Costa del Sol, situated in the southern region of Spain, is renowned for its stunning coastline, vibrant culture, and year-round sunshine. It’s no wonder that many people dream of living in this paradise. But with so many beautiful towns and cities to choose from, where should you start your search? In this article, we’ll explore the best places to live on the Costa del Sol, from the bustling city of Malaga to the charming town of Estepona. Get ready to discover your new home in this stunning region of Spain.
El Paraiso Alto
El Paraiso Alto is a municipality of Benahavis located high on the hill offering spectacular views to its residents overlooking the coast and numerous golf courses. El Paraiso is well communicated with only a 10’ drive to the beautiful Benahavis with a wide gastronomic offer and the charm of its typical Andalusian streets. The closest beach in San Pedro Alcantara can be reached within 5’ and the heart of all entertainment – Puerto Banus – is just a 10’ drive away, providing you with a variety of shops and restaurants and anything you might need in your day-to-day life. In addition, El Paraiso is located in a close proximity to 18-hole El Paraiso and Atalaya Golf Courses as well as tennis and paddle courts. For a reason, this peaceful but well-connected area is considered one of the prestigious locations in Marbella.
Nueva Andalucia
Nueva Andalucia is a newly built area and the largest neighborhood in Marbella. It’s an extensive residential zone with luxurious villas and apartments placed among charming gardens, commercial centers, and a vast range of restaurants. The perfect area for golfers as it is surrounded by 5 Golf Courses including Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, Aloha Golf and more. Due to the elevation, Nueva Andalucia is privileged with spectacular sea and mountain views. Only a 5’ drive away from the nightlife center – Puerto Banus – yet far enough to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Marbella
Located in the western end of Costa Del Sol, around 40 minutes drive away from the Malaga airport, at the cost of the mediterranean sea, Marbella became the number 1 tourist destination of 2022. Known for its luxury and high-end lifestyle, but not limited to it.
Marbella has a lot to offer, it’s a place where everyone can find something for themselves. From partying until sunrise through golf, tennis, hiking, sunbathing and various water sports to fine dining (including both beachfront chiringuitos as well as Michelin-starred restaurants) and relaxing walks along the seaside. The old town with its narrow streets and flower decorated plazas, filled with shops and art galleries can bring you back in time and away from the everyday chaos.
Puerto Banus
Puerto Banus doesn’t need much introduction, among the most luxurious marinas in Europe it sparkles as one of the biggest attractions on the Costa del Sol. Puerto Banus hosts the world’s largest yachts, fastest cars, most luxurious fashion brands as well as a long list of celebrities that visit each year. Its unique ambience and excellent placement – on the west side of Golden Mile in Marbella – makes it one of the most sought after locations. Puerto Banus is also known as one of the best nightlife areas on Costa Del Sol with several night, as well as beach clubs. Whether you want to enjoy food with magnificent views of the port and sea, shop, dance the night away or simply enjoy the luxurious lifestyle, Puerto Banus is the place to visit.
Sierra Blanca
Sierra Blanca, situated in the province of Malaga in southern Andalusia, Spain, is an esteemed mountain range known for its opulence and desirability along the Mediterranean. The gated community is surrounded by abundant natural beauty, with lush pine forests adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
Despite being close to Marbella Centre and its city environment, Sierra Blanca provides a secluded sanctuary to enjoy nature’s tranquillity. This makes it an ideal location for families, as the community’s security measures ensure that children can safely explore the surroundings. Furthermore, Sierra Blanca’s proximity to various recreational activities, such as water sports, golf, tennis, and gastronomy, offers both entertainment and relaxation for its residents.
And, last but not least, Sierra Blanca offers a safe and secure living environment, with many of the residential developments featuring private security, gated entrances, and 24-hour surveillance. This makes it an ideal place to live for families and those who value safety and security.
Nagüeles
Nagueles is a neighborhood located in the coastal city of Marbella, in the southern region of Andalusia, Spain. It is considered a desirable location to live in for several reasons.
Firstly, Nagueles is situated in a prime location close to Marbella’s city center and the famous Golden Mile. This means that residents have easy access to all the amenities and services that the city has to offer, including a wide range of restaurants, cafes, shops, and supermarkets.
Secondly, Nagueles is a peaceful and tranquil area that is surrounded by natural beauty. It is located close to the Sierra Blanca mountain range, which offers breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. Furthermore, the neighborhood is home to several parks and green spaces, providing residents with a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Lastly, Nagueles is known for its luxurious properties and high-end residential developments, making it an attractive location for those looking for a high standard of living. The neighborhood is home to several prestigious villas, gated communities, and exclusive apartment complexes.
Overall, Nagueles offers a combination of convenient city living, natural beauty, luxury properties, and safety, making it a highly desirable place to live in Marbella.
