Things to see + do

• Start with the free listings publication Guia Marbella , Dia y Noche - a good first port of call to find out what’s happening during your stay. It’s printed in both English and Spanish and available from the Plaza de los Naranjos tourist office

• Take a look at the Marbella Golf and Country Club – one of the smartest venues on the celebrity circuit.

• Take a boat trip from Marbella to Puerto Banus. It takes around 30 mins and departs from the Marbella Marina.

• Tennis fans are spoilt for choice with well known clubs such as the El Madronal Tennis Club (San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella) and Manolo Santana Tennis Club (Hotel Puente Romano, Ctra N340 km 177) right on their doorstep.

• The Puerto Banus Saturday market is held in the Nueva Andalucia part of town.

On the Beach

• The choice is yours! Take your pick from more than 26km of clean, well maintained beaches as well as watersports such as jet-skiing in Marbella and sailing at Puerto Banus.

• For an action-packed time, visit Funny Beach - there’s as much going on out of the water as on it here, including jet-skis, water-slides, go-karting, paintball shooting and giant Scalextric.

• Just off Marbella’s promenade is a large family beach with lots of activities.

• Playa del Duque near Puerto Banus offers a quieter beachside experience.

• El Corte lngles is one of Spain’s flagship department stores and has a branch just outside Puerto Banus. On Ctra N340 km 174.

• Designer goods are everywhere in Marbella and Puerto Banus – Boutique 007 in Puerto Banus is a good bet for ‘hot’ beachwear.

• Try El Camino in Marbella for authentic flamenco gear to suit all ages.

• Or for ladies shoes stop by Marina where the shop prides itself on stocking every colour of the rainbow.

• Personalise your tee shirt with embroidery while you wait - at Kosas in Puerto Banus.

• Leather bags and shoes are always good buys – especially at local markets – as are traditional Spanish pots, jugs and plates available at local shops.

• Choose from one of 16 different types of paella at La Caracola del Puerto – a stylish fish restaurant right at the water’s edge on Muelle Benabola.

• Cipriano serves up high quality food and in a setting to match – at Puerto Banus.

• For creative Andaluz cuisine you can’t get better than Casa la Vieja – nestling in a Marbella back street at Calle Aduar 18 complete with tiny tiled patio. Closed on Sundays.

• Real local tapas are on offer at El Estrecho – hidden in an alleyway at C/San Lázaro 12, Marbella.

• Picaro’s restaurant is on Calle Adua in Old Town Marbella and is open from 8pm to 1am. Fine international food in a tranquil setting.

• El Palangre serves great fresh fish – on Paseo Maritimo on the Marbella Beachfront.

• Flanagans Thatch in San Pedro – a traditional Irish pub with food, entertainment and a cost atmosphere - is open from 10am until late.

• El Bustan specialises in Lebanese food - including mouthwatering grills. On Arda sel Mar 18 in Marbella.

Night Life

• Dress smartly and bring a passport and plenty of cash for an evening at the Casino at Hotel Andalucia Plaza, Puerto Banus. Slot machines open from 4pm, Casino from 8pm until the early hours.

• Check out Frank’s Corner in Marbella – it always draws in the crowds. The basement Rock Club not only plays good music, it’s also brimming with pop and rock memorabilia. On C/Camillo Jose Cela Marbella.

• For some serious celebrity spotting why not try the Sinatra Bar on Muelle Rivera in Puerto Banus. Sean Connery and Damon Hill are just some of its regular customers.