What Spain’s sun-drenched resort town offers fun-seeking triathletes.
Next year, triathletes will sport bling never seen before on the famed Coste del Sol beaches of Spain: finisher medals from the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Marbella.
On April 29, 2018, Marbella will become the sixth city in Spain to host an IRONMAN event. Facing the Mediterranean Sea in the southernmost region of Spain, Marbella has grown from a traditional fishing village to a glitzy resort destination along the always-sunny Costa del Sol.
Fortunately for visiting triathletes, Marbella’s past and present seamlessly coexist. Charming Old Town reflects the area’s Andalusian, Roman, and Moorish cultures, while the bars of the marina Puerto Banús throb with the latest Euro dance music. The seaside boardwalk Paseo Marítimo satisfies families, and nature lovers hike into the nearby Sierra Blanca mountains.
The course for IRONMAN 70.3 Marbella lets triathletes experience everything the city has to offer. The race starts with a swim in Mediterranean Ocean and continues into the Sierra Blanca mountains. Competitors return to Marbella city center for a run along the seafront promenade before crossing the finish line at glitzy Puerto Banús.
Traveling to Marbella
Going to Marbella from Europe’s large cities is easy thanks to an interlocked system of planes, buses, trains, and automobiles (along with helipads for chartered helicopters.)
Air
Visitors typically fly into the Málaga-Costa Del Sol Airport (AGP), one of two international airports serving Marbella. The airport is approximately 45 kilometers east of Marbella and has many daily connecting flights.
From the airport, visiting triathletes can choose taxi service or auto rentals; many travelers, however, make a reservation for a 45-minute direct bus line. The Málaga Airport and Visitors Guide provides up-to-date information about transportation options in and out of the airport.
The Gibraltar International Airport is just under 80 kilometers away from Marbella, yet there are few transportation choices into the city.
High-speed trains
From Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona, visitors also can catch a high-speed train to the Málaga-María Zambrano station. Once at the train station in Málaga, can take a bus or continue on a high-speed train to Marbella.
Stay
As the most popular town along the Costa del Sol, Marbella is well-stocked with different lodging options.
IRONMAN 70.3 Marbella triathletes can pick from five-star resorts on the “Golden Mile” to comfortable hostels, and the hotels vary from charming boutique properties in Old Town to beachfront ultra-modern chains. With the triathlon starting and ending in the Puerto Banús, staying in marina district, Old Town or the downtown provides easy race-day access.
Triathletes should check the availability of two contemporary hotels that have both a pool and fitness center: Hotel Fuerte Marbella has outdoor and indoor pools, while Amare Marbella Beach Hotel is adults-only and close to Old Town.
Accommodations farther from the beach tend to have more antiquated features, while those directly on the beach have swanky new clubs busy after sunset. Where ever you stay, it’s easy to travel between the quiet streets of old Marbella and the beachfront’s nightclubs. For instance, La Villa Marbella is a fully refurbished hotel in a 200-year-old building in Old Town and a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Dine
A meal in Marbella combines the flavors of Spanish cuisine, foods from the Mediterranean Sea, a dash of European chic, and simple potatoes from the nearby mountains.
Traditional and modern versions of paella are served throughout the city. Sample local specialties such as grilled sardines, fried boquerones (fresh anchovies), and tortillas españolas (Spanish omelets), along with the traditional cold soups of gazpacho and ajo blanco (made from blending bread, almonds, garlic, water, olive oil, and salt.) Don’t pass the opportunity to try salmorejo either; a hard-boiled egg and serrano ham are added to salmerejo’s gazpacho-like base.
Healthy dining
A popular place for breakfast and lunch, Rachel’s Eco Love is a restaurant/bakery/juice bar featuring organic meals and over a dozen creative smoothies. Order its Veggie Firestarter or Hulk Cappuccino smoothie and take a seat at its patio for extra vitamin D.
With an 8 a.m. opening, early by Marbella standards, Green Bar specializes in vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free salads, sandwiches, and small plates. Locals consider its veggie burger the best in the city and often end their meals with the avocado and chocolate cream postre.
Special meals
Two Old Town restaurants are good choices for celebrating your IRONMAN 70.3 Marbella will finish or enjoying a romantic dinner. The namesake restaurant of chef and owner Paco Jimenez pleases with its seasonal menu of Mediterranean dishes, like snapper with saffron, and Jimenez was awarded the gold medal at the World Gastronomic Meeting.
In a 16th-century building next to a 14th-century castle, Marbella Patio treats diners to Spanish cuisine in a distinctive Andalusian environment. Its version of paella, salmerejo and the house special suckling pig are a few of the original recipes that make Marbella Patio stand out.
With a large open layout facing the Mediterranean Sea, Marbella Club’s MC Beach accommodates a couple or a large party. And if you want to do more than eat tapas, the chefs at the Michelin-starred Skina give private lessons in creating their inventive tapas.
Explore
La Concha
You can’t miss Marbella’s famous mountain. The southernmost mountain of the Sierra Blanca range, La Concha curves like a giant shell (thus its name) around Marbella, and a hike to its rocky peak at 1200-meters high culminates in a panoramic view of Costa del Sol, Gibraltar, and Morocco.
Driving 25 minutes from Marbella to Refugio de Juanar, visitors start the hike besides pine, walnut and olive trees. The hike is considered moderately difficult. Plan at least 2.5 hours each way, and start early to avoid the heat. Don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen, food, and the camera, and watch out for wild goats.
Charca del Canalón
In the Sierra de Las Nieves national park, you will find waterfalls and swimming holes at Charca del Canalón, a series of secluded clear pools along the Rio Verde river. A favorite escape for locals, the pools are reached by hiking eight kilometers from the village of Isan north of Marbella.
Beaches
Everyone can find the beach right for them thanks to a long coast divided into over 20 beaches. A few beaches to consider:
Art and culture
Flamenco
A mix of song, dance, and guitar music, flamenco developed as an art form over the centuries by Andalusian Roma (Gypsies) living in southern Spain. Flamenco los Chatos Ana Maria presents a nightly flamenco performance in a rustic space known for its intimacy and informality.
Dali sculptures
While walking along the promenade of Avenida del Mar from Old Town to the beach front, visitors will notice something other than the chic boutiques and cafés. Ten bronze sculptures made by Spain’s legendary artist Salvador Dali line the avenue; Dali’s unique artistry is evident in the large pieces—plus touching the sculptures is encouraged.
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Marbella’s historic district north of the beaches, Old Town presents the best of European and Mediterranean traditional city centers with its narrow cobble-stoned streets, whitewashed buildings, and tiny shops. Make time to visit Plaza de los Naranjos, a pleasant little park lined with orange trees. Old Town’s charm is overwhelming in the evening when the sidewalks become alive with cafés, street artists, and strolling couples.
Almeda Park
Between Old Town and the beaches, Almeda Park is a quiet and shady place to relax amid landscaped trees and plants. Pathways of yellow and blue tiles lead to water fountains and sculptures.
Puerto Banús
On the west side of Marbella is Puerto Banús. Considered Costa del Sol’s wealthy playground, the marina district is composed of high-end shops, dressed-up nightlife, and trendy restaurants, as well as being the place to admire luxury sports cars and yachts.
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