La Quinta
La Quinta is a highly desirable neighborhood located in the coastal city of Marbella, in the southern region of Andalusia, Spain. It is characterized by several unique features that make it a desirable place to live. The area is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the La Concha mountain range and lush greenery, providing residents with a serene environment to live in.
La Quinta is also home to several high-end residential developments, featuring luxurious villas, townhouses, and apartments, offering a high standard of living and exclusive amenities. The area is known for its world-class golf courses, making it an ideal location for golf enthusiasts, and it is located close to the city center of Marbella, providing residents with easy access to a wide range of amenities and services.
La Quinta is a safe and secure neighborhood, with many of the residential developments featuring private security, gated entrances, and 24-hour surveillance, making it an ideal place to live for families and those who value safety and security. Finally, it is located close to a range of recreational activities, including golf, tennis, water sports, and hiking, providing residents with a balanced and entertaining lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
San Pedro de Alcántara
The beautiful and busy village of San Pedro de Alcántara is just 10km from the center of Marbella away.
It is a good place to live due to several reasons. Firstly, it is a beautiful town that retains its Spanish heritage and charm, making it an ideal location for those who prefer an authentic Spanish lifestyle. Secondly, it is a bustling town with a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and supermarkets, making it a convenient place to live. Thirdly, it has a beautiful promenade along the beachfront that provides a scenic place to walk, jog or cycle. Fourthly, San Pedro de Alcántara is located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, making it a perfect base to explore other nearby towns and attractions. Lastly, it is well-connected with good public transportation services, making it easy to travel to other parts of the Costa del Sol, including Malaga, Marbella, and Estepona.
Guadalmina
Guadalmina is a residential community situated on the western side of Costa del Sol, which, although not as famous as other tourist destinations, offers plenty of amenities and homes that both locals and foreign residents enjoy. The area comprises two parts, Guadalmina Baja and Guadalmina Alta, and is an ideal place to enjoy peace, privacy, and a sense of community.
The neighborhood is home to two highly acclaimed golf courses that attract both locals and tourists. Guadalmina is known for its mix of properties, including high-end villas, traditional townhouses, modern apartments, and beachfront properties. It is a popular choice for Spanish families who value the proximity to the coast and amenities, making it a place where one can buy a property and a lifestyle.
Despite not having a central town area, Guadalmina offers many activities and amenities, with golf being the most popular due to the presence of several courses in both Guadalmina Alta and Baja. The Guadalmina Hotel, located in Guadalmina Baja, is a local favorite offering a golf course, beachfront facilities, and several restaurants. The commercial center, Centro Comercial Guadalmina, is situated just above the N-340, bordering Guadalmina Alta, and provides a variety of shops, restaurants, and services such as grocery stores, boutiques, dentists, interior designers, real estate offices, lawyers’ offices, physiotherapy, banks, dog groomers, and more. Therefore, Guadalmina provides everything one may require at their doorstep.
Atalaya
Atalaya is a growing popular area between El Paraiso and the area adjoining the Benahavis road. Home to some of Marbella´s top apartment complexes and gated villa communities. In the surrounding you find many great golf clubs, like Atalaya Golf and El Paraiso,amazing restaurants, stores and amenities. Thanks to the magnitude of perks, Atalaya is very well connected for holiday makers.
Benahavís
Benahavís is a beautiful town located in the western Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga, Spain. It is known for its picturesque setting, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves mountain range, and its pleasant climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The town is home to a diverse and vibrant community of locals and expats from all over the world, creating a unique and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Benahavís is famous for its cuisine, with many excellent restaurants offering a variety of local and international dishes. It is also known for its natural beauty, with numerous hiking and biking trails in the surrounding mountains, and its golf courses, including the prestigious Los Flamingos Golf Resort. The town has a rich history and culture, with several landmarks and monuments to explore, such as the Castle of Montemayor and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary.
The town has a range of amenities and services, including shops, supermarkets, banks, and medical facilities, as well as a weekly market where locals and visitors can purchase fresh produce and local crafts. Benahavís also hosts several cultural events throughout the year, such as music festivals and art exhibitions, providing entertainment for all ages. Overall, Benahavís is an ideal location for those seeking a relaxed, yet active lifestyle, in a beautiful and welcoming environment.
El Madroñal
El Madronal is a private gated community located in the hills above San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella, and it is known for its stunning natural beauty and exclusivity. The properties within El Madronal range from luxurious villas to spacious apartments, all of which enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, sea, and countryside.
The area is also known for its strict security measures, ensuring residents’ safety and privacy. In terms of amenities, there are several prestigious golf courses in the vicinity, as well as high-end restaurants and shopping opportunities. El Madronal is a perfect place for those seeking a tranquil and luxurious lifestyle, surrounded by natural beauty and modern comforts.
