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In this guide, we highlight the amenities and benefits of each one as well as giving you an idea of the sort of real estate you can expect to find. We cover the entire area of Marbella, starting with residential districts in the centre of the resort before moving west and then east.
Want an expert opinion? Get in touch with our friendly team who have lived and worked in the area since 1992. That means they know more than a thing or two about the best residential areas in Marbella and will be able to offer the best advice.
Best residential areas in central Marbella
Central Marbella has several desirable places to live including:
The Golden Mile
One of the most expensive postcodes in southern Spain, the Golden Mile is an iconic avenue that runs from central Marbella to Puerto Banús. The elegant boulevard is lined with leafy green areas and flanked by exclusive properties on both sides. To the south lie beachfront villas and apartments while to the north, there are many palatial mansions including the famous copy of the White House that belongs to the Saudi royal family.
The Costa del Sol’s most emblematic hotels, Puente Romano Hotel and Marbella Club, are also on the Golden Mile. Both have 5-star GL status and extensive amenities including beach clubs, restaurants and sports facilities.
Amenities on the Golden Mile: the boulevard is dotted with galleries, boutiques and places to eat. The latter include some of the finest in Marbella such as three venues owned by triple Michelin star chef, Dani García.
Why buy property on the Golden Mile: the most exclusive address in Marbella and the opportunity to own a seafront home on one of the quietest beaches in town.
What’s on the market: discover properties in this area of Marbella ready to buy.
Need more information? Read our Area Guide to the Golden Mile.
Puerto Banús
Southern Europe’s most glamourous marina needs no introduction. Puerto Banús is the place to see and be seen on the Costa del Sol and attracts a long list of celebrities and famous faces every year. In keeping with its A-list clientele, the marina also houses Spain’s third-largest luxury market (after Madrid and Barcelona) with boutiques showcasing top designer brands. On the water, are the world’s finest yachts and superyachts.
Property options are mostly apartments, many of which lie in large, gated complexes whose communal facilities are among the best in Marbella. Sea views come standard in the majority.
Amenities in Puerto Banús: high-end shopping comes into its own and options include haute couture boutiques as well as an up-market version of Spain’s flagship El Corte Inglés department store. You’ll also find fine wining and dining as well as some of the Costa del Sol’s best nightclubs.
Why buy property in Puerto Banús: glitz and glamour on your doorstep plus views of the sea and the stunning Sierra Blanca mountains.
What’s on the market: discover properties in this area of Marbella ready to buy.
Like to know more? Get your free guide to Puerto Banús.
Sierra Blanca
Located to the north of the centre, Sierra Blanca sits in an elevated position in the foothills of the eponymous mountains. Fabulous views of the coast are therefore a given in this residential area in Marbella. Developments consist of several complexes with villas, townhouses and apartments, often gated with secure entrances. Access to Marbella centre and the AP7 and A7 highways is easy and quick.
Amenities in Sierra Blanca: this part of Marbella is primarily residential, but its easy access to nearby areas means that amenities are on your doorstep. Shops, restaurants and the beach are 5-minute drives away in Marbella while the Costa del Sol’s best golf courses, schools and health centres are also nearby.
Why buy property in Sierra Blanca: the chance to own an exclusive home with stunning views and reputedly the best microclimate on the Costa del Sol. It really is never too hot or too cold here!
What’s on the market: discover properties in this area of Marbella ready to buy.
Looking for the full picture? Read our Area Guide to Sierra Blanca.
Central Marbella
If you’d rather live centrally and not have to rely on your car quite so much, central Marbella makes a good option. Residential areas include:
Marbella Old Town – townhouses and apartments in the pretty whitewashed streets and squares.
Marbella Centre West – elegant homes, mostly apartments and penthouses, in gated complexes, often with private access to the seafront promenade
Marbella Centre East – apartments in more modern complexes and townhouses in residential areas are the main property choices.
Amenities in central Marbella: the big advantage of these residential areas in Marbella is that they’re within walking of the beaches, shops, restaurants and nightlife.
Why buy property in central Marbella: easy access to amenities and the buzz of the resort on your doorstep.
What’s on the market: discover properties in this area of Marbella ready to buy.
Thinking of buying a new-build property in Marbella? Take a look at our exclusive selection.
Best residential areas in west Marbella
West of Puerto Banús you’ll find several prime residential areas in Marbella, home to some of Spain’s most expensive properties and the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol. The districts here include:
Nueva Andalucía
This sprawling residential development sits to the north of Puerto Banús and reaches a considerable distance north of the AP-7 toll highway. In this area, you’ll find Golf Valley, home to several world-class courses with prime frontline golf properties, several excellent hotels and Aloha College, one of the main international schools in Marbella.
Property options are wide-ranging from small apartments to magnificent villas set on large grounds. Apartments and townhouses tend to be located nearer the A-7 highway while the villas are generally at the northern end of Nueva Andalucía.
Amenities in Nueva Andalucía: as you’d expect from one of the largest residential developments in Marbella, on-site amenities are good. You’ll find a range of shops at Centro Plaza commercial centre plus others at La Campana. Sports facilities are excellent as are schools. Puerto Banús is on the doorstep and Marbella is just a 10-minute drive away.
