Romans, lakes for kayaking, mountains to scale and beautiful views to appreciate. It’s all here waiting for you…