Marbella East Area Guide

31st October 2024 · 13 min. read

Marbella boasts several privileged areas, each with its own unique features. Among all its districts, "Marbella Este" (Marbella East) stands out for its beauty, offering, without doubt, the finest coastal strip in the city. This area is characterised by its dunes, native vegetation, ample fine-sand beaches, and exclusive beach clubs. Marbella East remains a more natural and relatively untouched area—the last unspoiled paradise of Marbella.

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

Marbella East stretches approximately 12 kilometres, beginning at the Marbella welcome arch and extending to the edge of the municipality, where it borders the Calahonda neighbourhood of Mijas Playa. This area lies close to Marbella’s centre and is well connected to the other districts of Marbella via the A7 motorway.

After crossing this arch in the direction of Málaga, a faster road section begins, the A7 motorway, marking the end of the interurban area. Here, the beaches become wider, the density of buildings decreases significantly, and there is an increase in natural vegetation.

To understand better Marbella East, with its twelve kilometres of coastline, it is helpful to identify its different sub-areas. Although there are smaller residential developments, the following are the most prominent, with direct access to A7 as the main communication route.

The better known residential developments include:

• Coastal Area: Torre Real, Reserva de Los Monteros, Bahía de Marbella, Los Monteros, Las Chapas, El Rosario, Ricmar, Elviria, Marbesa, and Cabopino Playa.
• Upper Area (above the motorway): Río Real (upper area), Altos de Marbella, Santa Clara Golf, Marbella Country Club, El Rosario (upper area), Ricmar (upper area), Elviria (upper area), Santa María Golf, Eden Hills, and Cabopino Golf.

1. It is the closest district to Málaga International Airport and the AVE high-speed train station. It is well connected to Marbella’s centre and to the neighbouring towns Mijas and Fuengirola.
2. It boasts the best beaches in Marbella: wide, fine-sand stretches with dunes and abundant Mediterranean flora and fauna. The stunning views of the Mediterranean and its dreamlike sunrises and sunsets are particularly noteworthy.
3. It has four top-tier golf courses: Río Real, Santa Clara, Marbella Golf, and Santa María. Additionally, it is only 10-20 minutes away by car from other golf courses in the city.
4. It has good international schools offering Spanish, English, and German profiles., Also, excellent parks and activities are available for children.
5. The residential developments are very international, which is reflected in the type of neighbourhood and the commercial establishments offering exclusive products not available in other parts of Marbella.
6. Marbella East stands out for its green surroundings and abundant nature compared to other neighbourhoods in Marbella. The residential areas feature well-maintained gardens.
7. Properties are divided into two areas: those located below A7, facing the sea, and those situated above the road, offering views of the mountain and golf course.
8. It offers a wide range of services: supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries, petrol stations, and includes the Costa del Sol Regional Hospital.
9. It has its own vibrant community life: there is an organic market every Saturday, it hosts its own Andalusian fair, and features lively restaurant areas and bars.
10. Marbella East enjoys a secluded atmosphere away from the urban hustle and bustle, providing peace and tranquillity to its surroundings.

In Marbella East, there is a wide range of properties that cater to a variety of tastes and lifestyles. Traditional Andalusian-style houses are highly valued and many of them are being renovated to incorporate contemporary designs into their interiors.

As Marbella East continues to grow, new constructions with a more modern style have also emerged. The offerings range from exclusive villas to cosy apartments, all situated within a short distance of Marbella’s best beaches, which makes them a very attractive option for those looking to enjoy a coastal lifestyle.

In terms of urban planning, the A7 motorway acts as a dividing line across Marbella East. On one side, you will find beachfront properties, while on the other side there are exquisitely landscaped inland residential developments offering views of the golf courses and the surrounding valleys.

Marbella East stretches along the coast, allowing most of its properties to enjoy sea views. Beachfront homes, located near the sea, provide direct access to the beach with just a few steps, while those situated in the mountains offer panoramic and open views of the entire coastline. Additionally, this area features some of Marbella’s most attractive beaches, making each property an ideal place to enjoy the maritime surroundings.

