A Spanish St Tropez, Marbella is a whirl of mega yachts, glitzy bars, terrific restaurants, cool clubs, and celebrity faces. This is the chic side of the Costa del Sol, and boy what a show it puts on. While the nearby resorts of Benalmadena and Torremolinos attract those looking for heady nightlife and budget breaks, Marbella offers a more upmarket holiday experience with oodles of old-school glamour.

Located on one of the sunniest stretches of Spain's Mediterranean coastline, Marbella is easily reached from Malaga International Airport and is well situated for exploring the surrounding mountains, villages, forests, golf courses, spas, and peaceful sandy coves.

In fact, for all the beautiful people and paparazzi-beckoning celebs, the beaches are the undoubted stars of Marbella holidays. You don't need to be a millionaire to flop onto the soft sands and soak up the sun as the waves gently lap the shore. But you might enjoy watching the millionaires' yachts bobbing around on the shimmering waters while sipping Champagne cocktails at the waterside cafés and bars.