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This week, those of us living in Marbella have witnessed some spectacular sunsets; the sky has blazed in every shade from a pale pink through tangerine to an array of reds that would test any artist’s palette. For those lucky enough to have an elevated sea view, Gibraltar stood out clearly against the skyline, and the view of the North African coastline extended far beyond the usual vista of Jebel Musa, the mountain directly across the Straits from Gibraltar.

Once a charming little fishing town delivered from centuries of pirating raids by the 1830 French conquest of Algeria, Marbella was ‘discovered’ as a jet-set paradise not by foreigners but by Spanish aristocrats in the 1930s. This area had been part of the Grand Tour, which led Northern Europeans and Americans such as Lord Byron, Irving Washington and Prosper Mérimée to admire its majestic mountain ranges and Mediterranean shoreline before setting off for Italy or Greece. But it was with the arrival of the 20th century jet-set that Marbella began its journey from village to international glamour capital.

Children in many countries around Europe will feel envious when they hear that for Spanish kids, Christmas is still going on and creating magic until the 6th January each year. Unlike their counterparts in other nations, youngsters in Spain receive their main presents almost a week after the New Year has arrived and they will still be eating sweets, with their parents’ full permission.

Marbella’s Old Town preserves the style of an Andalusian village, so when the beautiful narrow streets, squares and shops have been decorated with Christmas lights, it’s the perfect backdrop for your Christmas in Spain!

Although sunshine and beach days are the first things you may think of when Marbella is mentioned, it is also a vibrant spot during the festive season. It may not be quite as hot as in July, but there are dry, sunny days as well as all the seasonal entertainments expected in other countries across Europe.

What do you envisage as the quintessential property for home entertaining? Would your dream house feature a traditional grand dining room with flamboyant candelabra? Maybe an uber chic open plan kitchen that flows through into an eating area with contemporary modern seating? Or perhaps a beautiful terrace area with wooden decking and large rustic table where you can wine and dine under the stars.