Yzabelle Bostyn
SPAIN’S glamorous coastline has long been a playground for the rich and famous, with Marbella and Ibiza emerging as the top contenders for celebrity hotspots.
While the likes of Mark Zuckerburg, Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael Jordan have sailed megayachts into Ibiza, plenty of sportspeople have chosen to enjoy the glitzy nightlife of Marbella.
But which luxury coastal enclave do the elite prefer?
The Olive Press investigates.
Marbella
Marbella, the crown jewel of the Costa del Sol, boasts a reputation for opulence and sophistication.
Its pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and vibrant nightlife draw in a star-studded crowd. Sports personalities seem particularly drawn to the area.
Football legend Wayne Rooney took a breather from his new role as Plymouth Argyle manager to give his verdict on the Euro 2024 final at a swanky event in Marbella.
PIC 2: Son Kai Rooney and Coleen.
The Manchester United legend jetted into Spain with Coleen and the family to speak at the Clubhouse in La Sala restaurant in Puerto Banus.
He gave his opinion ahead of the Euros final, declaring a 2-1 England win.
However, it wasn’t to be for England as Spain defeated the side 2-1 in Berlin.
Spain’s football prodigy, Lamine Yamal celebrated the win in Marbella, declaring it ‘very beautiful and fun’.
He has made two visits to the Costa del Sol since Spain’s Euros victory, alongside teammate Nico Williams.
The pair partied at local venue, Mosh Fun Kitchen, although it wasn’t all luxury as the Barcelona player was also spotted riding a Malaga airport bus.
They aren’t the only footballers who love the Costa del Sol.
Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland toured Marbella, Sotogrande and Tarifa while visiting in June.
He was caught up in a police raid at Marbella beach club, Playa Padre and was even forced to hand over his ID to balaclava-wearing, machine gun-toting cops as hundreds of tourists identified themselves to police.
The Manchester City star has long favoured Marbella as a holiday destination and is not suspected of any wrongdoing.
The Nordic giant was later spotted visiting Bolonia Beach in Tarfia after being seen in Sotogrande and at a petrol station in Algeciras with his blue Ferrari.
Following in Yamal’s footsteps, British gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson chose Marbella as the spot to celebrate her Olympics victory.
She was spotted in Puerto Banus on Friday, August 9, celebrating becoming the third British woman to ever win the 800m running event at the Olympic Games.
A banner hung up in the yacht reads: “Congratulations on your gold medal Keely Hodgkinson.”
But, it’s not all play for the celebs in Marbella.
Irish UFC champion Conor McGregor was there in July to promote his upcoming bare knuckle fighting event.
He was spotted in Versace speedos while lifting weights on his yacht, docked in Puerto Banus.
The 36-year-old held a press conference at the Hard Rock Marbella to promote the fight night, scheduled for October 12.
Ibiza
IBIZA, the queen of the Balearic Islands, offers a more laid-back yet undeniably glamorous atmosphere.
Known for its bohemian spirit and world-renowned nightlife, the island attracts a younger, trendier crowd. Musicians, actors, and models flock to Ibiza to unwind and recharge.
Another popular holiday spot amongst the rich and famous, Ibiza is a particular favourite amongst singers, actors and sportspeople.
The islands offer the chance to disconnect and relax, so it’s no surprise that tennis star Carlos Alcaraz was spotted on the Balearic Islands following his defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics.
The Murcian is a frequent visitor to the islands and was seen in Port D Andratx, Mallorca, as well as Ibiza.
It is thought he was recharging his batteries ahead of the US Open, which began on Monday.
Also getting in some ‘R & R’ was one of the most celebrated basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan.
He was spotted in June while holidaying on the Balearic Islands.
The 61-year-old was touring the islands with his second wife, model Yvette Prieto, and their twin daughters Victoria and Isabel.
They were seen go karting in Ibiza before having a private magic show on their yacht from German magician Sean Christopher.
Jordan is no stranger to the islands and last visited in 2017, when he relaxed at a Magalluf beach club.
Similarly chilled out was Facebook founder and billionaire Mark Zuckerburg as he sailed into Ibiza flouting maritime law.
He moored his €278 million yacht, the Launchpad in Portinatx Bay. The three-deck 118 metre-long craft has a helicopter on it as well as capacity for 24 guests and a crew of 48 people.
It is thought Zuckerburg ‘broke maritime law’ by switching off the location trackers to ensure no one found out about their Balearic Islands trip.
A favourite amongst actors, Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio has often visited the Balearic Islands to relax between films.
This summer, the 49-year-old has been spotted in Ibiza and Formentera, enjoying a trip with his girlfriend, 26-year-old Italian model, Vittoria Ceretti.
The pair were papped on Dicaprio’s yacht and Ibiza’s Casa Jondal, a restaurant favoured by the rich and famous, including Mick Jagger and Toby Maguire.
He was later spotted with Maguire and friends at Es Moli de Sal restaurant, Formentera.
It is thought they were staying in Ibiza at a villa known as ‘Monterey’.
The 30,000m2 finca is found in the exclusive Bellavista area, with views over Portmany bay.
This summer it has seemed like you could spot a celebrity on every corner of the Balearic Islands.
