Area Guide
Area Guide – Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol, known as the gateway to Andalucía, a real jewel on this sun-drenched coast of Southern Spain, looking out over the Mediterranean with the North African Coastline beyond.
The area’s mild climate is the main attraction – visitors and residents alike can enjoy the beaches, as well as alfresco dining plus a wide variety of outdoor activities. With more than 320 sunny days per year, the Costa del Sol is a great destination all year round.
We have been living and working on these coastal locations for the last decade, some of our staff for over 20 years. It is essential to have a good knowledge of the location in which you plan to buy a property whether it is for investment, permanent living or indeed a holiday home and we strongly believe that every property search should begin with establishing the correct location.
It’s easy to see why the Costa del Sol is one of the most popular destinations in the world to live or own a second home ……
Benahavís
Benahavís, 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.
Golf
Boasting 12 of the Costa del Sol’s 80 golf courses, and that will go up to 15 in the next couple of years, it is also the hotspot for golf lovers. On top of that, Benahavís has plenty of unspoilt nature where you can walk or ride a bike exploring the fauna and flora and enjoy the fantastic views.
Scenic
Standing on the southern face of La Serrania de Ronda mountain range, Benahavís is one of the most mountainous villages on the western Costa del Sol. The town itself is surrounded by natural parkland, and retains a modicum of a secluded, cosy feel. La Zagaleta, an exclusive gated residential estate and country club overlooking the village, lies within its municipal boundaries, and contributes to Benahavís’ status as the richest municipality per capita in Andalucía.
The village has remained remarkably unspoiled, with winding narrow streets ill-suited to the motor car, and a picturesqueness which almost makes it seem like a specially-created film set.
Benalmadena
Puerto Marina
take a stroll around to look at the millionaire’s yachts, when the sun goes down the Puerto Marina becomes one of the coasts best party destinations.
La Paloma Park
A gorgeous location in the centre of Benalmadena Costa. There is a stunning array of flora and fauna, plus a menagerie of animals including hens, rabbits, goats and exotic birds. The park is beautifully landscaped with themed gardens and rocky waterfalls, which run down to the lake.
There are two bars within the park where you can relax into the evening listening to the calls of peacocks.Beside La Paloma park you will find Selwo Marina, the sister to Selwo Adventure Park, further down the coast. Modeled around different locations in South America, you can view close up dolphins, sea lions, crocodiles, exotic birds and snakes. Recently a penguin habitation has been installed giving a glimpse of the Antarctic in Andalucia.
Arroyo de la Miel
translates to ‘Honey Stream’ is a former sleepy village, which now links Benalmadena Pueblo to its Costa. Being at the centre of things it has grown into a fantastic area for getting a bite to eat and shopping to your heart’s content. The train station is found in Arroyo, which links the town all along the coast from Malaga to Fuengirola. Cable cars serve as a route to the top of the mountain that pins Benalmádena to the beaches where you can enjoy the breath-taking panoramic view inland and out to sea where North Africa is visible on clear days. You can also take in equestrian and raptor shows at the summit.
Benalmádena Pueblo
the original village, set back from the coast on the foot of Mount Calamorro at around 200 meters in elevation. The heart of the village has a traditional Spanish appearance with white-washed stone buildings and labyrinth alleys, however the village now has a much more cosmopolitan feel. Visitors to the Benalmádena Pueblo can enjoy fine dining in picturesque squares and awe-inspiring views of the coast and across the sea.
Golf
Benalmádena is home to a driving range, putting green and a straight forward 9 hole par three. It has an excellent club house with restaurant and the addition of a bowls green. The nearest 18 hole course is Torrequebrada Golf, which offers a challenge to all levels of player. Although amidst an urban area the pine trees that surround it gives it seclusion and some of the views on offer are spectacular.
Casares
Casares is halfway between Estepona and Manilva and checks all the right boxes: tranquil countryside, close proximity to the beach, and picturesque as can be.
Location
It is located between Campo de Gibraltar, Serrana de Ronda, and Costa del Sol. The charming alleyways, the remains of the medieval castle, and Blas Infante’s birthplace are its principal draws. Additionally, Casares offers a 2 km shoreline, a few excellent golf courses, and a stunning natural setting.
