REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT ON THE COSTA DEL SOL: BEST AREAS

10th November 2023 · 5 min. read

From Costa del Sol – Christie’s International Real Estate, we would like to give you our expert advice on the best areas to invest in luxury villas and flats along the Costa del Sol coastline.

The Costa del Sol is a marketing concept created in the late 1920s but established in the 1960s with the boom of foreign tourism on the southeast coast of Andalucia. The nickname was well suited to the area, as it perfectly explained the characteristics of the area. And it is true that the Costa del Sol, as its name suggests, is an essentially luminous place, with an average of 325 days of sunshine a year. Nowadays, even the province’s airport has taken on the name “Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport” as its commercial name.

There is no official limit to the number of towns that make up the Costa del Sol, although the most widely accepted number is fourteen. Most of them belong to the coastline of the province of Malaga and some to the province of Cadiz. But we can add two more, Benahavís and Sotogrande, which are also considered to be similar in terms of Mediterranean luxury, although they are not on the official lists.

Not all the municipalities on the Costa del Sol are equally strong. Although all of them are beautiful and offer great quality of life, not all of them have ultra-luxury properties in their territory and their land is often valued differently. In this sense, the queen of luxury real estate is Marbella. Then we have Benahavís, Estepona and Málaga. These are the four towns where investment is always the most profitable on the Costa del Sol. Of course, in the Cadiz area, the towns of Sotogrande, Casares and Manilva are especially notable.

MARBELLA: the queen of luxury real estate investment

To speak of Marbella is to speak of a level of quality unequalled on the Costa del Sol when it comes to luxury villas and flats. This has been the case since the founders of the Marbella Club Hotel, and its annexed Puente Romano, began their focus of creating “VIP and cosmopolitan glamour” in Marbella.  Since then, the town’s level of distinction has continued to grow. So, as the five-star hotel’s offerings increased, the ultra-prime real estate offerings became more sophisticated.

But in order to invest properly in luxury in Marbella, you need to know your areas and sub-areas well. According to our expert knowledge, this is the ranking of Marbella neighborhoods in terms of luxury real estate investment.

1. The Golden Mile. This is the area that runs from the Pirulí de Marbella, near the center, to its famous Puerto Banús. It consists of three areas: coastal, central and the mountains. Of the latter, Cascada de Camoján is notable.
2. Sierra Blanca. Although part of the Golden Mile, it deserves a separate and distinguished entry of its own. Known as the “Beverly Hills” of Marbella, it is on our list due to its high demand, great location and beauty.
3. Marbella East. Although the west of Marbella tends to be discussed more for its well-known Puerto Banús, the truth is that the east is also very beautiful, with more greenery and wilder beaches.

4. Nueva Andalucía. This district is to the north of Banús, so it is just a stone’s throw away from the bustling atmosphere of the Marina. And yet it is a quiet residential area with many services of its own.
5. Puerto Banús. Fashion, art, beaches, yachts, luxury cars, restaurants, clubs, and beautiful people are the hallmarks of this luxurious marina. But Banús also offers quiet residential areas or flats with sea views.
6. Guadalmina. This neighborhood of San Pedro de Alcántara is for those who want to take refuge from the hustle and bustle. It is not a tourist area and, therefore, is highly discreet and very secure.

MÁLAGA: the capital of technology, culture, and home of the airport

The capital of the province has been booming for some years now. The presence of Google and the Technology Park, the renovation of the port, the updating of the historic center and the extension of the airport are all noteworthy. The volume of penthouses and luxury villas has increased exponentially.

BENAHAVIS: sea views from the mountains and first-class gastronomy

Home to La Zagaleta or La Quinta, Benahavís boasts very luxurious villas with spectacular views. Just a stone’s throw from the beach and legendary locations in Marbella, its urban area has a multitude of restaurants.

ESTEPONA: the garden of the Costa del Sol and the New Golden Mile

Passing through the San Pedro de Alcántara tunnel by road, Guadalmina comes into view and, just after that, the municipality of Estepona begins. With an even more provincial feel, but adorned with abundant flowers and sprinkled with many new buildings, it stands out because it has copied the best of Marbella.

CASARES-MANILVA-SOTOGRANDE: golf, sea, polo, and lots of nature

This is the area of Cádiz that is still considered part of the Costa del Sol. It is much more unspoiled in terms of construction and the beaches are marvelous. In addition to first-class golf courses and exclusive polo fields, it has the chic area of Puerto de Sotogrande and the surrounding municipalities as a charming counterpoint.

For more information about investment opportunities in luxury homes on the Costa del Sol, please do not hesitate to contact us.