Golden Mile Area Guide

28th October 2024 · 11 min. read

Until 1950, Marbella was a small, beautiful, and sunny town with a simple lifestyle. The opening of the Marbella Club Hotel on its coast during that decade marked the beginning of the “Marbella of glamour.” Hollywood celebrities, aristocrats, and businesspeople started coming to enjoy this charming seaside paradise, and they have not stopped since. For many years, this area has been known as the Golden Mile for its high real estate value, while still remaining the most glamorous part of the town.

• Table of contents
• Where is the Golden Mile?
• Why choose the Golden Mile as a place to live or invest?
• What types of properties can I find in the Golden Mile?
• Does the Golden Mile have sea views?
• What is the environment and landscape like in the Golden Mile?
• What is the connectivity and accessibility like in the Golden Mile?
• What services and amenities are in or near the Golden Mile?
• Best restaurants in the Golden Mile
• What international schools are in or near the Golden Mile?
• What else can I do in the Golden Mile and its surroundings?
• Is the Golden Mile safe to live in?
• Our top reasons to choose the Golden Mile

The Golden Mile of Marbella stretches between Puerto Banús and Pirulí, covering approximately five kilometres of coastline, including Hotel Marbella Club and Resort Puente Romano. This area is the epicentre of the Golden Mile and, over the years, has expanded in terms of real estate development in the surrounding area.

The Golden Mile stands out for its privileged location near the beach, making it a highly valued area and ensuring that its properties are in high demand. It extends about five kilometres towards the mountains, crossing the N340 national road and the AP-7 motorway, encompassing the beautiful Sierra Blanca development and reaching almost as far as the exclusive Cascada de Camoján development, which marks its boundary.

To the west, the Golden Mile borders the prestigious Puerto Banús area, while the centre of Marbella lies to the east, known as Gran Marbella. Both areas are also in high demand on the property market, however, they offer a lifestyle with a more urban feel.

The Golden Mile: Actually Three Sub-Areas
To understand how the Golden Mile has expanded constructively, we can divide it into three sub-areas:

• Origin: Coastal Strip. Below the N-340 road and extending to the beach are the main seven kilometres of the Golden Mile, where iconic spots, such as Hotel Marbella Club and Resort Puente Romano can be found.
  The best of this area: The properties here are beachfront and second-line beachfront, and it is home to the most chic and lively restaurants and shops.
• Extension 1: First Mountain Strip. Over the years, exclusive constructions have extended towards the mountain, encompassing the land from N-340 to the AP-7 motorway. Developments, such as Monte Paraíso and Lomas de Marbella Club, have emerged here.
  The best of this area: All properties in this area benefit from the motorway as a mobility privilege allowing easy access to other areas of the Costa del Sol.
• Extension 2: Second Mountain Strip. Above the AP-7 motorway, it isalso considered part of the Golden Mile, provided that the properties meet high standards. This area is home to the “Beverly Hills of Marbella,” popularly known as Sierra Blanca. Other satellite developments surrounding this neighbourhood are La Capellanía, Tomillar de Nagüeles, Jardines Colgantes, and the exclusive Cascada de Camoján.
  The best of this area: Properties offer stunning elevated views of the Mediterranean Sea and the advantage of greater residential tranquillity.

1. It is one of the areas with the highest property values on the entire Costa del Sol.
2. The atmosphere of the district is one of the most exclusive in Europe, not only due to the luxury properties and high-end shops found here, but also because of the profile of the affluent clients who purchase villas or apartments on the Golden Mile.
3. It boasts a wide and well-maintained seven-kilometre stretch of beach, part of the 27 kilometres of coastline of beautiful Marbella.
4. There is no new land left for development in this strip, which means that the demand for existing properties is extremely high, and prices continue to rise.
5. The existing constructions are luxurious, private, and of high quality. The older properties are being bought to be completely modernised, which automatically drives up their value.
6. The Golden Mile is surrounded by fantastic neighbouring areas, such as the vibrant Puerto Banús and Gran Marbella, the most exquisite part of the town centre.
7. It is a very safe area, where high-end cars can be parked without concern and where one can enjoy walks and outdoor sports safely.
8. It is one of the trendiest areas, attracting numerous international personalities from the world of music, sports, art, and business, who are residents or visit during the holidays.
9. It offers its own glamorous micro-world of shopping, dining, and services.
10. The Golden Mile hosts special and elegant events, especially in summer, such as concerts, sports competitions, fashion shows, luxury car exhibitions, and, of course, beachfront terraces where one can enjoy a varied gastronomy.

The Golden Mile of Marbella encompasses some of the most exclusive areas, such as Nagüeles, Sierra Blanca, Cascada de Camoján, and Casablanca, stretching from the iconic Pirulí to the entrance of Puerto Banús. In this area, a wide variety of properties can be found, ranging from developments with townhouses, such as Alhambra del Mar, to charming apartments and stunning beachfront residences. Additionally, the luxurious villas and mansions located in Sierra Blanca and Cascada de Camoján, known for their exclusivity and privileged views, stand out.

The Golden Mile offers sea views, making it highly desired, especially for its exclusive properties. Depending on the location of your property, you can enjoy stunning frontline sea views or panoramic views from higher elevations. This diversity of the views varies according to the sub-area where the property is located: if it is beachfront, you will have direct views of the Mediterranean Sea, while in the higher areas you will be able to enjoy spectacular panoramic vistas.