But more recently, a less well-known part of the vast municipality has also been drawing tourists and homebuyers.
Golf
Several outstanding luxury estates are being built along the shore, and Finca Cortesín hosted the World Match Play Golf Championship in 2009, 2011, and 2012. One of the seven Michelin-starred restaurants on the Costa del Sol is located there as well.
Estepona
Estepona is a small fishing village with lots of character and an interesting history, reflected by the large number of fascinating old buildings in town. However if you are more interested in the present than the past, don’t worry, there is plenty for everyone to experience and enjoy.
Entertainment
The numerous street cafes and tapas bars still serve traditional Spanish delicacies. In the ‘old town’ the steep, narrow streets are pedestrianised and decorated with different colour flower pots. It is a delight for photographers. You will find bars and small shops in Estepona, where you’d least expect them, all very very inviting, very friendly.
Shopping
Estepona is an area in great development, and new bars, nightlife, shopping, beach clubs are emerging, to completely the laid back feeling on the Costa del Sol.
Fuengirola
Only 25km from Malaga International Airport is the town of Fuengirola – one of the most popular destinations on the Costa del Sol. Easily accessible by road, rail or bus, it is not difficult to see why this buzzing cosmopolitan town on the Mediterranean is the number one choice for so many.
Character
Previously, a tiny fishing village, Fuengirola has become a vibrant metropolis with character. The advent of many up-market tapa bars, good cafes and restaurants, interspersed with chic boutiques and other shops of interest, as well as fabulous beaches makes it the perfect holiday destination. The main square, Plaza de la Constitución, has been re-designed but still retains its unique enchantment. It looks pretty especially at Christmas, when it is decorated with very attractive lights and ornaments. It is also attractive during the Fuengirola summer feria, when the whole town takes part in the annual street celebrations. A walk down the narrow, pedestrian streets leading off the main square is a voyage of discovery for the many visitors, who come across some of the hidden secrets and delightful corners of this friendly, Andalucian town.
Beaches in Fuengirola
One of the Fuengirola’s main attractions is, of course, its wonderful seven kilometres (five miles) of sandy beaches, stretching from the Sohail Castle to the west and Torreblanca to the east.
Water sports are strongly featured in this coastal resort. Where better to get to grips with speed boats, jet skis, parasailing than at the cool Marina.
La-Cala
La Cala de Mijas is one of the original fishing villages situated on the Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga. A charming village with a restored Moorish tower, a friendly village atmosphere and lots of appeal.
Location
Located between the towns of Fuengirola and Marbella, close to popular urbanization of Calahonda, La Cala de Mijas is a very popular town with many good restaurants, shops, chemist and beach-front bars. Malaga International Airport is just 20 minutes drive away.
Scenic
The town offers a nice easy paced life, not taken over completely by tourism, but with good facilities, a lovely golden sand beach and close to larger towns offering more action
La Cala Golf
The principal facilities include a luxury hotel, separate clubhouse and three 18-hole golf courses. It also comprises a Golf Academy in the country and has Europe’s only high-tech TaylorMade Performance Lab as well as a testing par-3 layout. The complex has staged numerous important competitions such as the Ladies European Tour qualifying school and the Spanish Pairs final, won by Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Andrés Jiménez.
La Zagaleta
La Zagaleta is a resort and residential development located in Benahavís, Spain. The urbanization is one of the best in Europe and has become synonymous with the Costa del Sol’s luxury lifestyle since its creation 30 years ago. It covers nearly 900 hectares of wooded hillsides and valleys, with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea and the Serranía de Ronda mountain range.
Prestige
La Zagaleta is a gated, secure community of exclusive high-end homes that has managed to maintain a relaxed country club feel.
Residents have access to world-class leisure & sports amenities, including two golf courses, an equestrian centre, tennis club & concierge.
