Living in: Marbella

It is no exaggeration to call Marbella the gem at the heart of the Costa del Sol. Situated roughly midway between Duquesa and Málaga city, this glamorous resort town is centrally located between the best the region has to offer – and also around 40 minutes from the international airport.

The main town area is dissected by the elegant, shop-lined Avenida Ricardo Soriano, below which shaded streets and squares lead to the promenade, beaches and the town’s marina. North of the main avenue lies the wonderfully charming historic centre.

Most hotels and residential areas, however, extend outwards from the centre, following the shoreline, golf courses and forming exclusive hillside country clubs with wonderful views back across the town and shoreline.

Sierra Blanca and Nueva Andalucía are luxury residential areas close to the centre, while Puerto Banús, linked by Marbella’s famous Golden Mile, is a lively marina full of designer shops, nightlife and also a large El Corte Inglés department store.

West of here, Guadalmina offers luxury living close to the little town of San Pedro Alcántara, while Marbella East is an extensive area with luxury hill and beachside suburbs such as Río Real, Los Monteros, Santa Clara, El Rosario, Elviria, Las Chapas and Cabopino. Expect golf, beach clubs, dunes and wonderful views.