Why buy property in Nueva Andalucía: prices are slightly lower than other exclusive residential areas in Marbella and you’ll find a wide choice of homes on the market. In addition, Nueva Andalucía isn’t on the beach and as a result, is slightly quieter in high season.
What’s on the market: discover properties in this area of Marbella ready to buy.
Like more information? Check out our Area Guide to Nueva Andalucía.
San Pedro de Alcántara
Known as San Pedro for short, this residential area is a town in its own right with an established local community. The town centre has plenty of amenities including schools, a health centre and sports facilities.
South of the centre is a recently developed and attractive boulevard that crosses over into the beachside of San Pedro. Most popular property options are found here and include luxury apartments and townhouses, often with generous private gardens. San Pedro has a pleasant seafront promenade and blue-flag pebble beach.
Amenities in San Pedro: you’ll generally find all you need in the town where there’s also a choice of state and international schools for families. Both Estepona and Marbella are just a short drive away.
Why buy property in San Pedro: family-friendly community with lower-priced property than nearby districts.
What’s on the market: discover properties in this area of Marbella ready to buy.
Looking for a guide to San Pedro? Here it is.
Guadalmina
Sitting on the river of the same name and between Marbella and Estepona, Guadalmina is one of the more tranquil residential areas in this part of the Costa del Sol. It’s divided into Guadalmina Alta, north of the A-7 highway and Guadalmina Baja, to the south and on the beach. It’s a firm favourite among discerning Spaniards looking to holiday in Marbella in relative peace and quiet. Properties range from luxury apartments and penthouses to large villas, many of which have private access to the beach.
Amenities in Guadalmina: Guadalmina Commercial Centre has a good range of shops, businesses and restaurants and the area is home to two excellent hotels, Barceló Marbella and Guadalmina Spa and Golf Hotel. Guadalmina Royal Golf Club, the first golf course established on the Costa del Sol, runs through the development.
Why buy property in Guadalmina: you have to chance to buy an exceptional property in a tranquil residential area with Puerto Banús, Marbella and Estepona all within a short drive.
What’s on the market: discover properties in this area of Marbella ready to buy.
Need more information? Take a look at our dedicated Guadalmina Area Guide.
La Zagaleta
Not quite in Marbella but almost (it officially forms part of Benahavis municipality), La Zagaleta ranks as one of southern Europe’s most exclusive residential developments. With a unique location set in the foothills and Mediterranean woodlands of the Sierra Blanca mountains, it consists of large plots (minimum 4,000m²), ready for development or already home to the most expensive and luxurious properties in Spain. Several of the worlds rich and famous have homes here, although discretion comes guaranteed at La Zagaleta so they maintain a low profile.
Amenities at La Zagaleta: On-site amenities include two golf courses, an equestrian centre and a private heliport.
Why buy property at La Zagaleta: you want to be part of southern Europe’s most exclusive postcode but keep a low profile while you do so.
What’s on the market: discover properties in this area of Marbella ready to buy.
Read our Area Guide to La Zagaleta for all the details you need.
Best residential areas in east Marbella
East of Marbella centre and to Cabopino Marina lie a succession of residential developments on either side of the A-7 highway. Here, you’ll find several golf courses, hotels and the best sandy beaches in Marbella. Some developments are the oldest on the Costa del Sol – Artola and Costabella are two examples with property options that mostly consist of villas and small bungalow-type homes built in the 60s and 70s. Other developments such as Elviria are decidedly more modern with new-build properties readily available, often with frontline beach or golf positions.
The main residential areas on the east side of Marbella include:
Los Monteros
On the beachside and home to Los Monteros 5-star GL hotel, this quiet gated development offers high-end apartments, townhouses and villas. Several have frontline beach positions. Access to the A-7 highway is easy, although there are no amenities within the development itself.
See what’s for sale in Los Monteros.
El Rosario
Adjacent to Santa Clara Golf and Marbella Golf Country Club, El Rosario is on the north side of the A-7 highway and stretches up into the foothills. Property options are mostly villas and a sprinkling of townhouses, many of which have sweeping sea and mountain views. There’s a well-established commercial centre and sports club at the development’s entrance.
Elviria
At the far west end of the municipality, Elviria is one of the largest residential areas in Marbella and runs from the beach right up into the mountains. By the sea, there are several high-end apartment developments near Don Carlos Hotel and Nikki Beach. On the north side of the A-7 highway, Elviria includes numerous apartment complexes, Santa Maria Golf Club, townhouses and villas. At the far north end is the exclusive development of La Mairena whose views are among the best anywhere on the Costa del Sol.
Elviria has a good commercial centre with restaurants, shops and banks next to the highway and two established private schools, the German School and Ecos, are at La Mairena. Marbella town centre is a 15-minute drive away.
Why buy property in east Marbella: this area offers tranquillity and exclusive property while being close to excellent golf courses and the best beaches.
What’s on the market: discover properties in this area of Marbella ready to buy.
Choosing where you buy in Marbella
This guide gives you an overview of the best residential areas in Marbella, but it’s no substitute for insider knowledge, that useful information that only an expert can provide. The Realista team has that knowledge and is more than happy to share it to help you find the right area for you and your family.
Get in touch now and let’s start your journey to your new home in Marbella.