Property owners and a limited number of external members benefit from unlimited use of golf courses, practice areas, the racquet club, equestrian centre, and access to clubhouses, restaurants and other services. Optional services and sports lessons are offered at a discount for members, family and guests. Prices for land range from 1.5 million euros and can climb to over 10 million for the largest plots with the best views in the most in-demand sectors. Resale villas start from around three million euros and exceed the 20 million-euro mark, while the asking price for the very finest and largest new-build properties can be more than 30 million euros.
La Zagaleta offers residents unrivalled levels of privacy and safety, thanks to 24-hour, state-of-the-art security systems, highly-trained personnel and gated entrances.
Privacy has long been one of the biggest selling points of La Zagaleta. The urbanization is reputed to have a number of famous residents, including actors, football players, and other celebrities. But, in recent years, the profile of buyers has changed significantly, with a growing share of younger residents from places like Scandinavia.
Malaga
Picturesquely situated in a bay surrounded by mountains and bounded by the rivers Guadalmedina and Guadalhorce, Malaga with its two thousand-eight hundred years of history is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
The city experienced the greatest civilizations of the Mediterranean, from the Phoenicians and the Greeks to the Romans, thanks to the strategic location of the port, an important site along the trade routes since ancient times.
This introduction is to say that Malaga is not only the capital of the Costa del Sol, a destination known throughout the world since the beginning of the tourist boom in this area, where the climate, the sea, beaches and golf courses represent an irresistible attraction for national and international tourists. If you plan to spend your holidays in Malaga or surroundings, dedicate at least one day to visit the city.
Beaches
Thanks to the year-round magnificent weather you can nearly always go to the beach in Malaga. From family-friendly beaches such as ‘El Palo’ to manmade beaches such as ‘La Malagueta’, there are sandy stretches for everyone on Malaga’s coast.
Shopping
Stroll down Málaga’s main street and learn more about the Marqués de Larios. Arrive at the Plaza de la Constitución, where most of the city’s social events are held.
Marbella
Marbella is known as a glamorous resort town and is a favourite location with the rich and famous, boosted by foreign residents who are seduced by the lifestyle. But there’s plenty for ordinary folk to see and enjoy too in southern Spain’s answer to St Tropez.
Location
The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with delightful shops and art galleries selling pretty clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. One of the prettiest spots is the fabled orange tree-filled Plaza de los Naranjos, which is located just off the main street and is home to the 16th-century town hall For more contemporary fashions, Puerto Banus has all the top international designer stores. Which also makes you enjoy all the exclusive cars and big yachts, the beach clubs all over the Marbella coast line.
Shopping
In terms of eating out, Marbella’s gastronomic scene is second to none, with everything from vegetarian and vegan cafes, to beachfront chiringuitos, and Michelin-starred restaurantsincluding Spanish cooking star Dani Garcia’s – a feast for foodies And of course the beaches are second to none – most visitors come to Marbella to enjoy the sun, sea and sand, which has been drawing expatriate communities since the 1950s when Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe fell in love with the place and built a beachfront house, drawing all
the starriest Hollywood celebs, which was the establising of the exclusive Marbella Club Hotel. Worth a visit, together with the luxury resort next door, Puente Romano resort. Which includes, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, chiringuitos etc. A gem in Marbella.
Mijas
Mijas Costa is a 12 kilometre coastal stretch of modern (post 1960) tourist orientated development including the popular La Cala de Mijas and Sitio de Calahonda (a large residential estate) within the municipal district of Mijas.
Location
Mijas Costa is located between Fuengirola and Marbella, being at least 10km away from the village of Mijas and having to pass through Fuengirola to get between one and another leads to some confusion. Tourists who are not intersted in municipal affairs see Mijas Pueblo and the districts of Mijas Costa as different places.
Scenic
The maze of narrow, cobbled streets dotted with white whitewashed houses contrasted by colorful flower pots and flowers that decorate the balconies, is an image that will remain etched in your mind for a long time.
Some of the most emblematic places in the village are the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña and the Mirador del Compás from where the views are breathtaking. You can also visit the Plaza de Toros and the Castillo de las Murallas to stroll through the gardens and tour the walls of an ancient castle of the fifteenth century, declared Heritage of Cultural Interest in 1985
Nueva Andalucia
Nueva Andalucia is a newly built area immediately north from Puerto Banus, consisting of luxurious villas and apartments set amidst splendid gardens and trees, that has become a highly sought-after spot for house buyers.