The Golden Mile of Marbella is a bright and lush area, characterised by luxury shops and beautiful low-rise buildings. It is internationally recognised for the iconic Marbella Club, a true symbol on the promenade, as well as for Marbella’s impressive coastal profile, with the beautiful La Concha mountain as a backdrop.

This area is lively, but lacks the hustle and bustle and high activity levels of Marbella's urban centre. It features a seven-kilometre stretch of promenade dotted with beach bars and beachside restaurants. Additionally, the Golden Mile boasts a pleasant avenue, the Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe boulevard, which houses distinguished shops and restaurants on both sides of its route.

The Golden Mile enjoys excellent connectivity thanks to the AP-7 motorway, which provides a quick route to other points on the Costa del Sol, as well as easy access to the airport. From various points in the area, such as Altos de Puente Romano or Ashmawi Avenue, one can connect to AP-7, in the direction of Algeciras or Málaga, as well as to the A-7 motorway.

Another option is to drive along the Ricardo Soriano Road, which runs through Marbella, and take the motorway at Arco de Marbella (Marbella Arch). Ease of access may vary depending on the exact location of the property, but, generally, the Golden Mile offers multiple routes for efficient mobility.

The Golden Mile and its surroundings offer a wide range of services that cater to daily needs and provide high-quality products, perfectly complementing the luxurious lifestyle in the area. Below are some of the main options available.

Supermarkets:

• El Corte Inglés Shopping Centre
• El Capricho
• Fórum Marbella
• Mercadona, Carrefour, Supercor, etc.

Fashion and Décor Stores:

• Marbella Club area
• Marbella Centre
• La Cañada Shopping Centre

Health Centres and Pharmacies:

• Clínica Premium Marbella (Clinic)
• Hospital Ochoa
• Medical helicopters
• Hospital Quirón Marbella 
• Marbella Highcare
• Farmacia Marbella Real (Pharmacy)
• Farmacia Universal 24h (Pharmacy)

The Golden Mile represents a true gastronomic paradise, with a very varied offering. Right opposite the Marbella Club and with easy parking, you will find Organic, a highly regarded spot among locals. This establishment not only offers a high-quality healthy menu, but also features a charming market-food area with organic products. It is the ideal place to enjoy brunch, a lunch in the sun, coffee and cake, or a revitalising smoothie after a bike ride.

Lobito de mar, run by chef Dani García, is a restaurant on Marbella’s Golden Mile that stands out for its Mediterranean cuisine focused on fresh fish and seafood. It combines traditional maritime cooking with innovation, offering rice dishes and grilled seafood. Its atmosphere is relaxed, yet elegant, making it perfect for both casual lunches and special dinners.

Another recommended restaurant is El Kapricho, known for its hospitality and authentic Spanish cuisine. It offers a delicious selection of tapas and Mediterranean dishes, with attentive service making each visit memorable.

While the Golden Mile has a wide range of options, we would like to highlight Roostiq, specialising in delicious grilled meats and offering vegetables from its own garden, as well as irresistible pizzas. And for sea lovers, Domar is a must-visit, featuring a dining area with stunning views of the Mediterranean and delectable starters.

Several prominent international educational institutions can be found near the Golden Mile, including SWANS International School and British International School. These schools are well-known for their commitment to academic excellence and for offering educational programmes that follow international curricula.

SWANS International School, located in Marbella, provides a holistic approach aimed at developing students comprehensively, fostering not only their academic performance, but also their personal and social growth. On the other hand, the British International School adheres to the British educational system, ensuring a rigorous education that prepares students for admission to prestigious universities worldwide.Not far to the west are the educational institutions CALPE School, SVENSKA Skolan, The AMERICAN College in Spain, LAUDE San Pedro, and ATALAYA Colegio Internacional (International School). To discover the best international educational options in Marbella, we invite you to check out the entry on our blog.

The Golden Mile is located very close to the centre of Marbella, making it a vibrant area full of possibilities. Here, you will find a wide variety of leisure options, services, restaurants, and entertainment. Thanks to the excellent climate in the area, you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities, both water and land-based, such as beach walks, tennis, paddle tennis, and access to some of the best golf courses in the region.

Moreover, the Golden Mile is an ideal shopping destination, with luxury shops housing the most exclusive brands and nearby shopping areas offering an unparalleled shopping experience. In summary, the Golden Mile provides endless possibilities for all tastes, always ensuring variety and enjoyment.

The Golden Mile is recognised not only for its luxury and beauty, but also for its high level of security. This area stands out for its choice of high-end developments, many of which are gated communities providing a secure and private environment for their residents.

Overall, the Golden Mile offers a tranquil and protected atmosphere, ideal for those seeking superior quality of life. Many of these developments have 24-hour security services, providing additional peace of mind. While security is generally high, it can vary between different properties and developments. Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific features of each property when choosing your new home in this prestigious area.

• Prime Location: It offers an unparalleled seaside location, close to both the centre of Marbella and the marina of Puerto Banús, making it ideal for living or investing.
• Luxury Lifestyle: The area has a glamorous reputation, offering exclusive restaurants, beach clubs, and high-end shops, attracting international buyers.
• Stable Investment: The scarcity of properties and high demand guarantee a secure and profitable investment.
• Breathtaking Scenery: Enjoy views of the Mediterranean and La Concha mountain, with easy access to outdoor activities.
• Proximity to Key Services: Close to medical centres, international schools, and Málaga airport, facilitating daily life.