Marbella is a resort in Spain, famous for its luxury, glamour, famous actors, sheikhs, politicians relax and buy real estate here, fashion and cultural events are held. And also there is beautiful nature, comfortable beaches, a special microclimate makes rest and life in this part of Spain especially pleasant even in the summer heat. Which areas of Marbella are the most attractive from the point of view of tourism and what features should you pay attention to before booking an apartment or a hotel room.
Marbella Resort Areas
Marbella’s popularity is confirmed by the fact that out of 140 thousand residents, a third are foreign tourists from 137 countries. Despite the fact that housing prices are quite high, real estate is always in demand, because many people prefer not to search for rented housing every year, but to profitably invest in square meters in Marbella. Today, the Spanish resort has become a symbol of quality not only in European, but also in world tourism. Residential areas are located in a picturesque area, among modern infrastructure.
The administrative division looks like this – two areas – directly Marbella, San Pedro de Alcantara, also residential complexes, built in the vicinity. Below we offer an overview of the best areas of Marbella.
“Golden Mile”
This area can rightfully be called the best – the most glamorous, expensive, exclusive. The length of the “Golden Mile” is 4 km, which separates the resort from the port of Puerto Banus.
Important! Real estate prices range from 500 thousand euros to 50 million euros.
The “Golden Mile” was chosen by the monarch of Saudi Arabia to build his residence. The most prestigious hotels are Marbella Club, Meliá Don Pepe – over the decades they have retained their aristocracy and unique charm.
Housing in the “Golden Mile” is built at the foot of the mountains, as well as on the sea coast. The most popular residential complexes near the beaches are Santa Margarita, Las Torres, Casablanca, Ruerto Romano. These are well-equipped, closed to outsiders areas. Residents have swimming pools, waterfalls, parking, gardens, playgrounds.
Useful to know! The best beach of the “Golden Mile” is Nagüeles, you will find clean water, soft, fine sand, fashionable restaurants, Marbella hotels, as well as night clubs, discos.
If you are more interested in privacy, but at the same time you do not want to go far from the bustling resort life, pay attention to the real estate built at the foot of Sierra Blanca. The undoubted advantage of this part of Marbella is the picturesque view of the Mediterranean coast. Complexes worthy of attention are Cascada de Camojan, La Trinidad. There are also golf clubs, you can choose housing for every taste – villas, hotels, apartments.
Those who are lucky enough to vacation in the “Golden Mile” can take advantage of the best infrastructure and entertainment, walk in the most beautiful parks, and relax on comfortable beaches.
San Pedro de Alcantara
Today, San Pedro de Alcantara is part of Marbella, but it is a separate town. Compared to the luxurious Golden Mile and Puerto Banus, it looks more provincial, and the Andalusian flavor is most evident here. This is the best place to relax in relative peace and quiet.
Here all the residents know each other, when they meet they communicate like good friends. At the same time, San Pedro de Alcantara is not without a certain elegance, even sophistication, so if you feel tired of the extravaganza and bright colors of noisy Marbella, come here for a few days. The most popular residential complexes are Benamara, La Quinta, Cortijo Blanco and Guadalmina.
However, it cannot be said that it is boring and there is nothing to do here; on the contrary, there is everything necessary for a comfortable and fulfilling holiday – modern hotels, golf courses, restaurants and night clubs, and cultural events are held.
What else to look for in San Pedro? First of all, the ancient church, the fountain, and a large selection of restaurants and bars. Be sure to stroll along the narrow, winding streets where small souvenir shops and boutiques, snack bars with traditional Spanish dishes are located. In a word, enjoy the Spanish flavor. By the way, San Pedro has a wonderful boulevard that leads from the center of the town to the embankment. Here you will find playgrounds, amphitheaters where concerts are held, and exquisite restaurants with open terraces.
This part of Marbella has a nice beach – a sandy shore along which you can walk to the center of Marbella. It should be noted that the favorite pastime of the local public is golf, not far from San Pedro there are a dozen and a half fields and apartments for those who want to live nearby.
Important! Real estate prices start from 250 thousand euros. The area is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the Spanish atmosphere and relax on a comfortable beach. San Pedro is one of the best areas for a family trip.
Benaavis
Many tourists note that they want to stay here. Benahavis is a mountain village located near the main highway, combining the mysticism of an ancient Arab settlement and modern, European infrastructure. Locals come here to relax in one of the restaurants and eat Spanish cuisine.
The best complexes are El Madroñal, La Zagaleta, Montemayor, Club Golf Resort, Monte Alcones. The main feature of the Benahavis area is the Arabic-Andalusian flavor, as well as the excellent quality of the golf course for a leisurely game of golf. Locals call this area the dining room of the Costa del Sol, since there are a huge number of restaurants and cafes that offer the best Spanish dishes. By the way, many establishments have a Michelin star. Most are located in the central square, around which traditional Spanish white houses are built.
