GOING VINTAGE ON AN OLD TOWN SHOPPING TOUR

THE Old Town of Marbella, known as the Casco Historico, is an idyllic paradise of independent shops, bars, restaurants, churches and even museums.

The cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and the al fresco dining around Plaza del Altamirano, perfectly embody the traditional ambiance of the Spanish lifestyle.

Plaza de los Naranjos is its epicentre – an absolute must-see, particularly if you are visiting when the orange trees are full of wonderful azahar blossom or heavy with ripe oranges.

In addition to being the home of the architecturally stunning town hall of Marbella, the plaza has an abundance of bars and restaurants, with tables set out in the shade of the trees.

The whole aesthetic gives off the scent of romance and it’s worth just wandering around and getting lost in its maze of fabulous shops, including

Deja Vu, which has the finest vintage clothes and furniture on the coast.

Run by expats Richard and Amanda, who have been in Marbella for nearly three decades, they have the most uncanny knack of finding original and quality items.

If looking for interesting antiques, nearby you’ll find the Athenea Gallery, while just across the main road, a must visit is the incredible candle and scent shop, Alma Essentials. Recently set up by English businesswoman Emma Tremlett, it is not only the most delightfully smelling shop in the resort, but the prices are amazingly good value.

The mother-of-two, whose Spanish husband Jose grew up in Marbella and owns the 1960s built Hotel Finlandia, also now runs scent and candle-making workshops, from just 30 euros per person.

They are great fun and, given Emma knows everything there is to know about the resort, you are bound to pick up some nuggets on who's been in town or what’s new.

Whatever you do, always keep your eyes peeled upwards when in the old town and don’t ignore the charming architecture, and the fascinating mix of Moorish and Christian influences in many of the buildings.

The charming church, the Capilla de San Juan de Dios, is by no means the grandest in Marbella, but, with its simple Christian interior topped by a splendid Mudejar (Islamic style) ceiling, it perfectly encapsulates the meeting of the two cultures.

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