Marbella Area guide
The Costa del Sol is the most southerly stretch of coastline on mainland Spain, running between Málaga in the east through to Gibraltar in the west. Along this stretch you will find some of the most famous holiday resorts in Spain such as Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella, Puerto Banus and Sotogrande. Below we highlight some of the most renown areas, but should you wish more specific information on an area that is not listed here, our sales agents would be more than happy to fill you in.
East of Marbella
Torremolinos - Torremolinos is a municipality immediately to the west of the city of Málaga. A poor fishing village before the growth in tourism beginning in the late 1950s, Torremolinos was the first of the Costa del Sol resorts to develop. Over the years, Torremolinos has evolved as an attractive and appealing resort, noted for its clean sandy beaches, wide choice of hotels and restaurants and unparalleled variety of entertainment, activities and nightlife available. Now practically a suburb of Málaga, the atmosphere is much more Spanish, especially at weekends, with an air of friendliness and welcome.
Benalmadena - Benalmadena is located to the west of Malaga and Torremolinos, and as Benalmadena's tourist explosion occurred later than Torremolinos, it has managed to avoid some of the uglier large concrete developments of the 1970's. The marina of Benalmadena Costa, which has been tastefully developed and can handle more than 1,000 boats and yachts of all types, is the focal point for Benalmadena's social scene and is central to the resort.
Fuengirola - Fuengirola lies just 20km south west of Malaga airport, half way between Malaga city and Marbella. It is the third major tourist development on this section of Spain's Costa del Sol along with Torremolinos and Benalmadena Costa. Fuengirola is a comparatively developed resort, but it does also have a number of historical sites and open parks. The old port is still used by the local Spanish fishermen and the Arab castle Sohail was completely renovated in 2000 and hosts festivals and concerts throughout the summer.
Mijas - The Mijas municipality covers an impressive 148 sq. km and takes in very distinct neighbourhoods: Mijas Pueblo - a typically Andalusian white-washed village located mountain side about 450 m above sea level; Mijas Costa - which parallels that magic combination of sun, sand and water sports in the same way that Mijas Pueblo mirrors serenity, tradition and culture; Las Lagunas on the coast is the most modern area of Mijas where you can find industrial and commercial areas; and La Cala - a small seaside village in the centre of the 12 kilometres of beaches on the Mijas coast.
Calahonda - Sitio de Calahonda is the largest property development you will find between Marbella and Fuengirola. The town also has several golf courses and a number of pristine beaches that offer every type of water sport or activity conceivable. Its port on the Costa is a favorite among tourists as it is great for those who want to enjoy romantic dinners capped off by leisurely strolls along the sandy beach. There is a nursery school in Calahonda and private primary and secondary schools are located nearby. One of the best known international schools on the coast, the English International School (EIC), is approximately 5 to 10 minutes drive from the urbanisation.
Marbella Areas
Elviria - Elviria is a community located about 15 minutes east of Marbella's city centre. It incorporates the beautiful port of Cabopino as well as some stunning mountain scenery inland. Elviria is further home to the internationally reknowned Santa Maria Golf & Country Club. Health services are nearby in the form of one of Málaga's most prestigious hospitals: Hospital Costa del Sol. Also on site is the English International School serving primary and secondary students. The area's five star luxury Don Carlos Hotel is a local landmark and just one of the many hotels available in this urbanisation.
Los Monteros - The Los Monteros area is located about 10 minutes drive from the centre of Marbella. In this vast area, there are both seaside and mountainside developments separated by the coastal motorway. One of the most prestigious hotels on the coast - Los Monteros Golf - makes its home here and the area has added cache thanks to Spanish actor Antonio Banderas' residence here. Los Monteros is about 10 minutes from the English International College, which serves children at both primary and secondary levels.
Bahía de Marbella - Bahía de Marbella is a luxury urbanisation just east of Marbella. It is on the beach and near the Hospital Costa del Sol, a number of five-star hotels and several golf courses including Rio Real Golf, Santa Clara and Marbella Golf Club, which are only minutes away. The English International College (EIC) is less than 10 minutes by car and Málaga's international airport is only 50 kilometres away. The Cabopino port and marina are also very near.
