By: Jack Jones

From gleaming Ferraris to Awesome Nightclubs, Marbella Restaurants and the Promenade

The balmy climate, sapphire waters and linen-white buildings of Marbella, Spain, have long been diamond-encrusted magnets for the preposterously wealthy inhabitants of this planet, and all those claims about the quintessentially Mediterranean town being a playground for the rich and famous are well-founded. The harbour is crammed with luxury yachts; the spotless streets are dotted with gleaming Ferraris; and more than a few of the people look like they’ve wandered straight out a Vogue magazine.

But don’t fret.

All that glamorous glitz does not mean those of us with slightly lighter wallets and purses (and somewhat weaker jaw lines) should not get to enjoy this little pearl of a place. You’ve just got to know where to play.
Before any night on the tiles, you need to cushion your stomach, and the extensive range of Marbella restaurants will not disappoint. La Taberna Del Pintxo, perfectly situated on the palm fringed promenade (Paseo Marítimo) with views over the glittering harbour, should not be overlooked. It’s the best place in town to sample Spain’s most celebrated dish, Tapas, and it won’t break the bank. For something a little closer to home, check out Jack’s American Brasserie – again, it’s cheap, and the burgers will probably make you drool.

Right, you’ve been responsible, you’ve removed the trampoline and put down a firm landing mat for those cocktails. Now it’s time to wipe the drool, pay the bill and head out to experience what you really came for – the legendary nightlife in Andalusia.

Cast aside concerns of €1,000 bar tabs: you don’t have to be Pierce Brosnan to afford a drink round here. Again, it’s all about knowing where to go.

Sonora Beach, a funky bar just an ice cube’s throw from the sea, is a great place to get started. The wine and beer are very reasonably priced and the music, while not deafening, will liven you up for the night ahead.

The choice of nightclubs in Marbella can be bewildering and, as much as it pains me to go against the grain of this post, you’ll be hard pressed to find something cheap. There is hope, however, in the way of Dreamers, a cavernous club close to the Puerto Banus area, which offers free entry and free drink vouchers to those who arrive when the night is young (1am-ish).
Failing all that, there’s always the beach.

Salud!