Explore Marbella's rich history on a villa holiday

The Old Town - also known as Casco Antiguo - is where the ancient walls and the historical suburbs of the city are located.

Here, you will find Plaza de los Naranjos, which is considered the heart of the old town, and a delightful example of Castillian Renaissance design.

The city hall, dating back to the 16th century and the mayor's house, which has stunning murals inside the building, are also worth a visit during your time in Marbella.

Its varied Baroque-style architecture - which originated in Italy before quickly spreading across Europe during the 1600s - can be identified across the town, including the striking Arabian castle and wall ruins, and the Chapel of St John of God.

The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engravings, which formerly was a hospital, is a great way to spend the day soaking up the local culture, with an intriguing selection of engravings dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as a number of pieces by some of the world's greatest artists, including Picasso and Dali.

A number of archaeological sites can be visited for keen holidaymakers hoping to catch a glimpse of the Spanish region's Roman ties. Situated within Marbella, the Roman baths of Guadalmina and the basilica of Vega del Mar can also be explored.

A short distance away from the old town is Eixample, another section of Marbella filled with intriguing historical relics. The Avenida del Mar, which connects the old town with the coast, has a collection of sculptures by the Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali, while the neighbouring Paseo de la Alameda has a quaint botanical garden and fountains adorning the spot.