The village is located 7 km from the coast, from the mountain slopes it opens up a wonderful Mediterranean landscape – the sea and resort towns. More than half of the population of Benahavis are foreign tourists, but at the same time the town has not lost its individuality and special color.
Important! Housing prices here are much lower than in the “Golden Mile”, the minimum cost of real estate is from 250 thousand euros.
Puerto Banus
This is not just a Spanish resort, but a world-famous port – a permanent home for luxury yachts and boats. For example, the yacht of His Royal Majesty the Count of Barcelona is moored here. Not far from the lighthouse there is a monument to the father of the Spanish monarch Juan de Borbón.
Puerto Banus competes with the Golden Mile for the right to be called the best area of Marbella. It is home to equally fashionable hotels, villas, restaurants, bars, many night clubs and boutiques of such famous brands as Lanvin, Armani, Louis Vuitton.
The best residential complexes: Los Granados, Laguna Banus, Bahia de Banus, Playas del Duque. The main attraction of Puerto Banus is the port with 900 mooring places, where luxury yachts of famous people are moored all year round. The concentration of luxury cars here is also off the charts. Many tourists enjoy taking pictures against the background of yachts and cars, for example, Ferrari or Rolls-Royce. By the way, many ships very rarely go to the open sea, no more than twice a year. For the most part, this is a symbol of the status of their owners, and not a means of transportation or a place of rest.
Walking along the embankment, you can not only appreciate the cost of expensive equipment, but also the beauty of the surrounding nature, feed the fish, there are many of them in the harbor. A few more interesting sights are the monument to Giacomo Casanova and the monumental work of Zurab Tsereteli.
In the evening, life in Puerto Banus does not stop, but on the contrary, it becomes brighter and more fun. Evening is the best time of day to see celebrities and show off your outfit. Do not be upset if you come to the resort without an evening dress or suit, in the boutiques you can choose an outfit for every taste. In addition to boutiques, Puerto Banus has a department store and a large shopping center. And every Saturday, a fair is held in the bullfighting arena. This is a kind of flea market, an alternative to expensive boutiques.
Cinema lovers should definitely visit the huge multiplex Complejo Gran Marbella Cines 3D, which has seven cinemas showing the best films.
In short, in Puerto Banus you can easily spend several tens of thousands of euros in just a few days and even buy a new, exclusive car without ordering it in advance.
As for gastronomic delights, this part of Marbella has none. There are a huge number of places to eat, the themes of the establishments are varied – traditional Spanish cuisine, Mediterranean and any other.
Useful to know! Night clubs open around 2am. There are inexpensive discos and mid-priced clubs near the port. More expensive establishments only allow entry if you strictly adhere to a dress code.
New Andalusia
A great place to play golf, as it is here that the largest number of golf courses are located. Even if you are not a fan of golf, in the beautiful nature you will find wonderful accommodation – villas, apartments, hotels, apartments Marbella, located in elite golf urbanizations.
Nueva Andalucía is a worthy choice for a family holiday with children, because in addition to a large selection of hotels, restaurants and entertainment, there are international schools here, and most of the residents are respectable foreigners.
Good to know! Nueva Andalucía is located directly behind Puerto Banús, so if you want, you can always visit the lively area, spend time in a nightclub, or bask on the beach.
If we talk about the attractions of the area, first of all, it is the popular restaurant La Sala, an old bullfighting arena built in 1964. Fights are not held here now, but every week a market opens where they sell almost everything – from fresh vegetables, fruits, greens to antiques and souvenirs.
Important! The best complexes: La Cerquia, Las Brisas, Magna Marbella, La Quinta, Los Naranjos, Las Tortugas. Cost from 250 thousand euros.
East Marbella
This part of Marbella consists of the following areas:
- Elviria;
- Las Chapas;
- El Rosario;
- Kabpino;
- Los Monteros.
The beaches of East Marbella are among the best in the resort. For example, Cabopino Beach is famous for its picturesque dunes, soft golden sand. It is surrounded by pine trees – it is a real paradise.
It is much quieter here, unlike the bohemian Golden Mile and fashionable Puerto Banus. There are no tall buildings, but rather one-story villas and apartments. The locals are especially proud of the small pier, where there are two restaurants, including an Italian one.
The choice of accommodation is varied – villas, hotels and apartments near the beach. Prices for real estate start from 250 thousand euros. Often tourists come here only for recreation.
As you can see, the areas of Marbella differ in mood and color. In any case, you will have a comfortable, fashionable holiday in Spain.