Marbella City centre - If you wish for an urban lifestyle with more than a touch of Spanish charm, Marbella's city centre might be the place for you. This area has grown from a quaint seaside town into a flourishing cosmopolitan city with a thriving international business community. The old town of Marbella is absolutely charming, the streets are narrow and cobbled, with chic boutiques and local cafés side by side. A unique mix of traditional Spain and International chic, Marbella's great beaches, climate, fantastic sporting facilities, world-class restaurants, hotels, entertainment, friendly people and fascinating local history make it such a desirable place to stay.
Golden Mile - Marbella's Golden Mile begins at the western edge of Marbella city and stretches to Puerto Banus. The area is exclusive and home to some of the area's most impressive villas and estates. Being close to both the centre of Marbella and Puerto Banus, the Golden Mile is one of the most eventful and cosmopolitan areas on the coast. The surrounding areas are full of golf courses, country clubs, excellent beaches, shops, restaurants and a very good night life. The most glamorous part of the coast.
Sierra Blanca - The Sierra Blanca residential complex provides the best of both worlds in terms of location. A residential area of luxury villas, located at 300 metres above sea level and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea to Africa as well as Marbella's lush, green Golden Mile. Views are breathtaking in every direction and all services and amenities are conveniently located in the nearby centre of Marbella. Sierra Blanca is a 24-hour guarded and gated community that is just a 5-minute drive to the shops, marina, casino, movie theatres, and restaurants of Puerto Banús and a mere 2 minutes by car to Marbella centre, offering a vibrant cultural life on your doorstep.
Puerto Banús - Puerto Banús is only a few kilometres west of Marbella, and is famous for it's picturesque marina filled with multi-million dollar yachts. This is the place to be pampered yachtside and ogle those fabulous luxury yachts while sipping a drink at one of the many open air restaurants and bars. As with any resort associated with the rich and famous, Puerto Banús has more than it's fair share of pubs, clubs, restaurants, world-class shopping and casino facilities. Designer names can be found on all the main streets and the nightlife is as good as it gets and holds a world-class reputation. This is a great area for doing a bit of 'star spotting'.
West of Marbella
Nueva Andalucía - Nueva Andalucia is an attractive area just west of Marbella and home to luxury villas and apartments set amongst lakes, woodland and several golf courses including the Aloha, Naranjos and Las Brisas courses. Aside from recreational, sport and commercial facilities, Nueva Andalucía has several schools, including the international Aloha College. Ideally situated, just a few minutes drive from the glitz and glamour of Marbella and Puerto Banús, this is a refreshingly unspoilt pueblo with an appeal all of its own.
San Pedro de Alcántara - An ancient farming community, once famous for sugar cane, today San Pedro is probably the most typical Spanish town left on the Costa del Sol, kept very clean with a central shopping area, quiet parks and squares and beautiful gardens. Turn right off the main road for the very long, newly constructed promenade and the long, wide beaches with ample parking along the sea-front. Nueva Alcántara is the beach side area by San Pedro, which is home to a great deal of new development. This thriving area houses shops, restaurants, hotels and property aplenty.
Los Arqueros - Los Arqueros, the award winning residential and golf urbanisation, is located in the municipality of Benahavís, and is set among beautiful, natural surroundings within the mountains of the Sierra de Ronda. It is situated less than an hour from the international airports of Málaga and Gibraltar, and only 10 minutes from Marbella. Its prime location on the Costa del Sol makes this an ideal destination for a stress-free golfing holiday.
La Zagaleta - La Zagaleta, one of the most exclusive residential areas in Europe, is located in the Benahavís hills, 400m above sea level, on the road that links San Pedro with Ronda. One of the most beautiful areas of the Costa del Sol, La Zagaleta is a private estate where even the lowest priced property will set you back an eye-watering four million euros. Here sheikhs, aristocracy, oligarchs, business moguls and film stars coexist in 900 hectares of wild Andalucian countryside. Offering a unique country club lifestyle with two Bradford Benz-designed 18-hole golf courses, private fishing lakes, a riding club, heliport and a plethora of on-site services from banking to catering, La Zagaleta pushes luxury to the limit.
