Living in Marbella is a dream come true for many families, and one that is readily achieved. It is home to a multi-cultural society of the famous, the wealthy and the influential. Not forgetting the 150,000 regular residents. With the blue waters of the Mediterranean at it’s feet, and the backdrop of the Sierra Blanca mountains, Marbella is the perfect place to call home. It is the centerpiece of the Costa del Sol, for those in search of a chic, cosmopolitan lifestyle in Andalucia.
Living in Marbella can be whatever you want it to be. White washed villages, exclusive communities, beachfront mansions and mountainside retreats are here to beckon you, to take a closer look. Perhaps an apartment or townhouse in the ‘old town’ is more to your liking. Or what about a beachfront penthouse overlooking the marina?
Whatever and wherever you decide too purchase, you will find that living in Marbella is a privilege which you deserve.
Nestled alongside the Mediterranean, Marbella is located midway between Malaga and Gibraltar airports and offers easy access from most parts of the world. From Cabopino and Elviria in the east to San Pedro and Benahavis in the west, Marbella offers a diverse choice of property options, for all budgets.
Today, you can purchase a bolthole in the sun, from just a few hundred thousand euros. Something which is the perfect lock up and leave. Alternatively, you could spend tens of millions on a primary residence overlooking the African coastline. Between these markers, there is a vast range of options which will satisfy your own property requirements. The choice is yours!
Living in Marbella
Marbella has been attracting international residents for over 50 years. Drawn by the exceptional year round climate, the stunning golf courses and the outdoors lifestyle. Not forgetting the welcoming embrace of the locals. Over the years it has continually, reinvented itself, evolving from a small coastal town into the emblematic address which it now is.
Marbella has long been recognised, around the world, as a wonderful place to visit, and a better place to call home. On you doorstep you have some of the best cuisine in Europe, world-class shopping, safe beaches, numerous marinas and famous golf courses galore.
Where will you be living in Marbella
Area of Marbella East
Cabopino, Los Monteros, Elviria, La Mairena, El Rosario, Las Lomas de Marbella and Rio Real
There is a great selection of pool homes in this area. Some will need a renovation, but many have already been reformed. The areas of Cabopino, Elviria and El Rosario, are extremely popular, having been established decades ago. In the lower areas you will find well proportioned villas on substantial plots. Some of these are in need of renovation, whilst many have already been completely refurbished. There are a number of new developments under construction in these areas which offer off-plan apartments, townhouses and villas.
In Los Monteros, which is higher up, you can purchase some very stylish residences with excellent views. This area is situated behind the Costa del Sol Hospital and within easy reach of the beaches and the local nightlife.
If a sea view is top of your list, then La Mairena can satisfy this in spades. Nestled high above Elviria, La Mairena boasts some of the best views of the coast, east of Marbella. From here you will look out over the Mediterranean and towards the African coastline on the distant horizon.
Areas of Marbella Centre
The primary areas of Marbella are; Old Town, Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, Las Lomas Marbella Club, Monte Paraiso, La Capellania, Sierra Blanca, Cascada de Camojan, Marbellamar and Puente Romano.
The Old Town delivers exactly what you would expect. There are traditional houses which reflect the towns history, but with a modern twist. You will find that some of these houses have been converted into apartments. Others remain as they were built years ago, and now in need of some TLC.
The Golden Mile and Puente Romana have deserved reputations of being prime addresses by the beachside.
Head a little inland and you will begin to climb the gentle slopes towards La Concha. La Concha is the mountain peak which overlooks Marbella. Here the stunning properties of Sierra Blanca, Las Lomas de Marbella and La Capellania boast stunning views. This is where much of the ‘new money’ has settled and it shows. High walls, security and expansive villas are the norm. If villa living is not for you, there are also a great selection of luxury apartments available.
Areas of Puerto Banus and Nueva Andalucia
Puerto Banus, Nueva Andalucia, La Quinta, Nagüeles, Aloha, Los Naranjos, Rio Verde, Las Belvederes, Las Brisas.
Puerto Banus was inaugurated in 1970, over 50 years ago. It quickly drew attention. Sean Connery, the Aga Khan, Hugh Hefner, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, all attended the opening. A young Julio Iglesias was employed as the entertainment for the evening. Who would have thought!
How thing have changed!
Puerto Banus has grown into one of the Mediterranean’s most popular destinations. It draws over 5 million visitors each year, who come to revel in the world of millionaires, boats and high-end cars. Of course, many people decide to call Puerto Banus home each year, and the property market remains very strong.
The majority of properties in Puerto Banus are stylish apartments and townhouses. For villas with private pools, you will need to head into Nueva Andalucia and the Marbella Golf Valley for a wider choice.
The three principle golf courses in Golf Valley are Las Brisas, Aloha and Las Naranjos. La Quinta golf course is located a few more minutes inland and comes under Benahavis as against Nueva Andalucia. The Magna Marbella community also has a 9 hole golf course annd is located in the lower part of Nueva Andalucia.
Wherever you choose to call home, you will only be a short drive from the beaches, restaurants and bars of Puerto Banus. On your doorstep you will find some excellent schools, a unique multi-cultural ambience and access to some of the best sailing in southern Europe.
Areas of San Pedro and Benahavis
El Madroñal, La Zagaleta, La Heredia, San Pedro, Cortijo Blanco, Guadalmina, El Paraiso, Atalaya, Bel Air
What was once a small fishing town next to Marbella, has grown into a delightful destination. The old town has retained most of its traditional charm, whereas as the seafront has been re-imagined. The main town area and coast, has become a mecca for both national and international families.
Meanwhile many of the wealthy families, prefer to look down from the mountainside.
La Zagaleta
Some of the most expensive real estate in Spain can be found in San Pedro, specifically within the secure estate of La Zagaleta. Once it was the private playground of the infamous arms-dealer, Adnan Kashoggi, La Zagaleta has since evolved, into one of the most prestigious communities in Europe, if not the world.
The plots within La Zagaleta, start from around 1 million, and homes range between 5 and 30 million euros. Privacy, security, prestige and exclusivity, bare scratch the surface of the superlatives which regularly describe La Zagaleta.
El Madroñal
El Madroñal is barely three miles from La Zagaleta, and in recent years has become as equally well known and in demand. Real estate prices are very similar, as are the views and the reputation.
La Heredia
La Heredia is a purpose built Spanish hillside village between El Madroñal and San Pedro. It offers all of the charm, without the close proximity of neighbours you would expect in a traditional pueblo setting. The prices in La Heredia are far more accessible than the two previously highlighted communities.
Andalucia has a lot to offer, and if you have not spent time here before, you might be missing out on what you actually need. Marbella sits at the centre of the Costa del Sol, but it may not be what you and your family require. Take a look at some of the other areas and understand what each one has to offer you, before you make a decision.
Articles about the different areas
.Living in Malaga | Living in Torremolinos | Living in Benalmadena | Living in Mijas | Living in Marbella | Living in San Pedro | Living in Estepona | Living Sotogrande | Living Inland |
Where would you like to be?
Off-Plan Properties in Spain by Area
Malaga | Benalmadena | Reserva del Higueron | Fuengirola | Mijas Costa – Calahonda/Riviera | East Marbella | Marbella | Puerto Banus – Nueva Andalucia | San Pedro – New Golden Mile | Estepona -La Duquesa | Sotogrande | Guadalhorce Valley / Inland