Greetings from the President

In the mid-80s, the people of Marbella became aware that the changes in our city were unstoppable, so profound that the very life of the city was undergoing irreversible transformation.

This was one of the fundamental reasons that led to the founding of the Association of Merchants and Professionals of the Old Town of Marbella.

Several decades had passed since Marbella had embarked on its journey towards the future, but very slowly and tied to the traditional life of the city. Everything revolved around the Plaza de los Naranjos, the Church of the Encarnación, the Casino, and the Alameda.

Suddenly, without us realizing it, our fields, estates, and orchards were transforming into Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía, La Milla de Oro, Elviria, Cabopino, Puerto Deportivo, Paseo Marítimo, Parque de la Constitución…

And what we called Marbella, our town, what would it become?

We didn’t want to lose our identity, our history, our customs, our rhythm, and yet, we had become a small part of a big city. We didn’t even have a name.

We hesitated. Historic Center? No, because we are not history, we are alive. Old Town? No, because we are not old, we are ancient. In the end, we opted for Old Town.

We have experienced difficult times of neglect, deterioration, abandonment, economic challenges… But here we are!

We have become, along with our area of influence, the center of the social and economic life of the city, with more than four hundred shops and as many professional businesses that offer a complete service to visitors and clients.

Carola Herrero

President of the Marbella Casco Antiguo Association of Merchants and Professionals