Overall, Marbella East has a residential and holiday focus, heavily oriented towards nature and tranquillity. It is ideal for those seeking a retreat and peace of mind, away from urban noise. This enclave stands out with its exclusive lifestyle and is considered to be one of the best areas in Marbella, where one can enjoy a tranquil life in an attractive coastal setting.

Marbella East is also a perfect place for sports enthusiasts and those seeking a connection with nature. Here, sea lovers will find some of the best beaches in Marbella, such as Playa del Pinillo, Playa de Los Monteros, and Playa del Alicate, where the natural golden sand dunes are a hallmark of the area. If you know how to sail and if you enjoy the maritime and port atmosphere, along with the authentic Mediterranean flavour, this is the place for you.

Additionally, for those who enjoy running, cycling, or outdoor walks, Marbella East features the Senda Litoral, a coastal path offering unparalleled sea views. This path is ideal for exercising by the beach and enjoying the sea breeze in an unrivalled setting. It is perfect for long walks or bike rides as well, allowing residents and visitors to stay active while taking in the stunning landscape.

Moreover, if you value long beach walks, swimming, surfing, or kite surfing, Marbella East provides the perfect environment to enjoy these activities. The area boasts first-class services, including high-quality restaurants and excellent schools, and is surrounded by impressive golf courses and the finest beach clubs.

Marbella East is characterised by its excellent connectivity and accessibility, being the area of Marbella, which is closest to Málaga Airport that serves as the region’s main air entry point. It is just 30 minutes away by car from the airport, making it convenient for frequent travellers. In this area, you can access the A-7 motorway, which runs closer to the coast, as well as the AP-7 motorway, which goes further inland. Both of these major routes connect Marbella with Málaga, Algeciras, and other attractive destinations along Costa del Sol. Depending on the location of the property, access to these roads can be even more direct, optimising mobility and providing easy access to various services and points of interest in the region.

Supermarkets: 

In Marbella East, Elviria Shopping Centre is a prominent location that houses a variety of bars, restaurants, and a large supermarket, making it a convenient meeting point for residents and visitors. Additionally, the area features several well-known supermarket chains, such as Carrefour, Mercadona, Lidl, and Aldi, which offer a wide selection of food products and daily essentials.

Fashion and Décor Stores: 

In Marbella, La Cañada Shopping Centre stands out as one of the primary shopping destinations, offering a wide variety of fashion and décor shops. Another notable location is Miramar Shopping Centre in Fuengirola, which also features a variety of options for those seeking the latest trends and styles. 

The area is home to numerous businesses dedicated to home decoration. Roche Bobois is among the most elegant. It has an extensive exhibition area. Other notable stores include Casasola, Calamita Design, and Mobile Diseño, which provide creative solutions for interiors. For those looking for outdoor décor options, Deco&Jardín, Garden Centre Costa Bella, and Viveros Guzmán are excellent alternatives.

Health Centres and Pharmacies: 

Marbella East stands out in the healthcare field, being home to the Hospital Comarcal, which provides services to the entire Costa del Sol and offers a wide range of medical specialties. In the area, there are also dentists, beauty clinics, veterinarians, and other health services covering a variety of needs.

A short distance away, near Arco de Marbella, is Hospital Quirón, which is particularly valued by the international community of Marbella residents. This hospital facilitates the management of insurance policies for those coming from outside Spain, making it a very convenient option for expatriates.

The beach clubs in Marbella East are among the best in the entire town, thanks to the beauty of the beaches that host them. Among the most emblematic ones is La Cabane Beach Club, which reopened in the summer of 2023 under the direction of Dani García and Grupo Mosh, combining fashion and haute cuisine in a luxurious setting. Another standout is Nosso Summer Club Marbella, known for its bohemian design and magnificent sea views, as well as Lumma Beach Club, which offers a unique experience with its restaurant on El Rosario beach, among the most popular on the Costa del Sol. The Dune is surrounded by protected sand dunes, making it a chic and appealing spot.

