Holiday home favourites, then and now: Marbella, Mijas and Fuengirola

Back in the eighties tourists flocked to a very different Costa del Sol. Marbella, Mijas and Fuengirola have been growing and improving to accommodate visitors, becoming the modern towns they are today.

One will no longer witness bulls rampaging through the narrow streets of Marbella’s old town during times of fiesta, but little has changed in this picturesque area over the years. It has always played an essential role in the town’s life and economy, and is still attractive to visitors and tourists due to the abundance of trendy artisan shops and traditional taverns that have sprung up over time. However, the streets remain a postcard image of whitewashed houses and apartments with wrought iron balconies and overflowing flower pots, a quintessential image of romantic Andalucía.

The old town has been largely pedestrianised over several decades, with significant transformations occurring in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

At the heart of the old town is Plaza de los Naranjos (known as orange square) which dates back to 1485. The town hall received much criticism from local residents and business owners in 2021, when it began renovation work on the iconic square. This was due to the fact that a variety of trees and shrubs were uprooted and replaced with seasonally changing floral displays. The new layout also reduced the space available for the outside tables of the bars and restaurants.

In September 1985, Gerry and Joan Davies approached us with exciting news: the Spanish newspaper Diario SUR had agreed to launch a new publication for the expat community. Having established our group on the Costa del Sol back in 1970, we were delighted at the prospect and immediately placed an advertisement in their very first issue.

Since then, we have been proud to advertise in SUR in English for 40 years. During this time, both the newspaper and the Experience Group have grown beyond recognition. In 2023, this partnership was marked in a special way when we received the award for ‘Top International Business’, presented to our Chairman, Alan James, by SUR in English and CaixaBank.

This year we celebrate our 55th anniversary, continuing to provide a wide range of services that have steadily expanded in response to client demand.

Over the decades, we have built and sold more than 5,000 properties along the coast, offering professional support to buyers and sellers alike. Today, with access to over 700 agents worldwide, our real estate team remains at your service.

Our property management specialists bring years of experience to help homeowners care for their properties between Puerto Banús and Duquesa Port, while our rental team provides guidance on navigating Spain’s ever-changing property laws with the backing of our in-house management experts.

Beyond real estate, our Electronics Experience division has played an important role in advancing communication and technology in Andalucía. In an era when digital connectivity is essential, we have worked to improve infrastructure and services across both urban and rural areas, ensuring that businesses, residents and visitors are not left behind in the region’s technological future.

From there, our services have expanded further. Electronics Experience has grown to include air conditioning installation and maintenance, as well as solar energy solutions. All of our technicians are fully qualified and registered with the Junta de Andalucía, giving clients the confidence that every project is handled with the highest standards of expertise.

This November marks a milestone for one of Marbella’s most iconic venues, as La Sala Puerto Banús celebrates its 15th anniversary. The Costa del Sol’s most famous hotspot will be honouring its journey so far with a week-long celebration in early January - kicking off the new year in true La Sala style and giving loyal guests, performers, and team members something special to look forward to.

Since opening in 2010, La Sala Puerto Banús has grown from an ambitious concept into what has often been described as “the most sought-after table in town.” With live entertainment seven nights a week, premium products at sensible prices, and a trademark lively atmosphere, it quickly became a household name among locals, visitors, and celebrities alike. Today, La Sala Puerto Banús employs approximately 300 people and continues to set the standard for dining, entertainment, and nightlife on the Costa del Sol.

The mission has remained clear from the very beginning: “to consistently deliver the ultimate social and dining experience to our guests.” This philosophy continues to guide everything La Sala Puerto Banús stands for – creating unforgettable moments and remaining at the forefront of Marbella’s social scene.

Reflecting on the journey, Ian Radford, Chairman of La Sala Puerto Banús, said: “My wife Claire and I began this journey without prior experience in hospitality. We approached it from the standpoint of guests ourselves, asking what truly mattered when we ventured out, and what kind of places drew us back time and time again. We considered how moods, times of day, and occasions shaped those choices – and built La Sala around that ethos.”

“Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do. We refuse to rest on our laurels and are committed to constant evolution, ensuring La Sala remains contemporary, exciting, and firmly at the forefront of our guests’ minds. Most importantly, this anniversary is about people – our incredible team, our loyal regulars, and the community that has supported us from the very beginning.”

To mark the 15th anniversary, La Sala Puerto Banús will be offering drinks at 2010 prices every night during the celebration week after 11pm – a nostalgic thank you to those who have partied with the venue since day one. The venue itself will be styled in striking black, white, and gold, complete with golden carpet arrivals, glittering décor, and photo-ready backdrops.

