Marbella is at the far western end of the Costa del Sol, but worlds away in ambiance. Unlike the big package tour towns, Marbella is resolutely upscale. The town center is well preserved and immaculately kept. It looks like the walls are painted hourly, and then the most colourful flowers are draped all over the place. Having said that, you wouldn't really notice its upscale character on a day trip and the town centre isn't really remarkable but for its immaculate condition. The real wealth is out of town on the beachfront properties and big yachts moored nearby.