Guadalmina - Guadalmina is a peaceful area with a traditional Spanish feel and a close knit community. The urbanisation is divided in two by the N340 coastal road: Guadalmina Baja is popular with visitors due to its proximity to some lovely beaches whereas Guadalmina Alta is superbly located for golf courses, only minutes away from the second oldest golf resort in the Costa del Sol: Guadalmina Golf Club. As the emphasis is on providing a quiet location, Guadalmina does not have any discos or nightclubs. Three international schools are nearby: Calpe College, Aloha College and Swans Primary School.The Guadalmina Commercial Centre provides all amenities and services and includes a large supermarket, banks, numerous restaurants and cafés, an English language bookstore, furniture stores and many other retail outlets.
Benahavís - Benahavis, a mountain village 7km from the coast, is situated between Marbella, Estepona and Ronda. Renowned for its restaurants - they call it the dining room of the Costa del Sol - it is above all a picturesque place, where one can find incredible mountain- and sea-views. Boasting 12 of the Costa del Sol's 70 golf courses, it is also a hotspot for golf lovers. The town itself is surrounded by natural parkland, and, as such, retains a modicum of its secluded, cosy feel.
New Golden Mile - In recent years the coast further west of Marbella has been developed and the stretch between San Pedro and Estepona has become known as the New Golden Mile. In the last couple of years, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt International and the Hilton group have all opened 5 star hotels in the area. Disney are rumoured to have targeted the area for a new Disney park and work is already underway to extend the coastal railway system from Malaga. In keeping with the 5-star, luxurious style that the New Golden Mile aspires to, the Laguna village - a very smart beach club and shopping centre with high class restaurants and beach bars - has opened along this stretch.
Estepona - Estepona is one of the few coastal towns that has succeeded in maintaining its pueblo charm and character. This once tiny fishing and farming community is at the quieter end of the Costa and has managed to embrace modern tourism without surrendering its traditional Spanish character and appeal. Estepona is not known for the "night club" culture found in some areas on the Costa del Sol, but does have a wide variety of restaurants & bars. There are plenty of golf courses within easy reach of Estepona, most notably the Monte Mayor Golf and Country Club which is nestled in a natural amphitheatre created by the Serrania de Ronda Mountains. The greens have not been shaped by bulldozers, but by the wild Andalusian nature and its exciting fairway that winds through dramatic gullies, ravines and streams, offers a superb challenge to even the most experienced golfers.
Duquesa - Puerto de la Duquesa is a marina situated half way between Marbella and Gibraltar. Nestled between two clean blue flag beaches complete with beach bars, the port of Duquesa seems a million miles away from the hustle and bustle you would normally expect from the Costa del Sol. The area retains a vast amount of unspoiled natural scenery and authentic local character - while sharing the fantastic climate and all the excellent services and infrastructure of the rest of the Costa del Sol.
Sotogrande - Sotogrande has become one of the most luxurious urbanisations in Europe, and is well known as an architectural showcase on the Costa del Sol. With styles varying from the traditional Andalucian to mid century modern, all the way through 21st century design, its 2,500 hectares encompass all the amenities you could imagine. Sotogrande boasts of five of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, including Valderrama Golf Club (host to the European Tour's Volvo Masters), a Polo Club, unspoiled beaches, a world class marina, an international college and incredible bars, restaurants and leisure centres.
Gibraltar - The Rock of Gibraltar is located at the entrance of the Mediterranean and is a British self-governing colony. Its strategic location and history have made it an international symbol of solidity and strength. The locally elected Government of Gibraltar has created a solid economy, with its base in offshore finance, shipping, tourism and the internet rather than the military past. Gibraltar is ranked as 5th most prosperous and stable territory worldwide, and the highest ranked British territory. Gibraltar might be small, but those wishing to live and work on the famous Rock will be pleased to hear that it is not a closed shop. Depending on your country of origin, however, you might need a residence permit.