Entertainment will feature the incredible performers who helped shape La Sala’s legendary nights: Tony Capo, Masquerade, Wall Street Band, and Zoe Louise – artists who have been part of the journey since the early days. The centrepiece of the celebration will be an exclusive invite-only Anniversary Gala, reserved for loyal guests, partners, and friends of the venue. With live bands, DJ throwback sets, cocktail showcases, sushi stations, and surprises throughout the night, it promises to be a fitting celebration of 15 years at the heart of Puerto Banus nightlife.

For the past 15 years, La Sala Puerto Banús has been Marbella’s ultimate party playground – the place to start your night and, more often than not, finish it too. With its commitment to innovation, service, and unforgettable experiences, La Sala Puerto Banúslooks forward to celebrating with its loyal guests and creating many more unforgettable moments in the years to come.

uFor more information contact La Sala Banús today at: reservations@LaSalaBanus.com or call:+34 952 814 145

Christopher Clover arrived in 1973 to lead operations, and in 1975 the Marbella office became an independent company, a status it retains today.

As the property market matured, Panorama strengthened its presence along the Golden Mile, opening offices at the Puente Romano Hotel and opposite the Marbella Club in 1995. The company also embraced digital innovation early, launching one of the area’s first dedicated property websites in 1996.

Panorama is above all a family business, drawing on over 120 years of real estate experience across four generations of the Clover family, with Christopher joined on the board by his children, Alex and Katinka. This continuity underpins its reputation for meticulous market knowledge and client service.

Professional standards are central. Panorama is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), prioritising ethics, client care and financial controls. The company helped found the Leading Property Agents of Spain, where Christopher serves as Honorary President, and produces Marbella’s leading and most detailed property market report.

Recognition has followed. Panorama won the European Property Awards’ 5-star Best Real Estate Agency – Spain (Single Office) in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Then, in 2024, SUR in English honoured the company for over 50 years promoting the Costa del Sol internationally, and Christopher was named Leading Businessman of the Year by CIT Marbella for his contributions to the region and his sector leadership.

Alongside its two Golden Mile offices, Panorama operates Puente Romano Real Estate, a joint venture with the resort, and maintains an associated-agent relationship with London’s John D. Wood & Co., connecting Marbella listings with a prime UK client base.

Now, more than five decades on, Panorama’s mission remains unchanged: to connect discerning buyers and sellers with confidence, discretion and deep expertise across the Golden Mile and greater Marbella area.

The Arco de Bienvenida (welcome arch), which stands majestically on Avenida de Severo Ochoa in Marbella, was constructed in 1991 and it has since served as a prominent landmark, greeting visitors arriving via the N-340. The arch, which has completely changed the image of this main road into Marbella, was built with whitewashed stone to give a boost to the elegant and stylish image of this popular Costa del Sol town.

Commissioned by Marbella town hall during the tenure of mayor Jesús Gil, this arch has become an iconic symbol of the town.

In 1993, the construction was further embellished with a system of LED lights to enhance its visibility at night.

In 2020, the council launched a project to preserve the stability of the structure to guarantee the safety of drivers, while also applying a protective treatment with water-repellent chemicals to prevent future changes in colour.

Today, it continues to be a significant cultural and architectural feature of Marbella, embodying its warm hospitality and rich heritage.

Prior to becoming the iconic Starlite festival venue, the Nagüeles quarry site near Marbella was an industrial limestone quarry that supplied stone for the construction of several projects along the Costa del Sol, including Marbella’s parish church. It ceased its industrial operations in the early 1980s, when it began to be repurposed as an open-air concert venue. In 1983, Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe organised the first concert in the quarry featuring Julio Iglesias and Plácido Domingo, using its dramatic rock face and acoustics to create a natural auditorium under the stars.

It would be more than 30 years before Starlite Occident began using the then abandoned quarry as a venue for its boutique music festival. The development was driven by the founding organisers, who financed the transformation of the quarry into a state-of-the-art live music venue. The project included the installation of the infrastructure, acoustics, lighting, seating and amenities to support the festival’s operations. The first festival took place in 2012 and it has since welcomed some of the world’s most renowned bands and musicians.

Ask anyone who’s moved to Spain and you’ll hear the same thing: the sun is glorious, the food is fantastic… but the paperwork will drive you crazy. Insurance documents land in Spanish, contracts run to pages of fine print, and every phone call seems to end with a new operator who knows nothing about your case.

