Marbella is often referred to as Spain’s answer to St Tropez with its rich and famous clients but it is also a firm favourite with people who are willing to pay that little bit extra for a great holiday.

Skol and its gardens adjoin one of the main attractions which is the beautiful beach backed by a marble pedestrian promenade lined by palm trees. Turning left along the promenade and left again at Marbella Marina, take the steps up to the pedestrian boulevard with its Salvador Dali sculptures (above) toward the sub-tropical Alameda Park and fountains. Across the road is the old town.

Old Town of Marbella is honeycombed with  narrow streets where shops, restaurants and homes intermingle to create a village atmosphere. Expensive but classy shops and cordon bleu restaurants easily mix with the more gritty back street Spanish tapas bars. Don’t miss the atmospheric 16th century town hall and its square bedecked by orange trees. For an inexpensive very Spanish restaurant ask in the only English bar, The Tavern, for El Gallo.

Puerto Banus is 3 miles away. Catch a bus from the main road or a ferry from the marina.  This is the place to watch the world go by surrounded by fabulous luxury yachts and world-renowned fashion houses. For the energetic why not walk back to the Skol along the promenade and beach (1-2 hours).

Gibraltar is 50 miles south and can be easily reached by bus. Ask at the Tourist office for the timetable to La Linea. Its interest as one of the last remaining British Colonies is in its physical presence as well as the novelty of the British Bobby, Tesco and British Pounds all in a Mediterranean setting. Don’t forget to take your passport!