Shopping
The entrance to the area is found up by the bullring behind the Puerto Banus Casino and the Andalucia Plaza Hotel. On Saturdays, the bullring is the location for a vast street market with stalls selling everything from ornaments and decorative items to clothes and electrical goods. From the bullring, the road carries up into the Commercial Central Plaza that consists of a series of shops, a supermarket, bars, a gym and several restaurants.
Golf
The area is perfect for golfers because of the four top golf courses that are right on your doorstep, including Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, Aloha Golf and La Dama de Noche, which is floodlit for a spot of midnight golf. You are also spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants and bars in the area, there’s somewhere different to eat and drink every night of the holiday.
Relax
Nueva Andalucia has a perfect balance, set far enough back from the bustle of Puerto Banus to feel peaceful amidst the Sierra de Ronda mountain range and close enough to walk into the port as and when necessary.
In addition to being a golfer’s dream, the area is also highly popular with families. The focus is on the excellent villas, many of which offer such features like home cinemas, wine cellars and games or entertainment rooms.
Puerto Banús
The most upscale and luxurious marina on the Costa del Sol is in Puerto Banús. It is home to one of the most alluring shopping and entertainment complexes on the Mediterranean coast and is situated in a distinctive neighbourhood to the west of Marbella.
Puerto Banús is a top-tier luxury travel destination in the globe because it is cosmopolitan, multinational, and has some of the nicest beaches on the Costa del Sol. This wonderful location draws both property searchers and tourists due to its delightful marina, street-side designer boutiques, and stunning natural surroundings. Puerto Bans is often associated with a luxurious, Mediterranean lifestyle. The excellent selection of luxury real estate is built to the finest standards, but it most importantly enjoys an unrivalled position. With more than 320 days of sunshine each year, Puerto Banus is a much sought-after vacation spot.
Recreation and nightlife
Mediterranean food coexists with international menus in the cuisine, reflecting the influence of the melting pot of cultures. Some of the most renowned nightclubs and piano bars on the Mediterranean coast can be found in Puerto Banús, which offers a diverse and upscale nightlife. Every taste and budget are provided for in Puerto Banús, from the fashionable boutiques that line the streets of the yacht marina to the big retail malls of El Corte Inglés and Marina Banús. Along the renowned Golden Mile, which is flanked with luxurious houses and fine dining establishments, Marbella centre is only minutes away. Some of the most upscale beach clubs in Europe can be found here, and the beaches on either side of the marina are among the nicest in southern Spain. The picturesque mountain of La Concha, which serves as the marina’s stunning background, is a terrific location for strolling, trekking, and engaging in a wide range of activities.
Sierra Blanca
Beautiful Sierra Blanca is an area of southern Spain that is genuinely fortunate and is rightfully regarded as one of the most sought-after regions in the entire Mediterranean.
Location
The Sierra Blanca Mountain range, with its famed peak La Concha and location at the foothills of the same-named mountain range, is just above Marbella’s renowned Golden Mile. It is encircled by a forest of protected Mediterranean pine trees. The broad streets, which have sidewalks, lovely foliage, and impressive building facades everywhere you turn, are named after famous musicians and composers like Mozart, Bach, and Chopin. The high standard of living that Sierra Blanca provides for individuals of all ages is what makes it so beautiful.
It is a true pleasure to drive across the gorgeous Sierra Blanca. One of the most upscale neighbourhoods on the Costa del Sol, and dare we say, all of Europe, is immediately apparent and palpable due to its high standard.
Compared to La Zagaleta, the residences are much closer together here. Being 300 meters above sea level, you still enjoy lots of seclusion and stunning panoramic sea views while also being accessible to everything we would require for the most opulent lifestyle.
Cascada de Camojan is another top-notch urbanization of the same calibre and is located close to but outside of Sierra Blanca’s boundaries.