That’s the problem Hypotienda set out to solve in 2004. It started as a small Dutch initiative in Marbella, with just two employees helping fellow expats understand their mortgages. The name said it all: Hypotienda Holanda - a Dutch shop for Dutch people. But the Costa del Sol is always changing. Before long, British retirees, German homeowners and Belgian families were also knocking at the door. They all shared the same frustration: they loved Spain but struggled with its insurance system. So Hypotienda grew.

By 2008, it was offering insurance policies, and by 2010 it had become known in expat circles as the agency that explained things in plain language. Under the leadership of Ilse Burggraaf from 2017 onwards, it developed into something rare: a place where insurance feels personal, not anonymous.

Today, Hypotienda is a 12-person team, working in several languages and offering policies for individuals and businesses alike. What makes them different is continuity. Clients aren’t passed around a call centre — they always speak to the same person, someone who knows their name, their policy and their story.

That consistency matters. When storms flood the street or health rules shift after Brexit, people don’t just need an insurance company — they need someone they trust to pick up the phone.

Now Hypotienda covers the full spectrum: health, home, car, pets, legal protection and more. But it’s not the products that keep people loyal — it’s the personal touch. Life on the Costa del Sol is meant to be enjoyed; it’s easier to relax when you know there’s someone just a call away, making sure the fine print doesn’t spoil the view.

From Dutch roots to an international reach, Hypotienda has grown into something unique: a friendly face in a world of forms. And sometimes, that’s the best insurance of all.

The current Mijas Pueblo town hall building was built in 1987 to replace the old municipal headquarters, which was constructed around 1912. The current building has been renovated several times over the years, but retains a distinctive whitewashed façade typical of Andalusian architecture, with balconies and a distinctive clockface, and a traditional Moorish-style interior patio with arches and a central fountain.

The main transformation has taken place in front of the building, Plaza Virgen de la Peña, where, along with palm trees, shrubs and plants, a bronze statue of a donkey was installed in 2011 to highlight the town’s association with these domesticated animals.

The council’s foreign residents’ department, the first of its kind in Spain, was relocated to the municipal offices in La Cala de Mijas in the same year.

In 2015, another redevelopment of this popular square began, a project that was finished the following year. In order to boost local commerce in this nerve centre of the town, the project, part of a 4.7-million-euro initiative to modernise the historic centre, included pedestrianising the square.

With over four decades in resort development and hospitality, IDILIQ Group has become a name synonymous with quality, comfort and innovation. Specialising in high-end branded residences and hotel resorts in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, we have built a reputation for crafting enriching experiences and effortless escapes.

IDILIQ is at the forefront of the sector, pioneering the concept of branded residences by blending contemporary living with five-star hotel services.

Our expertise in quality and innovation has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by Wyndham Grand La Cala Golf Residences – a new development comprising 58 two and three-bedroom townhouses overlooking the La Cala Golf Course – winning a major accolade at the prestigious European Property Awards in 2024.

Under our IDILIQ Hotels & Resorts brand, we own and operate a growing collection of stunning resorts. From contemporary apartments to townhouses and full-scale resorts, our diverse portfolio offers homeowners and holidaymakers the perfect mix of comfort, convenience and investment potential. Whether it’s the sun-drenched coasts of Spain, the dramatic Scottish Highlands or the vibrant energy of Florida, every property delivers more than just a place to stay.

Through our strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, we manage and operate seven resorts under the Wyndham and Ramada brands, alongside two IDILIQ-branded resorts in Orlando. This collaboration with a global hospitality leader reflects our shared commitment to exceptional standards in accommodation, facilities and service.

Opening in Spring 2026, Wyndham Portocolom in Mallorca is set to become our latest Wyndham- branded resort. Located in the tranquil area of Portocolom, this resort will feature direct beach access and apartments with breathtaking views of Portocolom Bay. This property presents an opportunity for personal ownership, a lucrative rental investment - or both.

IDILIQ believes that every action, big or small, shapes a sustainable future. Our dedication to the environment and the communities we serve drives everything we do, including initiatives like the IDILIQ Foundation and Kind Holidays.

The once abandoned plot of land behind the town hall in Mijas Pueblo has been completely redeveloped since the 1980s. An ambitious project to completely level out the area to link it to Plaza Virgen de la Peña was launched towards the end of the 1970s on what was once a steep drop that led to a large plot of undeveloped land dotted with orchard plots.