La Zagaleta
La Zagaleta is a luxurious gated community located in the hills above San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella. It is known for its exclusivity, privacy, and stunning natural beauty, with a privileged location offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar, and the African coast. The properties within La Zagaleta are large, luxurious villas on spacious plots, each designed and built to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
The community is also renowned for its strict security measures, ensuring residents’ safety and privacy. The area boasts several prestigious golf courses, an equestrian center, and a heliport for easy access to and from the community. With its tranquil natural surroundings and modern amenities, La Zagaleta is a perfect place for those seeking a luxurious and private lifestyle.
Bel Air
Bel Air is a charming residential area located in the municipality of Estepona, just a short drive from the bustling town of Marbella. It is known for its peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place for families or retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle. The area boasts a wide range of properties, from spacious villas to modern apartments, with many offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Bel Air is also home to several excellent golf courses and is situated close to several beautiful beaches.
The area has many amenities, including shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and international schools, making it a convenient place to live. With its tranquil surroundings, excellent amenities, and close proximity to Marbella and Estepona, Bel Air is an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle.
Cancelada
Cancelada is a charming village located in the municipality of Estepona, in the heart of the Costa del Sol. It is known for its traditional Andalusian atmosphere and is a popular choice for those seeking a quieter lifestyle away from the busy resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus. The village offers a range of properties, from traditional townhouses to modern apartments, many of which boast beautiful views of the surrounding hills and coastline. Cancelada is also home to several excellent golf courses and is just a short drive from some of the region’s most beautiful beaches.
The village has a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a weekly market selling fresh produce and local crafts. With its traditional charm, excellent amenities, and proximity to some of the region’s best attractions, Cancelada is an excellent choice for those seeking a more authentic Spanish lifestyle.
Estepona
Estepona is located at the western side of Costa del Sol between Marbella and Manilva.
Unlike some resorts on the Costa del Sol, Estepona has remained true to its fishing village origins and kept its typical Andalusian ambiance. The municipality stretches for over 21 km along the Mediterranean and includes some of the best and quietest beaches on the Costa del Sol. Estepona also boasts some spectacular scenery including Los Reales mountain range to the north. The highest peak resort rises to 1,449m above sea level, one of the highest in the province and these mountains are home to the extremely rare pinsapo pine tree.
The center has been extensively upgraded in recent years and now ranks as one of the prettiest resorts at this end of the Costa del Sol. Many of the streets are pedestrian and flanked with white-washed houses decorated with colorful geraniums.
The seafront promenade stretches for several kilometers and provides a pleasant walk-way next to the town’s blue-flag beaches. Part of the Senda Litoral runs along it too. At the west end of the town is Estepona Marina, home to the fishing fleet and shops and restaurants plus a Sunday market. Estepona has excellent amenities and facilities including health centers, private hospitals, schools (including Colegio San José, which usually tops the list of Andalusia’s best schools) and sports centers.
Manilva
Manilva is a municipality located on the western coast of the Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga, Spain. It is a beautiful area with a rich history and culture, and is known for its stunning beaches and picturesque white-washed villages. The municipality is divided into three main areas: Manilva town, Sabinillas and the Duquesa Port. Manilva town is a traditional Spanish village with narrow streets and a historic castle, while Sabinillas is a bustling seaside town with a long promenade and many restaurants and bars.
The Duquesa Port is a marina that offers a wide range of water sports activities and has a vibrant nightlife scene. Manilva is also home to several beautiful beaches, including Playa de la Duquesa and Playa de Sabinillas, which are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Overall, Manilva is a great place to live or visit for those looking for a mix of traditional Spanish culture and modern seaside amenities.
La Duquesa
La Duquesa is a beautiful marina located in the town of Manilva, in the province of Malaga, Spain. It is situated between Marbella and Sotogrande, and it has a small-town feel with a relaxing atmosphere. La Duquesa marina is the main attraction of the area, offering a wide range of restaurants, bars, and cafes with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The marina is surrounded by a selection of apartments, townhouses, and villas. The area is popular among golfers as there are several golf courses within a short drive. The beaches in the area are pristine and are perfect for water activities such as swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. La Duquesa is a charming location that offers a great balance of relaxation and entertainment.
Casares
Casares is a picturesque village located in the province of Malaga, in the southern region of Andalusia, Spain. It is situated in the foothills of the Serrania de Ronda mountain range, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Casares is known for its charming white-washed houses, cobbled streets, and traditional Spanish architecture. The village has a rich history dating back to the Roman era and has been inhabited by Phoenicians, Arabs, and Christians over the centuries, making it a culturally rich area.
Casares is also surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Sierra Crestellina Natural Park, which offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The village is a popular destination for tourists and expats looking to enjoy a peaceful and relaxed lifestyle while still being within easy reach of the amenities of the Costa del Sol.
In recent years, Casares has seen a surge in property development, with many new luxury housing complexes and golf resorts being built in the area. However, the village has managed to maintain its authentic charm and is still considered one of the hidden gems of the Costa del Sol. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter, more traditional way of life, while still having access to modern conveniences and world-class golf courses.
