Xarblanca Park in Marbella

Nestling in the foothills of the la Concha Mountain, the new Xarblanca Park in Marbella is a lovely place to come and have a picnic and play. Opened in 2005, the park covers a total of 18,000sq m and cost more than 1 million euros!

One thing I feel the Spanish do get right, when they make them, are their parks. They are always really imaginative with great climbing and swinging apparatus for the kids and even better barbeque and picnic facilities for the family. On a sunny Sunday these areas are teeming with the Spanish making the most of their beautiful outdoors.

Xarblanca Park is located at the back of Marbella town itself, past the bus station and opposite the big old Don Miguel Hotel. If you are staying in a hotel in Marbella town, then they can advise you the best way to get there, or if you are in a car, exit the N-340 (A-7) at junction ---, then follow the road toward the mountain and the Don Miguel hotel and you will see Xarblanca Park from here.

Nearly all the trees and flowers in the park are indigenous to the Mediterranean area and spring time will see many beautiful blossoms blooming and the colours are amazing. Within the park are three separate play areas for the children. One for the under threes, one for three to seven year olds and finally a great castle set up for the over sevens.

There are footpaths throughout the park along with streams and waterfalls. All this attracts some of the coasts lovely wildlife as well and Xarblanca Park in Marbella can be quite a birdwatchers paradise on a good day!