Prior to this, the area was unpaved and lacked the current layout and amenities. Towards the end of the 1980s, the mayor at the time, Antonio Maldonado, took charge of urbanising the land. The renovation project completely transformed this large open space, with steps leading down to cobblestone pathways with seating, shaded areas and landscaping.

Numerous trees were also planted, which completely changed the image of this space, as part of the council’s reforestation plan. In 2016, a panoramic elevator was installed next to the Virgen de la Peña multi-story car park, located next to the town hall, to facilitate access to the lower level behind the municipal building, a project that cost almost 250,000 euros.

Located in the heart of Mijas Pueblo, the charming Plaza de la Constitución has always been a favourite spot for both locals and tourists. This corner of the square has changed little over the years, although the post office was relocated more than 25 years ago. The elderly day centre however, is still in service today, more than 40 years after it first opened.

The current fountain was made by a Sevillian sculptor named Galiano, which, along with the benches, was sculptured with stones swept away by the flood on 2 November 1884 (as indicated by the inscription on the fountain).

In 2016, the town hall announced a 300,000-euro project for the complete renovation of the square, which was finished in August 2017. The project was among the first to be carried out in the municipality under the umbrella of citizen participation. This initiative allowed local residents to vote on what they wanted to do with the area, and almost all voted for the ‘not to touch the structure’ option. Hence, today, it maintains its original aesthetic.

A leading name in the retail sector in Malaga, Costasol de Hipermercados has grown over four decades from opening its first store to managing five in partnership with Carrefour.

The company began in 1986 with its first ‘Hipersol’ store in Estepona. From this modest start, it has become a major force in retail, culminating in a successful partnership with Carrefour.

“We feel very comfortable within this multinational that’s allowed us to grow in the province of Malaga,” said Aurelio Martín, president of Costasol de Hipermercados, in a recent interview with SUR.

Today, the group runs five stores and plans two more in Alhaurín de la Torre and Estepona. It employs 850 people directly and also manages shopping galleries in Estepona, Torremolinos and Mijas.

Over 40 years, Costasol de Hipermercados has evolved from a family-run firm with a personal, hands-on approach into a modern organisation with automated processes and professional management. This growth has brought not only greater scale but also a cultural shift, allowing them to adopt cutting-edge technology, optimise resources and improve the shopping experience while keeping their founding values of community commitment and closeness.

From the outset, their approach has been based on humility, resilience and steady work. They’ve always seen growth as inseparable from local development, staff progress and customer satisfaction. These principles still guide every decision and project today.

The partnership with Carrefour has given Costasol access to the latest technology, reshaping operations and customer relations. In retail, where today’s innovation can be outdated tomorrow, this has demanded flexibility, agility and constant learning.

Key advances include logistics automation, digital shopping tools and real-time data analysis, enabling the company to anticipate customer needs and deliver a more efficient and personalised service.

Costasol de Hipermercados is now a clear example of a family business that has successfully grown into a major group, adapting to each era without losing its identity.

At the end of the last century, Fuengirola’s zoo was a small and conventional place, much like many others across Europe. It had iron cages, outdated facilities and a focus on display rather than animal welfare. But in 1999 a story of transformation began that would turn it into an international benchmark in conservation and habitat design: the arrival of the Spanish company Rain Forest, managers of the Bioparc centres.

Architects, biologists, vets, landscapers and designers worked together on an ambitious project: to recreate the world’s tropical ecosystems as faithfully as possible. In 2001, Bioparc Fuengirola opened its doors, a pioneering space in Europe with a double mission: to protect biodiversity and move visitors emotionally.

The park didn’t stop evolving after that first opening. In 2003, the Southeast Asia zone was unveiled, where orangutans, Sumatran tigers and Malayan tapirs live among temples inspired by Angkor. In 2010 ,the centre officially adopted the name Bioparc Fuengirola, cementing its new identity. In 2014, came the Indo-Pacific expansion, home to Komodo dragons, giant tortoises and hornbills. And in 2018, the latest phase began: the recreation of the rainforests of Central and South America, completed in June 2024 after an investment of almost ten million euros.

The most recent expansion has been a major step forward. Inspired by Magellan and Elcano’s first circumnavigation, the new space blends nature, art and history. Covering more than 2,800 m², it features aquariums, museum-style exhibition rooms, an underwater tunnel and a 14-metre aviary crowned by a full-scale Mayan pyramid.

