A former fishing village, Marbella is now one of Spain’s premier beach destinations, popular with both celebrities and tourists. 

The jewel of the Costa del Sol, the resort town sometimes welcomes upwards of 70,000 tourists per month. 

But the celebrity playground wasn’t always so well-known. 

Express.co.uk has taken a look at Marbella over the years to find out how this small seaside spot became a world-famous holiday destination. 

Have you visited Marbella in the past? Let us know in the comments.