Since there is less building and more wildlife there, some customers choose Cascada de Camojan. Altos Reales, a small and charming urbanization located immediately below Sierra Blanca, is another fantastic urbanization. Gated Communities – With entry checkpoints, sturdy fences, barriers that block off the streets and internal roads, 24-hour security monitoring by dedicated security services and cameras, mobile patrols, and sophisticated alarm systems installed in the properties, Sierra Blanca is renowned for its high level of security and comprehensive approach to providing safety and comfort for its residents. The bilingual and multinational group of homeowners who have carefully selected Sierra Blanca homes as their primary or vacation homes is another thing to consider.
Sotogrande
Sotogrande is the largest privately owned residential development in Andalusia. Originally a gated community, it is located in the municipality of San Roque, Cádiz, Spain and is composed of a 20 square kilometres stretch from the Mediterranean Sea 25 km east of Gibraltar, back into the foothills of Sierra Almenara, providing contrasting views of sea, hills, cork forests and green fairways, including the Rock of Gibraltar and Morocco.
Marina
Sotogrande Marina is considered by some to be a part of Sotogrande Costa (formerly Sotogrande Baja) and by others to be a separate entity. It is located to the east of the River Guadiaro. The Marina area did not form part of the original development of Sotogrande, but in the 1980s, in order to revitalise the area, the Marina was planned with apartments intended to open up a different real estate market.
However, the 27-hectare natural area on the west bank of the mouth of the Guadiaro River stood in the way; land on the east side was acquired for the construction. The Marina was inaugurated in 1987 with the official name Puerto Deportivo Sotogrande.
The Real Club Marítimo hotel was opened, as well as beachfront apartments and the Octágono Beach Club. The Marina was further extended in the late 1990s and substantial frontline apartments were added. The quayside apartment blocks are known as the Riberas, whilst the Islas are those built on little islands connected by small arched bridges.
Golf
Sotogrande is home to the world famous Valderrama course, host to the Volvo Masters and Ryder Cup. This is also home to the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, which was founded in 1964 and designed by Robert Trent Jones. These, however, are not the only local courses worth visiting. Below you will find links to Sotogrande golf courses as well as golf throughout the Costa de la Luz and even Andalucia.
The New Golden Mile
The New Golden Mile area is located between the west side of Marbella and Estepona city.
Location
The New Golden Mile term was born during the property boom in the early 2000s. Until now this name is commonly used on the coast even though is not really an official name. Due to the success and exclusivity of the neighbouring “Golden Mile” in Marbella, the theory was that a denomination of this type will help people to catalogue and portrait this idyllic beachfront location. The New Golden Mile has become one of the hot spots of Costa del Sol’s property market which has experienced an incredible demand and property sales.
Resort
There are a variety of properties for sale that you can find on the New Golden Mile in Estepona, with many prestigious urbanizations, exclusive villas, golf apartments, five-star Hotels such as Las Dunas, the Kempinski and luxury beachfront penthouses.
The area appeals to families, couples and individuals alike thanks to its ideal location and the abundance of local amenities. Along the coastal highway there are tranquil beaches, beach clubs, restaurants, shops and several world class golf courses including Guadalmina, Atalaya, Los Flamingos (3 courses), La Resina Gol and El Paraiso. One of the main landmarks is the Selwo Wildlife and Adventure Park, which is big attraction for both tourists and residents and is well worth a visit.
Torremolinos
Torremolinos has over recent years, 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.
Location
Torremolinos is located 7km west of Málaga airport and was the first Costa del Sol resort to be developed back in the early sixties when it was little more than a sleepy village, still today the town reflects its heritage with several of the original fresh fish bars located right in the shopping centre, incongruously flanked by exclusive boutiques and gift shops. In general, however, the wave of tourists who descended on the town in the fifties and sixties changed the face of Torremolinos for ever.
Resort
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. At the height of summer, the resort has a great appeal for the younger set, with a reputation for its hectic nightlife.
Out of season, however, it takes on a different character. Now practically a suburb of Málaga, the atmosphere is much more Spanish, especiallyat weekends, with an air of friendliness and welcome.