Today Bioparc Fuengirola is much more than an animal park. It’s a cultural, scientific and emotional space dedicated to protecting endangered species, and since 2001 it has welcomed more than five million visitors. With 22,000 m² of grounds, it offers leisure with a purpose, raising awareness while providing families with a unique experience.

From an old city zoo to a green lung, Bioparc Fuengirola shows how Rain Forest’s vision, set in motion a quarter of a century ago, has become a lasting legacy. It’s a place where animals, nature and people live in harmony, reminding us of the urgent need to protect biodiversity.

In the 1980s, Avenida Jesús Santos Rein - the main thoroughfare stretching from the fairground in Los Boliches to the Cercanías train station in central Fuengirola - was a broad, open avenue that lacked distinctive character. The renovation work carried out in 2015 transformed the thoroughfare into an elegant avenue lined with trees and a central reservation planted with hedgerows and palms.

The most striking embellishment to this avenue was the ‘horse fountain’, located on the junction with Calle Maestra Ángeles Aspiazu.The Fuente de Los Caballos de Agua is a striking sculpture featuring the heads of three horses that appear to be drinking the water from the fountain.

Installed in the spring of 2015, it was part of the town’s urban redevelopment tied to the second phase of the Parque Fluvial, which included the construction of a new roundabout featuring this fountain. This impressive piece was created by Malaga sculptor Charo García Arraiza, an artist responsible for several large sculptures in the town.

The much-loved theatre in Fuengirola is celebrating 40 years of entertaining the English-speaking community of the Costa del Sol this year. The group’s productions were first staged in the Hotel Las Palmeras. However, in 1985, the lease on the old cinema became available and, after raising sufficient funds, The English-speaking Players Association (Thespa) acquired the building and named it the Salón Varietés Theatre. The façade of the building is virtually the same as it was 40 years ago, although an outside patio with awnings was added to expand the seating of the inside bar area.

The interior of the theatre is also virtually the same as when it opened, although slight renovations were necessary in 2022 after a fire broke out causing damage to the house and stage area.

The area around the theatre has also not changed greatly over the last four decades, although the town hall renovated the small square outside the theatre several years ago, installing a seagull water feature and several small trees to make the area more attractive.

The banks of the Fuengirola river, also known as Río Gomerano, have changed greatly over the last 40 years. What was once a simple footpath along the muddy banks of the river has been transformed beyond recognition. The lower section of the river was declared a site of community interest due to its ecological value in 2006.

The construction of the Parque Fluvial, one of the most visited places by locals and tourists alike, would further change this area. Covering an area of almost 75,000 square metres, the park, the first phase of which was inaugurated in October 2011 (the second phase opened in July 2015), is a large green space located at the mouth of the river and next to important landmarks such as Sohail castle.

At the time, the creation of this large river park was one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by the local authority of this Costa del Sol municipality.

The project involved converting the river as it flows through the town in order to make this unique leisure and recreation space, which had an investment of around three million euros.

Inaugurated in 1984, the fairground in Fuengirola was initially used to host the ever-expanding Feria del Rosario, held each year in October in honour of town’s patron. At this time, the area was underdeveloped, whereas today, the fairground is overshadowed by large-scale development undertaken to cater for the town’s expanding population.

During the renovation of the space in 2005, sculptures of Andalusian symbols were installed on the roundabouts - each named after famous bullfighters - on Calle Recinto Ferial.

For the last 30 years, this space has also hosted an international fair, which started out as Feria de los Pueblos, but as the the participating countries increased, it was renamed La Feria Internacional de los Países. This event attracts hundreds of thousands of the Costa’s foreign residents.

The fairground also hosts the popular Tuesday market and the Saturday second-hand market, both of which were initiated in 1994, emerging, according to the town hall, from “the initiative of foreign residents”.

Fuengirola buses and the services they offer have changed greatly over the last 40 years.

The buses have gone from what some local residents and visitors remember as “bone shakers” that rarely turned up on time, to air-conditioned vehicles with electronic information panels that are adapted for those with mobility problems.

The bus service also employs modern technology like mobile phone apps and smart bus stops that offer information like the time the bus is expected to arrive.

The central bus terminal offers numerous lines to other towns in the province, like Marbella, Mijas, Benalmádena, Torremolinos and Malaga city, among others.

The average price of a single journey ticket on the urban service in Fuengirola during the mid-1980s would have cost around 40 pesetas (0.25 euros).

Although this has risen to around 1.50 euros today, the local council has introduced several card options for regular users that reduce the cost of the journey considerably, as well as, in May 2023, making the urban buses free to registered residents.