Every year many people head to the Costa del Sol in southern Spain and many of these sun seekers head for the exclusive resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus.

The city of Marbella has been a favorite Spanish Destination for holiday makers for over 50 years and the very exclusive Puerto Banus has been a popular location with the rich and famous since the 70’s

Marbella is well known for its stunning beaches but it is much more than a beach resort, and is also widely known as been at the heart of the so called “Costa del Golf”
However the city itself has some stunning architecture and museums.
Many people who visit Marbella overlook the cultural side of the fine Andalucian city. True the city is not as rich in Museums and Monuments as Malaga or Seville and most people head straight to the beaches and the bars , however for those of you seeking something different then there are some fine museums which can be found in Marbella

Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo (Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings)
This excellent museum is considered to be one of the world’s best collections and the first of its kind in Spain – engravings and graphic works showcase the best of contemporary Spanish art. Inside this stunning museum you will find works by the world famous artists Dali, Miro, Picasso and Tapies. Some of the work you will see are etchings, lithographs, xylographies and other artistic forms of expression.
The old Bazan Hospital, a 16th century building which holds this collection is almost as stunning as the art it holds. The excellent building has two floors and has a tower with typically Spanish roof tiles and whitewashed walls.

The museum can be found at
Hospital Bazán, s/n, Marbella 29600
Telephone: +34 952 825 035
Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Charge: Children are free of charge.

Museo del Bonsai (Bonsai Museum)

For an alterative day out then you should head for the magnificent Parque Arroyo de la Represa where you will find the slightly unusual but still fascinating Bonsai Museum where you find one of the largest collections of bonsais in Europe –Bonsai trees are sweet miniature trees whose growing technique is mainly Japanese. These naturally “dwarfed” trees require meticulous grooming.
The museum’s many bonsai trees, rock plantings and landscaped areas project an authentic oriental feel. It is a great way to enjoy a relaxing day enjoying the wonders of Mother Nature – seeing these small works of arts along with lily ponds, quiet streams shaded by weeping willows and flowers all around.
Address: Parque Arroyo de la Represa
Avenida Arroyo de la Represa, Marbella
Telephone: +34 952 862 926
Charge: Admission is free.

Apart from these two museums you can enjoy a day at one of the Cities other fascinating
Municipal Collection of Archaeology
Contains artifacts that are found in the Marbella area.
Located at the Plaza Altamirano
Telephone: + 34 952 774 638
Open: Monday through Fridays

Museum Cortijo Miraflores
This fascinating museum was Built by Mr. Tomas Francisco Dominguez Godoy in 1706 and can be found on Avenida Jose Luis Morales and Marin, s/n Marbella
Telephone: + 34 952 902 714
Hours: Winter: Mondays through Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Summer: Mondays through Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Ralli Museum
This is a facnation museum that was opened by a private organization who aim is to promote the work of European and South American artists.
This museum is located at Urb. Chorale Beach CN-340 km 176 (Marbella)
Telephone: + 34 952 902 714
Hours: Winter: Mondays through Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Summer: Mondays through Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Marbella and the surrounding areas also have some fascinating Archaelogical Sites
including

The ruins of the Vega del Mar Basilica
Address: Urb. Linda Vista Baja San Pedro Alcantara
Telephone: +34 952 781 360
Hours: Free guided visits on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday noon.

The Roman Villa
Address: Rio Verde Marbella
Telephone: +34 952 781 360
Hours: Free guided visits on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday noon.

Roman Ruins
Address: Urb. Guadalmina, San Pedro Alcantara
Telephone: +34 952 781 360
Hours: Free guided visits on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday noon.

Marbella Holidays is more that just a beach resort or a place for golfers, it has a beautiful blend of modern and historical architecture and it is worth while ditching the beach towels or the gold clubs and head into the centre to seek out the culture of this fascinating Andalucian jewel.