Los Sardinales, located on Playa de los Alicates, is perfect for those looking to enjoy a good atmosphere by the sea. Here, it is recommended to try the “boquerones fritos” (freid anchovies), a Malaga specialty, as well as the paella, which is always made with the freshest fish of the day. Club 200 Restaurant also offers an excellent culinary proposal focused on Spanish cuisine, fish, and seafood, making it perfect for lunch or dinner by the sea. For those who prefer a more youthful, beachy vibe, Siroko is the ideal choice.

Additionally, it is imperative to highlight El Lago, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Marbella East. Located in Elviria Hills, it offers a culinary experience combining homemade recipes with modern techniques, all in a cozy and sophisticated setting. Trocadero Arena is also noteworthy, standing out with its quality, excellent service, and elegant décor on Playa de Río Real, featuring an international menu that ranges from Italian pasta to sushi, alongside great cocktail service and options for private events.

The latest chic restaurants in Marbella East include La Plage Casanis, Kayena, El Club by Río Real, and The Beach House Restaurant. La Plage Casanis stands out for its original menu and commitment to organic food, as well as a carefully curated wine selection. Kayena and El Club by Río Real cater to golf lovers, offering spectacular views of the courses. Meanwhile, The Beach House Restaurant provides a fine dining experience with fresh market ingredients, exquisite cocktails, and a lively atmosphere with live performances.

Marbella East is an excellent area when it comes to educational options. The prestigious Deutsche Schule, a German school, has been established on the Costa del Sol since 1966. For those who prefer an English profile education, The English International College and Bilingual School Las Chapas (the latter exclusively for girls) are excellent choices too.

Other highly regarded schools in the area include Colegio Alborán in Elviria, a private bilingual school catering to students aged 3 to 18, and Colegio Ecos, aimed at boys. Both schools have a more Spanish focus, although they integrate at least three languages into their programmes, ensuring a well-rounded, multilingual education.

Marbella East is a perfect destination for golf enthusiasts, as it is home to four magnificent courses that cater to all skill levels. Río Real Golf is regarded to be one of the best in Spain, while Santa Clara Golf stands out for its natural beauty. Marbella Golf Country Club offers stunning Mediterranean views, and Santa María Golf Club is known for its welcoming, friendly, family atmosphere. These courses allow you to enjoy the sport while taking in the exceptional weather of the Costa del Sol.

In addition to golf, Marbella East offers a multiple sporting options. For racket sports enthusiasts, Los Monteros Racket Club is ideal for playing paddle, tennis, and beach volleyball. The club features several clay and hard surface courts, along with glass-walled paddle facilities. It also has a gymnasium and a pleasant snack-bar area. Another excellent option for tennis is the Royal Tennis Club.

The district also offers equestrian options, such as Centro Hípico El Repique (El Repique Equestrian Centre), which provides lessons, riding trails, a riding area, and a pony club. Notable facilities include Centro Ecuestre Los Caireles (Los Caireles Equestrian Centre) and Hacienda Monte Marina Club Hípico (Equestrian Club). For young people interested in rugby, Marbella Rugby Club offers an international and sporting environment.

Regarding nautical activities, Marbella East is home to Puerto de Cabopino, a small and charming harbour with around 170 berths, ideal for sailing enthusiasts, with a leisure area and its own vibrant atmosphere. The area is also a paradise for cycling and hiking lovers, with numerous routes to explore the natural surroundings. Among the leisure options, Amazonia zipline park stands out, offering routes among the trees with varying levels of difficulty, perfect for children.

Marbella East is a quiet residential area that is considered safe for its residents. Some private residential developments have security services, providing an additional level of safety. Overall, it is a place where one can enjoy a peaceful life, away from noise, in a secure environment.

• Tranquil Lifestyle: Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, away from urban hustle, providing peace and tranquillity without compromising on quality services.
• Excellent Connectivity: Marbella East is the area of Marbella with the best access to the airport, facilitating transport for frequent travellers. Additionally, it is close to Marbella’s centre.
• Exceptional Beaches: This area boasts some of the best beaches in Marbella, featuring crystal-clear waters and well-maintained natural surroundings.
• Natural Environment: Marbella East is characterised by its abundant greenery and well-kept gardens in residential areas, creating a fresh and relaxing atmosphere.
• Access to Golf Courses: It has the advantage of being close to four top-tier golf courses.